Come Towards Delight

29. Thurmon Thomas ON: Thurmon is a Marriage and Family Therapist. He shares a message about 'Living Life with Purpose'

Thurmon Thomas is a Marriage and Family Therapist, that not only works with clients but owns and operates multiple practices in Southern Utah. You will love his perspective, as he talks about some of the important "practices" we can adopt into our daily lives to bring us to happiness and joy. I know Thurmon after meeting him as a young missionary in Indiana, where he served as well, and I know first hand that this is a man that practices what he preaches and lives the words that come out of his mouth. Tune into this enlightening episode delivered by Thurmon Thomas a Husband, and Father of 6.

 

 

Thurmon heard the call from his Heavenly Father at the young age of 19, to serve God's children. The path of life for him has always brought him back to this key purpose of serving others, every time he has derailed from that purpose to pursue other "good" paths. Living his life on purpose and helping others to find themselves so that they can discover their own purpose has become Thurmon's call and he has been able to see many lives change for the better.

 

 

He also shares part of his life journey beginning with a tragic event when he was 4, losing his father in a motorcycle accident. His single mother gathered her 5 boys in Delta Utah and moved them down south to St. George, where Thurmon and his family currently reside. Like most young boys growing up Thrumon loved sports and hanging out with friends, but he defines this time of his life with the word "Alone". To support her 5 boys, his mother was very busy earning a living and Thurmon was on his own for the most part to grow up and find his way.

 

 

Upon graduating High school and moving back to Delta Utah to run one of the family businesses, he had a spiritual awakening as his Heavenly Father spoke to his spirit saying "Thurmon, I need you to serve my children". Thurmon responded to the call, and went to serve a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Indiana, Indianapolis mission, where I first met this incredible man and hero of mine. Thurmon, thank you for inspiring me and serving so many of us on this earth. Love you brother.

 

 

On his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/ and in his own words, Thurmon defines who he is and his purpose in serving people as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

 

 

"The work I do each day is centered around helping people improve their lives.  In order to do this in the most effective way possible, I take a systemic perspective - meaning I help them explore all aspects of their lives to find areas which may be out of balance.  This systemic perspective was a key aspect of my education as a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as my training as a certified WholeFIT coach.  I explore all aspects of wellness with my clients including: emotional health, cognitive health, physical health, nutrition, spirituality, and relational health.  When needed, I help coordinate care with other trained professionals to make sure my clients are receiving the best care possible.  

 

 

Some of the treatment methods I use in mental health therapy include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, structural therapy, and narrative therapy.  I work with Couples, Families, Adult Individuals, Adolescents, and Children.  Fort hose who are not in need of mental health therapy or intense relationship work, I utilize wellness coaching techniques to help my clients reach their personal, professional, and relational goals.  

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When not working I enjoy spending time with my Wife and six children.  We love time in the outdoors, as well as just kicking back and watching a good movie.  My wife, Maria and I, are avid marathon runners and are very busy with our amazing family!"

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about Thurmon or connecting with him visit his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/

 

 

"People come to me with challenges or turmoil in their life, feeling broken looking for help and answers. The most fulfilling thing for me is looking back and seeing people's lives change, not because I did it... it doesn't work that way, but because I was there to guide them to help themselves find the tools and the strength within to climb out of those challenges. We All face them, if you are a human being on this earth, you're going to have times of deep dark despair where you don't know what to do, where to go, or how anything good is going to happen, to the point that you want to throw in the towel. Most of us are going to experience that in our lifetime, and THAT'S OK! One message I want to make loud and clear is that's normal. It's normal to feel that depression and anxiety, it's part of the plan of this earth life experience. Seeing people transition out of that is so amazing" -Thurmon Thomas

 

 

Thurmon, you are a hero of mine and one of the best men I have ever met. You love and devotion to our Savior Jesus Christ is palpable and the way you strive to follow in His footsteps by running to the aide of as many of Gods children as possible is inspiring. I love you brother and am so grateful to God that He made sure that our paths on earth crossed.

