Pressed Into Purpose
"Pressed Into Purpose" explores the transformative journeys of individuals who discovered their calling through life's challenges and triumphs. Each episode features intimate conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds who share how they identified their unique purpose, overcame obstacles in pursuing it, and experienced profound personal transformation as a result.
We dive deep into the pivotal moments, unexpected detours, and guiding principles that shaped our guests' paths. Whether through career shifts, personal crises, spiritual awakenings, or gradual realizations, these stories illuminate the various ways purpose reveals itself.
More than inspirational tales, these conversations offer practical insights for listeners questioning their own direction, feeling stuck, or seeking greater meaning. Join us as we uncover how being "pressed" by life's circumstances often reveals our most authentic purpose and highest potential.
Pressed Into Purpose
Shattered Cycles: Building a Legacy Beyond Your Past
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Darnell Weathersby shares his remarkable journey from being born one pound fifteen ounces on Chicago's west side to becoming an influential educator, administrator, and mentor determined to break generational cycles. His story demonstrates how intentional mentorship, education, and faith can transform lives and create new legacies.
• Born a premature twin weighing only 1 lb 15 oz, defying medical expectations
• Raised as the second oldest of eight siblings by a determined single mother in Chicago
• Found purpose through early mentorship from church men who intentionally invested in him
• Discovered his path to education when a college dean recognized his natural teaching abilities
• Became the first African-American administrator in a Pennsylvania school district's history
• Created "Bow Tie Tuesdays" to provide professional examples for young men
• Published "Journey to Fatherhood" documenting his preparation for fatherhood without having had a father
• Founded Lead One LLC with his wife to empower others to shatter generational curses
• Lives by the mantra "the cycle ends with me" to break patterns of domestic violence and divorce
• Recently launched children's book series "Adventures of Donald the Knight" honoring his twin's memory
Visit theleadonemovement.com to learn more about Darnell's books, resources, and mentorship opportunities.
Thanks for listening!
Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!
Meeting Darnell Weathersby: Educator and Mentor
Speaker 1Hello and welcome to this episode of Pressed Into Purpose. I am your host, valeria Wright. Let's meet today's guest. Darnell Weathersby is a graduate of Trinity International University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Temple University with a Master's in educational leadership. He has been an educator for over 21 years, assuming the roles of teacher, assistant principal and acting principal in both urban and suburban school districts across the country. Weathersby currently serves as a high school administrator, being reared by a single mother and the second oldest of eight on the second oldest of eight on the west side of Chicago. Weathersby knows the pressures that come along with adversities from drugs, gangs and violence. Weathersby believes that empowered individuals with access to education and resources have the power to transform the world. It is this philosophy that inspires him as an educator on the scene today. Weathersby is living proof that a quality education can be the vehicle that levels the playing field. In 2013, darnell and his wife Sharnell stepped out on faith and founded Lead One LLC. They believe with all their heart that every individual has a sphere of influence, regardless of their title or position. They know that they have been called to empower and equip others to shatter generational curses and reach their fullest potential for the glory of God. They have been blessed to provide numerous resources, such as masterclasses, internet radio show apparel line and published books like Journey to Fatherhood and Adventures of Donald the Knight, fearfully and Wonderfully Made. Darnell is the proud husband of 19 years to Charnell Weathersby and father to their two children.
Speaker 1Please help me in welcoming Darnell Weathersby. Welcome, darnell. Thank you so much for having me on the show. I'm so glad to have you here today. We've known each other for a while and I know a little about your journey. I've learned a little more, you know, over time. But I am looking forward to delving into this conversation today and just really talking about purpose, talking about how you have journeyed to get to your purpose, and just talking about the challenges and the triumphs along the way. So I want to jump right in. All right, listen, there is so much. I just read your bio. There's so much to unpack, there is so much to talk about, so let's jump right in. So I know a little something about you know the west side of Chicago.
Speaker 1I grew up in the Austin neighborhood you know, and born and raised, and I know that it at times can be could could be challenging, but at other times it was really really great. People give Chicago a bad rap. We won't go into all of that, but I believe that it is not just your physical environment but your home environment that helps to shape who you become, and so I want to talk about. I want to start with. Here we go. Not only you grew up on the West side of Chicago, but you grew up the second of eight siblings. I did not know that about you first of all.
