Just Joe - Outcast No More: A Leper's Work Begins - Meeting 361

Just Joe was born into pain he didn’t choose—abused as a child, shaped in silence, and twisted by what passed for love. In time, he became a mirror of the very harm he had endured, caught in a cycle of fantasy, compulsion, and deep confusion. Four marriages fell apart under the weight of secrets. Joe served nine months behind bars, spent three days locked in a psych ward, survived five years on felony probation, and wandered homeless in the deserts of California—his own self-made leper colony. For twenty years Joe sat in AA meetings, sober but spiritually bankrupt, never daring to touch the rot in his soul. It wasn’t until he entered intense therapy that the truth emerged: he was emotionally stunted, mentally unwell, and spiritually starving. Joe had no program, just pride and pain. When he finally hit his bottom and failed at ending his life, he cursed God.  And in that broken moment, grace didn’t come like light—it came like a whisper: Help someone. Joe remembered what AA had always said. But who would want help from a man like him? A felon? A sex offender? Still, he searched—and found SA. And in that fellowship of the condemned, Joe found communion. He no longer wanted out. He wanted in. Back in the places he once dreaded, back with the men everyone else forgot.Reco12 is an open-to-all addictions and afflictions organization, dedicated to exploring the common threads of the differing manifestations of alcoholism; sharing tools, and offering hope from those walking a similar path. We gather from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and locations to learn and support one another. Our speakers come from various fellowships and experiences, demonstrating the universal principles of recovery.  Reco12 is not allied or affiliated with any specific 12 Step fellowship.Support Reco12’s 12th Step Mission! Help provide powerful audio resources for addicts and their loved ones. Your contributions cover Zoom, podcasts, web hosting, and admin costs.Monthly Donations: Reco12 SupportOne-Time Donations: PayPal | Venmo: @Reco-Twelve | PatreonYour support makes a difference—thank you!Resources from today's meeting:AASAProfessional Pervert - by the 10th LeperYouTube Page for 10th LeperSOAR  https://soffender.com/ If you would like to connect with Just Joe, send an email to [email protected] music is "The Screen Between Us” Copyright Just Joey 10th Leper (Joseph Nehls).  To learn more or if you have questions, please visit [email protected]  http://www.soffender.com or find the YouTube Channel for other recovery songs at https://www.youtube.com/@tenthleper Information on Noodle It Out with Nikki M Big Book Roundtable Informational Seeking and educating on how to donate to Reco12.Support the showPrivate Facebook GroupInstagram PageBecome a Reco12 Spearhead (Monthly Supporter)PatreonPayPalVenmo: @Reco-TwelveYouTube ChannelReco12 WebsiteEmail:  [email protected] to join WhatsApp GroupReco12 Shares PodcastReco12 Shares Record a Share LinkReco12 Noodle It Out with Nikki M PodcastReco12 Big Book Roundtable Podcast