Some stories are hard to hear. This is one of them.

Jason Miller grew up without a father. As the product of a one-night stand, he was raised in an abusive home with no father figure and very few positive influences in his life. His grandfather was murdered when he was ten. He was abused by the son of a pastor who was supposed to protect him. And by the time he reached high school he had run out of reasons to believe his life was worth living.

He found one anyway.

Today Jason is a husband of 25 years, a father of two, and the lead pastor of a church of nearly a thousand people. He coaches leaders for a living. And he builds resilience in others out of the exact places where his own was forged.

In this conversation Jason talks about what it felt like to grow up feeling completely unwanted and unworthy of love. He talks about the men who showed up for him when no one else would and what those moments of unexpected kindness did for a kid who desperately needed them. He talks about the long and non-linear work of healing — not recovering, but being redeemed. And he talks about what he is most deliberate about giving his own children because of everything he had to find on his own.

Jason taught us that a few chapters do not make a novel. You cannot choose your circumstances. But you can choose to take control of your story.

This one is worth your time.

If you or someone you know is struggling help is available. Call or text 988.

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