Six things that your sponsor can do:
1. She can be there to discuss issues in detail that are too personal or would take too much time in a meeting. This is especially true with Principle 4. You don’t share your complete inventory in a group meeting.
“I’m the lowest form of life on the earth” is a phrase often repeated by those doing their inventory. Others deny, rationalize, and blame: “Okay, I admit I did such and such, but it’s not as if I killed anybody;” “Sure, I did a, b, and c, but my spouse did d through z; compared to my spouse, I’m a saint;” “All right, I admit it, but I never would have done it if my boss wasn’t such a jerk.”
The sponsor can be there to share his or her own experiences and to offer strength and hope: “You think you feel like a bum! Let me tell you how I felt when I did my inventory!” The sponsor’s role is to model Christ’s grace, forgiveness, and to give a sense of perspective.
2. He is available in times of crisis or potential relapse. I have always told the newcomers that I sponsored “Call me before you take that first drink. You can still take it after we talk, if you decide to. But please call first!” Remember Ecclesiastes 4:12 (GNB) “Two men can resist an attack that would defeat one man alone.”
3. She serves as a sounding board by providing an objective point of view. This is especially true in Principle 6. When you are dealing with the sensitive area of making amends and offering forgiveness, you need a good sounding board.
4. He is there to encourage you to do the principles at your own speed. It is not his job to work the principles for you! He can coach your progress, confront you when you’re stuck, and slow you down when you’re working too fast.
5. Most important, she attempts to model the lifestyle that results from working the eight principles. It’s difficult to inspire others to accomplish what you haven’t been willing to try yourself. A good sponsor lives the principles.
6. A sponsor can resign or be fired. Sponsorship is not a lifetime position.