I started out in the 12 step program with the knowledge that I was addicted to alcohol and couldn't stop drinking on my own.  After I worked the Steps and alcohol had been removed as an option from my mind, another addiction started to rise, the craving to rescue others- especially my family. 

And so it happened that my brother started to have problems with with alcohol and I started to have a desperate need to save him.  Thankfully I had no idea how to bring up the idea of AA without getting hammered by his beliefs about it.  Now I realize that God must have been working in my life and interfering so I wouldn't meddle with my brother's business.   

One night I had several messages on my machine from my brother, each one worse and worse in succestion.  He was going through something horrible and really needed my help.  This was it, my time to shine!  I had an opening.  Unfortunatly and excrusiantingly I couldn't reach him on the phone, and living 2000 miles away I couldn't drive to the rescue.  I called and called but finally had to leave the house to go to my AA meeting (another act of God I'm sure). 

At the meeting I expressed my dilema which led to a women coming over to talk to me later.  We were both familiar with A Course and Miracles prior to this and she led me aside to pray with her.  She told me about the section in the Course, The Circle of Atonement, and explained that the only thing I could do at this point was to invite my brother into my mind in peace.  To create a circle of safety and hope and invite him in. 

I sat with her, through prayer and trust, and found the spot in my mind to invite my brother in.  I prayed in hope that this would work. 

A couple days later my brother called back and annonced he was going to rehab and attending regular AA meetings.  Although I had been praying and standing with him in peace I really didn't believe this was going to happen.  I didn't have to say one word to him in physical form, through the body, it all happened in my mind.

Since that day I've come to believe that through my Higher Power and prayer, my mind can change the world and offer everyone peace no matter where they seem to be.  And although temptation pulls me to act out phyically to "save" someone, this experience will never leave me or fail to show me where my true salvation lies. 

I encourage you to practice this technique yourself and read the passage The Circle of Atonement.  If you even come close to the miraculous experience I had with my brother you will not be disapointed.