The Jesus Code: Part One

The Jesus Code: Living Like Christ in a Complicated World

Jesus Code: a practical, scripture-rooted code of conduct for everyday living—kindness, courage, humility, and service. In this series, we explore the Jesus Code, take an assessment, participate in the 7-day challenge, and learn some key scriptures.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Jesus lately.

Not just in the way we talk about Him in church, but wondering: what was He really like?
What was His personality? His attitude to life? How did He treat people—not just His friends and followers, but strangers, the outcast, the annoying, and the hostile?

More importantly, if Jesus were alive today, how would He live?

Would He be scrolling social media?
Would He show up at your workplace?
Would He speak out online?
Would He ignore you in traffic?

The Jesus we see in Scripture is deeply human, wildly loving, fiercely truthful, and yet deeply peaceful. And honestly, when I compare Jesus to the way many of us profess to be Christian today, there’s often a big gap.

We’ve all met people who say they follow Jesus—but who are judgmental, selfish, proud, and even at times rude. We’ve all been those people, too, at times. Myself included.

The WWJD Era

I remember the 90s and early 2000s—we wore those little WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets. A small reminder that every action was a choice to either reflect Christ or not. Maybe it’s time to bring them back… not as a fashion statement, but as a lifestyle question.

Because that question still matters.
In your conversations.
In your business.
In how you treat your spouse.
In how you respond to gossip.
In how you use money.
In how you talk to the waiter.

But how do we actually live it?

Here’s where I think we need something deeper than slogans and rituals. We need a Jesus Code—not rules to follow but habits, mindsets, and a heart posture rooted in who Jesus really is.

Not religious. Not performative. Not “holier than thou.” Just real.

Here’s what it might look like:

• Love first. Before correcting, condemning, or withdrawing.
• Serve quietly. Without needing applause or credit.
• Speak truth. But always with grace, never to wound.
• Forgive quickly. Even when no one says sorry.
• Stay grounded. Spend time with God, even in chaos.
• Be real. Jesus didn’t perform. He was deeply authentic.
• See people. Especially the ones others ignore.
• Choose peace. In conflict, in politics, in relationships.
• Obey courageously. Even when it’s costly.
• Hope always. Jesus never gave up on people.

Bringing the Jesus Code Into Your Daily Life

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
Here are some simple ways to begin:

• Start your day asking, “What would Jesus do here?”
• Journal moments where you felt misaligned with Him—not to shame, but to grow.
• Practice silence and prayer—even just five minutes.
• Let one “Jesus habit” guide you each week (like compassion, humility, or forgiveness).
• Invite accountability from friends who want to grow with you.

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In a noisy world full of opinions, division, and pressure, I believe we’re all craving something real. No more religion. More Jesus.

Let’s not just talk about Him.
Let’s live like Him.
Let’s rewrite the story of what it means to follow Jesus—not just with words, but with lives that quietly whisper:

“This… is what Jesus would do.”

Shalom!

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The Jesus Code: Part Two

The Jesus Code Challenge

Living Like Jesus. One Week at a Time.

Live the Jesus Code: a simple conduct guide rooted in scripture. Practice compassion, honesty, and courage daily—start the 7-day challenge today.

INTRODUCTION

We live in a world full of noise—podcasts, influencers, sermons, debates, and endless online opinions about what it means to be Christian. But in the middle of it all, we often forget the most important part: Jesus himself.

What if we paused the debates, stripped away the distractions, and simply looked at how Jesus lived—his attitude, habits, mindset, and how he treated people?

Welcome to The Jesus Code Challenge—a 7-week invitation to live more intentionally, more kindly, and more courageously—just like Jesus did.

This isn't about religion. It’s about real alignment with the life of the one we say we follow. Not just belief—but behavior. Not just Sunday—but every day.

This challenge is for Mavericks—bold people who are done with fake faith and are ready for a radical, honest look in the mirror.

BASELINE: The Jesus Code Self-Assessment

Before you dive in, take a few minutes to reflect on your last 7 days. How closely did your mindset, actions, and interactions mirror the way Jesus lived?

