After graduating from Dartmouth College, my childhood dream to be a professional athlete came true. I played as a soccer goalkeeper overseas until a tragic illness suddenly ended my career. In Africa, I took a prescribed medication to prevent malaria which built up toxic levels in my system. Fighting for my life for a year, it took ten years to fully recover. Life was going one way, then with a jolt and out of my control, it would never go that way again. It was brutal and tested me to the core. The symptoms were physical and psychological, and I was scrambling to figure out my identity with so much loss and grieving.
I believe God does His greatest work in the darkest times. The pain in my life fueled and forged a new passion and purpose. I was in survival mode and needed more effective coping strategies. I learned to cultivate hope habits. I discovered a vibrant hope that is greater than my challenges.
I didn't find hope until I lost it.
MY STORY
Hope is available to everyone. Hope is relational and habitual. I found a secure identity. I began to drop my walls and let people into the pain and receive comfort. Pouring out my heart in prayer and giving God my burdens was new.
A gritty gratitude, giving thanks intentionally even when I didn't feel like it, became a daily choice. A shift into a career I never anticipated was an unplanned blessing. Stepping out of performance traps and landing in God's grace transformed me. It was humbling, after several years, to regain the ability to drive a car again.
My battle with negative thoughts was fierce. I began to replace the destructive first thoughts and intentionally replace them with inspiring and true thoughts. Charting my progress and celebrating being able to walk a few more minutes over the course of the year was necessary. Abiding with Jesus became my greatest joy. I have experienced a gradual and deep healing journey on many levels. That is what I want to share with you and add value to your life.
At the lowest point of my life, I discovered a vibrant and indestructible hope. My pain fueled a new purpose and passion. Hope is available to everyone.
My calling is to encourage and empower people with hope, and I have reached over a billion people, all glory to God. The God of hope never runs out of hope. My official roles include pastor (Grace Community Church in Seattle), speaker, evangelist, and author. I create content that meets people where they are. I collaborate and enjoy many partnerships because we are better together (World Vision-together bringing clean water to every child in Africa). I appear on a wide range of television networks, shows, and media platforms because I care about a wide range of people, with different political and spiritual beliefs, and truly love all nations. I train people to bring hope where they live, work, learn, and play.
What is your story?
What brings you hope?
What do you want to give other people?
let's revive hope together!
Where can we send the Reviving Hope in
7 Days Video Series?
go on a seven day journey to finding hope
Where can we send the Practical Roadmap for Finding Hope?