 

 

 

 

28. Rob Sirstins ON: Bullying, Experiencing Racism, Feeling lost and disconnected, Suicidal ideation, Surrounding yourself with great people, Believe, Mental Focus, Finding the Warrior within!

Rob Sirstins, is a dear friend of mine from High School, where I was a first hand witness watching his dominance on the Football field. Rob has always been someone who stands out to me as a person who has been blessed with many God given abilities, but more importantly he has a huge heart and he is genuinely concerned about the wellfare of the people in his life. I have learned why, and as you hear his story you too will realize that it is due to some of the loneliness and pain that he has bravely battled throughout his life.

 

 

Coach Rob, is an inspirational and motivational Coach who's is focused on and is dedicated to helping people find their true identity and authentic selves. He will help you find and connect with the "Warrior Within". Rob believes that it is only when we find ourselves that we truly take ownership of our choices and mindset, and by so doing empowers us to reach our full potential.

 

 

From day 1, Rob has faced trials and challenges that overtime nearly defeated him as he sat in his truck with a gun to his head ready to pull the trigger. Ready to end his life and rest from the turmoil, shame, and feelings or worthlessness that left him in darkness, in that moment a thought came to Rob's mind that He couldn't let Suicide win. It was the spirit of competition within Rob that saved his life that day and started him on his journey to find the "Warrior Within". 

 

 

Rob, who is African American was abandoned as a baby by his birth parents and eventually adopted to his family from Salt Lake City, Utah. As a young boy Rob faced bullying due to the color of his skin, which caused him to feel unwanted and that was different. The bullying continued throughout Rob's childhood and left some deep wounds. Fortunately for Rob, he found his "wings" playing Football where he excelled. After playing for a nationally ranked High school Team and helping lead them to yet another championship, he was given a scholarship to play for the University of Utah Football Team. Shortly before his Freshman season began Rob was in a serious accident that left him injured throughout his playing career. Bitterness came as Robs dream to play professional Football was crushed. Trying to find his way forward Rob attempted to work in the corporate world, but each time he began working a new corporate job, he felt as if he was losing himself.

 

 

At this same time as he was experiencing turmoil over what to do to provide for his wife and daughter, he and his wife divorced due to choices that she was making. Rob now felt the weight of trying to support his daughter at the same time as struggling to find himself in a corporate job.  Also, at the same time he lost his best friend to Suicide and another close friend within weeks of each other. Rob began to spiral into darkness, feeling completely disconnected from the man that he dreamed of becoming. As he sat in his truck overlooking the city with a gun to his head, ready to end his life, Rob had the thought come to mind... "You can't let Suicide beat you". The competitive nature that served Rob so well on the Football field, became the very thing that saved his life that day. 

 

 

That moment of Darkness, began a ripple effect in Rob's life that has led him to become a man that is thriving and helping others to take ownership of their lives and become the "Warrior Within" that each of us have, if we only choose to give it space in our lives. Rob shares the decisions that he made in his life, in the days following his almost Suicide attempt, that allowed him to find value in his life, for himself, and for all others. He is now excelling as a personal coach and helping others who are trying to find their worth and way through their own darkness.

 

 

If you would like to learn more about Rob's work and how he can help you or someone you know, please visit his website at https://www.robsirstins.com 

 

 

Rob will be releasing his book in the near future called "Eagle of the Warrior". In his book Rob will take you through a more detailed Journey of the experiences he has been through and how he has truly found his value and authentic self. 

 

 

Rob, thank you my friend. You are one of my personal hero's and lifelong brother. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and for turning around to find those desperate to find light by guiding them into the light. Love you brother. 

27. Michael Taylor ON: From birth all odds were against this young man. Statistically Michael shouldn't have had a chance to amount to anything. God has other plans! Don't Miss this Story...

You may want to sit down for this one... not kidding! Michael Taylor has gone through more trials in his young life than most, and he has no resentment in him. As a young man encompassed by circumstances that could leave anyone hopeless and bitter, this young man held on, got back up over and over again, and began watering the seed of faith that somehow took root in his heart, telling him that maybe there is a God.