Rate each of the 12 statements below on a scale of 1 to 5:

(1 = Rarely true · 5 = Always true)

MINDSET

1. I respond to stress and conflict with peace, not panic.

2. I regularly make time to reflect, rest, or pray.

3. I practice forgiveness—even when it’s hard.

4. I’m open to truth, even when it challenges me.

RELATIONSHIPS

5. I treat people with compassion—especially the overlooked.

6. I speak with kindness, even when I disagree.

7. I listen more than I judge.

8. I serve others, even when it’s inconvenient.

DAILY LIFE

9. I spend time with people others often ignore.

10. I handle money and success with humility and generosity.

11. I care about justice without being self-righteous.

12. I love others the way I want to be loved.

SCORING

48–60 | 🌟 Living the Jesus Code — You're walking the talk. Keep going.

36–47 | ✨ Growing in the Code — You’re on the journey. Stay intentional.

24–35 | 🌱 Awakening — You’re beginning to see. Lean in.

12–23 | 🔍 Reconnecting—A perfect time to reset and realign.

THE 7-WEEK JESUS CODE CHALLENGE

Now that you’ve got a baseline, here’s the challenge:

Over the next 7 weeks, revisit this assessment every 7 days. Don’t just score yourself—live it. Choose one or two Jesus Code principles to work on each week.

✔️ Reflect.

✔️ Adjust.

✔️ Try again.

✔️ Grow forward.

You can retake the test as many times as you want. Growth isn’t linear—but it is powerful.

SHARE + CONNECT

This journey is even better in community. Once you've taken the assessment, share your score or your reflection in the comments with your fellow Mavericks. You’re not alone.

Encourage one another. Share your wins. Be honest about your struggles. This is how transformation happens—together.

FINAL THOUGHT

The world doesn't need more people saying they follow Jesus. It needs people who live like he did—radically loving, deeply grounded, and full of grace and truth.

So here’s the challenge, Maverick:

Live it. Reflect it. Be it.

Are you in?

The Jesus Code starts now.

Shalom!

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Play Life: Play with Purpose

— A Becoming Maverick Reflection

The Power of Play goes beyond entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for growth and learning. Through play, both children and adults develop creativity, problem-solving, communication, and emotional resilience. Psychologists and educators highlight how games mimic real-life situations, offering safe spaces to practice decision-making and strategy. Animals use play to learn survival skills, and humans sharpen social and cognitive abilities through it. Whether it’s the logic of chess, the teamwork in 30 Seconds, or the unpredictability of Ludo, play teaches adaptability and perseverance. When we play with purpose, we prepare for life’s challenges with wisdom, joy, and confidence. 

If life were a board game, which one would you describe as yours? On this journey of Becoming Maverick, I’ve discovered that games can give us valuable insights into life—and even help us develop and practice real-world strategies. Whether it’s chess, checkers, or snakes and ladders, every game reveals something deeper about how we think, relate, grow, win, or recover after setbacks.

I once had a conversation with a champion pool player named Mark. He said something that stopped me in my tracks:

“Most people play pool the same way they live. Their strategy on the table mirrors how they approach life.”

In other words, whether you're playing or living, you're revealing who you are.

Coming from a background in nature conservation, I’ve seen this reflected in the animal kingdom too. Many mammals teach their young how to survive through play. In my youth development work, I’ve noticed that the toys and games children gravitate toward often point toward their future passions or professions.

Psychologists confirm it: play is powerful. It’s where habits are born. It’s where character is tested. It’s where purpose begins to form.

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Life Lessons from the Games We Play

Over the years, I’ve reflected on what various board games have taught me. Each one holds a lesson—a metaphor for seasons in life. And no matter how simple or complex, every game reminds us that life requires awareness, adaptation, and a willingness to grow.

Sometimes Life Feels Like Drafts (Checkers)

Simple rules. Equal pieces. Straightforward moves. In these seasons, progress depends on consistent action. The lesson? Master the basics, respect the rhythm, and keep moving.

Other Times, It’s Like Chess

Every piece is different. The rules are more complex. Success requires focus, strategy, foresight, and the willingness to lose small battles for the sake of the bigger picture. Life in these moments teaches us to think, plan, and pause before we move.

