#69 – From Fatherless to Fearless  

Guest:  Candice Crear   

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

Whether your father has walked away, is in jail, has passed away, or is emotionally unavailable in the next room, this leader and her organization are here to help you. You matter, and you are seen, says the founder. She goes on to say we understand your journey because this founder, and our guest today, Candice Crear, had a challenging road of being fatherless at the age of 2, molested at 14, kicked out of college due to a lack of financial stability at 18, and laid off multiple times throughout adulthood. She was constantly hitting the brick wall of life and just wanted the pain to go away. She’s fought courageously to take back her life. You can too and they are ready to help you.  Whether you're a fatherless daughter or a mother trying to understand your child's pain, we’ll empower and equip you on your journey to healing and wholeness. Every day is a day worth fighting for.  

This ministry organization focuses on girls ages 13 to 19 in the greater Cincinnati area.  It varies slightly depending on how this organization gets connected with the girls.  They currently focus on being in schools and juvenile detention centers. It is important to connect with the girls in the environment where they are.  

To refresh from the last time Candice was on our podcast (Episode 29), “From Fatherless to Fearless” primarily uses a methodology called “B.R.I.D.G.E.”   This program is designed to help them set boundaries and exercise accountability; build healthy relationships and learn to express their feelings in a healthy way; grow to the next level while pursuing financial health; and live a greater tomorrow by embracing and facing their fearless journey. 

Fatherless to Fearless has been around for three years.  Since we met them 18 months ago, they have served 3x the number of young ladies, and their revenue has increased 5x.   This says that Candice and her team are clear on the vision, able to execute their planning, and have expanded the number of schools and detention centers that are willing to utilize their services.  

I will say that we need more people like Candice Crear who will take the pain of their life and put it into reaching those who are experiencing the same pain she has.  Too few of us know how to take intense pain and turn it into a ministry that will reach generations yet to be born.   

We are MMC are praying for Candice and others like her in this country who are selflessly pursuing the calling God has placed on their life to make a difference.  

Questions to ask yourself: 

1. Who do you know who is fatherless?  Start by praying for them and determine what your involvement might be.   Women work with young girls and men work with young boys.   They need a spiritual parent in their life.  
2. Does your church have a ministry for those who are fatherless?   If you have a burden for this, perhaps God is calling you to start it in your church.  

To learn more about “From Fatherless to Fearless” please go to:

https://www.fromfatherlesstofearless.org/

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Most of us are aware of the Israelites and their march across the desert after they left their bondage to the Egyptians.  As you recall, they had many ups and downs and spent much longer in the desert than was necessary.   However, God proved faithful, and the Israelites became loyal to God back to God once again, the promised land was theirs.  

The same can also be said of us in many areas of our lives.  The topic today is sexual purity and our guest makes many comparisons between the journey across the desert and our journey to purity.   

Mike leads his men to victory with four modules, and 10 videos on each module.   He is also available for one-on-one coaching and conversations. 

The Modules are: 

• Identity – to live in victory a man’s identity needs to reflect that.   Many who struggle also struggle with who they believe they are during this stage especially.  
• Habits – you have no doubt heard the statement – show me your habits and I will show you your future.   I applaud Mike and his process for making this a very high priority.  
• Overcoming Obstacles – everything worthwhile has significant challenges to them.   Purity is a high calling for Christian men – out of the “overcoming” we add to our identity, changing our habits, and moving towards living in victory from sexual sin.     
• Freedom is Not Free –in this country, many have gone before us and paid a great price for our freedom.   Many have created a path so we know we can live in victorious purity.   Just as others paved the path to victory, so we have a responsibility to pave the path for those who are coming behind us.  The privilege and the responsibility are ours.  

At MMC we pray for you and your path toward entering into the promised land and possessing it.   It will change your life and the lives of those around you and those who follow you.  Psalm 78 talks about impacting the generations yet to be born.   We pray that is you.  

Questions to ask yourself: 

1. Are you willing to admit to having a purity problem and are you willing to get help?  
2. Are others aware of and supporting you in your journey to purity?   It is only an empty closet that can no longer have power over you.   
3. How are you doing in identifying the four areas as anchor points in your life to keep you from falling back down the mountain?    

Our prayer is that God will give you hope so you know you are not alone and that there is an answer and a direction, no matter where you find yourself.  

To get involved in the Exodus Freedom Journey, please go to:

https://menrestored.com 

To put time on Mike’s calendar to speak with him, go to: 

https://menrestored.com/chat

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#67 – Humor With Your Children 

Guest:  Comedian Nazareth   

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

The Bible says “Laughter is good for the soul, spirit, and body”, Proverbs 17:22. Our guest today, Comedian Nazareth is a top-tier comedian, who was born in Nazareth, moved to Kuwait, and then to the US. He has been on tour for comedy along with appearing with the likes of Tim Conway, B.B. King, The Righteous Brothers, The Temptations, and many other notables. He has appeared in over 200 prisons and death row facilities.

