I’ve been blessed to have been raised in a catholic family, being taught the morals and

values of the Church. And though I was protected a great deal by my parents from the

destructive things of this world, it did not mean I was impervious to accidental encounters with

evil.
 

My story is by no means unique, I think. As is for many men, my first encounter with sex

was at a very young age. The encounter was accidental and unintentional. So much so that it was not until shortly after, that I became aware of what was happening. Once aware, shame poured in like a flood and I was drawn to secrecy. Quickly, the addictive nature of lust latched on and I began to act out on a regular basis. As time went on, I began to enter deeper and deeper into lustful acts. I tried every day to quit. At times, I would pray and beg God to heal me from this addiction, but it persisted, nonetheless.

It wasn’t until I hit something like “rock-bottom” that I learned of PULLS. Due to the

secrecy, I had lived for so many years, it was incredibly difficult for me to join PULLS. But seeing as I had tried all avenues I could think of, I had nowhere else to turn but PULLS: and praise God for this! Without PULLS, I would not be the man I am today: a free man. Free to Love as God intended. PULLS is so much more than a standard 12 step program. Where a 12-step program aims to provide a pathway to freedom, PULLS takes it one step further and invites every man to continually pursue, not just the freedom to Love as God intended, but the imitative Love of Christ practiced in all areas of our lives. This is why many men who join this program, regardless of long-term chastity being achieved, remain consistent members.

Christ brought us together. We know the depth of your pain. If you decide to join PULLS,

I invite you, first, to read the “Promises.” I like to think of them in light of something to that of a devotion. They aren’t a gimmick or a delusion, they are promised. When I first read the promises, I realized my lack of them and the desire for them. If we work for them, complete the 12 steps, and study the theology of the body, they will materialize.

All of this is not to say or indicate I no longer encounter temptation or difficulty. That

would be ridiculous! As St. Paul says, “I boast of my weaknesses!” I simply now have the

freedom to choose. But for me, freedom is not the end, it is just the beginning. Through this program and the many great men within, I am learning and growing every day. Praise God for the opportunity to be a part of this group.