137 | Ask the Expert: My Pastor Harrison Huxford on Seeking the Lord for His Vision and Calling on Your Life
===
[00:00:00] Hey friends, welcome back to the called to lead podcast. So you guys are in for a huge treat today because I am going to be interviewing my pastor Harrison Huxford of our campus church for compassion Christian, which is an incredible church. If you live in the Savannah area. But specifically Harrison is who baptized me.
And in the recent months, and certainly in the recent years, going back, I'd say 10 or more years, the messages that the Lord has given him through our church and through the conversations, and even through the blessing of him being able to officiate or,~ uh,~ to speak at my best friend, Emily's celebration of life last fall, for all of those reasons, Harrison is so special to me and I am So excited for him to be able to share his story and some wisdom specifically around vision with you today.
So let's dive into the interview and I can't wait for y'all to meet Harrison. [00:01:00] Harrison, thank you so much for being here today. I know I said officiate, that's not what is that? What do you call it? [00:02:00] You know what? I was trying to think about that too. I was like, you know what? I honestly, in my mind, it's well, just there to serve the family.
I think you, , you officiate a wedding, but, you know, you conduct a ceremony or, you're just there for some of these. Vulnerable, hard, but special moments in people's lives. And so, yeah, I was there to serve is probably a helpful way to think about that. But yeah, no. Yes, you led, you led the beautiful service and beautiful celebration.
And there may be listeners that remember Emily well and if they are a listener of my podcast, they definitely kind of lived a little bit of that journey out loud with me. And so it's definitely a blessing to be able. For my listeners to meet you, but it will be a real treat for them to hear some of the wisdom that you have poured into me, especially in the difficult season that myself and several others have been through in having our vision for our business a little bit shaken when maybe the company that we're a part of, or [00:03:00] just life gets in the way of what we thought we were supposed to do in business.
And so I can share this and I want to take it back to a story. I think it was the week. Before this news became public of Saint changing their compensation plan, you stepped on the stage to introduce the sermon series and you gave a talk that I could just tell was straight from the heart. And I felt like in that room of 1500 people, you were talking to me and that was the vision.
And so. Obviously there's a lot of things we want to talk about, but let's dive in, maybe just off the gate or how about even before we get in there, you just tell us a little bit more about your experience with that and the church and all the things. Honestly, you know, first off, super thankful to even get to have this conversation super honored by a lot of what you said, you know, about our relationship and your time at the church.
And honestly, I feel the same in that being a part of the church where you get to [00:04:00] meet ~people.~ God in a really profound and personal way. And sometimes it feels more like, man, this is a privilege to be a part of, you know, and, and I have to remember like, oh man, I'm one of the people responsible for leading some of this.
And so you're just kind of blown away by it, but , I was thinking about this, cause you were talking about vision. I believe that God specifically and intentionally creates every single person. And if that's true, okay, then he doesn't just haphazardly create someone and go like, well, I hope things just turn out.
No, I, I believe he's like overall things in control of all things. Therefore every single person that he's created, he's created with a purpose. And so for all of us, part of our whole life journey is just simply discovering. Well, why did he make me? Why did he put me here? Why am I here now [00:05:00] in this place?
And part of that is the journey of discovering the vision that he has for you and the vision that you have for your life is kind of, if you think about it, like there's, there's the story of God overall thing. You did say I'm a pastor, so I'm going to talk a lot about, you know, who God is and all that too.
But I think it relates in that, he's over all things. He's got the main story. But each of us are discovering where our story fits in this. And ~so, ~so at some point, I think each of us wake up to a God has put a compelling vision of my future in front of me that it's something~ in, ~in a religious context, we'd say this is a God sized thing, that it's something that's so big that it feels like we're Man, I'm willing to give my life to this and chase after it.
And um, so I, because I believe what I believe about God, I believe what I believe about you, you know, he made you for a purpose. [00:06:00] He said, therefore, he's given you a vision that to chase and run after. And the more you discover about yourself and why he's got you here, the more clearly you start to see what that vision is and how to pursue it.
So. In short, that's what I think. Yes. And I think in short, that's ~kind of ~what you said up on the stage that day, you know, not even in the sermon, just introducing the sermon. And I can remember in that moment, I did not have the clarity of what that vision. I thought I did, ~but I, ~but I feel like this is for me, but I don't, I don't have that clarity.
