Archive | Culture

Dear Bernie Sanders, I Am a Christian

I try to avoid politics whenever possible. The political arena has become so emotionally charged and off-putting that I’d rather remove myself than be buried in the constant stream of negativity and noise. But there are moments when I cannot and will not remain silent. This is one of those moments. Yesterday, an exchange occurred between Bernie Sanders and Russell Vought during a confirmation hearing that alarmed me. During this exchange, Senator Sanders referenced Mr. Vought’s comments regarding his Christian faith and his position on salvation. […]

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Courageous Patience

In the summer of 2013, I discovered a newfound passion for writing and speaking that had previously laid dormant. As people began following along, my excitement grew. Passion birthed relentless productivity and I dreamed of building an online business so I could quit my job. I hustled like crazy to make it happen. But hindsight affords us the clarity we lack in the moment. The truth is, my passion and productivity had consumed me. As a result, I became a poor steward of what I […]

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Three People You Need in Your Life

Life is hard. There’s no denying that. As a result, we try to control our circumstances to avoid the “hard”— like if we eat right or get on a budget, then it will all be rainbows and unicorns. By sheer willpower and effectiveness we try to push through our struggles with a fix-it-myself attitude. But curiously, that mentality isolates us. Before we know it, we’re alone, buried by our circumstances. Rather than relying on efficient practices and willpower, is there another way? As a […]

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Lessons From Dad’s Hospital Bedside

My dad was recently hospitalized with atrial fibrillation, an erratic heartbeat that can lead to a number of health problems. On top of that, he was suffering from vertigo and ringing in his ears that caused constant nausea. It was a debilitating combination that raised concerns about cardiac arrest and stroke. I’ve never seen my dad in such a weakened state. For a man whose strength and consistency has been a staple in my life, it caused me to pause and consider […]

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10 Money Tips that Cost Me $100,000 and a Few Thoughts on Being Rich

What most people fail to tell you about money is that it’s suffocating. The weight of financial pressure robs you of the very breath in your lungs. I remember the feeling of laying in bed at night, staring at the ceiling, playing out the events in my mind as it became more and more difficult to breathe. “What if” was a familiar foe that sang me to sleep with its lullaby of foreclosure and shame. I hated those nights. But for nearly […]

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Life Lessons From Sports | All Streaks Come to an End

Last night, Morgan William slayed the giant. The 5-foot-5-inch junior point guard from Mississippi State hit the game-winning jumper in overtime to defeat the UConn Huskies and broke one of the greatest streaks in sports history. Going into the game, the UConn Women’s Basketball dynasty had won 111 consecutive games and 4 consecutive national championships by an average margin of victory of 38 points. That’s legendary. By far one of the most dominating teams sports has ever known. And although Morgan […]

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The Cost of Success, Embracing Your Day Job, and Living Your Dreams

When I was fifteen years old, I moved into the room over the garage at my parent’s house. With my own bathroom and personal space, I felt like a king. I was ready for high school, independence, and life on my own. Ten years later, my wife and I moved back into that same room. I was a broke salesman. The real estate bubble had burst and left me holding the bag. To add insult to my already injured ego, […]

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