Disgust Leads to . . . Trust?

Today’s post comes from Radical Mentoring’s Manager of Church Relationships and our newest team member Trey Brush. We are super excited to have him on board and wanted to introduce him to you and let you hear a little bit of his story . . .

It’s often said that people only change because of discomfort or disgust. And I believe it because I’ve lived it. I remember exactly when it hit me . . . at a lunch where I was being celebrated. Sounds like an odd place to experience disgust, right? Well, the problem was there were only 2 other people there . . . my two leaders! In a company of 50+ employees, the sparse attendance made me realize the impact I had made on those around me. Driving away from that lunch, I felt humiliated. But I did it to myself . . . I choose to lock myself in a cubicle and attempt to work harder than anyone else in the office, ignoring the incredible people around me. People who would have showed me love had I given them the chance.

An experience like that gives you the opportunity to take inventory of your life. A few months later, I sat down with a friend and coworker at a dinner in Raleigh, NC for what would end up being a meal that would mark me. My friend was totally honest and transparent about how God was working in his life. During that meal was the first time I experienced radical honesty and transparency in a relationship. And it led me to the realization that I wasn’t just trying to keep out others but in some ways I was trying to keep out God.

When I stopped to think about my life, I did the right things, had the best of intentions and ‘obeyed’ all day long, but in reality, I was playing at walking with God. My tendency to be skeptical of others made the one thing God asked of me the hardest thing for me to give . . . trust.

The experience and the walk I have been chasing the past 12 years has been one that has changed my life. It has at many times been painful but it has also put me on a different path.

That realization changed my life and caused me to begin chasing a different path the past 12 years. It hasn’t been without painful moments, but this new path has allowed me to trust God in each step and even trust others to come alongside me.

I slowly transformed from the guy who built an incredible fortress to keep others out, to the guy who, if you buy me a cup of coffee, will tell you whatever you want to know! That is only God.

During this process, one of the best gifts I’ve received has been the presence of true friends and mentors in my life . . . including a few who were intentionally mentored by Regi Campbell. Without even knowing it, Regi had an impact on my life through the time, effort and energy he gave to others.

A few weeks ago, as I sat down with Kevin and Regi to talk about potentially joining the Radical Mentoring team to help invest in leaders, mentors and churches around the country, I couldn’t help but think about that meal in Raleigh, NC. It took one friend being transparent with me . . . revealing who he was and what God was doing in his life to show me how walking with Jesus is supposed to be done . . . with others, showing your heart and being obedient.

It’s the same thing Regi has been doing for years and been encouraging guys and churches to do through Radical Mentoring. And so, as I reflect on moving into this new stage in life, I am extremely grateful for that meal 12 years ago and tremendously exciting to be a part of what God is doing through small group mentoring in churches around the globe.

Scripture: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Mentor Tip: If you want your group to bond and create friendships that will last over time, you have to create an environment where your mentees can be real with each other. As they authentically reveal who they are, bonds will form. But it starts with you going first and sharing your story with honesty and vulnerability.

Say hi to Trey or leave another comment here.