Priorities

When did life get so complicated? So comfortable? When did we become so soft? How did function get replaced by vanity—how we look, how we feel, where we live, what we drive? We get so caught up in who said what, in gossip, in caring about the opinions of others. It’s a world of selfish desire. I know I fell into that trap. It was my downfall and what broke me as a man. But I refuse to allow myself to stay chained to that brokenness and labeled a failure. I am being refined and forged into a stronger and more resilient version of myself; a man who focuses on what matters.

What matters? Honoring God, protecting your family, loving your lady, and serving your community.

The settlement of America, for the pioneers, meant those principles and hard work were all they had. Nothing else mattered because it didn’t exist. Everything else had to be built from the raw materials of the earth—chopping trees, milling grain and baking bread, raising cattle, plowing fields. Just think of the process of building a house. You’re out in the middle of Southwest Idaho, planning to settle the land and tame the Wild West. Where do you even start? Cut down a tree? Do you have an axe? The tools needed had to be forged. The trees are in the hills. To get them, you had to raise horses on the grain you grew, to pull the wagon you built to get the log you cut, to stack it to build a house for you and your family to live in. Everything was done by hand, the hard way. Everything required patience. Nothing was convenient or instant. If something broke, you fixed it. There was no quitting. There was no giving up. You put your head down and kept going. You built things to last because if you didn’t, the only option was to build it again. Those who forged quality valued hard work above all else.

Our world is in desperate need of individuals who embody strength, courage, loyalty, and fierce love. Above all else, total reliance on God. Today, too many people seek comfort over challenge. But the old West was not tamed by the timid. The explorers who ventured into the unknown didn’t seek comfort; they sought adventure and purpose. They understood that strength is not bestowed; it is forged through blood, sweat, and tears. If you desire something, you must be willing to put in the work to earn it. They knew they relied on God. They clung to their family, and they never quit for the woman they loved.

Setting out across the plains with your family and your limited possessions required an incredible level of boldness and faith. Each family member had to be committed and rely on each other to survive. Protecting your family meant more than just physical safety; it meant creating a solid foundation of trust and support. It was about teaching your children the values of hard work and resilience, ensuring they understood the importance of standing together through adversity. The journey is what shapes us; it is not merely about the destination. The best stories unfold not at the finish line but in the miles traveled, the mistakes made, and the moments lived in between. Strength is built along the way. Even if you are not where you want to be yet, cultivate gratitude for where you are now. Every season has its purpose. 

Pioneer life was no solo endeavor; it thrived on community and mutual reliance. Families banded together, forming tight-knit groups that understood the value of cooperation. They served each other selflessly, sharing resources, skills, and labor. If one family was struggling to harvest their crops, others would step in to help, knowing that their own survival depended on the well-being of those around them. Gossip, jealousy and selfish desires were distractions they couldn’t afford; the stakes were too high. Their focus was on building each other up, reinforcing the bonds that were essential for survival. This mutual reliance fostered a spirit of camaraderie that transcended individual concerns, creating a culture where everyone was invested in the success of the whole community. They worked side by side, taking pride in what they built together, knowing that their strength lay in unity.

Honoring God is the foundation of this journey. It’s about recognizing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. It’s about humility and seeking strength beyond our own. When we align our priorities with His purpose, we find direction and resilience. In the trials of life, it’s our faith that anchors us, reminding us of our responsibility to protect our families and serve our communities. God’s unconditional love translates into a selfless love for those around us, guiding our actions and decisions.

Relationships were not exactly romantic during the settlement of America, but they epitomized fierce love and unwavering commitment. In the face of brutal challenges and relentless hardships, they stood shoulder to shoulder, tackling every obstacle together. This love wasn’t just a feeling or a vase full of roses; it was a powerful force that drove them to conquer adversity, to build and protect their family, and shape their destiny. Together, they embodied resilience and determination, proving that when you unite in purpose, nothing can stand in your way.

This is how I choose to rebuild myself. I will forge a life of quality that honors God, protects my family, serves my community, and fiercely loves unconditionally.  With complete reliance on God, I will repair broken things and ensure they last. This will be a journey of not just one but multiple fights.  If the plan doesn’t work, I will change the approach but refuse to change the goal. I’ve learned you become nearly unbeatable when you refuse to quit. I am thankful for what I have, but I am in relentless pursuit of what I desire. I choose hard work over comfort.

Stay humble, stay hungry, and work hard.