Come on in. Have a seat and relax. Listen to a story of how God is meeting men through The Journey and taking them to new heights. We are truly part of something special that God is doing, and we need to tell the stories. "Every man has a story and every story is worth hearing." In addition to the Influencers Weekly Devotional, you will receive a "Story of Influence" each week. Be encouraged. If you would like to submit a story, email it to
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Stan turned into his kids' school parking lot and another car nearly cut him off. The two drivers exchanged glances, but as they got out of their cars, they realized they were fraternity brothers from college. They walked into the school together and caught up on life. Stan shared how his son was learning so much at his Christian school, and he was starting to challenge Stan in his faith. He described how he was starting to go to church and how he looked forward to it each week. The fraternity brother talked about how his life had changed so much since college, and he talked about his faith. He told Stan about The Journey.
Later, he gave Stan a Journey book. It wasn't long before Stan said this was exactly what he was looking for. He joined a Journey group and really enjoyed the honesty and transparency of the group. During the group, he shared a deep concern he had for his father. His father was a devout atheist and very proud of it. Every time Stan tried to talk about faith, his father had an intellectual challenge back for him. Nevertheless, they were very close. Stan loved his Dad, and he saw the emptiness in his life. Stan's parents divorced when he was younger, and his Dad lived alone. He remembers a key event in their family when a tragedy struck. He remembers watching his uncle, a man of faith, handle the situation with poise and grace and confidence. At the same time, his father was a wreck. Stan remembers thinking of the dichotomy between these two men in his life. As he began to pursue the same faith his uncle enjoyed, he so wanted that for his Dad.
His journey group shared Stan's burden for his Dad. They began to pray for this situation and encouraged Stan with scriptures and thoughts for him to share with his Dad. Over time, his Dad's heart slowly began to crack open to the things of faith. Stan completed his Journey group and felt so positive about the experience that he agreed to be a Co-Guide the following year. Meanwhile, his Dad moved to town, and Stan was so happy to be in closer proximity to his father. They enjoyed some special time together, and Stan continued to look for opportunities to influence his Dad for Christ. He definitely saw a softening beginning to occur.
One day in Journey group, Stan shared a prayer request. His father had just been diagnosed with cancer. He was very concerned, as was his Dad. A few weeks later, something was not right. They could not get hold of Stan's Dad, and he rushed to his Dad's apartment. Stan found his father lying dead in the middle of the room. He had taken his own life. His Dad couldn't face the prospect of his deteriorating health and the burden he might be on his family.
For the next few days, Stan had so many emotions and thoughts and questions flooding through his spirit and his brain. For the past year, he had heard about the concept of "journaling" through The Journey, but admittedly, he had never tried it. Now, in his hour of need, he was compelled to try, in hopes he could find some answers for his searching heart. He felt lead to go to his father's apartment. He sat there for hours in last place he saw his father, and he journaled. He started at the beginning, writing all about his Dad and their relationship and the circumstances which lead him to move to town. He documented every detail in the sequence of events up to his death. He journaled his thoughts and questions, crying out to God with pen and paper. That apartment, which had been the source of great sorrow, became a sanctuary to Stan. He felt the presence and peace of the Holy Spirit. The Lord ministered to him in a powerful way.
He came to the Journey group which he was now Co-guiding and shared the story with the guys. "I finally understand the power of Journaling," he told them, as he showed them the pages he had written. For a Guide to admit that he never journaled before really showed some courage and transparency. And the testimony it provided was truly amazing as the men saw a glow of peace on Stan's face. The men experienced the beauty of The Journey, as they saw the Lord walk intimately with Stan through this very dark and trying time. They saw the Love of the Father and the Grace which He poured out so lavishly.
The men who know this story remember it every time they seek to teach a Journey group about Journaling. It really is a blessed and anointed way to help a man connect with the Father. If you don't believe us, just ask Stan.
