In the land of the blind, a one-eyed man is King. This illustrates that sharing experience, not ability, is what helps others.
Why Experience Matters More Than Ability in Recovery
The sponsor talked with his sponsee, who was four months sober. The sponsee felt proud; he met a newcomer at last night’s meeting and took the newcomer’s phone number. The sponsor encouraged this habit, and the sponsee expected praise.
The sponsor said, “That’s good. Did you offer to be his temporary sponsor and go through the Steps with him?”
“No,” he replied, “I don’t have the ability to sponsor someone.”
The sponsor said, “You’re right. You don’t have any abilities in this program.
Your ability doesn’t matter. What matters is your experience. You can share how you worked the Steps and how it changed your life.
“Your experience is what you have to offer.”
Sponsorship Begins by Sharing What Worked for You
“But I am only four months sober,” the sponsee said.
The sponsor replied, ” Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob did the same just days after Dr. Bob sobered up. My sponsor assigned me a sponsee at three months.”
When my sponsor gave me a sponsee, I objected. I said I wasn’t ready and had nothing to offer. He said, in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is King. I had one eye. It was only three months old, but it was an eye.
What the newcomer needs is simple:
- Someone who has worked the Steps
- Someone willing to share honestly
- Someone who can explain what changed
- Someone who will walk with them, not above them
Books to Support Your Twelve Step Journey
If you’re looking to explore Step work, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation more deeply, check out The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts. These books offer insights, reflections, and real-life recovery experience that complement the journey through the Twelve Steps.
The books in The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts can be purchased through my estore or the major online book retailers. Look for GEMS, More GEMS, Still More GEMS, and More GEMS Revealed.
FAQ
What is the main message of this recovery article?
The main message is that experience, not ability, is what helps others in addiction recovery. A person does not need to be an expert to share what worked for them.
Why is experience important in AA sponsorship?
Experience is important because sponsorship is based on one person sharing how they worked the Steps and how recovery changed their life.
Can someone with only a few months sober sponsor another person?
This article suggests that a person with a few months sober may still have valuable experience to share, especially when guided by their own sponsor.
What does “in the land of the blind, a one-eyed man is King” mean in recovery?
It means that even a little experience can be useful to someone who has none. In recovery, a person who has taken some Steps may help guide a newcomer.
Does a sponsor need special ability?
No. The article emphasizes that ability is not the key. Honesty, experience, willingness, and action are what matter.
How does helping others strengthen sobriety?
Helping others reminds a person of their own recovery, encourages accountability, and deepens their connection to the program.
What should someone share with a newcomer?
They can share how they worked the Steps, what changed in their life, and what actions helped them stay sober.
Is sponsorship about being perfect?
No. Sponsorship is not about perfection. It is about sharing lived experience and walking with another person through recovery.