09/08/2026
“Before surrendering my life, I was fully focused on the world and doing my best, trying to live up to a standard I don’t think I ever really understood. My life revolved around achievement and results. I’ve always loved my family, served my family, and tried my best to be a good person, but my measuring stick was how the world saw me, not how God saw me. It was a constant chase for the next ring, and the ring always moved.
Three years ago, God really started tapping me on the shoulder. At my first men’s meetup, I chose to sit at a table full of strangers. Looking back, God sent me to that table, and my faith journey began. I started reading the Bible for the first time, the Bible my mom gave me when I was seventeen. I’m 57. I began meeting regularly with Christian men who were also pursuing Jesus, and my life changed. Ann and I joined a community group with other believers who have helped us grow and learn.
I know who Jesus is, and I know who He wants me to be. I fail regularly, and God is faithful.
I want to thank my family. I want to thank my awesome wife and my kids, who encourage me and inspire me to follow Jesus; my parents, for showing us what love looks like; my siblings for being here; and my grandkids for stealing my heart. I want to thank my Northside family, our community group, all the guys I’ve been in men’s Bible study with, my awesome Puerto Rico team (sign up!), and my small group of guys, especially you, Bob. I told you guys yesterday I wouldn’t be up here without you, and I mean it.
Lastly, I want to thank Jesus for just being patient with me and being there when I finally turned and looked toward Him. I love Him for that. I have put my faith in Jesus. He is my Lord and Savior.”
- Brad