While comedy may be the way he communicates to audiences, he is passionate about helping remove the defenses of people to be able to share a message of hope and encouragement. He is a strong proponent of family, Christian, and humanitarian causes.

MMC encourages you today to enjoy Nazareth and hear his story of grace. What we have enjoyed the most is that Nazareth is all about sharing the gospel of hope. His life changed dramatically thanks to Jesus and now he wants to use comedy to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ and to encourage those who do know Christ.

The topic that caught our attention was the idea of using humor with our kids. It helps them enjoy us, and more importantly, it creates an opportunity for them to feel safe and secure within the context of the family. Dads who relax and enjoy the family, have an opportunity to impact their family tremendously.

To get your copy of the book, You Are So Funny Daddy, by comedian Nazareth, go to: nazarethusa.com/shop

To reach out to Comedian Nazareth:
Phone: 877–266–3392
Email: [email protected]
Website: nazarethusa.com

Questions to ask yourself:

• How am I doing as a dad in my family? Am I always serious, or am I having fun with my kids?
• What dad joke did I hear lately that I can repeat to my kids?
• We are MMC are praying for you and your family. It is easy to get caught up in drama at work, challenges financially, and issues in the marriage, however, our kids need to see us as an anchor to make the family secure. Humor is a great way to help create that security.

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#66 – 365 Christian Men 

Guest:  Blake Mattocks   

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

Wouldn’t it be great if all Christian men would start their day sitting and reading God’s Word and contemplating God’s encouragement for each day?  The truth is many men do not typically begin the day sitting and reading.  Here is some very encouraging news.  Six years ago, 365 Christian Men started video recording ~7-minute stories of Hero of the Faith.  These are available free, through an app or the website.  

365 Christian Men is a project built on some basic truths about God and His character. God cares deeply about each man, and He has a specific purpose for every man’s life. God wants to tell His stories through the lives of His men.  These very short stories would be about men who have fought their battles, are overcoming their obstacles, and are using the lessons they’ve learned to help others.

For more than two years, the team has worked hard to see that vision come to life. To make that happen, they were committed to several foundational truths:

1.     History is shaped by how men live their lives.

2.     No man is perfect. Many of the great triumphs in life have come through trials, great fails, setbacks, and heartache.

3.     God can use real-life stories to demonstrate His power, His goodness, and His love for men. He can do tremendous things through a man who recognizes his need for God, is willing to submit to His plan, and will trust Him with his future.

The Executive Director of 365 Christian Men is our guest today.  He is passionate about getting these stories out for all men to be able to read.  In addition to the US, 365 Christian men are now in multiple countries reaching millions of men every week.  In the US it is listed in the Top 10 Podcasts, but far exceeds that internationally.  

Men, MMC highly recommends 365 Christian and encourages you to subscribe however you consume your podcasts.   With a short story every day, followed by a simple but clear challenge on what to do with what you just heard, this will impact your life.   You can listen on your way to work, while you walk or work out, or listen with a group of other men who are as serious about their faith as you are.  

Blessings to Blake Mattocks and 365 Christian Men as you impact men around the world.   

Questions to ask yourself: 

1. Where am I going for daily Biblical truth and Christian inspiration?  
2. When was the last time I heard a story of a Biblical or modern-day hero in the faith and applied truths of their life to my own?
3. How would my faith be different if I would take less than 10 minutes a day for biblical truth and encouragement?  

To connect with Blake or 365 Christian Men, go to:  https://www.365Christianmen.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Ever heard the phrase – “I am doing okay, under the circumstances”. Where is the focus of that statement? Is it “I am doing okay”, or is it “under the circumstances”? Many people are only OK if the circumstances are going OK. We know in life things do not always go okay. In fact, Jesus said – “in this world, you will have trouble” – Gee Thanks!!

So the question is, if we are going to face challenges consistently — and we do — what are some anchor points that we can hook on to for safety as we are working our way through life? Remember if you are rock climbing, you depend on anchor points that are in the mountain, typically placed by those who have gone before you, and give you safety as you are navigating challenging places on the climb so that if you fall, you will have a protection to keep falls from becoming fatal.

Today we want to highlight several anchor points the Psalmist David laid out for us. It is found in Psalm 37: 1–8. These verses are full of guidelines that David lays out on how to live in victory even in the worst circumstances.

