Nothing Wasted
Especially the Pain.
It Doesn’t Seem Real?
My story seems surreal, but it’s true. My mess and yours are welcome here. You have your own unique story. God is not caught off guard by any of it. He is always there, my friend.
I write for healing, for managing challenges, for building relationships, and for serving others. God has been by my side through every step. Years ago, I discovered the powerful reality that “People matter more than possessions,” a belief that has shaped my existence ever since. When I was 19, I had a life-changing experience with God that led to a profound transformation, sparking a path of spiritual evolution and exploration.
Called to Pastor?
Not Yet at Least.
Despite feeling a persistent calling towards full-time ministry, I dedicated myself to raising a family in a small North Carolina community. Through prayer and seeking God’s purpose for my life, I embarked on a journey to discover my true calling, driven by a desire to live a life fully aligned with God’s plan. While I am not a pastor, I approach life with childlike faith, holding a deep love for Christ and a commitment to glorifying His name through my actions. I have served as a deacon and a leader in my community, finding joy in teaching Sunday School, leading men’s groups, and facilitating small groups at my church and beyond.
I founded and led my own corporation for over a decade serving clients like David Jeremiah and major nonprofits like The March of Dimes and Susan G. Komen. Blessed with two wonderful sons who have faced challenges beyond their years, I have experienced both victories and hardships in various aspects of life and business over the years. Throughout it all, God has been faithful, consistently providing opportunities for me to minister to others, whether they be students, colleagues, family members, or strangers in everyday interactions.
Storms Will Come
In 2017, my faith faced its greatest challenge as my wife of over 20 years began to undergo significant changes that left our family bewildered. Despite our relentless efforts to help her, she tragically succumbed to her inner demons and passed away in 2019. Enduring the aftermath of suicide is a harrowing experience for any family. This period was marked by years of struggle and trauma, punctuated by multiple near-death incidents. To compound our hardships, in January, we suffered the loss of our home, clothes, and possessions in a devastating fire. Just a few months later, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of my wife, who was not only the mother of our boys but also my closest friend.
The Stigma
is Real.
We all carry stories of struggle, pain, and loss. On April 17th, 2019, I held my wife’s hand as she took her last breath. A couple of months before my wife passed, I found myself in a Hampton Inn with my sons, grappling with the absence of their mother amidst a tumultuous whirlwind of change and adversity. The fragments of my life lay shattered and scattered. Seeking solace, I turned to an online Christian grieving group and mustered the courage to attend a GriefShare meeting at a local church near Burlington, NC.
In the midst of overwhelming despair, I felt crushed beyond measure. My usual support system had vanished, leaving only my faith and my parents as anchors. While my church offered unwavering support, they were unaware of the intricate details of my ordeal. Our community undoubtedly harbored a multitude of questions as we grappled with the hushed truths of suicide and the harrowing events leading up to it. The stigma surrounding suicide loomed large, shrouded in mystery and shame. The darkness and silence that accompany such tragedies are profound and isolating.
Our Heavenly Father
Knows Best.
In the depths of my sorrow, God graciously brought Michelle Dooley into my life, a fellow widow who understood the profound pain of losing a spouse. After a period of courtship from a distance, Michelle and I exchanged vows in 2021. Together, we have learned that God does not let any experience go to waste—not even the most agonizing trials and sorrows. Both Michelle and I have weathered our own storms of loss and adversity, yet we remain steadfast in seeking God’s presence and purpose throughout our journey.
Our path has been defined by releasing control and surrendering to God’s divine plan—a journey that continues to unfold. With a blended family of five adult children spread across the country, from New York to LA, we witness God’s handiwork in our lives on a regular basis. His love is constant, and His ways surpass our understanding.
As we walk alongside you, dear reader, we are reminded to keep our gaze fixed on the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, our Ultimate Guide. Together, let’s embrace the challenges and victories of life, knowing that the Word of God is alive and proclaiming victory in Jesus, our Savior forever!