Flying

This past weekend, I had the privilege of speaking at the “Men in the Arena” weekend called Stand. I gave the opening talk Friday night and then led a seminar Saturday morning. What made this especially meaningful for me was that it was the first time someone asked me to speak specifically about my book, Built to Fly.

For the seminar, I created a worksheet built around eight stories from the book, along with reflections and takeaways from each one. Honestly, I walked away learning as much as I shared.

Here’s what stood out to me during that hour together:

- People connect deeply through story.
The stories captured the room. More importantly, the implications of those stories connected directly to the lives of the men listening. Facts may inform us, but stories move us. Jesus taught in parables for a reason.

- People kept asking me where my energy comes from.
I honestly don’t feel like I have any more energy than the next person. But since I heard it over and over again, I had to reflect on it. The only answer I can give is Colossians 1:27 — “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” It’s not me. It’s Jesus in me.

-The Covenant Group conversation resonated deeply.
So many men were drawn to the idea of real accountability, honesty, and transparency. I think this speaks to a huge need in our world today. People are tired of surface-level relationships. We were made to walk with others who truly know us and challenge us to grow.

-Seeing fathers and sons together was powerful.
I loved looking out and seeing grown men sitting beside their grown sons. There was something deeply hopeful about it. We need more spaces where wisdom, faith, and life are intentionally passed down from one generation to the next.

-We are all “Built to Fly.”
When I say that, I don’t mean success, achievement, or status. I mean we were created for relationship with our Creator. That is where we soar the highest. That is where purpose, peace, and strength are found.

I left the weekend incredibly grateful and honored to be part of what God is doing through “Men in the Arena.” Thank you to everyone who made it such a meaningful time together.

Keep flying.