And so there might be people listening who feel that same way. That's like, okay, I hear you, but I don't know what that, Vision or that purposes. And I'm going to invite you guys, if you're listening to lean into what Harrison is saying, as I did, and to watch how the Lord shows up and to ask him specifically what that, what that is for you, because when you start doing that, and again, he knows what you want before you even actually pray it for, ~you know, ~out loud or, you know, By yourself, but he [00:07:00] knows what is best for you.
But if you just ask him, I can tell you, he will give it because that's exactly what he has done in the week since Harrison stood up on, on ~that~ that stage and shared that. But what's wild Harrison is to take it way back in my spiritual journey. I thought I was living my vision back in 2014. When I was president of Savannah fashion week, I had owned my boutique in Savannah for over 10 years.
I, we put on this huge fashion show in Forsyth park, which was always my dream. It was like this huge vision. I think I even have like the little book of it right up here, but anyway, it was a huge vision, but the Lord showed up. In a pretty clear way for me on that stage, the the night before. And, and I felt like, I mean, didn't necessarily audibly say it, but I felt like he told me, Heather, I'm going to get you through this and what you've done here is amazing, but this is not what I have for you.
This is not best plan for you. And I, that was on a Saturday, I [00:08:00] believe. And the next set, if it wasn't Saturday, I think it might've been a Thursday, but. Sunday morning, of course, I went to church for whatever reason. My husband, Roger couldn't go. So I, whenever he's not there, I sit like third row, it's just like, like back of the, like back of the room.
I'm like, give me all the things. And you talked about the parable of the sower was that message. And so I feel like there are some people, and I kind of had that thought that, Aren't even there yet with their faith that they're like, I don't know what, that, what are you talking about? Vision? Are we talking about that manifestation that people talk about on Tik TOK?
And no, that's not what we're talking about. So to take it way back, like maybe speak to the hearts of people who may or may not even be ready. Like I wasn't in that moment to receive. What the Lord has for them because they haven't fully given their life. They're not necessarily in that moment where they're good soil.
And I remember leaving that sermon that day, like just soil. So what do you think about that? [00:09:00] Wow. ~Um, ~so, you know, if, if you kind of think about the, the parable of the sower you know, it, the, for those who don't know, it's a, it's a parable about four types of soil and how, the, the sower plants a seed, and depending on the soil, that kind of determines the potential for growth, so to speak.
And so in, in like hard soil, you know, it's, it's not going very deep. It can't grow in rocky soil. It, it might grow, but the roots aren't deep because the rocks are in the way and and so it won't last if, if things get hard or. Thorny soil would be like, it's growing up with other things and all of a sudden there are other things that are distracting and choking out the growth that God originally has in mind.
And then there's the good soil, which is the soil that's been tilled up. Rocks have been removed, thorns and weeds and different things have been removed and kind of [00:10:00] create a place for something really special. ~Um, ~to grow, and then it produces fruit that's often a lot more significant than we realize.
Like a hundred fold is, is what, ~you know, ~scripture would talk about. And so I, I love that image, especially that you're bringing it up in light of vision. ~Um, ~let me, let me kind of tell you an insight that I've, I've been wrestling with. ~Um, ~in scripture, oftentimes God will give a dream to somebody that they don't see that.
Come to fruition literally until 20 years later. Now think about the story you just shared 10 years ago, you did this big event and you're like, Oh man, I thought this was the vision that started 10 years earlier. So in one way you're currently at your like 20 year mark. Okay. And just to prove it, I want to show you this.
So, um, God told Abraham I'm going to [00:11:00] make a great mini and a nation out of you. And he and his wife didn't have kids, but 20 years after God made that promise. Is when Abraham saw the fulfillment of that promise. His son, Isaac, same story, Isaac, I'm going to use you to do these kinds of things. It wasn't until 20 years later that God used him in a significant way.
King David, David was a shepherd and that's when he, the prophet came and anointed him and said, Hey, you're going to be the king of Israel. But it was 20 years later. When he actually was appointed as the king of Israel. And so Joseph, you know, the story of Joseph, remember he, as a kid, he was given this dream of the wheat and the stars and the moon are all going to bow down to him.
And he shared that with his family, which was probably a terrible idea, but. Thirteen years later, his brothers show up in the [00:12:00] famine to get food from him. Seven years after that is when the brothers literally are bowing before him. And his father is able to come and bows before him because he's the second in command.
So, if you see that one or, once or twice, you go, wow, that's kind of amazing. But this is like three, four, five different times. And here's what it kind of shows me. God can plant something, a dream in your heart something in you, that you're going like, I know there's something there, but I just don't see it yet, or I don't understand it fully, or I haven't seen it.
