Wisdom and Necessity

 

Many years ago, I was diving off the Channel Islands along the California coast. My dive buddy and I were exploring the majestic, cathedral-like kelp forests about 100 feet below the surface. At that depth, my air supply was quickly running low. I caught the attention of my buddy, signaled that I was out of air, and began heading for the surface.

Three critical actions from my dive training came instantly to mind:

• Relax and do not waste air while rising to the surface.

• Ask to share the air available with my buddy, who was also running low.

• Recall a training exercise in a dive tank where, as you rise, air naturally moves from your body into your lungs due to the change in pressure.

That moment was intense—but those simple, practiced steps helped me get safely back to the surface.

So why share this story today, when I'm no longer diving?

Because the 12 Steps of AA—and recovery itself—work in a very similar way.

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Lessons for Recovery

• Know when daily life overwhelms you that you have options based on tested wisdom.
  There are principles that have saved lives countless times before. Trust them.

• Share your feelings with another alcoholic and, where possible, ask for help.
  Your friend may have just the air you need to breathe today.

• Rely with faith on time-tested knowledge.
  As you continue to rise through the fathoms of your dilemma, your Higher Power will supply life-saving oxygen—sometimes from sources you’re not even aware of yet.

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Wisdom Passed Down

I also want to share a few pieces of wisdom that tie all of this together, both from scripture and from the literature many of us have leaned on in recovery:

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good." — Book of Mormon, Alma 37:37

"God is in His heavens. He knows your prayers. He is aware of your needs. He will help you as you call upon Him." — Gordon B. Hinckley

"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it." — J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." — Jeremiah 29:11

"For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil." — Moroni 7:16

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A Closing Thought

I invite you to reflect on how wisdom found through hard times can become the life-saving breath you’ll need in times of necessity.

You are not alone. You have a Higher Power who knows you. And you have friends who, like a good dive buddy, will share their air when you need it most.

Stay close to the wisdom that saves. Trust the tested principles. And keep rising.

Good Morning.