2014 was one of the most intense years of my life. Why I’m I talking about it now? Well, because it matters and it’s part of the story and it affects you (insert one direction song “story of my life”). Sorry. Not sorry. Back to the point…
A little over a year ago I thought I had my life all figured out. I thought I knew who I was and where I was going and more importantly, where I was NOT going. Well, a lot can happen in a year. And sometimes, out of nowhere, God stops you in your tracks in your kitchen and tells you to do crazy things. Things that in no way were even on your radar screen or list of things you wanted to do, ever. Things like hosting an event to raise awareness of human trafficking in your city and challenge people to do something about it. Things like starting a fast growing non profit out of nothing called Project 41. That’s what happened to me anyways. I’ve learned he will always do whatever it takes to change us.
So let me give you a quick rundown of the conversation. *Note: Before this conversation occurred three people texted me within one week asking me about sex trafficking in our city and wanted my knowledge from my years in law enforcement on what to do about it. My niece was also interning with an anti trafficking agency at the time and I was supporting her along the way. I was glad she was doing what she was doing but because of my experiences in law enforcement I didn’t want any part in that battle. I had my own mission to fight. So I thought..
Conversation between Lindsey and God:
God: Gather people and tell them about this.
Me: About sex trafficking? Like we are supposed to have an event?
God: Yes
Me: OK..ugh.
So in January of 2014, myself along with a small group of passionate women, decided to host an awareness event called the White As Snow Gala. The goal was to raise awareness of human trafficking in our city and give any funds collected to existing ministries. God told me to do this that day in my kitchen so I begrudgingly obeyed AND I thought that would be it. I wanted that to just it be it. I listened. I obeyed. The event was a huge success. Now I’m out. I’m busy. I have my own thing going on here. I train clients, and sell awesome weightlifting belts and help people all over the country reach their health goals. This is fun and I’m good at it. I’m in my comfort zone. I get to see the results I create. I don’t want to get off into all this.
But nope. It was just the beginning. A ministry was starting and as much as I didn’t want it to be happening, it was and fast.
I could have said no to it and believe me, I wanted to. After all, I thought I had this whole life plan thing figured out. My assignment was to be a life coach/personal trainer that taught women how to combine faith and fitness in order to become the best version of themselves. My assignment was to teach women how to Rise Up and help them become truly fit, NOT to be the director of a brand new non-profit that fights one of the darkest and most horrendous evils on planet earth. Oh and with no money or staff. That’s pretty heavy man.
But then this kept coming to me and I realized my plans had become and idol.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang onto your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matthew 16:24-25.
In 2014 I tried desperately to hang onto my life. I tried to get other people to do things that only I was designed for. I lied to myself thinking that I could run both things well and I’ve paid the consequences. Something I’ve learned is that the most successful people are those that have learned to focus. A divided focus equals a divided life and that’s how I was living.
We always try to minimize, rationalize, and hang onto the idols we have in our lives. My business wasn’t my idol, Trying to control and have things all figured out and everything comfortable and on my terms was.
With that being said, I’ve chosen to be truly obedient. To have the inward states of my heart match the outward actions. It brings me to where we are now.
I’m not a quitter just a changer. If we’re not changing we’re dying. So I’m changing my focus until God instructs me otherwise. I’m stepping into his plans and giving up my own. Letting go of good for what I know will be great.
Exchanging personal trainer for revivalist.
Life coach for abolitionist.
Health guru for worship leader.
Business owner for non-profit director.
Instead of selling programs and weightlifting belts I’ll be selling hope and freedom. After all, that was my message anyway I’m just changing how it’s delivered.
I realize that in my heart I still am all of these things. I’m not choosing a different identity. I’m just shifting my focus to be inline with what God is doing. I wear many hats and am capable of many things but right now, in this season, this is where I’m supposed to be.
In the upcoming weeks you will see major changes to lindseynadler.com. I’m opening up my speaking schedule for the fall and plan on preaching, teaching and encouraging women with all the proceeds going to Project 41. Maybe even a few workshops here and there. Stay on the look out for how you can book me 🙂 I no longer train clients and am just you’re average crossfitter/weightlifter. And if I’m honest it’s a needed shift to just focus on my own physical health for a bit. I won’t be selling anything fitness related per se on lindseynadler.com although I will still blog about it.
I covet your prayers during this transition and hope you will be there with me during all the changes. Feel free to email me with any questions. I love hearing from you. I cherish you.
P.S. You can learn more about Project 41 here. Revival is happening. I’m accepting the call.
Rising Up,
Lindsey Nadler
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