Then There Are Scrabble Seasons

You must build—but only with what you have. You may not get the ideal “letters” in life, but creativity, knowledge, and timing can still bring victory. Scrabble reminds us that limitations don’t block success—they shape innovation.

Life Can Resemble Monopoly Too

High risk, high reward. It’s about ownership, negotiation, and long-term strategy. It teaches us about wealth, power, and the danger of greed. Monopoly moments in life push us to think like builders and investors.

Sometimes, It’s 30 Seconds

Fast-paced. Pressure-filled. Your team matters. Success depends on quick thinking, memory, communication, and chemistry. These seasons remind us that some wins require the right people, not just the right plan.

At Times, It’s Like Pictionary

You’re trying to understand what someone else is trying to say with very few tools. Miscommunication is likely, but empathy and patience make connection possible. This game reminds us that listening is an art, and understanding takes time.

Then There’s Ludo

You don’t control the dice. Life throws random challenges your way. But what matters is what you do with your turn. Even when you don’t get the number you wanted, there’s a strategy to move forward. Ludo reminds us to play smart — even when luck isn’t on our side.

And Let’s Not Forget Snakes & Ladders

You’re climbing, soaring, winning — and suddenly, you hit a snake. You fall hard, far, and fast. But you keep going. Because just as quickly, a ladder might appear and lift you higher than before. This game reminds us that failure is not final and fortune can turn in a single moment.

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So what’s the point, Maverick?

The point is this: life is a game, and it’s rich with lessons. Every game teaches us something different. Sometimes we need to play with logic. Sometimes with heart. Sometimes with courage. And sometimes, with hope.

Being a Maverick means recognising the season you’re in—and choosing the right strategy for that season. It means knowing that while you can’t control every roll of the dice, you can control your mindset, your preparation, and your response.

Life is exciting. It’s unpredictable. And it’s full of challenges. But with reflection, strategy, and purpose, we can rise to meet it.

So, Maverick, I’ll ask again:
If life were a game, which one are you playing right now?
Are you adapting to the board in front of you?
Are you playing with purpose, or simply passing time?

Becoming Maverick means mastering not just the game but yourself every time you step up to play.

Shalom!

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“Blessing” in Genesis 1 comes from the Hebrew word “barak,” meaning to kneel, praise, or empower with favour. In the blog ‘Was Good: Loving This Day,’ we explore the creation story not as a timeline debate, but as a guide to creativity, self-recognition, and inner value. Becoming Maverick means knowing that your progress—even unfinished—is already good.

It Was Good: Loving This Day

Regardless of your beliefs about God or your views on the timeline of creation, Genesis chapter one contains a powerful narrative filled with timeless wisdom. While theologians speak of a 6,000-year-old earth and scientists present a much longer timeline, this debate often becomes a distraction. What truly matters is the spirit of the story — and the Creator's attitude toward His work.

Whether you're building a business, writing a book, developing a website, or simply shaping your life, Genesis 1 offers a pattern and a mindset worth studying. One detail that stood out to me recently is this: after each stage of creation, God looked at what He had made and declared, “It was good.” And when He created humankind, He said, “It was very good.”

This practice of pausing, observing, and affirming progress holds deep meaning. It tells us that it's not only okay—it's wise—to stop and appreciate the work you've done so far. You may not be finished, and you may be far from your goal, but it is good. Give yourself that encouragement, especially when no one else sees what you’ve poured into your vision.

When God created Adam and Eve, they had no money, no wardrobe, and no worldly status—yet He blessed them. This reveals something profound: blessing is not about material wealth. You are not blessed because of what you own, but because of who you are. You are the blessing. Your life, your gifts, your presence—these are answers to someone’s prayer.

This truth must be believed aggressively: your value is within you. Unleash it with confidence and purpose.

Maverick, be encouraged. The journey of becoming who you were made to be is not always easy. It can be lonely. But remember: “The end of a thing is better than its beginning.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8) And don’t long for the “good old days.” As Ecclesiastes 7:10 says, “It is not wise to ask, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’”

You are not done yet. You are still being formed. And already—it is good.

