August 27

“Most of us know that we are ready to sponsor when another member asks us, or when our own sponsor encourages us to take on a sponsee.”

Sex Addicts Anonymous, page 14

Was it something I said? I recall asking this silently to myself just after my sponsor stopped me for a quick chat as we left a retreat workshop. He simply smiled, placed a hand on my shoulder and said, “I think you are ready to sponsor someone else now.” Despite a warm wave of appreciation, I stood partially in disbelief. I recall asking if I should be completely through the Steps, or be where I was at that time, which was working Step Nine. My sponsor’s answer almost shocked me until I thought about what he had said.

At the workshop, I was one of three speakers sharing their experience, strength, and hope. When it was my turn, I spoke of working the Ninth Step and how it felt to finally come face to face with those who suffered from my addictive behaviors. I had tears in my eyes and could barely finish without crying.

My sponsor later explained that what he heard in my sharing and saw in my expressions told him I was ready. I had simply shown what he called the three H’s: humility, honesty and healing. He then told me I was ready to help others recover.

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Spending time with my sponsees and guiding them through recovery is an opportunity my Higher Power gives me to share respectful honesty and loving humility.