Speaker 1I knew that you had an older brother, but I didn't realize there were eight of you. Yeah, we deep in the street Listen to a single mother. So tell me how you were able to navigate in that environment and become the man that you are today. Like, how did that and how did that shape your purpose?
Against All Odds: Born One Pound Premature
Speaker 2Yeah. So let me take an even further step back. So God, when he says he has a purpose for you, it is clear and undeniable. And I would be remiss if I first of all didn't say congratulations on a new podcast.
Speaker 1Thank you very much.
Speaker 2I'm truly honored for this opportunity to come and to see you and your element and being able just to contribute to all that God is about to do in and through you through this podcast. So congratulations, first and foremost, thank you so much. I was born one pound 15 ounces Wow. Three months premature and a twin.
Speaker 1Are you serious right now?
Speaker 2Yes.
Speaker 1Wow.
Speaker 2So when I tell you God had a plan, yes, he did Because your boy is not supposed to be here. So when I tell you God had a plan, yes, he did Because your boy is not supposed to be here According to the statistics, yes, I mean before the West Side of Chicago ever had a chance to negatively impact me. I had to make it out the hospital Wow In the NICU for several weeks, you know. And then you see me now. Many people would never know.
Speaker 1Absolutely not.
Speaker 2Like from literally that beginning Wow, so I've always known, just because he brought me through that. Yes, yes, you know I always joke and say don't hug the first person you see when you get to heaven, because Donald don't know you like that, because we were identical and I always say the world wasn't ready for two of us. So nonetheless, you got Darnell.
Speaker 2But yeah, I was born an identical twin and we'll talk about him a little bit more. Okay, yeah, so second oldest of eight kids. You know my parents divorced when I was three. Okay, so I grew up. You know my brother right-hand man and six younger siblings. Yeah, so, by the grace of God, you know, I always joke and say I'm the product of a mother who was crazy enough to do whatever was necessary to make sure her five boys and three girls Wow, Nobody's ever been to jail Come on.
Speaker 2Nobody's on drugs. Come on Jesus. Because she was crazy enough, you feared her more than any guy. Listen, like oh, oh, they trying to recruit you, I got something for that. Okay, okay, she was crazy enough. You feared her more than any guy. Listen, they're trying to recruit you. I got something for that Okay Between her and I always say the men of the church stepped in in a very intentional way and said not on our watch. People always say you got an old soul, you've been mature for a long time.
Speaker 2It's because I've always been around. Older men Got it and, by the grace of God, they have shaped me and formed me and spoke life into me and share words of wisdom with me, so that I always tell people what I do today is just me reciprocating and sharing out what was shared with me.
Speaker 1Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2So you know, whenever I'm mentoring a young man, I always say all you have to do is replicate what you've been told, because that's all I'm doing.
Speaker 1Okay, okay, okay.
Speaker 2So that is kind of the premise by which I was able to navigate that environment. You know, mom was serious about the grades and she was environment. You know, mom was serious about the grades and she was like you know cause, or it would have been my home school, so yeah. So she was like no, we're not doing, or and I was able to test in the lane. She was like no, we're not doing that we're not doing that.
Speaker 1I have great expectations, yes.
Speaker 2Yes, yes. So I mean doing, yeah, I have great expectations. Yes, yes, yes. So I mean you know, second oldest of eight kids and you know my wife always joked you've been raising kids for a long time.
Speaker 1Like it sounds like you have anything left.
Speaker 2You know, um, but I think that's you know. I always say God allowed my shoulders to be made for that you know, and he allowed me to be able to walk and flourish with that level of responsibility from a very young age. Okay, because he knew what I would be doing today. Very true?
Speaker 1So yeah, he knows the plans that he has for us Come on, come on Listen, okay, okay, okay, okay yes. Wow. So you said one pound and 15 ounces. Yes, weeks in the NICU. Yes, the surviving twin, yes, and the second oldest of eight, yeah so, and then you, you. So you've already kind of mentioned the mentorship piece. So when do you believe, when did you know that mentorship would be a part of your purpose or journey?
Speaker 2Well, so I always equate it back to high school, um in youth group, heavily involved, and my youth pastor I remember me and a very good friend of mine, kenny Evans. He gave us the reign to lead a youth Bible study.
