For the past two years I’ve been searching and looking and hunting high and low.
I’ve turned over hundreds of rocks. I’ve read dozens of books. I’ve listened to podcasts, taken online courses, attended conferences, and talked to hundreds of people. I’ve prayed, cried, screamed, gone silent, and sometimes simply existed. I’ve had moments of apparent discovery, and moments of complete confusion. I’ve stalled many times.
And now…it is time to move forward.
It is time to claim my calling and narrow my focus.
The one overriding theme from the past two years has been my desire to pour into people. The big question struggling to be answered has been, “What people?”
To speak to a general audience sounds great. Surely everyone wants to hear want I have to say. Surely God has given me a message to bring to EVERYONE.
But, I’ve always felt pulled to a specific audience.
I’m 44 years old.
I’ve been married for over 21 years.
My sons are 16 and 18.
I’ve written a few times about the huge regret I have for missing out on many things over the last couple of decades.
I’ve written about my struggle with depression.
Now is the time for me to write and speak to a more specific audience.
No more “poor me” writing. (A good friend of mine calls it “Eeyore writing”.)
Starting today my focus will be on pouring into those men behind me in life.
The men I’m longing to speak to may be married. They may have young children. They may be in their late teens and looking for whatever is “next” for them.
My intent going forward will be to pour into men who are like I was 10-25 years ago.
I will certainly use the lessons I learned.
I will certainly use my failures and successes to form my message.
But, I will not dwell on the pain and deep wounds inflicted on me. I will use the memories and stories of those events to help steer men through the maze of life.
I have a trusted team of advisers I lean on daily. They act as my personal Board of Directors. They will hold me accountable. They will help direct my personal path as I look to direct others.
They will help me develop this blog, books, devotionals, speeches, and many other avenues to share my message.
The Chairman of the Board for my life is my Heavenly Father. All of this begins and ends with him. Through daily prayer, daily reading of the Bible, and constant conversation with God, I will move forward with what he has placed on my heart.
In the next few weeks I’ll share more of the ideas I’m developing and changes I’m planning. Please stayed tuned! And please offer ideas!
I look forward to sharing this journey with everyone. Please invite your friends and family to join.
My friend, I am wiping tears from my eyes as I read. My heart is thumping with excitement. Yes, this. This is the place you have been called to and the men whom you will impact will exceed your human expectations. Yes. I am so glad you sought wise counsel, have taken your time, have set this before the Throne of Grace. The best is yet to come.
The best certainly is yet to come!
Bravo Rick – this is gonna be good!
Thanks Mike!
Love this post Rick, and I’m glad you’ve narrowed your focus. Men following behind need men like you to step up!
Thanks!
Congrats… #Soon finally became #Now. Its time to turn your “What If” into “Look at Me Now, bro”
Yep!
Rick, I LOVE this!
I honed my message a few years ago. . .it is freeing.
I think God is doing and will do great things with and through you!
Blessings.
Thank you!
Great introduction Rick. You have done a beautiful heart-felt introduction. Keep up the great work and remember “WORDS?”.
Thanks!
Do you hear the applause and see me smiling? Yes, you have done the hard work and now you can build upon what you’ve discovered. Please do share your counsel with others as strengthening relationships can only aid the world. Looking forward to the unstoppable you!
Thanks Jane!
Good stuff Rick! I love the image of speaking and communicating on behalf of our wounds, sadness and pain rather than through it. Keep pressing in!
Thank you Josh!
Rick, I am super excited to see this clarity for you and pumped that you are moving forward.
Thanks!
Cannot wait to see what the future hold’s for you brother. With God as leader your will lead many others through your inspiration and spirit filled words.
Thanks.
As someone looking for their own voice, I know what you have gone through and am excited to see what direction your are headed. Bravo!
It takes time, but you will find it. Keep going Lee-Ann.
So excited for this direction you’re taking, Rick! And so needed by our world. What you have learned is already not in vain. Applauding you!
Thank you!
Love it!!!!
The Chairman of the Board for my life is my Heavenly Father. Yes!
It’s awesome to see the direction you are headed in.
Yes!!!!!
I am so excited!
What is beautiful, is that even if you narrow the focus of who you are writing for, we ALL STILL CAN BE YOUR AUDIENCE AND CHEER YOU ON! The narrowing is for YOU- to give you a face, a person to write for. A way to organize your approach and focus your thoughts.
I am so excited for you!!
May God give you Rick exactly what you need to do His work, exactly when you need it!!
Thanks Todd!
As a man who is behind you in life, I am excited beyond words about this!
Zach, thank you. I hope what is coming will speak to you and help you with your journey. Thanks for reading.
I’m so happy for you, Rick! Can’t wait to see what unfolds here!
Corie – Thank you!
This is fantastic Rick! Can’t wait to see what more comes from you
Wes – Thanks! I hope you enjoy it and find it helpful. Thanks for coming along for the journey!
So so so so so proud !! Im rooting for you ! God bless you #teamauthors
Go Rick go! Follow your heart and let God direct your footsteps.
Thanks Alan!
Rick,
I’ve just started getting into some of your posts, and love your voice and your passion for the Word, family, and encouraging others. I can so relate to what you say and share a lot of similarities.
I especially love this post and have been praying about similar things as I’m still finding my way and what God would have me do with my writing. Can’t wait to see where you’re headed and to start to get into more of your older posts.
-shawn
Shawn, thanks! Welcome!