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 Alpha is often defined as the leader, the dominant figure at the top. But true maverick living goes beyond chasing titles. In Beyond Alpha, we explore how every role—Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omega—matters for the success of the group. Life is a journey of seasons: sometimes you lead, sometimes you support, sometimes you heal. Your worth isn’t defined by titles but by how you contribute, grow, and uplift others. Becoming Maverick means embracing your season with strength, wisdom, and purpose.

Beyond Alpha: Understanding Your Role in the Pack

In today's noisy world, the term "Alpha" gets thrown around far too often, especially targeting young men trying to find their place. But Becoming Maverick has never been about chasing titles or dominating others. True maverick living is about deeply understanding your role within your family, community, workplace, and friend groups—and embracing that role with honour, strength, and wisdom.

In a wolf pack, yes, the Alpha leads. But every member—from the Omega to the Delta—plays a vital role in the survival and prosperity of the pack. Life is much the same. We are not static beings. Throughout our lifetime, our role will shift depending on the season we find ourselves in.

Let's unpack the key wolf pack roles and their risks and rewards:

• Alpha: The leader who makes decisions for the pack, responsible for protection and guidance.

  • Reward: Respect, authority, and legacy.

  • Risk: Constant challenges to leadership, immense pressure, and responsibility.

• Beta: The second-in-command, loyal to the Alpha and enforcer of discipline.

  • Reward: Influence without the ultimate burden of leadership.

  • Risk: Must navigate loyalty and ambition carefully, risking conflict if ambition is unchecked.

• Delta: The workers, scouts, and protectors. They maintain order and perform crucial duties.

  • Reward: Purpose and a sense of contribution.

  • Risk: Often overlooked, yet critical; burnout if unappreciated.

• Omega: The peacemaker, absorbing tension within the pack and often acting as a social glue.

  • Reward: Emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.

  • Risk: Being misunderstood, marginalised, or scapegoated during crises.

Sometimes, you will be Alpha—the leader with vision, strength, and responsibility. Other times, you will be Beta or Delta—providing support, keeping the group stable, and ensuring the leader succeeds for the sake of all. You may even find yourself in an Omega season. But hear this: your value is not determined by the label society gives you.

If you find yourself in a support role, embrace it. Do not sabotage the Alpha. Your turn will come, and how you support others reveals the depth of your own leadership maturity.

If you lose your position as Alpha, it’s not failure—it’s a sign that you are not the right leader for that season. That is okay. True Mavericks prioritise becoming healthy individuals in mind, body, and spirit so they can contribute meaningfully at any stage.

Sometimes, life events—loss, illness, setbacks—leave us feeling weak. That too is part of the journey. Lean into the strength of your family, friends, colleagues, and broader society to heal and become strong again. This is not shameful—it’s wisdom.

We were never created to walk alone. As Dr. Myles Munroe once said:

"When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable."

So, understand the purpose you live.

He also said "True leadership is not about controlling people. It's about serving them and influencing them to achieve their full potential." Know that you are a person of value, so are those around you. 

Dr Monroe also advised us that "Success is not a pursuit... it's a state of being. It's the process of becoming who you were born to be."

The Bible, too, teaches us the wisdom of seasons:

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

Mavericks, embrace the season you are in. Lead when it’s your time. Support others when they need you. Heal when you are broken. And always—always—continue to grow.

The journey of Becoming Maverick is not about proving yourself to others. It’s about living life, adding value to yourself and those around you in every season of life.

Stay strong, stay wise, stay Maverick.

Join the Conversation

Thank you for reading to the end.  What is your strategy for the 2025? Let’s start a conversation—leave a comment below!

Shalom!

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Feeling inspired? If my content has brought a smile to your face, a R35 treat of coffee and a cupcake would do the same for me! Your kindness adds a touch of sweetness to my day and reminds me that my work is valued. Every sip and bite will be a delicious reminder of your support. Thank you for spreading joy and making my creative process even sweeter!

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Surprise and Delight 🎁

Love what you see? Whether it’s a tiny espresso shot or a grand dessert feast, your surprise gift of any amount fills my heart with excitement and keeps my creativity bubbling! Your generosity, in whatever form it takes, brings unexpected joy to my day and propels me forward. 