Speaker 1Okay.
Speaker 2With our peers, yeah, and I mean like that was a little awkward at first because it's like who are they to listen to us? Yes, but he saw God's hand on us and he was like I could lead it or you could lead it. Okay, and you guys are going to lead it. There we go so you know, and from that moment he was always just intentionally training me up, helping me rightly divide the word. Yes, because I had a weekly Bible study to lead.
Speaker 1Wow, so it wasn't just a one time thing.
Speaker 2It was a consistent oh yes, you're leading and teaching. Yes, okay, yes You're leading and teaching.
Speaker 1Yes, okay, yes so.
Speaker 2I've always been in a position from high school and then when I got to college, I was leading Bible studies on campus. So, again, because I was actively mentored and discipled, it was just a natural progression. It was like, okay, I'm just literally replicating what's being done to me in real time. Got you, you know, was blessed to lead my first person to Christ in 10th grade at Lane and gym class. Wow, because you know, I was a firm believer. He was like you know, this is what disciples do. They make other disciples.
Finding His Path in Education
Speaker 2Yes, so I was like I didn't know any different. Yeah, yeah, so I was like okay, so if this is what we do, then I think you need to know the Lord and let's go. And so I mean it's just been a natural progression of life. So but that's what I was taught, that's my DNA Got it. It's you know, you learn and you give you learn and you give. So that's been my life, in different facets and avenues, but it's always been at its core to replicate the process.
Speaker 1Okay, wow, that gives me so much more insight because you know we sang in Gospel Quiet together at Lane Tech, and that's where I first met you, and you were one of the— there were only a handful of us that were super serious about God and super serious about things, about kingdom Right, and not saying that other people didn't know God and love God, but there were a handful of us that were very intentional about our walk and I and I remember you being one of those people, and now it makes so much more sense.
Speaker 2You know what?
Speaker 1I'm saying Because we, we were, we were taught and we were being groomed to continue in the faith and to carry the torch. And so, wow, this is that's. That's pretty amazing. That's pretty amazing, Okay, so so when did you discover that you wanted to become a teacher?
Speaker 2or go into education.
Speaker 1So that's a funny thing.
Speaker 2So junior, senior year of high school, and this is like a lifetime ago. So as I go down this rabbit trail, you'll be like what? So singing in choir, loving music and all the different avenues that gospel choir brought us, like um, and also I sung at church, led praise and worship. So I connected with a local producer in the area and I had like a little cd are you serious.
Speaker 2I mean, um praise, youtube wasn't out back then. But I say that to say I went into college majoring in music. Really, because I love music, I want to teach music, but I couldn't read music. Ok, so my freshman year I'm flunking out of all my music classes, oh no.
Speaker 1If you play, it.
Speaker 2I could sing it, but I couldn't read anything. Okay, so they were like while you mean, well, you about to go back to the West Side because you flunked. And then my dean of education found me. Okay, and she was like Darnell, every time I see you, you're in front of a group of people and you have a captive audience. Have you ever considered? It wasn't even on my radar to be an educator. Wow, she was like I heard from the music department that things aren't going so well, but you are a natural born deliverer of information. Wow, she was like have you ever considered? And I was like anything that's going to keep me from going back home because my mama ain't having it, my mama is not having it. So your boy turned to education and the rest is history. Wow, but it wasn't even on my radar.
Speaker 1Talking about God having a plan for you. Yes, shout out to.
Speaker 2Dr Kennett. Wow, yes, shout out to Dr Kennett. I remember that day like it was yesterday. That is so amazing and crazy all at the same time, it wasn't even on the radar.
Speaker 1Wow.
Speaker 2Yeah.
Speaker 1So you go into the path of education, yes, wow. So you go into the path of education and you are in college and you are studying and you're leading Bible studies, and then you graduate and you get into your career as an educator. Yeah, now some people just stop at being a teacher, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, right. What made you take the next step to say, hey, there's more to this journey, or more to?
Speaker 2this story, I'll say this there is power in the woman that you marry. Yes, it is, Come on so you know of everything I had already navigated and come through graduating from college, first in my family. Okay, so I'm a CPS school teacher and I'm like, okay, your boy done, made it Right, right. Taught for three years in CPS and then my wife and I relocated to Harrisburg, pennsylvania, so I lived out there for eight years. Wow, yeah, 12 hours away from all family and friends. Wow.