 

 

Gods hand is clearly seen in Michael’s life and as Michael prayed to God, God moved mountains for him. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and is preparing to serve a full time two year mission in Dallas. Dallas, get ready, you are getting one of the most amazing young men that I have ever met. This is a story of perseverance, of Gods love and awareness for His children, of loving family members that step into help before it’s to late, and of a family that wasn’t Michael’s showing him love, value, and worth, bringing him into their family like he belonged and adopting him in without hesitation and giving him the opportunities in life Michael had never known.

 

 

 

His Mother was a addict who used daily. His Father was not married to his Mom and never around, but when he had to stay with him Dad would abuse Michael and his step brother. At 13 Michael’s mom died of an overdose and he begged God to keep him from having to go live with his abusive father and after a long court battle his Grandparents won custody.

 

 

Although things “seemed” to be a little better for Michael at his Grandparents, Michael struggled to feel self worth and started to drink and use drugs himself to cope with the pain. During time at a treatment center as a young 17 year old boy, his loving Aunt and Uncle visited him and a Miracle happened. His uncle sensed that nothing would change for Michael if he were to stay and made some phone calls which ended up with Michael being placed in a boarding school/treatment center in Utah. His uncle flew out with Michael and gave him the confidence needed to believe there was something more for his life. Michael struggled at first but then caught the vision of the program and excelled. He began staying with the Taylor family from Utah and felt like he had known them forever and was eventually adopted into the family.

 

 

This is a story you won’t want to miss. Michael shares a powerful witness of God and of Gods love for us even when the the cards are stacked against us. The amount of gratitude Michael expresses while he shares was a “game changer” for me. How could a young man born into these circumstances with darkness surrounding him see the world with so much light and believe in so much goodness? Michael you light up the rooms you walk into my friend. Go find those people in Dallas who are in darkness themselves and help find the light you have come to know for yourself.

 

 

Michael, you are one of my hero’s! Continue to share your story and help others believe that they too can rise above the circumstances of life to become a real life Super Hero like you are! Love you brother!

26. Joe Schmit ON: 18 Time Emmy Winner, Award-winning Broadcaster, Author, Community Leader and Popular Keynote Speaker. Powerful Message on Showing Up and Edifying Others. #Grind

Joe Schmit is an 18 time Emmy Award Winner, an author, award-winning broadcaster, community leader, popular keynote speaker, and a friend of mine who I look to as a mentor and leader. His book “Silent Impact” Influence Through Purpose, Persistence and Passion is now in its second edition.  His new book is titled “The Impact Blueprint,” A Step by Step Journey to a Life of Significance. Joe was recently honored by the National Speakers Association (NSA) with the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)designation.  Less than 15 percent of NSA members worldwide have achieved the CSP designation.

 

 

As a sports broadcaster he has covered every major sporting event in the past 4 decades and has interviewed many of the biggest names in sports.  He joined KSTP-TV in 1985 and has won 18 Emmys from the National Television Academy.  He was also honored with a National Headliner Award in 2001. Joe is a long time youth mentor committed to advocating for a number of community organizations with Big Brothers and Big Sisters is at the top of his list. He is a past president and board member of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities.   He has raised over $3 million for the organization through the Joe Schmit Celebrity Golf Tournament which had a 16-year run. In 2000, he was the winner of the Jim Kelly Distinguished Service Award from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and in 2001, a winner of the Odyssey Award for commitment to youth mentorship. Joe was also honored as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Community Leader of the Year in 2005. He was named the 2018 winner of the Mike Givens Award for his work with MG Charities which is working to find a cure for brain cancer. He is past president and board member of the Fairway Foundation and has contributed time to many other charitable organizations. Joe and his wife Laura chaired a four million dollar capital campaign for VEAP, the largest food shelf in Minnesota. 

