AA Speaker - Don L. - Bend, OR - 2021

Don L. from Bellingham, WA speaking on the topic of sponsorship at the New Horizons group in Bend, OR - May 15th 2021

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Don L, with nearly three decades of sobriety emphasizes that his joy and freedom come not just from abstaining, but from surrender, service, and spiritual growth. Don brought humor and humility to his stories—like detailing his wife's car only to expect a sonnet of gratitude or calling his sponsor who simply diagnosed him with “untreated alcoholism.” He underscored that sponsorship works because sponsors don’t carry our emotions and can reflect the truth back to us with love. His first 12-step call, his early days setting up meetings, and sponsoring others—even when feeling unqualified—revealed a deep message: Alcoholics stay sober not by self-will, but by giving away what was freely given to them. Through laughter, tough love, and grace, Don showed how AA transformed his life from hopelessness to purpose, and how sponsorship continues to be the single greatest tool for sustaining that miracle.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu