by Anonymous
When I was asked to write about our primary purpose from a sponsor’s perspective, I immediately thought of some of the quotations on the OA Carrying the Message handout. These quotations sum up why I carry the message through sponsoring:
“When I give service, I receive more than I could ever give.” (Voices of Recovery, p. 252)
“Service gives me practice at freeing myself from the bondage of self.” (Voices of Recovery, p. 284)
“Only by working with those who are not yet free [from the disease] do I fully realize that freedom.” (For Today, p. 252)
“We now have a message of hope to carry to other compulsive overeaters.” (OA Twelve and Twelve, p. 99)
“When all other measures failed, work with another alcoholic would save the day.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th edition, p. 15)
“Most of us who’ve worked this program will be unable to keep the recovery we have unless we share our experience, strength, and hope with others.” (OA Twelve and Twelve, p. 101)
“Practical experience shows that nothing will so much ensure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th edition, p. 89)
“Those of us who live this program don’t simply carry the message, we are the message.” (OA Twelve and Twelve, p. 106