Carlotta

Thanks to Al-Anon's Traditions, I am able to have a Sponsor whose politics are abhorrent to me. Although we totally disagree on other issues, this person has helped me learn valuable lessons about serenity, courage, and wisdom. If I had insisted on a Sponsor with political views exactly like my own, I would've missed out on an extraordinarily rich and beneficial relationship.
I think that the spirit of the Tenth Tradition has made this possible. It states that "The Al-Anon Family Groups have no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy." At the group level, this means that I can go to a meeting and know that I won't be recruited for any particular cause. As a group, we have a single purpose -- to support one another as we recover from the effects of alcoholism. But on a personal level this Tradition allows me to establish a valuable relationship with a person who, under less supportive conditions, I might have been hard-pressed to treat with civility.

Today's Reminder

Today I can be more tolerant of other views as I learn to take what I like and leave the rest. I don't have to let outside issues distract me from my primary spiritual goal. I'll keep the doors open, for I never know where I might find help.

"With the fellowship, the one thing that has brought us together must remain our sole concern."

Hammer

oh great.

I really hate these "daily readings."

Now you have me wondering.

I could just accept that my Steps Sponsor could go one-on-one with me as far as being an A-hole. Which is impressive. I can be a real A-hole. Yes, shocking, I know.

BUT, I see he also has the power and self-control to not be. I respect that. And want it for me.

Now you have me wondering if he is like a Rush Fatbutt fan or something. gawd. We have some of those in Texas.

JustAGirl1971

Thanks, Carlotta. The thing I love about alanon is that I don't know what anyone's political beliefs are! I love that! No listening to political rantings (which I hear all the freaking time at work, church, social gatherings, everywhere!) I don't even know what my sponsor's political beliefs are and know only the very, very basics of her religious beliefs. And, I don't care! It doesn't matter

Carlotta

At least, he is not a long distance sponsor Hammer. You never know who is truly sponsoring you with those, anonymity et all