Position of Neutrality

Join Joe McDonald as he celebrates the freedom and liberation experienced by individuals on their recovery journey, as outlined in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe highlights the importance of being free inside before being able to live free outside, sharing the powerful stories of those who have found inner freedom. These moments are always celebrated, whether publicly or privately, as miles...

Join Joe McDonald as he discusses the importance of growing in understanding and effectiveness in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe emphasizes that it’s not just about the act of giving, but knowing when and how to give. He shares that we can only understand the right moments to give when we consult the Spirit and that our motive is just as important. Addressing the concern that people may use...

Join Joe McDonald as he shares a relatable story about getting distracted by a “bright idea,” as outlined in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe recounts the story of a man who, after having a few words with his boss, got the idea to head out into the woods where car buyers that don’t come to dealerships might be. Joe humorously asks if anyone has ever had the same experience of coming up with a...

Join Joe McDonald as he addresses the harsh reality of alcoholism’s end result in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains the “hopeless feature of the malady,” which always ends in death, insanity, or institutionalization. Sometimes, it can include a combination of these outcomes. Joe emphasizes that if you truly understand the severity of the disease, you know this is where it leads. His m...

Join Joe McDonald as he discusses how the past, once seen as wasteful or shameful, can be transformed into something infinitely valuable, as outlined in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains that many of us have felt burdened by our pasts, but through recovery, we start to see how those experiences can be used to help others. He emphasizes the difference between being “recovered” and “rec...

Join Joe McDonald as he shares a powerful and unexpected encounter while walking through a mall, as told in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe recalls a woman who came directly to him, asking for exactly $8—the exact amount he had in his wallet at the time. Joe reflects on the moment, emphasizing that sometimes we’re entertaining angels without even realizing it. He reminds us that these moment...

Join Joe McDonald as he discusses how to share your story in Alcoholics Anonymous without moralizing, as outlined in Step 12. Joe explains that when someone is not communicative, we should give them a sketch of our drinking career up to the time we quit, but without getting into the details of how we accomplished sobriety right away. He emphasizes the importance of sharing our experiences without...

Join Joe McDonald as he shares a moving story about an encounter that humbled him in his recovery journey, as outlined in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe recounts how a man approached him with tears streaming down his face, sharing his struggles and why he couldn’t leave his situation. Moved by the Spirit, Joe gave the man the contents of his wallet and realized the lesson—he was not there t...

Join Joe McDonald as he explains the importance of service commitments and genuine connection in Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe shares how meetings before or after the main session are often the best times to really get to know someone. During the meeting, people tend to present the version of themselves they want others to see, but in smaller settings, like service commitments, people reveal who they...

Join Joe McDonald as he reflects on the importance of approach when carrying the message of recovery, as outlined in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe shares that how we approach others determines the response we receive, a lesson learned from those who come from prison yards. He emphasizes that if someone is offended before they have the chance to hear the message, the opportunity is lost. Jo...

Join Joe McDonald as he talks about the challenges of staying in recovery when the memory of suffering isn’t enough to stop us from launching out again, as outlined in Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains that the two things that keep us trapped are the fading memory of suffering and the inability to stay in the present moment. He emphasizes the importance of discovering who we are, finding the pow...

Join Joe McDonald as he dives into Step 12, emphasizing the importance of carrying the message to others and walking in redemption, as outlined in Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains that after experiencing a spiritual awakening through the steps, our job is not just to claim redemption, but to live it and share it with others. He reminds us that the next chapter in our recovery is about putting f...

Join Joe McDonald as he clarifies a common misconception about spiritual progress in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains that the Big Book isn’t talking about theology, but about a conscious, sensory relationship with the power that animates us. This is about feeling and sharing that power, not just talking about it. He emphasizes that both you and the new man must walk day by day in th...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the importance of making a self-appraisal and straightening out the past in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe emphasizes that credibility comes from having made a self-appraisal yourself, rather than just telling others what to do. He explains that while we are all working to straighten out our own pasts, helping others with their steps is part of this proce...

Join Joe McDonald as he discusses the importance of walking in faith and understanding alcoholism as a fatal illness in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains that both faith and recovery require us to believe in things we cannot see, which is why improving our consciousness is essential. He also emphasizes that alcoholism is not just a condition of the mind but also of the body, referenci...

Join Joe McDonald as he reflects on the importance of consulting the Spirit when deciding how and when to give, as taught in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe emphasizes that it’s not about assuming the outcome of our giving, but about our motive and the respect we show. He reminds us that sometimes we’re entertaining angels without realizing it, and that if we’re called to give, it’s because...

Join Joe McDonald as he shares the story of Jim, a man who didn’t start drinking until his thirties but quickly lost his business due to alcohol. Jim, once an entrepreneur, found himself taking a job at the car dealership he used to own, a humbling experience. Joe reflects on how Jim’s agitation mirrors the frustrations many of us face when we feel we’re in situations “less than” what we think we...

Join Joe McDonald as he shares a powerful story of encountering someone who asked for exactly $8, reminding us that sometimes we’re entertaining angels without even knowing it. Joe explains that when the Big Book talks about burning the idea of recovery into consciousness, it’s about speaking life into others with depth and weight. This isn’t about impressing others with stories of the past, but a...

Join Joe McDonald as he shares a heartfelt story about an unexpected encounter at a rest stop. While initially laughing at the sight of a beat-up trailer with a “Just Married” sign, Joe’s experience took a turn. He realized that the people inside were struggling, and despite his initial reaction, he felt compelled to give them everything in his wallet. This moment of spontaneous giving reminds us...

Join Joe McDonald as he celebrates a special milestone in the recovery community at New Freedom. Joe shares the story of John, who, after serving a life sentence, has been stepped down from house arrest to general parole for the first time in 33 years. Joe emphasizes the importance of these victories in recovery, reminding us that by the grace of a loving God and the support of the community, real...

Join Joe McDonald as he discusses the importance of sharing personal experiences in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains that while some doctors, ministers, or hospitals may be hesitant to assist, those who truly know you and recognize your redemption will call upon you to help others. He reminds us not to start out as an evangelist or a reformer but to simply share what we were like, wh...

Join Joe McDonald as he shares insights on the mental condition surrounding the first drink, as discussed in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe emphasizes that this “queer mental condition” prevents normal functioning of willpower. He shares how even with clean time, a tough week can bring the temptation to let off steam by having a few drinks, illustrating the mental battles many face in recov...

Join Joe McDonald as he discusses the delicate balance of conversation when helping others in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains that sometimes, we want to let off steam, but doing so can lead to significant consequences. He highlights the importance of not labeling someone as an alcoholic during the early stages of conversation, and instead allowing them to draw their own conclusions....

Join Joe McDonald as he emphasizes the importance of intensive work with others in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains that practical experience shows nothing will ensure immunity from drinking more than this intensive work with fellow alcoholics. He highlights the promise and the condition—that other activities may fail, but working closely with others in recovery is key. Joe reminds u...

Join Joe McDonald as he discusses the practical approach to helping others in Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous . Joe explains how most of us meet people in recovery settings, through family members, or by simply being asked for help. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in general conversation first, as outlined on page 91 of the Big Book. Joe also highlights that the moment we humble ourselves...