But there's a journey He takes us on. And for some people it seems it's literally a 20 year period of testing. And maybe if you go back to the soils, maybe it's like, I'm removing some things from your life that are getting in the way of growth, or there are things that are going to choke out this vision [00:13:00] that I want to kind of do some of the harder work.
I mean, David in his story was anointed to be King and then spent most of his life as a fugitive before he came King. And so. Here's what I, here's what I think this means. One is a lot of times God plants something in us, but we're not quite ready for that to come to fruition. So he takes us on a journey of maturing and growth and testing and proving and then oftentimes you look back 20 years later and you go, I'm a different person than I was.
And I knew God had something for me, I just didn't know what it was yet. But it just takes time to see these things kind of flesh out in your life. And I would say, don't shortcut the process here. You know, ~we want to, ~we want to, we live in an age where everything's like, big, fast and famous. You know what I mean?
It's like, ~I want to, ~I want to post a video and become famous. And then, you know, I don't know, [00:14:00] I want to, we want that version. But the reality is, Each of us need to go through this journey with him of becoming who he created us to be so that we can then pursue the vision that he has for us according to his purpose in creating us in the first place.
That was a long answer. I hope that was probably more than you wanted, but no, it's so good, especially to bring it back around full circle as the Lord always does, it's been so cool to be a part of the, a Bible study group with your amazing wife, Lindsay. And over the last year, almost exactly a year, we've been reading through the entire Bible.
And we just finished last month. And it was, I think one of my favorite parts was being able to see myself in the embrace of all of those broken people that you just mentioned. Plus many, many, And, and it's so crazy when you realize, like, because I think so many people feel like they're not worthy enough of [00:15:00] the dreams that the Lord has for you.
But when you look at those crazy broken people and their terrible mistakes, but yet the way the Lord showed up for them and, you know, fulfilled their dreams, like you said, and in different ways and still. You know, like David, I mean, how messed up was he, but yet he was a man after the Lord's heart. That makes me feel a lot.
Right. That's true. You know, if you, if you feel like your family's a mess or you grew up in a dysfunctional family, read the Old Testament. You will feel way better. Like, okay, if God used these folks, you know what I mean? He can use me. He can use you, you know? So it's a, it's a, there's a lot of comfort that comes when kind of wrestling with those old stories.
Definitely. And actually just last week I invited the listeners who again, the cool thing about a podcast, they could be listening to this down the road, but we, our Bible study started reading the new Testament again. And if you've never read through the Bible, that's a great place to start just because the old Testament can get, you know, A little bit interesting.
And [00:16:00] what's cool is we'll wrap up in time for the holidays where we'll start the full Bible again next year. So if you're listening to this, I'll link the the link in the show notes to the Bible recap plan in the Bible app, where it will basically be able to walk you through a really great reading plan with some really good, simple commentary.
To be able to start either with the old Testament, new Testament, wherever you want to, but I know for me staying in alignment with those, the word in general, but also like the story specifically in the word is a great way to kind of see where the Lord's tracking in, in wherever I am in that vision.
Would you agree that like, you know, having a solid foundation in the word is one of the best things that people who are looking for that answer and that dream and more, I guess the Lord revealed? Yeah. ~Well, and, and, you know, um, ~this, this is something I've been thinking about a lot, because if we're not careful, the message that you are going to get overwhelmingly in our culture is, Hey, look inside yourself [00:17:00] for the answers.
And ~there there's. ~There's partly a truth to that, but it's the wrong order because what happens is, and I just read a fantastic book and, and I could share that with you if you want, but it's called you know, basically, actually, I don't know. I have it. I don't, I'll share it with you, but it's basically says, you know, the typical person goes, we look inside ourselves and we go, okay, what do I want?
What are my desires? And then we look around for people to affirm those things. And then because we still feel like something's missing, then we look up because we want to spiritualize it. The problem is that's completely out of order. And that's why, you know, this, this idea of like um, I should pursue what makes me happy.
Well, the problem is that changes. The problem is what you think would make you happy right now might be keeping you from a deeper, [00:18:00] significant joy that you would experience if you kind of had a different path in mind, which is where I would say, again, as a pastor. You, you start by looking up, you look to scripture and you look to the things that God has kind of said about who you are and what his kingdom is about and what makes sense or what matters most in this world.
