“Working With Others — The Bridge of Recovery and Purpose”

 

A Reflection: To My Brothers and sisters,

 One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned—through recovery, through service, and through striving to follow Jesus Christ—is that we are not meant to walk this path alone.

 

In Alcoholics Anonymous, we often say, “We don’t recover alone.” That truth echoes deeply with gospel principles. Whether it’s ministering to one another, serving missions, or simply lifting the hands that hang down, we are invited to work with others—not around them, not above them, and certainly not instead of them.

 

When we collaborate in recovery, it’s more than just sharing stories. It becomes a sacred exchange—mutual healing, listening deeply, being truly seen and heard. That reminds me of what we strive for in the Church: to mourn with those who mourn, to comfort those in need of comfort. It’s the heart of Zion.

 

Partnering is the relationship between a sponsor and a sponsee—like the companionship of missionaries. It’s a commitment to walk side by side in growth and accountability. I see the Savior in that pattern. He partners with us even in our weakness, and asks us to do the same for each other.

 

Coordinating, whether it's in planning a recovery meeting or a ward activity, teaches us order and alignment with higher principles. The Spirit flows where there is peace, structure, and shared purpose.

 

Teaming up reminds me that I need other people’s strengths. I’ve learned not just to offer help, but also to receive it. There is humility in that—recognizing that we are all instruments in God’s hands.

 

And cooperating—maybe the most spiritual of all—is the willingness to let go of control and let others lead. To trust that the Lord works through every willing heart, not just our own.

 

These aren’t just recovery principles. They are kingdom principles. They are missionary principles. And they are Christ’s principles.

 

In both the fellowship of recovery and the fellowship of the Saints, I’ve come to know this: We heal together. We build the kingdom together. We come unto Christ together.

 

And I bear testimony that when we choose to work with others—in humility, in faith, in love—we become more like Him. We become part of the bridge that leads others to hope, healing, and purpose.

 

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"All things are bound together. All things connect."

 

Have you ever asked yourself, what do the AA Promises, Native American Wisdom and Charlotte’s Web have in common?  For some quirky reason I did just that today. I guess I had nothing better for my time. Below is a quick thought and reflection.

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🕸️ The Wisdom of a Spider

In Charlotte’s Web, E. B. White gives us more than a children’s story—he gives us a spiritual parable. A pig named Wilbur is saved not by strength or sacrifice, but by a quiet friend who sees his worth and acts in love. Charlotte, the spider, spins messages of hope into her web—not to glorify herself, but to save another.

“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.” —Charlotte

Charlotte’s web is symbolic of something greater: the invisible threads that connect us, the unseen power of friendship, humility, and selfless love.

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🌎 Native Wisdom: One Web, One Life

This ancient truth echoes in a Native American teaching:

“Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.”

Just like Charlotte’s web, the world is interconnected. Our choices ripple outward. The kindness we show strengthens the fabric of life. The harm we do, to ourselves or others, weakens the whole.

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🤝 The AA Promise: Healing Through Connection

In recovery, this truth takes on flesh. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, on page 84, offers a promise:

“We have ceased fighting anything or anyone—even alcohol... We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation... Instead, the problem has been removed.”

This is not control—it’s grace. We are “placed in a position of neutrality”—not by our own power, but by the strength of fellowship, faith, and surrender. The spider’s web becomes the fellowship’s net, catching us when we fall, holding us as we heal.

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💬 Legacy, Love, and the Life We Weave

Charlotte dies, but Wilbur lives on, forever changed. Her legacy is not in the words she spun, but in the life she saved.

“By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.” —Charlotte

Likewise, we are invited in recovery to live for something greater than ourselves. Each time we speak a kind word, sit with a newcomer, or share our truth—we add to the web of healing.

✨ Final Reflection

You don’t have to be big to make a difference. You don’t have to be perfect to matter.  You just have to be willing—to weave, to love, and to connect.

Your thread is needed. Keep weaving.

Gifts That Give: Where Soul Meets Soul

I had a conversation yesterday about things that really matter. As you might guess, the subject of love came up. We agreed that love is one of the most profound gifts we can give—and, remarkably, when we give it sincerely, it often returns to us in even greater measure. 

  

So, when I read this quote by Kahlil Gibran today, it struck a chord: 

  

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. 

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” 

  

We’re often taught to be charitable—offering clothes, food, and other material goods. These are undeniably valuable gifts. I think of clothing drives for those who have lost everything in fires, earthquakes, or floods. I think of food donations gathered for the homeless and the hungry. These are noble and compassionate acts. 

  

Yet, when Christ said, “Go and sell all the things you have and follow me” (Mark 10:17–22, KJV), He was asking something far deeper than material generosity. He was calling for a life of self-giving—a life motivated by love and service. 

  

This kind of giving doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with something as simple as a phone call to a friend who is unwell, or a visit to someone in the hospital. It’s about showing up as your full, genuine self—extending a warm hand, offering a cheerful word, or just being present. It might mean volunteering for missionary work in your own community or in a distant land. 

  

I think of it as giving of the heart—where soul meets soul, and we silently say: “I am here for you. You matter.” There’s nothing quite like this kind of gift. It transcends charity. It’s love in its most human and divine form. 

  

I’m reminded of the words of great spiritual thinkers: 

  

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." — Mother Teresa 

  

"Charity—giving to the poor—is an essential part of Christian morality... But it must not remain only an impulse; it must become a habit." — C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity 

  

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who... share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand." — Henri Nouwen 

  

"True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere. It can begin with a simple word of kindness, a moment of patience, or a deed of forgiveness." — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, BYU Devotional, 2000 

  

To summarize, I’m speaking of giving that is not mere assistance—but presence. It is, as one might say, “where soul meets soul.” 

