Circle of Trust

(Note: Not the actual CoT given as I left my phone at the shelter by the ball fields, but you the gist)

I’m grateful for all the men and women of our Armed Forces and sacrifices each one has made to keep us safe. I was instantly drawn to F3 from the first workout back in July because I related so many of the principles of our military to the mission of the men of F3 and I’m proud to call you all my brothers.

Growing up as a poor kid from rural Kentucky, I never felt a sense of self-worth, confidence, or connection and always compared my family situation to what I saw on TV and in the movies. I ended up with a chip on my shoulder and determined I had to work harder and longer to prove to everyone else in the world what I was worth. So that’s what I did. Throughout high school, into the Air Force, and throughout my 20’s and early 30’s I simply ‘out worked’ everyone around me and made sure I was the leader in all circumstances so that everyone would see and value of what I did and what I had overcome. I had to prove all of ‘them’ wrong and I didn’t do anything in life unless it helped me in accomplishing ‘more’ than others thought possible for a poor kid from Kentucky. The only problem was that there was no ‘them’ in this equation, there was only me and the bullshit excuses and stories I made up in my head to rationalize my actions.

My family and friends have always loved me for who I am and not any of the things I’ve done or accomplished.  In fact, my outlook on life had led me to places of arrogance and pride that drove the people and things I truly cared about out of my life and only left me hollow and lonely. I had accomplished some pretty impressive things at a young age, and had nothing meaningful to show for it.

I was fortunate to come to this realization a couple years back and understand that my worth comes from the grace of God and there is nothing I could ever do to prove myself or earn his love. That’s become a core understanding in my life and now I share my story with others in hopes that it might help them avoid the same mistakes I’ve made. I believe we all have gifts and talents given to us from God, and some of them show themselves through our life experiences and then God puts you in a position to use them for his purpose in this world. So that’s

Philippians 2:3 – Don’t be selfish; don’t try impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

I’m thankful that you HIMs embody that scripture and take an interest in serving us all and using your collective talents to help all of us grow. Every day that we come out in the gloom within this community, we grow stronger physically, mentally, spiritually, and relationally, and that’s exactly what God intended for us all.

Prayer Requests: Prayers given for Coldcuts step grandmother who is battling cancer and for a successful interview next Monday!

Lord we’re thankful and pray for the men and women of all armed forces, including those who oppose us, and we look forward to a day when wars are no longer waged and we live in peace with each other. Until that time, we pray that you use each of us to do your will and to promote Love and Grace to others and to be servant leaders, putting the needs of others above our own as much as a possible. In the name of your son Jesus, Amen.