Practicing Humility

The word humble came to mind as Tradition Two was read during a recent meeting. I found it interesting because the word humble is not in the Tradition itself. (Tradition Two: For our group purpose there is but one authority – a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants – they do not govern.) I think the word humble came to mind because of the part about leaders being trusted servants rather than governors. Being a trusted servant takes humility instead of ego, which can sometimes plague those who govern.

Thinking about humility always takes me back to when I first came to S-Anon. I was truly broken and could not continue to carry the burden of living with a sexaholic anymore. I was finally at the point of being humble enough to ask for the help of others. Being humble allowed me to share my story and become emotionally vulnerable. It felt so wonderful to receive compassion, acceptance, and understanding in return!

That profound experience of being loved, accepted, and validated by others was life-changing. I began to feel that there was a Higher Power who loved me. I gradually grew to do service and help others who came to S-Anon in desperate conditions. Humility helped me to give without expectations. I am a trusted servant rather than a self-serving person who tries to stroke his ego through governing others.