1. V. 1–2: Don’t worry about evil doers. They will disappear like grass. The world is in a difficult place. It is easy to spend our energy worrying and complaining about the wrong in the world that takes our focus and energy away from what God asks of us.
2. V. 3: Place your trust in God and do what you know to be right according to the Bible. Then he says to live like you are at home and continue in your faithfulness.
3. V. 4: Find your fulfillment in the things in God and He will give you what you desire.
4. V. 5–6: Be fully committed to the things of God — trust even in the darkness — and He will bring His justice upon the earth.
5. V. 7: Be quiet before God and peacefully wait on Him — no matter what circumstances are around you.
6. V. 8: Don’t give in to anger and let go of vengeance — in due time God promises we will inherit what he has promised for us.

All of us need to know there are anchor points in our lives that help us enjoy the times of sunshine and have victory when the clouds are dark and hang really low. The great news is that God desires His people to live in victory either way.

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Steve Graves is a strategist, CEO advisor, and author. At any given time, Steve is working with a handful of remarkable executives leading large global organizations and young, hungry entrepreneurs just starting. He has authored twenty books and worked with thousands of leaders weaving themes of strategy, leadership, and faith hoping to help people flourish in their life and work. Additionally, he co-owns a half-dozen companies across multiple industries. When Steve is not steering notable leaders or creating content and frameworks, you might find him back-casting in the cold clear rivers of northwest Arkansas.

Fathers have been given a phenomenal gift and tremendous responsibilities regarding their sons specifically. One of the most satisfying pieces of a father is when he and his son have intentional conversations that will impact his son for life. In the process, we as dads have a mirror into our own life and reveal new ways for us to grow and focus the message to our sons that takes us back to our teenage or young adult years.

Steve’s book, 41 Deposits, guides you as a dad in the topics, the process, and even questions to help you walk through these conversations with your son. Every chapter is short, starts with a story, and ends in application — written just for men.

This book came about when he realized that raising a son is different than raising a daughter. As a result, he wanted to invest the necessary time and focus in his son as he transitioned to adulthood.

There are Seven sections in the book and 41 Crucial topics of conversation that you will want to work through.

The sections are:

1. My Core
2. My Heart
3. My Relationships
4. My Work
5. My Future

I trust you can take time to enjoy this podcast as Steve is a deep thinker — the complex, simple, creative storyteller — who makes the point through the story and is very practical so you and I can pick up the book and have these much-needed conversations with our sons.

We pray that you are challenged to invest the time with your teenager or young adult sons. It is an investment that will touch the generations that follow.

To contact Steve Graves, go to stephenrgraves.com. He has free weekly articles that you may enjoy.

This is a continuation of the topic from Podcast #62 on Dads and Daughters.   If you have not yet listened to #62  Dad, Here’s What I REALLY Need from You,  please take 20 minutes and invest the time to do so:  https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/  you will be glad you did.   

This podcast focuses on Michelle’s second book entitled:  Let’s Talk: Conversation Starters for Dads and Daughters.  This book came out of a several-month conversation with the dads of daughters who were seeing Michelle in her counseling practice.  What she gave them was terrific conversation tips and starters.  

Michelle starts the book by laying the groundwork – a lot of the value of why this is so important, giving confidence as men to engage, and giving us a roadmap to encourage our daughter to engage with us.  

The next section is a toolbox – Men I mean a BIG TOOLBOX:  this book has 60 (yep, you heard it right) conversation topics, with conversation starters in each topic.  These topics are sectioned into five areas: 

• Lead her to LAUGH
• Lead her to LOVE
• Lead her to LOOK
• Lead her to LAMENT
• Lead her to LISTEN

Keeping in mind all of these have been tested by the fathers of the daughters she met with for several months as they were working through it.  

Men – what if you are thinking it is too late for you?  You are estranged from your daughter, and you believe there is no possible way you can ever be reconciled.    She has a section in this book for you as well.  We are believing and praying that if this describes you, you will read carefully, pray fervently, love patiently, and give God time to work.  

Bless you men, on this extremely important journey.   

You can reach Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield and get all of her work, including many free resources, on her website: www.drmichellewatson.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Dads, wouldn’t it be great if there were some handy resource to help you understand your daughter, her behavior, and how to communicate with her more effectively?  Dad, Here’s What I Really Need from You is all about.  

Our guest today has authored a very practical guide for men to be able to understand the importance of our role in our daughter's life and packed it full of practical “how to’s” that will help us all be better at one of our most important roles in this life.

From Michelle’s past experiences, field of study, and years of clinical work with her clients, not to mention her being a woman, she speaks practical truth to us dads.    She offers Tools that we men can relate to that will help us know what topics we need to think about to be successful as a dad.  

