From Pastor to Psych Ward: Recovery from a Suicide Attempt is Possible.

Last updated on: September 1, 2016 at 8:23 am By Steve Austin

My clients were concerned. When they couldn’t reach me, they called first my wife, and then the hotel. I was lying on my back, unconscious, covered in vomit, when the police and EMT’s found me. They thought it was a murder scene. Vomit covered the bed and the floor. It had projected up the wall behind me, and coated a massive picture that hung over the bed. Apparently the pink Benadryl pills, along with the tens of thousands of milligrams of other medication I took, created the effect of blood. I had been unconscious for a solid ten hours by then. Read more

What Happens When You Believe You are Bad?

Last updated on: June 21, 2016 at 10:14 am By Steve Austin

This is a story about a dear friend. He was kicked out of Bible College for smoking cigarettes...at least, that's what they told him. We have created a culture of Christianity so obsessed with cleanliness that no real person - with real struggles and real pain and real mess - ever seems to enter our sanitized sanctuaries, lay down their burdens, and rest. But rest is what we all need. Rest. Love. Mercy for our travels. Friendship. Acceptance. Most of all, acceptance. We aren’t necessarily even looking for answers. Just a place to take off our shoes, bow our heads, and breathe in the peace no one can explain away. Read more

4 Simple Ways to Change the World Today

Last updated on: June 20, 2016 at 2:04 pm By Steve Austin

I launched a new website a few weeks ago. As part of the launch, I created The Writer’s Toolkit. I’ve also been working on two other e-course projects simultaneously. At the same time, I’ve been trying to improve my numbers at my day job, while also helping with husband and Daddy duties. Instead of feeling great about all of these new projects, I’ve felt entirely overwhelmed and inadequate. So what do you do when you want to change the world in an instant but have days when you feel like you can't keep up? Here's four simple ways... Read more

21 Things They Don’t Tell You in Pre-Marital Counseling

Last updated on: July 15, 2016 at 12:38 pm By Steve Austin

We've been married nine years today. During that time, we’ve done a lot of living. We’ve learned some beautiful and some painful lessons. We’ve each spent a week on a psych ward. We’ve had two babies. We’ve led two youth groups. We’ve nearly divorced at least once. And we have only just begun to learn what truly matters in life. One thing is for sure, there are several things no one tells you before you walk down that aisle. Read more

How to Own Your Story in 5 Simple Steps

Last updated on: June 20, 2016 at 9:42 am By Steve Austin

Do you want to tell the story of something really great you accomplished, but fear sounding like a pompous ass? Do you want to tell the story of the hardest lesson you ever learned, but don’t know how to say that the story isn't over yet? You’re frustrated because you still feel stuck in the middle of learning it and wonder if you really have anything to offer anyone else. Am I right? Our stories are all different. The who, what, when, where, why, and how change from person to person. But the one common denominator is that all of our stories have power. Read more

How to Grieve for Orlando: from a Straight, White Male

Last updated on: August 18, 2016 at 1:56 pm By Steve Austin

I am a straight white male from Alabama. I have zero personal connection to any victim of the Orlando shooting, but these are still my people. They are Americans. Deeper than that, they are humans! People who assumed they were safe in a place with their friends. But they weren’t safe, and now I am grieving the tremendous loss, along with so many others. Read more

How To Support Your LGBTQ Friends Right Now

Last updated on: August 18, 2016 at 1:57 pm By Guest Contributor

Many of my straight friends have texted or called me, asking what they can do for me and how they can be there for other queer people who are suffering. The answer is very simple: Mourn with us. Sit with us. Hold us when we need holding. Be the shoulder for us to cry on. Listen to us process what we are feeling. Pray with us and for us. But, most importantly, don’t make it about you. Read more

I Learned About Grace From a Gay Guy at a Gas Pump

Last updated on: August 18, 2016 at 1:49 pm By Steve Austin

It's who you are that counts. Your worship to God is the way you live. A few years ago, I would have ignored, shunned, and been disgusted by the scene that unfolded that night at the gas pump. The journey toward authentic faith became real for me in that moment. The most effective way to destroy prejudice is by sharing tangible love, one opportunity or person at a time. If my Sunday morning song service doesn't match my response to a gay guy at the gas pump, I'm in trouble. Read more

On Orlando: Ignorance, Fear, Hatred, and Violence

Last updated on: August 18, 2016 at 1:58 pm By Steve Austin

At least 50 people are dead and at least 53 others are injured. Fifty something families are wondering if their loved ones will survive a merciless gunshot wound and 50 other families are walking into unnecessary and unexpected grief. Because of fear, mothers and fathers will be burying daughters and sons who were out with friends...and now are dead. Read more

How to Gain Independence from Your Mess: Join Me!

Last updated on: June 20, 2016 at 2:06 pm By Steve Austin

Are you ready to get to the bottom of your mess? Are you wanting exclusive access to the combined power of a solid group working to overcome and move on from setbacks? Join myself and 6 other focused mastermind partners to get independence from your mess! Few things can accelerate you toward your goals faster than participating in a mastermind. The goal of the Grace is Messy Mastermind group is to talk through your issue and put a plan of action in place to find the freedom you’ve always desired. Read more