For years, unbeknownst to me, I lived by at least two self-limiting beliefs.
Everyone must like me and I must never look stupid.
I dealt with these by being the nice guy and avoiding situations where I was not comfortable.
The posing and posturing was exhausting.
The underlying culprit was toxic shame…the feeling that I was not enough.
For me, the Lie that I believed was “I don’t matter.”
I needed healing, deliverance, and to know who I really was.
Through a series of divine moments and a few crisis, God led me to a healing journey that brought the healing and relief I desired and longed for.
Since then, I have discovered that I am a worthy, confident, courageous man who chooses to live by inspiring peace and dignity in myself and others.
Why Stand Fast?
Stand Fast is the motto of Clan Grant of Scotland. My mother’s maiden name was Grant.
Additionally, there are several verses in the Scriptures which encourage believers to Stand Firm.
It conveys the idea of resilience, confidence, and courage.
When we overcome shame, we can Stand Fast. I believe this is how God wants us to live.
A Little More Background
Mark is a Pastor and Christian Life Coach. Mark has been in ministry for more than thirty years.
Mark is married to Sandy, a licensed mental health counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is your professional background?
I have been a minister for 35 years. I have my Master of Arts in Christians Education from Nazarene Theological Seminary. My Doctor of Ministry in Formational Counseling is from Ashland Theological Seminary. I am a Certified Human Flourishing Coach through American Association of Christian Counselors. I was a trainer/facilitator for an organization that provided spiritual formation and personal effectiveness training.
What is the difference between life coaching and counseling?
Counseling is a past-focused discipline, in which the counselor identifies the reasons for the person’s feelings and behaviors and offers ways to handle a particular issue. Unfortunately, many people will stay stuck digging up their past and not choose to move forward.
This is why many people turn to a life coach to help them move forward from therapy.
In life coaching, we do not dwell on the past. Instead, we focus on the future and helping people flourish and thrive.
Where and how do the sessions meet? How long are the sessions?
Individual sessions are an hour long and are usually done virtually as a client may not be in close enough proximity to meet in person. Groups sessions are held virtually and are roughly an hour.
Why would I need a life coach?
“Need” is probably not the right approach. Nobody really needs a life coach, but many people want one. Navigating the complexity of modern life brings many people to the conclusion that another set of unbiased eyes may help do this. Just as an athlete may be very skilled and talented, they often need someone else to see things from the outside to give perspective and direction. This is where a life coach can be helpful.
Standfast Coaching exists to help men live with dignity, authenticity, and vulnerability.