Thank you for your support and for making this journey so much more fun and rewarding!

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The Genesis Moment

The Genesis Moment: Forming Order During Chaos

Genesis means “beginning,” teaching us to create order from chaos. Instead of fearing disorder, we can establish structure, embrace responsibility, and build a foundation for growth. Becoming Maverick means transforming through challenges and stepping into stewardship over your life. Let's apply the Genesis Mindset today.

Genesis—it means "beginning."

I often find myself returning to the first few chapters of Genesis, especially when life feels out of control and chaotic or when I'm facing things I don’t fully understand. There’s something about these opening words of the Bible that carries profound wisdom—wisdom we often overlook. Becoming Maverick is about stepping back, recognizing the principles that govern life, and applying them with intention.

Too often, we get caught up in religious or scientific debates about Genesis and miss the principles it offers for how life on earth actually works. But if we take a step back and simply look at the pattern of creation, we begin to see powerful truths that apply to our daily lives, our struggles, and our growth.

In life, we often find ourselves in a state of chaos—formless and void, just like the earth in the beginning (Genesis 1:2). We tend to interpret these moments as the end—the death of something great, the failure of a dream, or the unraveling of what we once built. But what if chaos isn’t the end?

What if chaos is actually the beginning of something new?

What if the discomfort, uncertainty, and confusion we experience are not signs of destruction, but rather signs of creation in progress?

I like to compare this to the process of decomposition. It doesn’t happen at the end of life—it happens at the beginning. It’s nature’s way of breaking down former life structures into their simplest components, making them available to become something entirely new.

This is the Genesis Mindset—a way of seeing our lives through the same lens as the creation story, recognizing that every great transformation begins with chaos, is shaped by order, and is sustained by stewardship.

Let’s break it down.

1. Chaos Precedes Creation

Genesis 1:2 describes the earth as "formless and void"—a place of darkness and uncertainty. And yet, this is exactly where God begins His work.

Principle: If your life feels chaotic, that doesn’t mean it’s over. It means something new is about to take shape.

Practical Takeaway:

• Instead of resisting chaos, ask what it’s making room for.
• What needs to be cleared away so that something better can emerge?
• Instead of seeing confusion as failure, see it as a transition into something new.

2. Order is the First Step

God’s first creative act was not making things but bringing order—He separated light from darkness, land from water, day from night. Before He created living things, He structured the environment.

Principle: The first step to any breakthrough is creating order.

Practical Takeaway:

• When life feels overwhelming, don’t try to "fix everything at once"—start by creating structure.
• Identify what’s out of alignment. Is it your finances? Your relationships? Your habits?
• Small, consistent steps toward order set the foundation for growth. The first step could be as simple as cleaning the room you are in.

3. Systems Sustain Growth

Once order was established, God created systems—the cycle of seasons, the balance between sky, sea, and land. Creation is about designing self-sustaining ecosystems rather than just making new things.

Principle: True growth is about building systems that make success inevitable rather than just working harder.

Practical Takeaway:

• Whether in business, health, or relationships, ask yourself: Do I have a system in place?
• Want financial freedom? You need a budgeting and investing system.
• Want spiritual growth? You need a consistent practice of learning, prayer, and reflection.
• Success isn’t just about willpower—it’s about designing a system that naturally leads to results.

4. Stewardship Determines Reward

When mankind was created, they were given dominion. But dominion meant responsibility and stewardship over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28). We often view dominion as ruling by force, but this is a deeply flawed way of thinking.

Principle: Don’t be demanding—be commanding. You get more by managing well what you already have, not by demanding more.

Practical Takeaway:

• If you want to be trusted with more, manage what you already have with excellence.
• Take care of the relationships, opportunities, and resources you have now, and more will come.
• If you say, "I can't manage with this," or "I’m not coping," it means you’re not yet ready for more. This truth is hard to swallow, especially when facing financial distress, but growth follows good stewardship.

5. Respect the System, or Face the Consequences

The same system that allowed humanity to thrive also had boundaries. When those boundaries were violated (Genesis 3), destruction followed.