So you start by looking up. That's actually, and it's a paradox because you think, well, how, how does looking outside myself and looking to God, how does that help me discover more about myself? Well, because. God made you to be in relationship with him. Love this you know, uh, old Catechism statement, which is funny because some of us grew up in Christian context and we have a catechism that we learn and for those of us who didn't we're like, what did you even talk about?
But the question is You know, one of the one of the main questions from this like Westminster shorter catechism [00:19:00] is what is the chief end of man? You What is, what is the purpose of humanity? And their answer is to, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. And I think, what a beautiful way to say that. That, that part of our design is intended to glorify God, to make much of Him, to honor Him, to discover fully a relationship with Him, and then enjoy that relationship with Him.
Forever, like that's part of our purpose. And so, so in a culture that has kind of either given up on God or forgotten about them, they're going like, no, no, I'm going to look inside myself. What matters to me, what makes me happy, what makes me, me, and I'm going to let that be the priority. And the hard part about that is that's just, it's an insufficient.
It's going to continue to lead to [00:20:00] different forms of relational brokenness, personal crisis, because what if the person you're trying to be gets critiqued by another person? Well now your identity is at stake. But when you start by looking up to God, and like you're saying, if you start with the foundation of scripture, all of a sudden your identity comes from a more resounding and significant place.
This is who God says I am. This is how God sees me. And now I can, you know, kind of going back to the whole purpose and vision piece, because I know who He is and how He made me or how He sees me, all of a sudden my identity is rooted in something way stronger than my Feelings or desires or those kinds of things.
~So, um, I, ~I think it's a, it's a little bit more helpful to go like, let me reverse the order here. Let me start by looking to a higher standard in scripture about who God is and what he says about me. And then let me discover the other things. [00:21:00] I don't know if that is helpful in the question, but I do, I've been thinking a lot about that recently.
Cause I think our culture's kind of buying something. That can't live up to its promises. Does that make sense? Yeah. It does. And I mean, I, I have always considered myself kind of a personal development junkie, if you will. I love any growth books, any business books, but sometimes I think we can get that advice from the wrong source.
And it's almost like we're trying to fix it. Fix ourselves when in reality, you just look to really who the Lord made us to be flaws and all because they're going to be there in all of us, you know, and again, those examples in scripture. But I think you hit the nail on the head that like, when I looked back at the difference of what I thought was my dream job and owning a boutique and being involved in high fashion and helping even to lift up our city, Savannah, Georgia, like that was just a huge part of what I thought I was meant to do.
However, my [00:22:00] identity was a hundred percent wrapped up in that because I'd started business at such a small age, though, looking back, it was actually kind of a concession because my husband and I knew we would wind up being together and I wanted to live in New York and work in the beauty industry. I had had a internship at NARS cosmetics in New York, and I was like, I've been on a first date and I was like, I'm going to be a beauty executive in New York city, and he's like, well, I'm a fashion guide in Florida.
Yeah. That's right. And anyway, it's crazy how the Lord That's kind of, uh, you know, works his ways, you know, 20 years later, but at the same time, my identity in that season of trying to honor our marriage and well, we weren't married at the time, but honor our relationship. I poured my all into something that was right for a season.
And definitely use some of my gifts and skillsets that I can see have brought me to where I am. But the problem was my identity was so wrapped up in it. And I put it as a priority above Roger, unfortunately, like the greatest showman. That [00:23:00] is another one of the things that are at the movie series every summer.
And I don't remember if you did, did that one or not, but the commentary for it, but the greatest showman is my favorite movie, because I think so often as entrepreneurs, we rate run after the dream that sometimes might be from the Lord. Sometimes maybe not so much. But we run after it to serve our family or to be present for our family.
But in reality, it's doing the opposite. And so I know that that was a big, why that wasn't right for me is if my identity was wrapped up in it, I got my priorities all out of whack. And I had to hit my knees that day in church. Pray to be good soil in order to even think about being where I am now, you know, a 12 year or 10, 10 years, 10 years later, half of my life.
So one of the things I do want to ask you about, cause I always try not to say what people should or shouldn't do on here, especially since I'm not a pastor. And this is the first time I've had an actual pastor on the podcast. But [00:24:00] one of the things that you see in a lot of the personal development or certainly on social media is the idea of manifestation or, you know, being able to visualize what you want, or even like vision boards, dream boards.
And I would love your pastoral take on that since I don't want to be the one to tell someone what they shouldn't do, but I'd love on maybe how that might be counter to what we're talking about when it comes to vision. Or maybe not. What's your take on, on things like that? Right. So, so on one side, you know, kind of understanding a, a vision is literally trying to go, okay, well, what's this picture?