 

 

Joe is an amazing man, who has incredible experiences throughout his life. He is recognized by many throughout the world for his work on Silent Impact Leadership, teaching many that “we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive.” Your success and happiness are not related to your title or how many awards you have won, but to the impact you have on others. If there was a going-away party tonight at your office, which person would bring the biggest crowd? The person you just identified is keenly aware of the impact he or she is making on others. Joe will teach you how to ramp up your influence so you make better connections, stronger relationships, and win more often. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, please visit his website joeschmit.com where you can learn more about his Leadership Message, The Books he has Authored, or how to book him as a Keynote Speaker. 

 

 

Joe, you are an incredible person that I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to meet and connect with. Thank you for teaching me and for sharing your message with my audience. Wishing you, Laura, and your family all the happiness, comfort, and peace as you continue working for the good of people anywhere and everywhere. Thank you!  

 

 

If you would like to learn more about Joe and the possibility of having him coach your team, or speak at an event, you can reach him through his website: https://joeschmit.com/

 

 

Here is the link to purchase a copy of the books he has authored: https://joeschmit.com/book/

 

 

Book Titles:

The Impact Blueprint: "A step by step journey to a life of significance"

Silent Impact: "Stories of Influence through, Purpose, Persistence, and Passion"

 

25. Chelsea Watters ON: Having the Courage to be her Authentic Self without Shame, True selfless Love, Staying Optimistic and Patient during trials of Loneliness and struggling with Self Worth.

Chelsea Watters, is an amazing woman. I have had the opportunity to work with her off and on over the past few years and have gotten to know her and seen how lives and treats others. Chelsea is a rising star in her young career with Marriott, and there is no doubt why she is... She genuinely loves people, cares about them with a passion, gets to know her co-workers individually, and carries a positive influence with her everywhere she goes.  
All of these wonderful characteristic's she has have not come easily, as she has passed through some dark times and difficult trials in her life. Chelsea grew up a Tom Boy and knew that she was different from other girls from the get go. She played basketball in her childhood and when she was on the High School team she knew that she had always felt feelings and attraction to other girls.

 

 

Chelsea shares her experiences navigating the challenges of being her true authentic self in a world that doesn't truly accept who she is. She shares the pain she experienced when she broke up with her first girlfriend, and when she started to date her second girlfriend the faced feeling like she wasn't truly loved or accepted because her girlfriend wouldn't tell her family or friends due to Shame.  
Feeling unaccepted by someone she thought she loved caused her a lot of pain, and hurt. She wanted to move forward but with her basketball career over, she didn't know where to channel her energy. She was working with an a Gentleman, David, who left to take on a Director of Finance Role in Salt Lake City, and 6 months later David called her to ask her to come to Utah. She talks about her initial fear of moving to Utah, in fact her first thought was "Hell No" because she had heard that the culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the predominate religion in Utah, would not accept her for who she is. David, an active member of the LDS church assured her that Utah is a safe place and much different than you think. He also said no matter what he had her back and helped her to feel comfortable to come to Utah. 


 

 

After making the leap of faith and moving to Utah, Chelsea settled into her role at the Downtown City Creek Marriott, and met a group of friends that helped her feel accepted, loved, and gave her the chance to believe Utah was the right move for her life. She ended up dating and falling in love with a young woman who initially worked in the same hotel before Chelsea moved to Provo to advance her career.

 

 

She speaks of true love, what true love looks and feels like and how it has blessed her life.  
She also shares about her decision to "come out" to her parents, brother, and friends. Her parents did an amazing job of accepting her right away and she even mentions how her father knew before she said anything. She also talks about how difficult it was for her brother initially. At first he was ok and he, his wife, and two daughters moved forward as if no big deal, but when Chelsea announced that she was getting married and wanted them to come, he was very uncomfortable and explained that he couldn't do that to his two girls. After some time of reflection and thinking it over her brother decided that it was more important to Love first and foremost and attend the wedding with his family.   

