There’s a Reason…
…Alcoholics Anonymous sponsors are recovering addicts. Lost people don’t want slogans, they want to be shown the way out by someone who’s actually found it. So don’t just give answers. Whenever possible, be someone’s answer, even if only a partial one. And then two people will have found encouragement: The one who’s being helped. And the one whose own sufferings turn out to have had a greater purpose than they ever imagined.
“The most beautiful people…are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Love this … powerful reminder.
So glad it spoke to you, Robin.
Encouragement is found in those who have been there and have come through stronger in Jesus Christ.
Beautiful and true words! We are all meant to help and encourage each other by our examples, not just our words.
Amen, Caroll.
Excellent quote, and well said, Mitch.
Thank you, Andrew.
You’re welcome.
Wow…..
Amen! Thank you.
🙏
“Whenever possible, be someone’s answer, even if only a partial one. And then two people will have found encouragement: The one who’s being helped. And the one whose own sufferings turn out to have had a greater purpose than they ever imagined.”
Very, very true.
My hope for people in general, is instead of focusing on [your perception of] a negative view point. Try to understand from the other person’s point in spoken or written words. There’s a lesson from each one’s life to learn in each day’s encounter.
You’re echoing Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (paraphrased) “God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others in their troubles with the comfort we receive from God.”
This is a wonderful reminder of the privilege for each of us that we get to walk with others in both joy and suffering. ❤️
Amen. That’s one of my favorite verses, Scott. 🧡
Amen! Love this, Mitch. 👏
🧡
Beautiful, more so on a Sunday.
🧡
This quote is such a gift to me right now, especially this bit:
“Beautiful people do not just happen.””
Thank you for the much-needed reminders, Mitch. 🙏🏽💙
My privilege, trE. 🧡
Great post
Thank you, L.G.
Yes, yes, yes! Appreciate you, Mitch! ❤️
Likewise, Vicki❣
❤️
How beautifully expressed!
Thank you, Rosaliene.
I have so much respect for AA and the 12-step program. There’s a lot of wisdom there. Thanks for sharing.
My privilege, Chanel.
Live a life that points others to Jesus
To thy own self be true.
Well said and well done. Thanks for sharing!
My privilege, Carol.
Such a powerful post!
Thank you, Mithai.
True and true. Thank you. And as a member of AA, I thank you for using us as a comparison, because someone who reads you regularly will see that today and say, “maybe I’ll try AA.” It might make all the difference.
I am a member of the ACA 12-Step fellowship, and I, too, hope Mitch’s words touch people in a way they feel invited to seek “answers” offered through the 12 Steps.
I hope so, Maren.
So true, Mitch. As my brother’s book title puts it, “Leave a Well in the Valley,” the dark, lonesome valley you go through because someone following you will need the insights and encouragement you can offer. (His book is available on Amazon. Check it out if you’re so inclined.)
I’ll check it out. Great title.
Beautiful and powerful message, a reminder of how important it is to be support and inspiration to others through our own experiences.
🧡
This is a blessing to read, for someone who’s been in pretty deep.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
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I love this! I helped establish a Christ-focused 12 step program at a church I was part of and saw this principle in action all the time. It is powerful. Thanks, Mitch.
My privilege, Anonymous friend.
I am copying these beautiful, true words into my journal:”… , be someone’s answer, even if only a partial one. And then two people will have found encouragement: The one who’s being helped. And the one whose own sufferings turn out to have had a greater purpose than they ever imagined.” Thank you!
My privilege, Lori.
I love this quote: “The most beautiful people…are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
So true.
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This is really good!
Thank you, Nikki.
You’re welcome 😇