“Help!  Somebody, please help me!  I have fallen and I can’t get up.”

The poor chap had fallen into a pit.  A doctor answers the cries with intelligent reasoning.  He writes a prescription and throws it into the hole, but to no avail.  The painful moans continue, “Please, God, help me!  Isn’t there somebody who can help me?”  

A pastor wonders by, scribbles a prayer on a piece of paper and throws it into the hole.  Still more groans, “Woe is me!  Help me, God!” 

A kind stranger walks by and immediately jumps into the hole.  The troubled soul yells in disbelieve, “Are you crazy?  Now we are both stuck in this hole!” 

With an assuring smile, the gentleman replies, “Trust me, my friend.  I’ve been here before.  I know the way out.” 

Twelve-step programs create a circle of love.  We find love and then pass the torch.  We love others.  It is a blessing and a joy to share our experience, strength and hope with those still suffering.