2 big questions for you all.

[Tazman53]

They are big to me at this point in my sobriety any how.

1. A guy I have befriended in the fellowship since he first came into the rooms went to my sponsor last night before the meeting and told him he felt it was time he got a sponsor, he had spoken to me about a sponsor before and what he should look for, I told him that the normal guidelines are to seek out a sponsor with over a year sober minimum, who was working and living the steps and had what he wanted.

Long story short, my sponsor came in and asked me if I would like to be a sponsor? I was shocked and honored at the same time, I only have 6 months sober and tonight my sponsor and I are going to sit down and finish up my 4th step and do the 5th step. I told him sure, but asked him if he felt I was ready........ all he said was "I guess we will have to pick up the pace on your steps.

Okay I finally have reached the point of asking the question. What advice/experience can you all offer to a guy being a sponsor for the first time?

2. The above last night led me to some very heavy prayer last night. I recall the last time I looked at the clock it was 10:30PM and I was still praying for the guidance and strength I will need in being a sponsor, I fell asleep while praying. Some people would say I had a dream, but I know it was MUCH more then that.

I was totally overcome by what I can only say was my Higher Power, I fell to the ground and my sponsor was holding my head as a Power of unbeleiveable Power overcame me, there was a sound I was making that I had no control over, it was flowing into me from my heart and coming out of my mouth, I would lose my breath and even though I was drawing in a breath the sound continued. I was in no way ever frightened, this went on for quite a while, the Power was bright but I could not actually see it, I could sense it was bright. The feeling this entire time was one of love and releif.

I awoke from this at 1:30AM not startled at all, I was wide awake and I felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from me and that all was well, I felt and still do that I am very different now then what I was before and I have changed a lot since I quit drinking and started working and living the steps.

Has any one else had an experience similar to this? Could this have been the spiritual awakening come early or a precursor to it? I know what happened, I know by the way I feel now and the way I felt right after it happened that this was far more then a dream.... but what?

[barb dwyer]

heck no

I've had experiences, yeah, lots ... but that one, honey -

is Yours.

Custom made, sounds like.

niiiicce ...

barb

[Tazman53]

So Barb do you think I may have a screw loose? LOL

[Grasshopper]

Hi,please read working with others in the BB.
There is also a fyer on sponsorship,and what to look for.Will be helpful to you also.
Be yourself.Share what you were like,what happened and what you are like today.Guide your sponscee through the 12 steps,one step at a time.
Im not the results of whether another gets sober or not.So therefore im more relaxed,sharring with another alcoholic.
A spiritual awakening,yes,.I was going through a very rough time.I kept crying to God to give me answers for i really needed them.So in a dream,God showed me the way.Gave me answers.It was like a film of my life.When i woke up i was no longer in fear,felt safe and knew all was well,and havent been the same sence.

God works in mysteries ways.

[barb dwyer]

Not at all.

I think you prayed ... and were answered.

That's fairly obvious to me ...

we're ALL crazy.
but that's a blessing, not a diminishment.

It's a blessing, not a curse. one of our oldtimers says that every single night almost ... about alcoholism. i think all of us ... who are in recovery 'for real' ... the ones who've survived to tell the tale knows ... what he means.

[CarolD]

Hi Taz!

1. Look on the free literature rack for 2 copies of
"Questions and Answers on Sponsorship"
Sit down with your sponsee and go over it together.
Then both of you know what to expect.
(that is what Grasshopper mentioned)

2. Wow! Yes...you did have had a spiritual experience. IMO
My deepest happened when God took
away my obsession to drink. It was like....
Zap! Woosh! I simply knew it was gone.

We have several threads on "God Shots" around here
I'll see if I can find one for you.

Blessings on this new new recovery adventure..

[Tazman53]

grasshopper I have read it numerous times, and I have read the Sponsor pamphlet and obviously need to read it again and speak to my sponsor & grandsponsor when needed. All of what you shared is appreciated.

Barb to say my prayer was answered is an understatement!!! Last night will be burned into my memory forever, I am not sure any thing could ever surpass it.

In regards to the crazy part, you are right, I view it as a blessing as well, at least the type of crazy we all seem to be once we get sober, it works to our advantage when helping others.

[jimhere]

there are men I sponsor with six months or less who are sponsoring other men.

These guys are making their amends and commencing to make this a way of living. They have an experience to transmit.
Jim

[Tazman53]

Carol my urge/need to drink was lifted unbeknownst to me really, it was not an event for me, but a sudden realization that it was gone.

There is no doubt in my mind that what I had was a God shot, there are some details I chose not to share because this was with my HP that I understand and I do not want to influence or lessen any one elses HP of thier understanding.

[Tazman53]

Thanks Jim, as I trust in my HP I also put trust in my sponsor like he trust his sponsor who up until last month had trusted his sponsor who just passed on to that big meeting in the sky.

I always check in with my HP on all matters and last night to me was affirmed in Spades by my HP.

[CarolD]

Here you are...

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...9-chy-did.html (Chy did it....)

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...god-shots.html (God Shots)

I know there are others but it was
easier to find the ones I started..

[BigSis]

First question - no experience here, but I wish you the best. Second - yeah, I absolutely believe you got what you needed, and what you prayed for so fervently.

This program brings some incredible, indescribable blessings. That is one.

Thank you for sharing, Taz.

(((hugs)))

[Tazman53]

Thanks for the links Carol.

[CarolD]

Taz....Please read todays
BB Quote
and AA Thought....