 

 

Chelsea is a joy to know, she uplifts those around her and is always looking for opportunities to say a kind word, express gratitude, and help those in her circles. My life has been blessed and I have learned so much more about God and the diversity of God's children due to my conversations and experiences with her. Chelsea, you are doing so many great things with your life and constantly helping others along your way. Thank you so much for sharing part of your journey with us. 

24. Taylor Napierski ON: Napierski's face multiple Traumatic Trials in 2020. Taylor shares his families Journey as they Navigate some life shattering trials that would test anyone.

Taylor takes us on the Journey he and his family have been on, experiencing major trial after trial, through the complete year of 2020.  It all started in 2019 when their beloved dog Wilson was hit by a car in front of his oldest son, Bentley. Fortunately the big teddy bear Wilson survived, he is now thriving on 3 legs, but this was the start of a very long, difficult, and soul wrenching journey that the Napierski family had to endure in 2020 which included the Death of Taylor's Mother to Brain Cancer in a few short months.

 

 

Moving into their custom dream home, and only 31 days after moving in it started on fire with 2 of their children inside. PTSD and Trauma from the fire that left them exhausted from sleepless nights for months after the fire. Mental Health concerns as a result of PTSD. Moving from their dream home, to be near Taylor's mother, unexpectedly she died during a hospital visit one day before they were scheduled to move up to Utah to be near her. Corona virus shaking up Taylor's company and concern over losing his job right in the middle of buying their new home. Last but not least, on the day after Christmas their son Bentley had a tragic accident riding his new bike, which left him hospitalized and on the verge of death due to a laceration to his liver.   

 

 

Through it all, the Napierski's held onto each other, and as they did their best to manage all of these incredibly hard trials Taylor found himself lying awake Desperate for help. It was then that he decided to say a prayer, which was not something he does, and immediately after reaching out to God for help... Taylor looked up to see his wife Jana, who had not slept in weeks due to PTSD from the fire, sleeping peacefully. Taylor talks about the Gifts he received during these overwhelming trials as he talks about the gift of Gratitude. He shares his gratitude for his wonderful wife and her love that kept them all holding on together, and He shares his witness of God and how he has come to recognize that he is known by God, God listens to us, and that God cares about each one of us.

 

 

Although Taylor has struggled with his faith for years, his story is laced with the threads of faith that he knew in his most desperate and darkest hour he could reach out to the one who created us and he trusted that He would show up enough that in his most desperate moment he reached out. He shares a wonderful message about considering the Alternatives to any choices that we make. The Grass is not always greener to all choices and some of those choices look pretty wonderful in the initial thought.   

 

 

Taylor, thank you for sharing your journey with us. I can't believe what your family has experienced this past year. Because of your resilience and faith to hang on and keep fighting, I am inspired to do the same with my struggles.  If you would like to reach out to Taylor or his wife Jana, please do, they are eager to help others who may be in the midst of their own battles. taylorandjana@gmail.com

 

23. Coach Jim Johnson ON: Think Bigger, Lead Better, Win More! Author of 'A Coach and A Miracle' True story of young man, J-Mac, with autism scoring 2...

Most of us remember the story ESPN highlighted in 2006 about a young man Jason McElwain, with Autism entering his first and only High School game with 4 minutes remaining, where he caught fire and knocked down 6 3-pointers in a row. Have you ever wondered who his coach was?

 

 

Let me introduce you to my friend and one of my personal hero's Coach Jim Johnson. You won't want to miss his message!

 

 

In the words of Coach Johnson "On the night of February 15, 2006, the bleachers at Greece Athena High School near Rochester, New York, were packed with students who had just begun cheering wildly and jumping up and down. During that same moment, I collapsed into my seat as tears welled in my eyes. Never before had I made a coaching move with such impact. Never had I felt such emotion in my career. You’d think we had just won a championship. It wasn’t a buzzer-beating basket; it wasn’t a heave from half-court that made the place go nuts. In fact, it wasn’t even a specific play. All I had done was turn toward the player with uniform number 52, point my index finger at him, and say “J-Mac.” Up bounced Jason McElwain. In giving him some playing time, I enabled him to realize a lifelong dream. It was the last home contest of his senior year, and Jason was seeing his first varsity action.

