Erik Allen /// You Deserve Good Things /// Season5:E126

What are your thoughts on being a Christian?   Our brains have a natural tendency to automatically judge and compare which often prevents us from listening and connecting to another's way of living.   When you first read the word “Christian” you instantly internalize your own biases and reflect those on the person that you are describing.   The reality is our identities come from many different places and not one thing defines who we are. This is the brilliance of hearing Erik’s story. His tumultuous upbringing plagued by unfortunate circumstances of debt, rejection, and hopelessness all changed when we open his heart to Jesus.   On his journey his relationship with God, this soon became the foundation for his approach to life and relationships. For him being a Christian allowed him to maintain positivity in the face of negative circumstances, and approach life with love.   Sharing his story and message of embracing and loving people where they are at, suggests that we might have more in common with someone who at first sight we might judge. “Love people wherever they are at” -Erik Allen   Erik is truly a man of integrity, work ethic and an over-comer. Growing up with a complicated childhood and broken home, to raising himself from the age of 14.   Once Erik gave his life to Christ, his life completely turned around. He met a beautiful woman and a new chapter was written.   Now, Erik and his wife of nearly 15 years and their two children live in Northern Idaho and live a humble and blessed life. Together they are breaking the cycles handed down to them of addictions, depression, abuse, and lies. They are leaving a new legacy for their next generation built on a biblical foundation.   Along with being the sole provider for his family, Erik is an entrepreneur and avid MMA fan. Which he has created the best MMA podcast of the northwest, Top Rated MMA.  With his companies Top Rated MMA and The Erik Allen Show he lifts others up and gives back to the community and veterans through great organizations like Hire Heroes USA.   Erik might have been dealt a rough hand, but with the help of his Heavenly Father and a humble heart, Erik is taking each day as it comes and making it count.   Topics we discuss: His core values. Love people where they are at. Don’t pass judgement on others. When he wakes up in the morning, he views that as a win. Have a kind soul and be a good person. How he experiences Christ In the morning he goes to his office to play worship music. During the time in the office, he reflects on what he's grateful for. Relationship with other men who are Christ followers. What life was like growing up Parents got divorced and met other partners at a young age. His mother's new man was physically abusive to his mother. Never felt like being at his house. From the ages of 18-21 he moved 21 times. Journey He realized he had to clean up his act, and only he could do that. One day woke up and went cold turkey on all bad habits. The struggle at times to Maintaining the positive in tough times Sharing His personal struggles and story to the world Notion of how to share your story. Sharing his personal struggles felt like a huge weight off his shoulders. Wife was supportive and insightful on possible implications.   References: His 8 Minute Video His Podcast(website) Tom Bileu Erick Thomas Pete Vargas   Credits:   Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes   Music: Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. All music created by DJ Rufbeats