Brother, Let Me Be Your Shelter

Tonight I have been able to witness the true power of brotherhood.  I've often thought about the meaning of being my "brother's keeper", but am just now starting to understand what that really means.  I've had the powerful experience this last week of hearing from other men, for whom I have nothing but respect, as they have shared some of their experiences and struggles with me.  I, in turn, have been able to express my feelings, doubts, and struggles to them.  A great bond of brotherhood has been formed through those simple conversations.  I want nothing more than to be there next to those good men to support them in times of their trial, knowing that those opportunities will equally (if not more so) bless me in times of weakness.  To these great men: please know that I love you so much.  As sons of God and brothers in His family, I know we can pass through these trials together.

I am blessed with brothers all around me.  I have one actual, literal brother, and I love him very much.  I am frequently impressed by his strength and courage and try my best to be half the man that he is.  I have a father who can say it like it is, which helps to keep me on track. But he also looks on me in all my weakness with great compassion and patience.  I have other members of my family for whom I am grateful, and whose friendships I consider incredibly valuable.  I also am blessed with great friends who have buoyed me up and carried me on the way as I have needed help.  

I have a deep appreciation (as expressed above) for my brothers in recovery.  For your strength, your experiences, your wisdom, and perspective I am eternally grateful.  You've helped me to see that I am never alone.  While participating in the readings at my group meeting last night, there was one line in particular that really resounded with me: "My friends in recovery are more dear to me than almost any other relationship I have."  I feel the Savior's love when I am with the people who are looking for it with the greatest diligence.  Thank you, my brothers.  

My greatest thanks must go to my brother and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Without Him, recovery would not be possible.  It is the gift of His Atonement that allows me, step-by-step, to find my way back to Him.  I know His blessings apply to all of us as long as we seek Him out in faith and put into practice the great gift of repentance.  He won't just take our temptations away from us, but He will teach us how to stand against them and give us the strength necessary to do so.  I know He loves me in my weakness, as He loves each one of us as we struggle individually.  And I'm grateful He has given me brothers to stand by me and march with me in my fights.  

Let's cap this one off with a link to a song!  One of my favorite bands, called NEEDTOBREATHE, released a fantastic album a few weeks ago called Rivers In The Wasteland.  I was particularly touched by the song Brother from the album.  I think we've all been placed here to love and support each other through our trials and not resent each other for our weaknesses.  "Brother, let me be your shelter.  I'll never leave you all alone."  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub1q16hLxJg

My name is Spencer.  I am a son of God and a brother of Christ who is recovering from addiction, and I love all my brothers very much.  And with that, I soldier on.