From the Mountain to the Valley — and Back Again

Have you ever noticed how fast life can turn?

One minute you’re on the mountain top, feeling like everything’s lining up, and the next you’re flat on your back — literally.

On July 26, in a matter of seconds, everything shifted — a broken ankle, surgery on August 6, and a long recovery ahead.

For months I fought through rehab, slowly rebuilding strength. Things were progressing and I even began running on the ankle again.  In October I had just returned from a powerful men’s conference, and it was another mountain-top moment. 

The evening I got home something didn’t look right — there was a spot that didn’t feel normal. The next day I had an appointment already scheduled with the surgeon (His timing) and He told me to skip breakfast and drink nothing. That little nudge? 100% the Holy Spirit.

Within minutes of seeing the doctor, things escalated fast. Her face said it all — the next words were filled with urgency and some choice language. I was admitted, scanned, diagnosed, and in surgery by 4:15 PM. Half of the original hardware came out, and the real fight began — monitoring, cultures, vitals, long nights, and the waiting.

Then came the diagnosis: MRSA staph infection.

Talk about a gut punch. All that physical therapy, all that effort — suddenly it felt like starting over. The weight of it all hit me. The IV antibiotics. The PICC line. The no-load-bearing orders. The depression. It was a dark season.

But I wasn’t alone.

My wife — who is an absolute rock star. My Lion brothers — constant prayers and check-ins. Even in the hospital, I tried to pull off our SKO (it worked, just not live). The Lion Within community showed up.

And here’s the truth: I don’t know how people face storms like this without God — and without brothers in Christ.

I’m still fighting the infection, still on the journey, but my faith has been refined through it. I’ve learned that healing isn’t just physical — it’s spiritual. I’m doing my part, but I know the real healing comes from Him.

As we just went through Thanksgiving, I’ve got a lot to be grateful for — my wife and family, my Lion brothers, my health, and a God who never wastes pain.

As a matter of fact I’m starting a new tradition: every July 26, I’ll take on something hard — a race, a brutal workout, something that reminds me of this journey and celebrate God’s healing power.

And I want to challenge you to do something too.

Make a gratitude list — one thing for every year you’ve been alive. Then share it with your family. That’s a bold move, but you were built for bold.

Thank you to everyone who’s prayed, supported, and encouraged me through this season. Keep praying for my family as we walk this road.

Remember to never stop unleashing the Lion Within.