Speaker 1We got to talk about that.
Speaker 2We'll circle back to that, go ahead, but I say all that to say around my fifth year of teaching. You know my wife was like you're a great teacher, but I see more. And at first your boy was offended. I was like what you mean, like what you saying? I'm not good enough right now.
Speaker 1She was like baby calm down.
Bow Tie Tuesdays and Setting Examples
Speaker 2You are thriving as a teacher, but I see more capacity in you. And she spoke what we now call the Principal by 30 campaign. Okay, she was like I think you could be a principal by 30. Wow, you need to go ahead and start your master's program, because how you're impacting classrooms, I think you can impact whole buildings. Okay. So she spoke that Come on, rafe, and I had my master's degree and was assistant principal by 29. Come on, because the queen spoke that Come on, rafe, and I had my master's degree and was assistant principal by 29. Come on, because the queen spoke that Listen Into reality. So again, yes, the power of life and death are in the tongue. Come on, come on, and we have to speak life into our relationship.
Speaker 2That's a whole nother conversation.
Speaker 1Come on, come on, I might need to have you and the queen back on the podcast. I might need to have you and the queen back on the podcast. You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2Yes, because I know a little something about speaking life. Come on, Come on Okay okay, okay, yeah, it wasn't even just like. Being a teacher wasn't on the radar. Yeah, initially being an administrator wasn't on the radar. But seven years of teaching transitioned to my first assistant principal gig in 2010,. And now I'm 15 years in as an administrator. So yeah, wow, yeah.
Speaker 1This is amazing. This is amazing. Okay, okay, listen, listen, okay. So now you are an administrator and I have. I just have to say this I have seen because I follow you on social media.
Speaker 2Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1I have seen the. Correct me if I'm wrong. It's Bowtie Tuesdays.
Speaker 2Yes, Bowtie Tuesdays.
Speaker 1And so tell me a little bit about that and how that started.
Speaker 2Yeah, so again, being in Pennsylvania, I'm about an hour outside of Philly. You know I'm a firm believer. Just because of my background and my upbringing, you are a reflection of the examples around you. Yes, so you know we could talk all day long about our young men not dressing appropriately and pants, sagging and all of that, okay, but what are we doing about it?
Speaker 2Okay, what kind of example are we strategically and intentionally providing for? Them Got it. So I was like, hey, I'm always suited up, you know suit and tie. I'm going to switch it up a little bit. Okay, I'm going to give them yet another layer of how they can present themselves.
Speaker 2Yeah, yeah, you know so, 12 years ago now, I started Bowtie Tuesdays. Wow Again, just as a weekly reminder to them of, hey, you know, you can be authentically you and have different layers to how you present yourself. Come on, it doesn't always have to be a bow tie, but it can be. Yeah, it doesn't always have to be fresh Nikes, but it can be. So like. It doesn't have to be all this or all that, right, but give yourself layers and options on how you present yourself.
Speaker 1Come on with options.
Speaker 2Yeah, yeah, so I mean, we started that and it's funny, over the years, young men, they'll wear one to it I don't know about this, it's too tight. You, I don't know about this, it's too tight. But then they'll go throughout the day and they'll say yo, Mr Weathersby, the girls are feeling this and I'm like I'm trying to help you. Man, Listen, I'm just telling you what I know. So they're like yo, I'm wearing one next week.
Speaker 2So I mean, and the teachers are wearing it, so again it's just something that the staff now we set our clock to it, so if it's like, say, the Tuesday of finals, for example, I won't wear one. They'll be like, okay, so is it Monday or is it Wednesday, because we're throwing off now. Because, we are accustomed to like clockwork on Tuesdays. You got on that bow tie, and if we don't see a bow tie now, we all throwing up, right?
Speaker 2it can't be Tuesday, Right, right right, right so, but again, just Knowing that part of my purpose is being a example to both those who look like me and those who don't, yes, you know I'm reminded of my and my experiences as an administrator in both urban and suburban settings.