Principle: Every system has rules. If you violate them, you set yourself up for failure.

Practical Takeaway:

• Success in any area of life is about understanding the principles that govern it.
• There are principles and laws that govern life on earth—ignoring them doesn’t exempt you from their effects.
• There’s a saying: "You will learn the lesson until you LEARN the lesson." Often, we suffer because we are violating laws we aren’t even aware of.

Neglect your health? It deteriorates.
Ignore financial discipline? You struggle.
Disrespect relationships? They break down.

Living wisely means understanding the laws that create success and choosing to align with them.

The Genesis Mindset: A New Way to See Your Life

Take your Genesis moment and develop a Genesis Mindset. Genesis isn’t just a story about the world’s creation—it’s a pattern for how all things are created:

1. Chaos isn’t the end—it’s the starting point.
2. Order comes first—before growth, before success.
3. Systems create sustainability—random effort doesn’t.
4. Stewardship determines expansion—you manage well before you get more.
5. Disregard systems, and you destroy yourself.

So, when life feels chaotic, don’t see it as destruction. See it as a Genesis Moment.

A new beginning.

A chance to bring order, implement systems, and step into a new level of growth.

Because the Genesis Mindset teaches us that every great transformation begins in the dark, takes shape through structure, and thrives through stewardship.

Mavericks, I know the journey isn’t always easy. We all face moments where everything seems to be falling apart. But what if, instead of resisting the chaos, we embraced it as the birthplace of transformation?

Forming order out of chaos is the pattern of creation. When life feels overwhelming, ask yourself: What systems do I need to establish? What structures will allow me to grow? What internal shifts will move me from disorder to clarity?

The Genesis Mindset will guide you through any new beginning. Not all new beginnings are forced upon us—sometimes, we willingly take on new challenges, a new job, a new house, a new relationship. These principles still apply.

Your inner work will lead to outward transformation.

So, Mavericks, don’t fear the chaos—build within it. Grow through it. Becoming Maverick means learning how to create order, embrace responsibility, and step into the role of a steward over your own life.

Let’s move forward with intention—one step at a time.

Join the Conversation

Thank you for reading to the end.  What is your strategy for the New Year? Let’s start a conversation—leave a comment below!

Shalom!

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Gift a Treat R15 

Thank You for Your Generosity 

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Daily Brew Delight ☕

Your appreciation means the world to me! If you’ve been enjoying my content, consider gifting me a little treat for R15. This daily brew not only keeps my creative energy flowing but also adds a warm glow to my day. Your thoughtful gesture is like a ray of sunshine that brightens my work. Thank you for being a part of my journey and fueling my inspiration!

Coffee and Cupcake - R35

Coffee and Cupcake Bliss ☕🧁

Feeling inspired? If my content has brought a smile to your face, a R35 treat of coffee and a cupcake would do the same for me! Your kindness adds a touch of sweetness to my day and reminds me that my work is valued. Every sip and bite will be a delicious reminder of your support. Thank you for spreading joy and making my creative process even sweeter!

Surprise Me - Any Amount

Surprise and Delight 🎁

Love what you see? Whether it’s a tiny espresso shot or a grand dessert feast, your surprise gift of any amount fills my heart with excitement and keeps my creativity bubbling! Your generosity, in whatever form it takes, brings unexpected joy to my day and propels me forward. 

Thank you for your support and for making this journey so much more fun and rewarding!

New Beginnings: New Year, New Growth

Mark 2:1–12, “Let us begin this new year with these words of wisdom as motivation: speak up, reach out, and carry your friends toward healing. Together, we are stronger.”

Happy New Year, Mavericks!

What I’m about to share has been brewing inside me for months. I started putting pen to paper about a month ago, but I discarded several drafts before settling on this version. Now, as the new year gets underway, I find myself reflecting more deeply on what it means to face challenges head-on and come out stronger—what it means to embrace the journey of Becoming Maverick.