Of a compelling future. And so, so that's, I mean, I think in short, that's what a vision is, you know what I mean? Like, okay, well, what I'm going to envision a world in which, you know a future in which, you know, these things are happening, or this is what it looks like, or this is what it feels like.
And so I think that's, that's part of [00:25:00] it. But I think there are other pieces, there are other pieces because There's gotta be something substantial driving it. Otherwise. It can, it feels like it's unstable, so to speak. It feels like it can kind of get off the rails. And so a lot of times when I think about this, I think this is what you and I were talking about the other day.
You know, at some point you gotta, I like to think about it in like the Venn diagram, ~you know, ~where the circles kind of cross over one of the ways to, to discover a. Vision or what I'm maybe a more religious way of saying it would be like, what am I called to, ~you know, ~what's the, what's God's calling on my life, ~you know, ~that might be a foreign concept to some, but I think in terms of like questions what is a great need that you see?
You know what I mean? And for some of us, that's what helps us drive this, like, okay, I feel like God's given me a vision for this group of people because I see these kids going hungry after [00:26:00] school. And so here's a need that I feel compelled to solve. And so all of, all of a sudden a vision starts to take shape, um, another question would be things like, What am I just uniquely gifted at? What is it like I could do this with my eyes closed, not even trying, and I'm better than 80 percent of the people, you know, who would, who would kind of go after that because, because again, you were made on purpose for a purpose.
And so with that, you've got a certain set of gifts and talents. play into that. And look, I'm, I'm not a very tall guy, so I'm not going to make it in the NFL. You know what I mean? Like, it's just not in the cards for me or the NBA, the NFL either. I didn't make it in either. Didn't make it in either.
That wasn't in the cards for me. That's not my gift. That's not my ability. That's not how God made me. Okay. So you ask questions like, well, what's, what's the great need What [00:27:00] is, what is my, my gifting? ~Um, ~in fact, I've heard some authors say, ~um,~ our purpose is where the world's great need and my great gifting collide, which I love that language because you just realize that God did make you for this time.
Probably to bring a, meet a need in our world. Uh, he's going to use your gifts. I think another thing is just, what are you passionate about? Like when you're not thinking about anything, this is the thing you start thinking about, you know what I mean? And it's that, like, it's just got a hold of you and you're just going like, okay, I can't like put that to rest.
And it's not like a draining thing. The more I think about it, the more I feel filled up, the more I feel energized, you know? So what is that thing you're passionate about? This fourth thing is just kind of funny. Like, what are you willing to get paid for? You know? ~Like, ~that's, sometimes, ~you know, ~you're in seasons of life and you're like, you know what?
I can do [00:28:00] this because at least it's bringing in some money so that I can provide for my family, or I can kind of save for this, or But I think the secret is when you find a center point of all four of these things, where the world's great need and your passion and your gifting all collide. And then if you find something that you can do all those things and get paid for it, it's like, man, you are, you are in a different kind of sweet spot.
And so I think when, when you start trying to go like, okay, how do I understand this vision? I think it's going to come. when some of these things start to collide for you. And rarely do we get those things all at once. And that's why I think in scripture, you see this 20 mile, 20 year period of like, Oh, God's actually shaping some things.
There are some experiences that are shaping my ability or shaping my heart for things or my [00:29:00] passion for things that I wouldn't have been ready for these things to come together yet. And so I think in, in terms of developing a vision. Yes, there's like a, hey, what is, I'm, I'm, I'm envisioning, I'm a dreamer, okay, by nature.
It drives my wife crazy, but we've learned to work through it. But, but I see, I live so, I live in the future. I don't live in the present. And I have to remind myself, like, come back to reality. ~Um,~ but as a dreamer, you just, you just envision a world that could be, and you go, how do we chase that? My wife who's the realist would say, okay, now we have to, there, there are things that have to work out for this to play out.
You know what I mean? And that's where I think these ideas, these questions for you to wrestle with and go, well, what is a great need that I get passionate about? And I have a unique gift that can actually meet that need. And once you start to see those things, I think you're discovering not only God's purpose.[00:30:00]
But also a vision for how he could use you to meet that. That's so good. And it's wild because looking at you as in the role of a pastor being a PK, which I learned that from you and your wife, Lindsay, a pastor, but it's gotta be kind of wild, like, did you, was it, well, I don't know, this might be a tough question, but is it, was it your dream to be a pastor?