Speaker 2You know, my first 10 years were all urban. Ok, you know Chicago, philly. You know Chicago, philly. And then you know again my wife. She was like while the hood needs you, if you don't go to the suburbs, they'll never experience what black excellence could look like. Again, the queen she's always been on it, wow. So at that time I called myself, you know, education missionary, if you will, because I'm definitely leaving the environment I'm accustomed to yes, yes, but I've been able to create great headway and ministry opportunities. Again, I remember when I was out in Pennsylvania my first month at Mechanicsburg High School. I was the first ever African-American administrator in the history of their district, History of the district, history of the district, wow. And I remember my first month of school there. First day of school, this African-American young lady came running down the hallway and, like the summer before, the newspaper did an article on me. It was like it was real. Oh my gosh, it article on me. It was like it was real.
Speaker 1It was real.
Journey to Fatherhood and Breaking Cycles
Speaker 2But she was like he's here, he's here and I'm suited up and I'm ready to go. And she was like you know, she coming up, she hugging me, and she was like you don't understand, I've been in this district, she was a senior, I've been in this district for 12 years. And I've been in this district for 12 years and I've never had an adult male or female who looks like me in a position of authority. So you have no idea, just the mere fact of you walking down this hallway, the impact it's having. So that was the first day of school and then, a month later, I had a Caucasian young man. He was a junior. He said, mr Weathersby, we've been watching you. And I said, oh really Tell me more.
Speaker 2He said no, hear me out. He said when they first hired you we thought they were just bringing you in to keep the minority students in line. Oh wow. But he said we've watched you and we've come to learn that you actually care about all of us and we didn't expect that. Thank you.
Speaker 1Wow.
Speaker 2Yes.
Speaker 1I mean yes, this is yes. Oh, I know I've said wow at least 20 times but I am amazed at the journey and the impact and influence that God has allowed you to have every step of the way, yes, yes. I mean talk about being pressed into purpose. So you are. You and your wife make a decision to step out of your comfort zone and go to a new place.
Speaker 2Yeah, 12 hours away from everybody.
Speaker 1How did Pennsylvania even become the place so?
Speaker 2she worked for Caterpillar coming out of college. So even in that sense, you know, you grew up in a day and age where it's like the man is the head and we've always been team Weathersby. You know, if it's your season to thrive, then I got you, babe. If it's my season, she got me. So they offered her a promotion to head up the whole northern east coast of their department for marketing and business. Wow.
Speaker 1I was like who am I?
Speaker 2to have the audacity to stand in the way of my queen shining Absolutely, so I was like I'm a black man in education, I'm going to land on my feet babe we out, okay, okay. So we relocated no family, no friends, no nothing.
Speaker 1And look, and you went to a land that the Lord showed you. Come on, come on.
Speaker 2Very much an Abraham moment, listen, but he knew what he had in store. Yes yes, but again, you know, a lot of people was like, oh man, who wearing the pants? And I'm like dude, you can say that as a single dude but I'm going to live this married life and we're going to create this empire together. Absolutely, it's just been a testament of God's grace. In June, we'll be celebrating 20 years Come on and May we'll be celebrating 20 years.
Speaker 1Come on now. Listen. There are so many similarities to our story. We really have to circle back and bring both of you on. Yes, but I'm going to do my best to stay focused. I'm going to do my best to stay focused. Yeah, today's episode is brought to you by Destiny Film and Media. Go to destinyfam1.com for all your media needs. Destiny, film and Media your destiny through film and media. Let's talk about your books.
Speaker 2Yes, yes, so you wrote a book called Journey to Fatherhood yes.
Speaker 1Wrote a book called Journey to Fatherhood yes. Where did that? What did that stem from? Okay, and what made you say I need to write this book and now is the time?
Speaker 2It came out of the necessity of trying to keep my sanity. Okay, so July 2010,. After five years of marriage, we find out we're expecting our first child. Okay, again, my parents divorced when're expecting our first child? Okay, again, my parents divorced when I was three. So while I've had many men disciple me and mentor me, my biological father was never in the home. So therefore, I'm married, god is blessing, and now we're expecting our first child, and I have no template nor understanding of what in the world am I supposed to be doing? Okay, do I go to the doctor's visits, Do I not? Mm-hmm, everywhere I knew growing up in the hood, nobody had a crib. So how do I even put one together? I'm out of my element. I have no idea what I'm doing, okay, so for nine months, every day the Lord was like just journal. Okay, put it on paper all your fears, all your prayer requests.
