Three years ago today I was fired from Channel 7.
Three days before my firing I was covering a press conference at Bud Walton Arena. The University of Arkansas had just hired John Pelphrey to be its new basketball coach. What can I say? The guy had me fired up during his speech. So during the 5 o’clock sportscast I pitched back to the desk saying, “Personally Sully, I don’t know about you, but I got a mancrush on this guy!”
That comment changed my life forever.
A lot of times I wonder – especially on this day, exactly 3 years later – what my life would be like today had I never uttered that phrase.
First and foremost, I never would have gone on the World Race. Being fired opened a door God had been pushing me towards for months. When I got fired I knew for SURE I had to go. Had that not happened, I never would have met the awesome, on-fire men of God who have led me, mentored me, and taught me. I never would have met the amazing men and women I traveled with on the 2007 squad, or the incredible group that I led on the 2008 squad. I never would have had the opportunity to travel to 17 countries and serve those in need around the world. I never would have seen the things I saw, or experienced the things I experienced that have changed my life so drastically.
Another HUGE difference is, I wouldn’t be married. I met my wonderful wife Ericka in Africa back in June of 2007. She was on a short term mission trip to Swaziland, and I was visiting The World Racers there. Had I not been fired, our paths may have never crossed.
But after that, I think the main thing I’ve learned through these experiences, is how to invest in people – whether financially, spiritually, or whatever it may be. My relationships these days are much richer. Whether they are new relationships, or ones I’ve had for decades – I feel like I’m a better friend, brother, son, grandson, etc. It’s so cool when you can be a blessing or the answer to someone’s prayer. However, an even greater blessing is learning how to let others invest in you. In the past I’ve had difficulty receiving such investments of love and support. I’m still not totally over that – it’s a pride thing you know.
Of course I’ve had some relationships and friendships fade over the last few years. Which naturally happens when you move away and travel the world for two years straight. But those people still mean a lot to me and I wish we were in better touch.
As a whole, I know my life is impacting other people around me in a positive way. Most importantly I’m a pretty decent husband! There was a time I NEVER thought that would be possible. I’m no longer selfish 100 percent of the time, just maybe 85 to 90 percent:)
I could go on and list many other things, but the bottom line is this – I’ve seen God show up in so many ways and in so many areas of my life that I’ve been transformed by His presence.
Personally – I got a mancrush on that Guy!
