In December of 2005, life dealt me a series of heavy blows that tested my strength and resilience to the core. Returning home from a military deployment to Iraq, I thought I had faced the toughest battles, but little did I know that the real struggles were waiting for me on the home front.
Within a year of my return, my world seemed to crumble around me. An emotional divorce and a contested custody battle left me reeling, pushing me to the brink of an abyss of despair. The weight of the deployment mixed with the pain of separation plunged me into a deep financial crisis, all while I silently battled the demons of depression, PTSD, and a Traumatic Brain Injury, all consequences of my time in Iraq.
As each day passed, I found myself sinking deeper into darkness, my heart consumed by resentment and hatred. I played a relentless loop of "what if's" and "if only's," torturing myself with thoughts of how I could have done things differently. The future appeared bleak, and I questioned if life held any meaning or purpose anymore. One day, my daughter asked me "Why do you always have sad eyes, Daddy? " At that point, I didn't even know if I wanted to go on living anymore. I felt the whole world was against me and I was tired of feeling like a failure.
But then, at the lowest point of my life, I found myself on my knees, crying out for help and solace. In that moment of desperation, a profound realization washed over me. Life wasn't just about me; there was something greater at stake- my legacy. In the depths of my pain, an inner voice whispered softly: "Live for her." My daughter's presence had become a guiding light, a reminder that I had a purpose worth fighting for. At that instant, I knew I had to change the way I was living and the only way that would happen was to change my perspective and take immediate and intentional actions if I wanted to change my circumstances. I had to empower IF.
I learned three unwavering truths that day: the boundless grace and love of a GOD, the certainty that every one of us has a purpose, even if we cannot comprehend it in our darkest hours, and that God can place people in our path when we need them the most. Sometimes, all it takes is grace and little faith to lead us from despair to hope.
Today, I'm blessed with three amazing kids and remarried to an incredible woman. Even though it was humbling and challenging to start a new career path due to my injuries, I completed graduate school and earned a doctorate degree.
That is why my passion lies in helping other men empower their lives and maximize their roles as fathers and husbands. I believe struggles can serve as the catalyst for our greatest triumphs, and my journey has ignited a fire within me to guide others toward the same transformation.
Life is the reality of your dreams... Make it GREAT!
"The Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught."
-Proverbs 3:26 ESV