Speaker 2So, literally nine months of autobiography, just sharing how we proactively, intentionally prepared for our child's arrival. Wow, and it was meant to just be a gift to my daughter at a time. We didn't know the sex or anything, but it was just meant to be a gift to her when she graduated from college or got married. But then the Lord was like slow down. There are millions of young men, those who look like you and those who don't, who are just as scared, just as ill-prepared. Yeah, and I didn't have you document that to keep to yourself. Okay, so I need you to publish that. Okay, because there are young men who need it.
Speaker 2Yeah, so that I walk in an obedience. You know I self-published. Okay, and by the grace of God, men across the country and around the world have read my journal entries and it's given them permission to document their own journey to fatherhood. Because at the end of each trimester there are discussion questions. Because a lot of times, as husbands and as men, we're taught to provide and protect everyone else, but we're never few of us are taught on how to protect our own selves. Wow, how do you process your own emotions?
Speaker 1Okay, your own psyche.
Speaker 2Yes, you know. So, yeah, I'm making sure the queen is good, but I'm scared to death. Yeah, so how am I? What's my outlet? Mm-hmm, mm-hmm, you know. Okay, how am I allowing myself to, in a healthy manner, get out the stress? Got it, you know. Get out this. You know I'm fearful, but I can't show it. Yeah, I'm scared too, but I can't show it. So who do I be vulnerable for? God and the lord was like put it on paper, be vulnerable before me. All right, you know. So again, journey to fatherhood came out of necessity of keeping my sanity as we prepared and navigated the pregnancy. So, from the first day we found out we were expecting to the day she was born, I journal. And that's what Journey to Fatherhood is. It's literally nine months of journal entries, wow, yeah.
Speaker 1I didn't realize that. Okay, yes, yeah, I didn't realize that. Okay, yes, yeah, that is amazing to be able to. So how did it feel? Were you nervous to put this together and put it out there?
Speaker 2Yeah, so again, it was the unadulterated I mean deaths in the family, like nine months of anything and everything that occurred. That was my outlet. So I'm very I've been journaling every day since. Okay, like that is my thing. Yeah, so you know that's my therapy every morning. You know, listen, you got to do it, but so you know, I had conversations with family members like, hey, this book is about to drop. Yeah, you know I had conversations with family members like, hey, this book is about to drop. Yeah, it's nothing scandalous, but it is a all-access-provided look into my life, got it, and how my life has interacted with your life. You may be mentioned in this, got it you?
Speaker 1know, got it.
Speaker 2Okay, so I had family members pass and they were mentioned, got it, things of that nature, but a lot of it was just, you know, conducive to my household, if you will, and how my wife and I were navigating that season um different doctors visits, and how it went and trying to paint this room and all of this stuff and get this nursery together and you know just different things, um, but yeah, so you know you had to have those forthcoming conversations, but the family was like this is your life, this is what God has put on your heart, and they saw the track record of obedience up to that point and they're like God has never steered you wrong. So if he's telling you to do this, then we trust his leading upon your life. So go ahead.
Speaker 1I like what you just said. They saw the track record of obedience. That is so important. Yeah, it's important and it's been a common thread throughout the conversation. You've talked about being able to replicate what you've seen. You've talked about the. I just love that track record of obedience and people being able to see it. So, in with the with your track record of obedience. Yeah, how has that? Because because people can see they.
Creating a New Legacy for the Next Generation
Speaker 1They only see outward correct what has that inner journey been like? Because we know that we don't always get it right, but when others see us, sometimes they're like, oh, you always get it together. So how were some of those conversations with you and God? How have they been along the way to like what? What did you? Did you face any challenges? Along the way in walking in purpose or getting to purpose. And what, what did? What did that Darnell and God conversation look like?
Speaker 2Yeah, so I will be remiss if I didn't say I've been blessed to have a circle of friends, a circle of guys who we've known each other since freshman year in college.
Speaker 1Okay.
Speaker 2We've navigated single life together. We've navigated hey, I met a girl together. We've navigated marriage. Now we all got children. Yes, I've been in their weddings. They've been in our wedding. So I've been blessed to have a circle of guys around me who could care less about my degrees, who can care less about my accomplishments. They might care about your book. You know so, but you need that.