 

 

Now this might seem like a fairly ordinary moment, but Jason wasn’t your ordinary basketball player. He was small and skinny. He stood all of 5 feet, 7 inches and weighed only 120 pounds, and his blonde hair was partially covered by a head band. Jason—or J-Mac, a tag I had hung on him two years earlier when he first managed for us—was so excited to enter the game that he started right for the basketball court without first checking in and had to be redirected to the scorer’s table. But very few people noticed that; they were just so happy to see him get in the game. Why were they so happy? They were happy because Jason is autistic and learning-disabled. Knowing his limitations, the crowd was moved while witnessing Jason entering the game. And so was I. Throughout the night J-Mac—and the increasingly impatient spectators—had wondered if I was ever going to play him. Finally, with 4:19 remaining in the game, a large lead and all my other substitutes having seen action, J-Mac ascended his stage with the fanfare of a rock-and-roll star. In fact, many fans had brought blow-up photos of Jason attached to wooden sticks, and they began eagerly waving the placards upon his grand entrance. My simple reason for playing Jason was because I loved the kid and wanted to give him the shot he deserved.

 

 

I didn’t do any of this for hype, but what a beautiful scene nonetheless, and enough reward right there for me. When play resumed Jason promptly launched an air ball, and I put my head in my hands. Prayer supposedly isn’t allowed in public schools, but I started praying for all I was worth: “Please, God, let him make just one basket.” He then missed a layup. I started praying harder. Fortunately, God must be a basketball fan. And he apparently had a message to deliver to the rest of the world that night. In fact, I believe it was nothing short of a miracle. ...I’ve read and heard, many times over, the Gospel accounts of miracles performed by Jesus. These acts typically involved common, everyday folks. Some of them had disabilities. All had faith, and they became a positive example for others.

 

 

From that same inspiration of faith I find the meaning behind the miracle of February 15, 2006. As it turned out, I’d say J-Mac and I were just the kind of people God might employ to send a message of hope to the rest of the world in the form of a timeless, feel-good story.

 

Author of: A Coach and A Miracle - https://www.amazon.com/Coach-Miracle-Jim-Johnson/dp/0984131876

 

 

Website: https://coachjimjohnson.com

J-Mac ESPN Video: https://youtu.be/__JQcJ-wr0M

 

 

Coach, Thank you for inspiring me over the past few years. You are one of my personal hero's that I am grateful to call friend. 

22. Todd Sylvester ON: Podcast Host, and recovered alcoholic on a mission to help people lost in addiction Believe! Don't miss this one!

Todd Sylvester host of podcast "Beliefcast" is a dear friend of mine, hero, and genuinely one of the most caring people I know. Because of the pain he experienced, which almost lead to suicide, he is now on a mission to find people in their hopelessness and help them believe that they can change, and overcome any "giant" or addiction they are facing. This man's story will inspire you! And the Lemonade stand story.... WOW!!

 

 

Todd Sylvester shares his amazing journey from a Dark place lost in addiction to a soul on Fire now working full time to help others believe in themselves and gain the determination to believe in themselves and creating a great life. Todd currently works as an Addictive Voice Recognition Counselor at an addiction recovery treatment center for those struggling with with drug or alcohol addiction, where he provides one-on-one mentoring to both local and international clients. Described as having “a unique gift to develop trusting relationships quickly,"

 

 

Todd has guided hundreds to sobriety and other behavioral successes through the individualized support he offers to each client. His ability to “speak to a person’s soul and help them find their true motive to change” has been the key for inspiring others to make permanent lifestyle changes. Todd’s profound influence grew from his own personal experience — a journey from self-hatred and hopelessness to faith and recovery.