For many, the new year is a time for quick resolutions and goal-setting. For me, this process has evolved into something longer and more intentional over the past few years. My annual reflection and goal-setting now begins in mid-December and stretches over 30 to 60 days, sometimes ending in February. It’s not just about ticking items off a list—it’s about taking the time to honestly assess where I’ve been, what I’ve faced, and where I’m headed. It’s about identifying the changes I need to make to get there. This could include upgrading beliefs that no longer serve me, acquiring new skills or resources, or even building or ending personal or business relationships. It’s about understanding myself, the world, and making the necessary edits to my game plan.

This year, I had to confront the truth that 2024 was incredibly tough. There were long stretches—50 to 60% of the time—where I felt like I was walking around with a hole in my heart. A heaviness I couldn’t shake. Have you ever felt like you wanted to cry but couldn’t find the tears? That’s where I was. Anxiety was constantly in the red zone, and I didn’t know where to turn. I couldn’t even put into words what was wrong, and I felt my friends were tired of hearing the same sad stories. So, I kept it to myself.

In the middle of all this, one Bible story kept coming to mind: the paralyzed man and his friends in Mark 2:1–12. These friends carried their lame companion to Jesus, even breaking open a roof to ensure he got the healing he needed. That story has stayed with me because I realized—I was the lame man.

As an introvert leaning toward ambivert tendencies, I deeply value my alone time. But this year reinforced something important: we were not designed to live in isolation. Having time to recharge is necessary, but prolonged isolation can be dangerous—it can drive a person to despair. My friend Sam and I often discuss this: introverts need balance. We need alone time, but we also need connection. The truth is, that introverts love and need people, just in a different manner than extroverts.

I am filled with gratitude because, despite the challenges, I had a special group of friends and family who carried me through. At times, I felt paralyzed by my struggles—financially, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically unable to move forward. Like the lame man in the story, I was dependent on others to get me to a place of healing. And I can honestly say I wouldn’t have made it without them.

Even now, there are days when life doesn’t go the way I want, and I relapse into moments of stress or depression. But I’ve come a long way, thanks to those who stayed with me when I couldn’t carry myself.

Like the paralyzed man’s friends, they didn’t let me struggle alone. They reminded me of an important truth: we were not designed to live in isolation. Healing and breakthroughs happen in the context of connection and support.

Mavericks, I know how hard it can be to reach out for help—especially for men. Society often tells us to “tough it out,” to hide our struggles, and to see vulnerability as weakness. But let me encourage you: speak up when you need help. Don’t let pride or fear silence you. Healing begins when we allow others to walk with us.

And to those who see a friend struggling—don’t let go too soon. Sometimes we assume someone is “fine” and move on, leaving them to struggle alone when they still need us. Healing takes time, and your presence might make all the difference.

In the early 2000s, the singer-songwriter Stacie Orrico released a song called I Promise. The lyrics ask:

"Will I take tender, tender care of you?
Take your darkest night and make it bright for you?
Will I be there to make you strong and to lean on?
When this world has turned so cold, will I be the one that’s there to hold?"

This is the kind of friendship we all need—and the kind we can offer to others.

Ask your friends, “How are you, really?” And when you do, be thoughtful. Men and women open up differently; often, men open up better shoulder-to-shoulder rather than face-to-face. Whether it’s through a shared activity, a quiet moment, or simply listening without judgment or solutions, your support matters. Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear.

Mavericks, we were designed to be connected. So carry your friends when they can’t carry themselves. Break through the “roof” of silence and stigma. Don’t let anyone be left struggling alone. Be the friend who stays, who listens, and who lifts others toward healing. Too often, we don’t look deeply enough at a problem to find the root that would resolve it. We regard most of our troubles as externally generated, but in reality, most are internally generated—even the financial ones. There are deep internal wounds that require healing before our external reality can change. In other words, we need to heal. So we must learn how to heal, and how to bring ourselves to a point of healing.

And that, my friends, is what Becoming Maverick is all about: leaning into community, embracing vulnerability, and choosing connection over isolation. Let’s step boldly into this new year with courage, compassion, and the commitment to be there for each other when it matters most. Together, we are stronger.

Join the Conversation

Thank you for reading to the end.  What is your strategy for the New Year? Let’s start a conversation—leave a comment below!

Shalom!

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