Cause I see those. ~Um, ~you know, manifest if you will, to use that word in, in you and being able to meet the needs of other dreamers like, like you, ~um,~ but. You know, to help them find their journey, ~uh, you know,~ to a relationship with Jesus, a life changing relationship with Jesus as our church says. So like, it's, was that your dream or like, is, is that still your dream?
That's right. Well, so, so this is a little bit funny. So growing up, I thought I'm going to be a pastor and a professional football player. And one of those didn't work. And so, yes, I stuck with the [00:31:00] pastor thing. ~Um, ~yeah. And, you know, I think part of it might be, this is, this is the family I grew up in and my, my understanding of who Jesus is and what he's about.
And what the church stands for, it's just always been the focus, because I'm like, this is, I don't have a very good plan B, let's just say that. ~Um, ~except for maybe lawn care, because I love mowing the grass and seeing the lines work, so I don't know, maybe that's my plan B. But, but no, just my understanding of the church.
is like, this is what Jesus started and any chance I get to be a part of leading through serving in the church is, is what I'm going to chase after. ~Uh, ~because, and, and I think maybe that started more as like, well, this is the family I was a part of, and so this is what I knew, but, but there are also these seasons, these you go through a crisis of faith where you [00:32:00] go, okay, am I, am I renting faith from my parents?
Or am I owning this for myself? And so we all have to go through those moments where we move from renting something to owning it. And and I could just, you know, it's a longer story, ~but, um,~ of moments where I had to go like, no, no, no, I've been renting things and it's time for me to own this. On this call on my life that God want God has gifted me.
He's positioned me. He has called me to, to serve his church. And, and with that, I would kind of say the way I think about that is there's like a calling in an assignment. Like there's the calling on your life, uh, which doesn't change. It's kind of like your North star. It's the thing that kind of helps you kind of stay on track.
~Um, ~but then there's the assignments there. There's like the, those things tend to change,~ you know? Um, and so. Um, you know, when, ~when I first got into ministry, I was at a, [00:33:00] Lindsay and I were married. We were both in ministry together. We worked two feet from each other and it was the best of my life. And I, you know, wish we could go back to that, but we, you know, we're in a different place now.
But that was our assignment. We were working in that church. We didn't have kids. We now have four kids. And so, so we're in different places. And so even though my calling has been the same. specifically for me to be a part of leading in the church. It's the assignments have changed. We've had to move, we've had to go through certain experiences that helped shape us and inform us.
And there's a letting go of something, some things, there's a taking hold in a much more significant way to other things. And ~so, um, you know, ~I think everyone has a calling on their life. And, and I think as you discover who you are through the God who made you I think that becomes really clear. And then let that be your North Star.
And then as you're trying to [00:34:00] gain a vision for the next assignment, so to speak let that kind of be the, the, the bell that rings most true. And as you, as, as that becomes the thing that is always there, always present, always kind of guiding you just make sure your vision fits with that. It's when I think we take our eye off of what we've been called to, what we've been created for.
That's where we start to drift into other places and maybe let the wrong things start to win or become a priority. Well, it's kind of, it's wild when you use the word called, cause obviously this is the called to lead podcast. And it's crazy for me in this, in this season with the company that I absolutely loved that I wouldn't never, you know, have, have walked away on my own, but when they made the decision to, to essentially eliminate the leadership portion, which for me, I was like, That's I'm called to lead.
How do I be a [00:35:00] makeup influencer? What do I do now? You know, it's kind of wild. Like you said, the calling, which for me, no doubt ~is, is, ~is leadership. ~Um, ~but what's wild is in that season. I also watched some amazing women that I admire in our church admin to become ordained in, in the church~ you know, ~to give their life to as you, as you have.
And I remember for a second, I was like, wait, it's more, does this, what is this what you want me to do? And then I was like, I don't think so. I don't think that's what, you know, I mean, not that I, of course I was, but I was like, I mean, not that you can't live, of course you have to be a leader in the church, but I say that to say that not everybody is called to lead or called to ministry or called to network marketing as I know we've talked about.
And I think that sometimes as network marketing leaders, we're either taught or people assume that because they've got big goals or visions or because it's been an amazing experience to them. That everybody needs to do it. And that's not the case. Cause wouldn't you agree? I know I've talked to your, yeah, that's not for [00:36:00] me.
So what do you say to people being called in and assigned to vastly different things? Well, and I think, well, this goes back to the, the beauty of there's a God who uniquely made you and he doesn't need you to live someone else's life. He needs you to live the life he created you for. And, you know, if I spend all my energy trying to live somebody else's life, it's almost like God's just going like, I'm just going to wait for you to start taking this serious.