Four main sections walk us men through this wonderful journey.  Things like the Why, the Toolbox, the Heart, and looking inside of ourselves.  

Just some of the tools found in the second section are: 

• Be an active listener
• Help her find her own voice 
• Give her quantity time 
• Lead with vulnerability 
• Learn to read her eyes
• Convince her she is worthy
• Put it in writing 
• And a whole lot more 

If your daughter is young or even if she is not, this is a tool that you will want to have in your tool belt.   Everything I heard from Michelle and see in her book has tremendous application to my relationship with my wife as well.   

Men, I encourage you to take this journey and like everything else you do, be willing to fully commit for the long run, and it will pay generational dividends.  

You can reach Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield and get all of her work, including many free resources, on her website: www.drmichellewatson.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#61 –  Purity – A Biblical View    

Guest:  Steve Etner   

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

This podcast is designed to be an encouragement.  While our topic is pornography and all that comes with it, our cure is not “You have got to do better – you know what you are doing is wrong”.   The cure – change your love – love God and worship him supremely, hide His Word in your heart, and have accountability as you are walking through this journey.    God loves you – gave His son to die for you so you could be free in this life and have life everlasting with Him.  

The statistics are that as many as 77% of men and 27% of women struggle with pornography consistently.  We know that when a man struggles with pornography, whether or not it is still a secret, it impacts his relationship with God, his self-image and identity, and of course, it impacts his wife and his children.  The impacts are devastating as some of you know.  Steve’s approach is different than many approaches one might normally hear.  Steve indicates that what one is experiencing is not a sexual problem – it is a worship problem.  Who are we worshipping?   Have we fallen in love with Jesus?  Do we hide His Word in our hearts?  

• The Bible tells us that we should “hide God’s Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him”  Psalm 119:11   
• I John 5:17 says “All wrongdoing is sin”.  There is no distinction between kinds of sin.  God paid for and forgives them all.  
• Ecclesiastes 7:20 says “There is not a righteous man on the earth who does what is right and never sins”.
• Numbers 32:23 also says, “Be sure your sin will find you out”.   Eventually, every sin is discovered.  

You will be encouraged by Steve’s story.  He is open, honest, and real, and provides hope by sharing his path to victory.    His approach is non-judgmental, hopeful, and very clear on the path to victory.   

I close as Steve started – it is not a sexual addiction problem; it is a worship problem.  

Friend – today be encouraged!  There is hope, help, and direction to get you unstuck as you move forward in victory.  Do not do this alone!   Find the strength to move forward as you trade your struggle for Worship and the Word!! 

You can reach Steve Etner personally (his phone number is listed on his website), or any of his resources:  www.thepuritycoach.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#60 –  Almost Daddy   

Guest:  Greg Mayo  

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

Over 63 million abortions have been performed in the US alone since 1973. That’s a lot of dads who lost fatherhood.  Over 22 million men have said they regret their abortion part but have no idea where to go for help.  Greg’s passion is helping these men find hope, healing, and a restored relationship with God.   Greg carries this message to churches, pastors, mento health leaders, crisis pregnancy centers, and anywhere where the need for healing is recognized.  Restoring men who have lost fatherhood to abortion will change the church and the world.  

After the publication of Almost Daddy: the Forgotten Story to reach and help men who have lost fatherhood to abortion find hope, healing, and a restored relationship with God, Greg launched a ministry to reach and help men who have experienced his story.  Greg has published over 300 stories in newspapers and magazines and talked to thousands of people about recovery and healing.  Almost Daddy: The Forgotten Story now has a small group study guide.  Greg lives in Central Indiana with his wife of 32 years, Stacey.  Together they have four grown sons and three grandchildren.  

Let’s look at some data:  

• One in five men in this country experience the pain of abortion with their partner.  
• 83% of men in these situations would benefit from help.  
• 79% of these men will seek help if they know where to go for help.  
• The hard statistic is that only 7% of men say would go to a clergy for help.  

What is the message?   God loves each of us regardless of our background, mistakes, and things that may come our way from the choices of others.   There is no situation in which God cannot offer forgiveness.    If we ask for forgiveness – God forgives. Period!!  Many times the challenge is the shame that the enemy throws at us to keep us from living in victory and seeing ourselves as God sees us.   We need each other to help us move forward in victory.   If you find yourself in this situation – reach out for help.  If you do not know who to reach out to, then reach out to our guest: Greg Mayo.  

You can reach Greg and his valuable, caring resources at:  www.gregmayoauthor.com

To reach Greg Mayo to have him speak with you, your men, or for any of his books:   https://almostdaddy.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/