How do two men, from vastly different backgrounds, end up sharing the same purpose? For Marvin, an Army veteran and former banker, and Glen, a former NFL player turned spiritual leader, it boils down to one thing: living in truth and obedience to God. Their journeys have been anything but easy, marked by struggles, personal sacrifices, and moments of doubt. This raw exploration challenges modern beliefs about faith, relationships, and what it truly means to follow Yeshua (Jesus).

Living in Obedience to God’s Spirit

Obedience isn’t about checking off some spiritual to-do list; it’s about listening to the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:1-9 reminds us we’re not bound by the law’s letter but empowered by the Spirit.

For Glen, leaving the NFL wasn’t about walking away from a paycheck—it was about walking toward God. “The Spirit said go, so I went,” Glen recalls, adding that obedience to God often requires stepping into the unknown. Marvin echoes this, reflecting on his choice to leave a promising career in banking for the same reason: “I’d rather walk with God into the hard places than stay comfortable and lose my soul.”

Obedience isn’t easy, though. It means letting go of what the world values—money, status, and approval—to follow a deeper calling. For both men, obedience has been the hardest yet most liberating decision of their lives.

Love: Raw, Uncompromising Truth

There’s a misconception that love is soft or always kind. But biblical love is raw, unfiltered, and often uncomfortable. Hebrews 13:1-6 calls us to love others as brothers and sisters while maintaining integrity and strength.

Both Marvin and Glen agree that love isn’t about sugarcoating truth or tiptoeing around feelings. “If I can’t tell you the truth, do I really love you?” Marvin asks. Whether it’s shouting hard truths or offering a quiet moment of grace, real love doesn’t compromise.

And loving others starts with loving yourself. Glen emphasizes the importance of self-respect: “You can’t love someone like yourself if you don’t even like who you are. Love flows from knowing you’re made in His image.”

Finding Strength in Struggle

James 1:2-8 challenges believers to count struggles as joy because they build patience and faith. But how often do we actually embrace that mindset?

For Glen, struggles like leaving the NFL or facing public doubt became moments of refinement. “It’s the Vegeta and Goku mindset,” Glen jokes, “You fight, you hurt, but you come back stronger.” Marvin echoes this sentiment, recalling how his lowest points—near mental and emotional collapse—were also the moments when God pulled him closest.

Struggle isn’t failure. It’s a tool God uses to sharpen our character. There’s no growth without resistance, no triumph without trials.

Relationships: Building Through Truth

We aren’t meant to go through life alone. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 reminds us we’re one body with many parts. This truth plays out in the relationship between Marvin and Glen.

Marvin describes how Glen has been a lifeline during dark times. “I’ve felt like throwing my life away more times than I can count. Glen was there every single time,” Marvin admits. Whether it’s pulling each other back from the edge or giving each other spiritual guidance, their bond is a testament to walking together in truth.

And it’s not just about the people you already know. Building relationships requires speaking life into others, even strangers, in a society increasingly driven by isolation and division.

Fatherhood and Leading with Love

Ephesians 6:4 calls fathers to raise their children with discipline and love. For Glen and Marvin, fatherhood extends beyond parenting. It’s about leading with integrity and setting an example for others.

“It’s not just biological kids,” Glen says. “You can father others through mentorship, friendship, or just being someone they can depend on.” From guiding broken individuals to fostering community in faith, fatherhood is about showing up with love and intentionality.

Light Over Darkness

We live in chaotic times, but that doesn’t mean we’ve got to panic. As 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 puts it, we are children of light—not darkness. That means we’re called to clarity, focus, and courage.

For Marvin and Glen, this is a daily mindset. “When you walk in the Spirit, you let your light shine no matter how dark it gets.” This isn’t just optimism; it’s action. They don’t get bogged down by fear, doubt, or the noise of the world. Instead, they rely on the Spirit to guide their decisions and move forward in faith.

Conclusion

Living in truth and obedience to God isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires sacrifice, courage, and an unshakeable focus on the Spirit. Through their personal struggles, hard-won lessons, and deep faith, Marvin and Glen show us what it means to live boldly and love unconditionally.

Whether you’re wrestling with challenges, seeking purpose, or struggling to let go of the world’s expectations, know this: the Spirit is within you. Lean on Him, live in truth, and don’t apologize for walking the hard path.

“The battle is already won,” Glen declares. “So don’t live like you’ve got something to fear. Live like you’ve got something to give.”