And when you're ready to live the life I've called you to, okay, I'm going to, I'm going to start to grow you. I'm going to start to open the doors. I'm going to start to do all the things that he's prepared to do. ~Um, ~but I think this is what's especially I don't want to sound like an old guy, but especially in a culture where fame is such an obsession.
And, for the first time in history, it feels accessible. So, so there's this piece of [00:37:00] all of us that's going like, Man, I really want to be famous, or I really want to have an impact, and I really want to do these things. And, and those, those desires come from a good place. They can just be twisted if you're not careful.
And, you know, I think, In, in a pursuit of some things, sometimes we start living someone else's life, trying to discover who we really are. And the reality is, it only gets you further from the very thing that he's created you to be. And so, pay attention to things like. Your personality, that's a part of who you are.
You know what I mean? Pay attention to where you are right now. There's no time more important than the present. Okay. So just pay attention. He's, there's a reason you're here. Figure that out. You know, pay attention to your experiences because your experiences, the good and the bad are a part of [00:38:00] who you are now.
That's a, that's a we sometimes run from our past experiences. What I've seen. Is that, that God often uses you, most often he uses the hard stuff that we've had to experience to form us more into who he designed us to be, which is more like himself. And so I would, I would just say, I guess to simplify it, it's like, man, don't waste your time trying to live someone else's life.
Discover who God made you to be. Face after that. And as you know, this is the, one of the images that we get of Jesus in scripture is he's a shepherd. And I, and I always think about simply if he's the shepherd and I'm the sheep, you know, well, how do I know if I'm in his will? How do I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be?
Well, the [00:39:00] key is being close to Him, because if you're close to Him, you'll always be right in the center of His will, and you're always going to be right where He wants you. And so there is a simplicity to it. Like just stay close to him and, and you'll, you'll discover where you need to be along the way, because he's the guide, he's the shepherd and he's good.
That's the beauty of it. He's, he's got you in his hand, so to speak. Balm to the soul of us overthinkers out there. I will say that. Cause I know, I know there are people who it's not that they're struggling in their faith. They're struggling in, ~you know, ~is this me or is this you? And, ~you know, ~I don't want to be step outside of your will, but you're right.
If you are in plugged into a good church and if you're not, I'll definitely link, especially, I know, you know, if you're within this region, within how many miles of Savannah, like. Yeah. It's Bluffton, Midway, ~you know, ~if you're that's right, 60 miles is where we're probably going to be close to you. Yes, [00:40:00] exactly.
And of course, you can watch online to the online services are great, but find a great church home. That's where it started for me. I didn't grow up in maybe a couple times a year, just with my grandmothers or something. But like, I didn't grow up in the word. I didn't know any of those stories. Maybe, maybe 10 years ago, I was starting to learn, but 20 years ago, I would not have known any of those stories that you listed out at the beginning of the podcast, which is pretty wild.
And now here I am, you know, encouraging people to go dive into the word. But I'm telling you, when you stay close to him, he will show you the way. And he is good. And when you stay, I'm finding that the more obedient you are in the little things, you know, he starts to show up in these big ways, maybe in a completely different, different area with blessings that you might not even 10 years ago have thought would have been a blessing.
So it's, it's so good. So good. So, I mean, Harrison, I, this, I knew this would be amazing. And I don't laugh because I literally ran up to him after service and I was like, I need to interview you on the podcast. I'm going to say, so thank you for [00:41:00] honoring the crazy, the crazy girl, you know, coming up to you after church.
Because I know it's been a blessing to me and to anybody that's listening, but is there anything that you that we didn't talk about that you wanted wanted to share or, or where can, you know, where can people find you if they want to learn more? Well, um, all I'll say is, you know, I'm thankful. I think I think the beauty of the church Is that every single one of us is an important part of it.
And you know, if you go back to the very beginning of scripture, we realized that God made us to bear his image. And I know not everybody here is a Christian or understands what the Bible says about all these things, but just, just assume this would be true. That the God who created everything, ~um,~ did something special in humanity in that.
~Um, ~he, he made us to reflect who he is, [00:42:00] meaning, ~um,~ when, when God created things, it was beautiful and it was working together well, and it was fruitful and it was producing amazing things. And, and so when, when you and I show up, wherever we show up, if we bear the image of God, then, then certain things start to happen.