 

 

At a young age, Todd was exposed to drugs and alcohol and quickly became addicted. Years of rampant drug abuse lead to devastating failures and a conclusion that his young life had nowhere left to go. Change can come from the most unlikely of places. For Todd, that place was a neighborhood lemonade stand, when he made the spontaneous decision to become one little girl’s most generous customer. This simple act – and the positive reaction that came with it – provided Todd with a sense of hope that he had never felt before. Todd’s strengthening sense of purpose sparked a fervent determination to change his life and to prevent others from enduring the physical and emotional pain that had threatened his very existence. As he moved forward with newfound faith and a desire to serve others, Todd learned that the human soul – on fire – is more powerful than any addiction.

 

 

Today, Todd utilizes his firsthand fight against addiction to connect with fellow addicts on an authentic level and provide hope to thousands of teenagers, parents, and adults. His story was recently told through a popular YouTube clip titled “The Hope of God’s Light,” that received over 3 million views and has been translated into 3 languages. Todd has been married to his sweetheart for 23 years. They have four children and live a happy, busy life together. Check out Todd's Podcast found on all major podcast channels called,

 

 

Beliefcast: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/beliefcast/

 

His personal Website can be found at address: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/

 

Todd, God bless you in your efforts to change lives. You are a great man and a hero of mine. See you soon brother!

21. Stacey Harkey ON: This story will change your life! Coming out Gay after 30 years of ignoring himself, Trusting and putting God first through the process, Courage to be Authentic s...

From the day we are born into this world we have many idea's, theories, teachings, and traditions forced upon us. We are not to be blamed for this, as we are all products of the environment we are born into, however, as we learn and grow, we are presented with opportunities to gain new information, truth, and insights that can cause us to question some of those former mentioned ideas to determine if they are actually right or wrong. I believe in Jesus Christ, He has rescued me when I had no business to be rescued, and as His disciple I look to Him as the perfect example for how to love others. That said, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ have been people I have stayed away from, thinking that avoiding would be the best way for me to "love" them, you see it didn't quite fit into "my beliefs"... However, something miraculous happened in my heart as I prayed to God to help me love ALL others more. I started to meet some of the most amazing people I have ever known, like Richard Ostler, Stacey Harkey, and George Deussen, who immediately challenged my beliefs about loving as Jesus does, without saying a word... They showed me in action what Jesus' love truly looks like, and Stacey's story will help you understand, like I know now, that the idea of loving as Jesus does means to love in such a way that we pursue ALL people unconditionally, no matter what, and we bring them to the table.  Unconditional is key! Let Stacey's story sink into your heart and if you do not already love ALL unconditionally, challenge yourself to abandon old narratives placed in your mind by sources other than Jesus Himself, and love as He does.

 

 

Stacey Harkey, who some of you may know from his acting days on Studio C, shares his amazing story growing up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving a Mission, attending school at the Church owned University BYU, and coming out as Gay.

 

 

The interview was particularly special due to Stacey's love and devotion to God throughout this entire experience.  He talks about being younger and realizing there were things that were "different" about him than other boys, and how he took a part of himself that is very real and tried to lock it away in order to deflect some of the shame which caused him to question who he is. 

 

 

After serving a faithful 2 year mission for his Church, he returned home to start college at BYU. Stacey talks about his experiences dating women, and although he really liked some of the women he dated, he never felt an attraction to them so it felt like he was wasting their time. He had always been attracted to Men but this was against everything he believed was right and that he was supposed to do, so he kept it hidden with everyone but God.  He talks about taking his attraction to men to God and asking him to help and change it, but that never happened, and one day instead of asking God to change him, He asked God "Tell me what to do, and I will do whatever you want". He felt immediate peace and the sense that God loved him exactly how he is, and in fact created him to be just that... Himself. Stacey felt that God was saying to him "Why do you hate the way I made you?" and realized how arrogant he was being thinking that the perfect Creator (God), who doesn't make mistakes, somehow made a mistake on him."  Trusting this answer to his prayers he finally was able to embrace his authentic self and gain the courage needed to talk to his religious leaders, friends, and family.  He now feels more peace and freedom than he has ever felt.  Stacey loves God, and I could feel his deep love for God throughout our conversation.

