You do not have any person who does not have his hour

...He would say: Be not scornful of any person and be not dismissive of any thing, for you do not have any person who does not have his hour and you do not have anything that does not have its place. (Pirkei Avos 4:30)

Because we share on an intimate level with one another, we need to remember that each one of us deserves respect. We may not identify with things that we hear, but it is important to bear in mind that we are all at different points in life's journey. We have diverse experiences to share, and that is precisely why we have so much to gain by connecting.

Using the tools Hashem gave me.

... "for a bird of the skies may carry the sound, and some winged creature may betray the matter". (Koheles 11:20)

Shlomo Hamelech, blessed by Hashem with Chochma Yeseira (an extra measure of wisdom), reminds us that the nature of "Chai", the highest level of creation, is its difficulty of holding onto a secret. He admonishes that, before one speaks, one should be aware that "a bird in the skies may carry the sound".

And yet, I am not free to shrug off my responsibility, and claim that gossip is part of human nature. I must use the tools Hashem gave me, the double barrier of my lips and teeth, to guard me from gossip and sharing others confidences. If I safeguard others' confidences by maintaining Anonymity, I will be cultivating an important character trait within myself, which will spill over into my life. It's interesting that maintaining abstinence and practice of anonymity in the OA program are both dependent on the closure of the lips and teeth, the natural barriers given us by Hashem.

I cannot totally abstain from speech, and neither can I abstain from all food. Therefore, I must exercise caution, and ask for Hashem's help, in refraining from excesses, both in speech and in the consumption of food.

Hakodosh Baruch Hu never reveals secrets I share with Him. Let me strive, for today, to emulate Him.
guest post by Hessie

Anonymity

From a Shiur by Rebetzin Heller on Netivot Olam

Anonymity is the opposite of compassion.

Compassion is what we show each other in meetings, anonymity is what we exhibit in public.