I grew up in a Christian household, but from a young age, I questioned many aspects of my faith. This made me feel conflicted, especially since the school I attended often mocked believers. By the time I reached high school, I finally gave in to peer pressure and abandoned my belief in God, hoping to fit in. I soon turned to smoking and alcohol but felt more isolated than ever.

Desperate for connection, I prayed that God would send me someone who truly understood me and could guide me back to Him. God quickly answered by introducing me to the woman who would become my wife. After high school, I decided to seek God again. However, I was burdened by my smoking habit, which had grown into an addiction. Then, I received a sobering wake-up call: one of my closest friends fell into a coma from his own struggle with drinking. Around the same time, my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, and I took on the responsibility of caring for him. My future wife and I decided to take a break so I could focus on these major life events. I felt more alone than ever before, yet I wasn’t fully relying on God.

One day, after receiving more painful news, I fell to my knees and cried out, “Why me, God? Why do I have to go through all of this?” That moment prompted me to create LiveHim, a platform that ultimately allowed me to help countless people struggling with mental health challenges. Through my texting platform, I was able to prevent many individuals from taking their own lives. I also led groups at church, supporting others in their personal struggles. During this period, my future wife and I reconciled, and years later, we married. We’ve now been blessed with over two years of marriage.

It’s amazing how God reveals Himself and weaves our stories together. There are countless lessons in my experiences that can inspire and encourage others. I’ve been fortunate to lead a banking division in treasury management, launch multiple businesses, and help thousands of people along the way. Yet I still believe I haven’t fully realized God’s purpose for my life. He continues to open new doors, giving me the tools to lead and serve. My passion for people runs deep, and I love hearing their stories, discovering their unique perspectives, and doing whatever I can to uplift them.

Important Reflections

• Embrace Authentic Questions: It’s natural to question your faith. True understanding often grows from moments of doubt, so let your curiosity lead you toward a deeper connection with God.
• True Belonging vs. Fitting In: We can sometimes abandon who we are to gain acceptance. However, genuine belonging comes from embracing God’s truth rather than conforming to worldly pressures.
• The Power of Community: Whether it’s a future spouse, a trusted friend, or a church group, God often uses people to guide us back to Him. Surrounding yourself with those who share (or support) your faith can transform your journey.
• Finding Purpose in Pain: Difficult seasons—like battling addictions or caring for loved ones—can become catalysts for creating solutions that help others. Look for ways God might be using your struggles to equip you for service.
• Relying on God Wholeheartedly: It’s easy to feel abandoned or alone in tough times. Turning fully to God and praying honestly can open doors you never knew existed, offering strength and clarity when you need it most.
• Serving Others Brings Healing: Helping others in their darkest moments can provide hope and purpose in your own. As you pour love into others, you often find renewed faith and deeper connection with God.
• God’s Plan Unfolds Over Time: Even when your path seems unclear, trust that God is working behind the scenes. Each challenge can become part of a bigger story that draws you closer to Him and equips you to make a difference.