Step 12:   Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the steps,
we tried to carry this message to others and to practice
these principles in all our affairs.

December 18

ecommended reading: Isaiah 11, 12, and 35

My parents have a dear friend who recently lost a spouse after a protracted illness. Often my mom will mention that she took over some bread, had her friend over for dinner, or took her to lunch at one of their favorite spots in Atlanta. My mom is loving her friend as best she knows how during this difficult time of loss.

What my mom can’t do is share her experience, strength, and hope in a personal way that relates to losing a spouse, since my mom has never experienced that particular kind of loss. Of course, my mother understands this principle. I love how she does what she can, and her friend is deeply appreciative.

Sometimes my mom gets a little frustrated that she can’t personally relate to her friend’s grief and she wonders if she’s being helpful to her buddy. She raises a great point. In recovery, when we hear “carry the message,” it’s often described as “sharing one’s experience, strength, and hope.” Carrying the message is deeply personal; it is experiential; it cannot be refuted or denied. Others can legitimately say that they cannot relate to a particular experience shared. But each of us has a life story, and no one can take that away from us.

Thought for today: A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)

Thought for tomorrow: If you’ve ever wondered how God might use you to spread His message of hope, consider how you’ve suffered. Oftentimes that provides us with what we need to encourage another. Even if we can’t relate directly to another person’s particular kind of pain, our past experiences with our own hard times can guide us and equip us for ministering to others. My favorite word in this step is “tried.” That’s all we’re called to do. The results are not up to us. Isn’t that awesome?

December 18
Teresa McBean

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