Volunteer 'Your Story'

By Bill A. Gaspard, Life Recovery Coach

“In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways that we can.” William Barclay

 

I remember when I was seventeen in Marine Corps boot camp. The drill instructor would always ask for a couple volunteers whenever he needed something done around the barracks. I think my bunk mate told me once, never volunteer for anything unless you want the really bad jobs. They really didn't want volunteers anyways. They always liked to randomly pick out one specific recruit, and one day they said, "Gaspard, get some scrub brushes and pick two other recruits; you guys get to clean the ‘head’ today." If you don’t know what the ‘head’ is, just think about where all of the waste goes from the bodies of 100 Marine recruits. Fast forward twenty plus years and I am supervising a large staff sitting in a department head meeting and I need someone to volunteer for the next big project. Why does it always take a moment for everyone to look around and see who will take this one? It is because we do not like to volunteer for anything and we hate to be forced, so we all hope that the person who normally volunteers every time will do the same this time. I had the person in mind already for this project and she did of course say, I got this one. But why does is it feel like pulling teeth to get someone to volunteer? I believe it is all about heart. The problem is giving of our time and our time is valuable.

 

“For you were called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

Once you are free from the bondage of an addiction and are in recovery there will come a time when you will be asked to serve and there will come a time when you will volunteer out of love. Paul was trying to make this point to the Galatians and urged them to understand that with freedom comes responsibility to serve others. That responsibility may start off as an order or out of guilt but when it comes from the heart you will begin to open a major door in your life. As Christians we have an obligation to one another that goes beyond volunteering. To serve is to love. If you love, service will be the next logical step. If you are not volunteering to serve then you may need a heart check, because it’s possible that you do not love. While in recovery one of the best places to start is in the home with family.

There is an entire chapter in the ‘Big Book of A.A.’ on working with others. The 1st paragraph in this chapter gives us a since of urgency when it comes to serving others. “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail.”

So, how do we do this intensive work? How do we volunteer to serve others in recovery and within the church? If your house is in order and you have enough love for others to give of your time, then you have to get something ready!

YOUR STORY!

Are you ready to tell your story with anyone at any time? God wants you to share your story and by doing so, he will take you on an amazing journey. If you think that you do not know enough about recovery, or that you are not sure how to give back, then you are mistaken. You are an expert! An expert at "your story," and only you can tell it. You have a Masters degree in life. You went to the school of hard knocks. You need three parts to complete your story and you will need a two to three minute version and a more in depth version.

1st Part

What was your life like during your addiction?

2nd Part

What happened? How did you seek recovery? Breaking Point?

3rd Part

What is your life like today? How has God worked in your life?

Work on it; share it with your sponsor or accountability coach. Get it down to a workable version, practice it and get it ready for the road show. God wants you to share what he did in your life so it will help another. You will have many opportunities to volunteer and serve in many areas someday as your heart opens up to the concept of other people. As you learn about your spiritual gifts and the needs of the church, the community, and those in recovery, you will hone your skills, but today we need you to hone your story and get out there. Here are a couple of prayers that may help when you are ready to serve others out of love.

"God, help me write my story; help me get the thoughts to paper then to speech."

"God, let me know when you are ready for me to tell my story, ask Him to open your heart to a person or group of people who are ready to hear it."

"God, please find a suitable place for me to serve within the church that will bring you glory."

"God, open my heart to the concept of love and service."

Thank God for the people who have and who continue to serve us. Our families, our sponsors, our coaches, our pastors and our new friends in recovery.

About the author: Bill A. Gaspard is a Certified Christian Life Coach and Biblical Counselor, dedicated to helping God RECOVER His children through relapse prevention coaching. He is the founder of Christian Recovery Coaching- http://christianrecoverycoaching.com/

Recovery Coaching is one of the most effective ways to prevent relapse and get results in your life. A Christian Life Recovery Coach will come along side you to help you find your purpose and passion in life. We partner with our clients to unlock their God given talents and motivate them towards Christian leadership