On a frigid Colorado morning, January 1, 2001, I found myself in a field—intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, and closer to death than ever before.

That night, I encountered Jesus when a Fort Collins police officer handcuffed me and placed me in his patrol car.

What he did next was not normal.  What he did next was not the stereotypical “MO” of a police officer.  Although he had the control, power, position, conditions, and authority to punish me, take me to jail, and read me my rights, he didn’t.

Instead, he showed kindness. He listened to my story with genuine concern and care.

“Matt, why are you almost dead in a field at 2:00 in the morning in the freezing cold?  Are you okay?  Do you need help?  I am sure there are people that love you out there, right?”

He was right. There were people who loved me.  Except, I didn’t love myself.  I did not know how to love or be loved.

I struggled with my faith, resisted God, harbored anger, and failed to realize His love for me.  My experience of hurt, pain, abuse, bullying, and the voices that parked themselves in my mind and soul had drowned out the voices of those who loved me.

When this police officer showed me kindness, it allowed me to realize that Jesus had always loved me, was loving me even then, and would continue to love me forever.

I committed my life to Him on January 14, 2001.

I started learning how to live my life with intention and meaning. It was a process—one filled with setbacks and failures. Finding clarity in my purpose took years, but over the past 23 years, God has shown me who I am in Him and why I am here.

Through the years, I have discovered my purpose and why I exist.

As a follower of Jesus, I am called to wholeheartedly invest in others—sharing my story with passion to inspire, uplift, and encourage. I am committed to protecting, supporting, and celebrating those I cherish, especially my family.

I recently shared the details of my faith story, my leadership journey, and business journey with Michael Chestnut on his podcast, Intentional Guy.

Click here to watch the video podcast on YouTube.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

I’m still learning and growing. Life, leadership, business, and manhood are ongoing experiences—don’t face them alone. Take that first step and click here. Let’s take this journey together.  I am with you every step of the way.

Remember this:

I love you.

I believe in you.

You’ve got this.

Go get it!

P.S. If you know of any men who are struggling with any of the things I was, please share this with them.