  

William Blake put it prophetically in a paraphrase from The Proverbs of Hell: 

  

“In the eyes of a grateful recipient, the smallest act of service is magnified into a blessing that returns to the giver with greater grace.” 

  

The opportunities to give in this way—heart to heart—are all around us. Let’s not miss them, or settle for lesser joys. 

  

Appendix: Mark 10:17–22 (KJV) 

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 

…Jesus said unto him, Thou knowest the commandments… 

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 

 

Spiritual Transformation

 

Today I ask myself: What changes have I gone through since coming into Alcoholics Anonymous and joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The most obvious is that I’m sober—and have been for over 36 years. But there’s been a deeper, more profound change over time: a transformation in how I view and approach the world.

A reading from the book Hour to Hour (May 20, 2025) puts it well:

“Today, I see that to change my life I have to change myself. Nothing less than a spiritual transformation will allow me to experience my current life as an alive, serene and whole person. When I say that I would like world peace, first I will understand that without inner peace there will be no world peace.”

That speaks directly to me. Until my thoughts and actions are aligned with peace, I can’t expect the world around me to be peaceful. The reading says plainly: “Nothing less than a spiritual transformation.”
My first reaction? “That’s easy for you to say.”
And yet—it’s the truth. That brings us to the how of spiritual transformation.

According to one AI platform:

“Spiritual transformation is a deep, personal journey that involves shifting your perspective, healing past wounds, and embracing a higher sense of purpose. It’s not just about belief—it’s about inner change that leads to a more peaceful, meaningful life.”

That description stopped me in my tracks. I realized: I already have a roadmap for this. The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous—found in the Big Book, page 58, “How It Works”—are specifically designed to bring about a spiritual awakening.

The process the AI describes is remarkably similar:

• Admit you need help.

• Turn your will over to a higher power.

• Allow that power to guide and transform your life.

• Identify and work to remove your character defects.

• Make amends.

• Seek daily spiritual connection through prayer and meditation.

• Share your experience with others to help them find healing.

These aren't just steps to sobriety—they’re steps toward becoming spiritually whole.

So what's the point of all this?

The truth is, I wouldn’t have the life I live today if not for spiritual transformation. I wouldn’t be at peace. I wouldn’t be thinking clearly. I wouldn’t be surrounded by the deep, lasting friendships I now cherish. My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are doing for me what I could never do for myself. That’s not just belief—that’s experience. That’s testimony.

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Appendix A: An AI Summary of the Spiritual Transformation Process

1. Self-Reflection & Awareness
   Examine your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Identify patterns—fear, resentment, limiting beliefs—that hold you back. Journaling or meditation can help uncover deeper truths.

2. Surrender & Letting Go
   Release control of what you can’t change. Accept life’s uncertainties and trust in divine guidance. Forgiveness—of self and others—is essential.

3. Seeking Wisdom & Guidance
   Read scripture or spiritual texts. Listen to uplifting teachings. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth. Explore prayer, mindfulness, or contemplation.

4. Practicing Gratitude & Compassion
   Focus on what you have rather than what’s missing. Acts of kindness and service deepen connection. Gratitude transforms the mind and brings peace.

5. Living with Purpose
   Align your life with your values and spiritual insights. Express your journey—through service, creativity, or testimony. Remember: transformation is ongoing.

Recovery, Social Justice, and the Invisible

 

Dear Reader, 

When I came into Alcoholics Anonymous and recovery, one statement stood out immediately:

"The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking."

What a powerful idea. It places AA squarely in the midst of a world burdened with social, political, and spiritual injustice. It opens the door to the invisible, the downtrodden, and the enslaved — declaring they are worthy of healing and hope. No pedigree required. Just a desire.

As Bill Wilson once said:

“We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful.”

This kind of belonging speaks not only to recovery but to humanity at large. It’s echoed in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

“The poor in our country have been shut out of our minds, and driven from the mainstream of our societies because we have allowed them to become invisible.”

Today, I noticed something that disturbed me. While browsing BrainyQuote — a widely used website for inspirational and notable quotes — I discovered there was no topic listed for "Racism."
That absence speaks loudly.

Yes, perhaps the site is curated to be advertiser-friendly or overly focused on general positivity. But to exclude racism as a topic is, in itself, a form of erasure. Silence can be complicity. As Rosa Parks once noted:

“Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.”

And Maya Angelou wisely warned:

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”
“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”

Ibram X. Kendi put it plainly:

“The only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it — and then dismantle it.”

But this reflection isn’t just about race. The principle of inclusion in AA goes beyond ethnicity or nationality. It extends to all who find themselves on the margins: men and women, rich and poor, gay or straight, trans or questioning, homeless or affluent, religious or atheist. All are welcome.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said:

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home... Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.”

Scripture offers its own powerful witness:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
“He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him... black and white, bond and free, male and female...” — 2 Nephi 26:33 (Book of Mormon)

As Ruth Bader Ginsburg reminded us:

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

So let’s speak up — in our communities, in the rooms of recovery, in our writing, and in our daily lives. Question what is absent. Question why some words and topics are missing from our platforms. Then form an opinion, grounded in love, and share it boldly.

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Other Sources of Inspiration

“Indifference is dangerous, whether innocent or not. Behind every form of discrimination lies a refusal to acknowledge the dignity of others.” — Pope Francis

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” — Audre Lorde

“Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry — it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood.” — Coretta Scott King

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” — Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:40)

“Ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain... For behold, are we not all beggars?” — Mosiah 4:16,19 (Book of Mormon)