That's Not A Business

After 3 days of the John Maxwell Team International Certification Event, I have a lot to process.  Certainly there are some personal changes to make, as well as a lot of good stuff for a project I have looming head.  All of that leaves me with a lot to blog about.

Today, I will once again board a train (a coworker called me “old fashioned”) and begin that long trip back home.  When I miss home, and that is often, I wish I had flown, but with so much to process I am glad I took the train.  I’ll find a nice spot to settle in with my notes and a new book or two and begin making some plans.

One thing I am left thinking about is something that was said during lunch.  People were going around the table sharing what they hope to do with all of this training.  When it was my turn, I explained my experience in ministry, my depression breakdown, and my recovery and how I hope to go in to churches and tell my story.

“Is there a market for that?”  One man asked.

“Every time I tell my story,” I replied, “I am contacted by someone that tells me that after hearing my story they began getting the help they need.”

“Sure, “ the man said, “it helps that one person, but I don’t think its a business model.”

I began to wonder if this man was paying much attention to John Maxwell.

“Well, I also have a book being published along these lines.  Books can promote speaking gigs and speaking gigs promote books.”

He shrugged and then left the table.

“Hey,”  The man sitting next to me said as people began leaving the table.  “Yesterday a friend of mine called me.  He’s really worried about this guy he knows and he was asking me for advice.  This guys is really depressed, and I mean REALLY depressed.  They are worried about him but nobody knows how to help.”

We spent the next half hour discussing depression and ways to get help.  Then he left to make a phone call to pass along what I had said.

Every. single. time.

1 in 5 people struggle with Depression or Anxiety and 80% of those people never seek help.  So just to be clear, I am not interested in whether or not this dream of mine is a business.  I want to tell my story as often as I can to as many people as I can.  If it makes a little impact every time, then eventually it makes a big impact.

Keep making a little impact!

Aaron Davis is an author, speaker, and life coach.  His novel, "Street Preacher" is available now and his memoir, "Baggage Claim: my journey through depression, ministry, and finding peace" will be released in the Summer of 2017!  If you would like to have Aaron speak to your church, ministry, or organization, contact him here.

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