Picking The Right Person
The Principle of Confession: I need to confess my weakness and misbehaviors to myself, God and another trusted confidant.
Many people who go through our program find this fundamental difficult. Not that the others aren’t; remember that anything worth having takes courage, hard work and discipline. This fundamental though is unique in the fact that you are exposing all of your weaknesses and faults to God (who already knows everything we have already done or thought) and another person.
I often get asked the question: Who should that “trusted confidant” be? To answer that question easily, it can be anybody! Any human being who is breathing and has a pulse will serve the purpose and be able to help you get the job done. If you are comfortable in approaching a stranger to sit and listen to you, then that would work just fine.
Most of us, though will find it difficult to walk up to someone in the mall or an airport and ask them to sit and listen to us for as long as it takes for to confess all of our past mistakes and grievances.
There is a better way. Find someone who you trust. Then ask yourself the following questions:
- Is this person spiritually fit?
- Will they judge you for what you are about to tell them?
- Does anything you have to say involve this person?
Some good choices, I think, are priests, rabbis, ministers or other clergymen and women. Some people have used their doctors, psychologists, personal or business coaches. Try to avoid, if possible using parents, siblings, spouses, and best friends. The title of the person is not so important. What is important is that they help get you through this difficult process, so that you can continue your growth and have a positive impact on everyone around you.