 

 

His journey is amazing and so needed as young people growing up in families where coming out as LGBTQ is not safe, and some are even ending their lives to suicide feeling ashamed. Stacey is an example to show that it's ok to be yourself, to want true love in your life, and have the courage to talk about who you are.  Stacey is a hero to me, and has opened my eyes up quite a bit to the idea that loving the sinner and hating the sin, is a cheap valueless way of attempting to show acceptance to someone that is different than you. I learned from Stacey, in a much deeper way, that it is my actions surrounding my words that bring value  and if I love all as God commands, then I need to love all regardless of their "sins" or differences of opinion/beliefs.  

 

 

Thank you for your courage Stacey! May God continue to bless you on your journey my friend! Keep making us laugh, always!  If you don't know Stacey's work on Studio C, I encourage you to check it out by searching on YouTube either using his name or Studio C. Studio C is family friendly clean humor that has had huge success. Keep your eye out for his upcoming projects under JK Studio's he and his friends recently started. 

Chad Rawlings ON: Leaving his LDS mission early, twice. Overcoming Shame and Guilt. Staying engaged in Faith. Helpers that show up in our lives.

Chad Rawlings is a Husband, Father, and Son of God with a lot of faith and courage. Chad definitely rolls up his sleeves and courageously share's his experience coming home early from a full time Mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints early not only once but twice.  Young Men and Women that grow up in The Church of Jesus Christ are taught from the time they can say their first words that they should serve a full time mission if at all possible.

 

For young men The Church teaches it is a commandment from God and for young women it is not a commandment but it is highly recommended if they feel prompted to go. At times there are young men and young women that choose not to go and as a result they feel ashamed of themselves, have feelings that they are not worthy, and face judgement by others that belong to the faith. This is not due to any doctrinal teaching from the Church itself, rather it stems as a result from Members of the Church being so close in association and proximity to each other. Each year some young men and women disengage from activity in the Church because of this, and they struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and self worth to the point that some want nothing to do with the Church ever again so they don't have to feel those feelings anymore. These are a few of the reasons that Chad's story and courage to share is so important. 

 

Chad grew up talking about serving, wanting to serve, and eager for the day he turned 19. When it came he explains that he felt ready and excited, but as he entered the Missionary Training Center (MTC) as a 19 year old young man, he was engulfed with anxiety and fear. Unable to eat, sleep, focus in training classes he began to doubt himself and his ability as he saw the other young men and women surrounding him happy, engaged, and able to learn a new language with what seemed at the time ease. The first time he decided to return home early he made it about 2 days, he was no longer able to work through feeling overwhelmed and like he wasn't good enough so he called home to his Mom and Dad and begged them to come pick him up. His parents were frustrated but they loved him and although they didn't know how to process Chad's decision they wanted their son to feel love and value.  One or two weeks after Chad left his mission, he still felt like he really wanted to serve God on a mission. After meeting with his religious leader, the decision was made to try again but this time in hopes that Chad could serve somewhere in the United States and not a foreign land speaking another language. Chad was called to Florida, and was again ready to go feeling passionate again about the opportunity to serve God, but as soon as he stepped into the gates of the MTC and parted with his family, all of the feelings rushed back. He stayed as patient as he could but couldn't sleep, eat, or focus in class and was once again overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy. Chad, again packed up and left the MTC. 

 

Chad shares some very insightful and helpful principles that can help us understand how to show up for people when they feel lost in failure. He talks about the ways God continued to show up for him to help him gain confidence in himself and belief that he could have a successful life full of love, faith, and service to God.

 

Chad lost no value to God because he didn't stay but he did grow in self confidence because he stayed engaged and faithful to God. Chad is a close acquaintance of mine and I have seen him show up over and over again for people who are lost and feeling worthless. Because of what he has faced in his life I have witnessed his ability to recognize people who need to feel loved and then he shows up for them.  Chad, your mission may not be the typical mission, but you have served your mission faithfully. I know that God is pleased with you and you are a hero of mine.