Recently I found myself on the doorsteps of a beautiful church which I had gone to for the purpose of participate in a mid-day Eucharist service, but sadly I found the doors were all locked. I found, however, that there were a few men sitting out on the steps by themselves talking. I had stumbled across an impromptu AA meeting, and before I knew it I had been asked to stay and listen. I was soon sitting on the ground listening to these men's stories, their struggles and experiences. It was a beautiful encounter that I would not have been able to experience if I had not gone and found the doors locked.
I had never participated in an AA meeting, primarily because I could not been deemed an alcoholic by any stretch of the imagination, but also because I never have actively sought out such things. In some way I see this as a tragedy on my part. I do not struggle. but there are those out there that do and need support. Perhaps it is best that a non-alcoholic not try to step in and "fix" those who are, but then again, is it otherwise merely the blind leading the blind?
I am forced to ask myself, can true accountability be held between two people who struggle with the same issue? I believe so. I saw this as true in the human beings that I encountered today. Young men often hold each other accountable (with moderate success) in the matters of sexual sin and addictions, so it is also helpful here. Though I would imagine that having someone who didn't struggle in the exact same way would be somewhat helpful, so long as the addict can see the non-addict for who they are and not see them as Pharisaic or Pietistic Overlords.
I think that the important factor to remember is that they are human beings, regardless of addiction or abuse. We continually come across people throughout the week who are in need, some who recognize their problems and some who don't, and we have the amazing opportunity to be human with them; to be present in their lives. Should we not being seek opportunities to help others and to show others the Light of the Kingdom of Christ,the Light that gives liberty and freedom from addictions and to self-destructive philosophies? We need to stop talking about the world needing help and healing and start helping and seeking to heal. I pray that, as we grow in our faith, we might begin see these divine encounters that present themselves to us on a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis. For "life is short and there is but little time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us. So let us be swift to love and make haste to be kind."
I would encourage you to look around at the people in your own communities, whether work, church, etc and look for ways that you can be a light in the midst of their darkness for the sake of the Kingdom and for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Peace be with you,
Stephen
I had never participated in an AA meeting, primarily because I could not been deemed an alcoholic by any stretch of the imagination, but also because I never have actively sought out such things. In some way I see this as a tragedy on my part. I do not struggle. but there are those out there that do and need support. Perhaps it is best that a non-alcoholic not try to step in and "fix" those who are, but then again, is it otherwise merely the blind leading the blind?
I am forced to ask myself, can true accountability be held between two people who struggle with the same issue? I believe so. I saw this as true in the human beings that I encountered today. Young men often hold each other accountable (with moderate success) in the matters of sexual sin and addictions, so it is also helpful here. Though I would imagine that having someone who didn't struggle in the exact same way would be somewhat helpful, so long as the addict can see the non-addict for who they are and not see them as Pharisaic or Pietistic Overlords.
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| Photo taken from the AA websie:http://www.aa.org/pics_site/noflash_people.gif |
I would encourage you to look around at the people in your own communities, whether work, church, etc and look for ways that you can be a light in the midst of their darkness for the sake of the Kingdom and for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Peace be with you,
Stephen
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