Things just start to get better wherever we show up. You know, if, um, you know, if you're starting a business or, you know, mowing grass or planting a garden or raising kids, if, if you're functioning as the, as someone who bears the image of God, that means you're reflecting His goodness, His strength, His values, ~um,~ that all the things that matter to Him matter to you.
And what happens in that is you begin to see flourishing. Things grow, things get better, things are more [00:43:00] fruitful. ~Um, ~you know, a lot of times in scripture it's, it's referred to as like a blessing. You know, it, it just feels like, blessing. It feels like God's favor. Doesn't mean everything's gonna be easy.
I mean, it might actually get harder, ~you know, ~to be honest. Um, but everything worth fighting for is gonna be hard. Everything of significance requires strength and perseverance in a fight, ~you know, ~to some degree. And so that's not unusual. But I would just say, I guess my hope is that ~You know, ~not just for you and I, but anybody who would listen is that my guess is that God's vision for your life is way bigger than we could probably comprehend at the moment.
And so if you're willing to trust him and at least pursue him, I think he'll invite you into discovering more and more of what he's called you to. And ~uh, ~my own experience is that's kind of where the adventure is. That's where the fun is. I had a [00:44:00] mentor of mine say being fulfilled is more fun than fun.
And, and I'm like, you know what? That's right. Living a life that is fulfilling, that's where a lot of fun comes. And ~so, um,~ it's more fun than fun, if that makes sense. I Love that quote. I really do. I think that's what we're all after is, is fulfillment. It's not always the, you know, success or financial gain.
It's, it's just feel like you're, you're doing what you're meant to be doing and you're right. Filling it is it's, it's often fun and the joy is tied to it. ~Um, ~and I had to pull up, this is so crazy. And what's wild is it took me like one click to do it. Cause it was this morning's verse is my or, well, it was Matthew five is what we were reading and in the reading lesson today.
And it reminded me of what you said, which is my daughter's favorite. Verse which is you are the light of the world, a city set on a hill, cannot be hidden, nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand. And it gives light [00:45:00] to all in the house in the same way. Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven.
And so I think that like, Being that, that light and of course the salt from the verses before, like in Matthew 5, 14 through 16 is just like such a great summary. And, and I'm just, yeah, it's just wild to watch him show up literally today to work all this together. Perfect. Yeah. That passage right there is the perfect way to sum that up.
Be a light. Be a light. Awesome. Well, Harrison, thank you so much. I'm going to link to a couple of your maybe. Either recent or some of my favorite, maybe I'll dig them up. So my favorite sermons of yours from compassion, man, I'd love to find that parable of the sower one. I have no idea. It was like 2014.
I don't even know if that exists. Oh my goodness. Yeah. I'd almost be nervous about that one. We'll see. We'll see. Well, it impacted me. It was, well, thank the Lord. [00:46:00] That's awesome. And Heather, I do want to say thank you. This has been, this has been kind of rich for me and special. And so thank you for the invitation to this.
This has been great. Thank you for honoring it. I really do think it was the Lord's direction, so I'll point it all to him. And, and I'm so grateful to you for, for everything. And just, I'm excited for people to get to know you. So thanks for being on today, Harrison. Awesome. I love it. Thank you. Yay.
~ ~Well, Harrison, I've been wrapping up these podcasts lately with a prayer for the listeners, and it would be such an honor for you to close us out with a prayer for those that are listening. Awesome. I'd love to. I'd love to. Here we go. Father, we're so thankful for your grace. We're thankful for this time where we can, uh, wrestle with the ideas and, and kind of mutually encourage each other.
And as we're trying to understand what it means to be called to lead and how that is related to how you've made [00:47:00] us and the purpose for which you've created us. And so, uh, I do ask your blessing on everybody who's listening, ~um,~ that as they take serious who you are. And, and what it is you're inviting them into, or is they simply take serious the fact that You have something bigger for them that's beyond themselves.
It's outside themselves. Lord, whatever it is, I pray that you would bless them. You would keep them. You would help them just like you do as a shepherd. You would, you walk with us through every season of life, the highs and the lows. And so I ask you again, bless those who are listening, bless those involved, that they would discover the adventure of That you have set before them in their life and more than anything that they would discover what that looks like with you because for me personally, uh, that's where the great delight has been.
~Um,~ is, is knowing that I'm not alone in this and you're with us. And I pray that would be true [00:48:00] for everybody else. We pray this in your name, Jesus. Amen. And thank you so much Harrison. What a way to close this out. Y'all have a great week.
