The Empty Chair
The Empty Chair
E14 - Jesus (No, Not That One)
E14 - Jesus (No, Not That One)
E14 - Jesus (No, Not That One)
Thursday 18th March 2021
Jesus Ruiz recounts his journey from addiction and gang life to founding a ministry, offering hope and inspiration to those struggling with addiction.
60 minutes
Inspiring
Hopeful
Empowering
Transformative
Informative
About this podcast
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Body & Mind
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
54 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!From the Streets to the Pulpit: Jesus Ruiz's Journey of Redemption
I just had so much rage towards my family because the way they were treated differently, because they were all in the getting high club, you know. But putting us to fight against each other is what really grew me to grow a lot of hate towards him.
Ever wondered how someone can turn their life around after years of addiction and gang involvement? Meet Jesus Ruiz, a man who did just that. In this episode of 'The Empty Chair', Jesus opens up about his tumultuous past and how he found a new path through faith and community support. Growing up, Jesus was no stranger to drugs and alcohol, which led him into the dark world of gang life and eventually landed him in prison for 16 years.
But his story doesn't end there. While incarcerated, Jesus embraced the gospel and began transforming his life, turning his 'mess into a MESSAGE'. Today, he and his wife, Wanda, lead 'Leaving the Streets Ministry', a non-profit re-entry center for youths in Haverhill. Recognized by the Mayor as 'Volunteer of the Year', their work offers hope and a brighter future to many struggling in their community. One striking aspect of Jesus's story is the role of family dynamics in addiction.
He speaks candidly about his troubled relationship with his mother, who also battled addiction. This familial strife pushed him towards gang life, seeking belonging and identity in all the wrong places. His story underscores the importance of addressing root causes like family trauma to achieve lasting recovery. Another key theme is the harsh reality of gang life. Jesus's anger and violence made him notorious on the streets, but he eventually realized this path only led to more pain and destruction.
Through faith and community support, he found a new mission in life: helping others escape the same pitfalls. The episode also highlights the importance of support systems in recovery. Jesus credits his friend and co-host Louie Diaz as a constant source of encouragement. Together, they now offer support to others through their ministry. Jesus's journey from gang leader to preacher serves as a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption.
His story offers valuable insights and hope for those grappling with addiction and their loved ones.