Speaker 1Yes, you know so yes absolutely.
Speaker 2We always joke and say that group text is to the grave, to the grave, right, right, right. But I say that to say that keeps me. And also, you know I'm an avid journaler and what I've done for numerous years is, at the end of each month I reread my journal entries Because in the moment I'm crying out to God for provision, in the moment I'm crying out to God for, you know, provision and I need you to come through through and I'm not sure about this meeting at work. And then when I reread it I'm like, okay, so you came through here, you came through here, I had no reason to be concerned here, but in the moment I didn't know it. Right, right, right. So that keeps me grounded as well. To say again, I try to keep a short. I always say people have spiritual amnesia a lot. Yes, yes, God provides. And we forget and God provides and we forget.
Speaker 2So you know, it's one of those things where I try to keep a short record of okay, he's been too good for me to be forgetting all the doggone things. You know he's brought me too far. But in your current season, if you don't take time to reflect upon where he's brought you from, you lose track of just how far he's brought you. Now, that is true, you know. So I think that's have I had difficulties, of course, even now, as trying to be you know. So I think that's have I had difficulties, of course, even now, as trying to be, you know I joke and say I'm raising middle class kids with a hood understanding, you know. So it's like how do I prepare you for to walk in a season that I didn't walk through? You know, preparing my kids for college, all my stuff was paid for because you know scholarships and grants, and if I was dumb enough to sign a student loan, they gave me that too.
Speaker 2Right, right, right, you know, but the money was there because my mama didn't have it Right? Right, right but the store's a little different for my kids A little bit, you know. So I always say like man, right, but the story's a little different for my kids A little bit, you know. So I always say like man, this is new territory.
Speaker 1Yeah.
Speaker 2How do I train them to be grounded but yet walk in provision, Whereas I grew up walking in? Lord, you're going to have to come through because the light's off again.
Speaker 2You know, Got you, you're going to have to come through because that refrigerator, good and empty, yeah, you're going to have to come through because we about to get evicted. Like you're going to have to come through, right, right, they know nothing of that world Got you To the grace of God. So it's like I always say, like, even as God is using me, he's continually reshaping my understanding of him. Because it's all new. Yeah, it's all new. Yeah, none of this is what I experienced. None of it, none of it, none of it. But again, it helps me be that much more appreciative of what I have and what I've earned by his grace, because I know what it could have been. Yes, you know, yes, we all grew up with examples of people who were just as talented but made a couple choices along the way and now they're all the way where they don't want to be Right. So it wasn't because I'm so chosen or anything like that. It's just because, literally, god gave me the humility to say, one opportunity at a time, I'm going to trust you.
Speaker 1Yeah.
Speaker 2And I'm going to trust you here. And I'm going to trust you here, even if I don't understand, even if it don't make sense. You know always say everybody has two options in life. Yeah, you can blaze a trail and start a new legacy, or you can continue a legacy that's been given to you. Okay, everybody has one of two choices. For me, part of starting Lead One in 2013 with my wife was we believe that too many people were waiting for a position or a title in order to walk in their purpose and we were like no, everything God has shown us is that if you walk in obedience, the positions and the titles will come. Yeah, you just do what God has called you to do. Yes, and you be obedient to the season he has you in.
Speaker 1And leave the results to him Absolutely.
Speaker 2So you know for a phrase that I use all the time the cycle ends with me. I live by that. You know. I grew up. You know domestic violence and divorce. Those are two cycles I was determined were going to end with me. My children would not know the damage that comes with that, okay. The damage that I'm still navigating, gotcha, they will not with that, okay. Okay, the damage that I'm still navigating, gotcha, they will not know that, yeah. My wife will not know the hardship that I saw my mom have to navigate. She will know nothing of it. Got it, yeah.
Speaker 2So that's what drives me is to create a legacy. I tell my son all the time I'm having conversations with you that my dad never had with me, so that when you have children, this will be the norm. Yes, while I'm walking in faith, every conversation, because God has given me the words that weren't given to me. And now you have it at a young age, because this is what dad has always done for you, yes, yes. So again, blazing that trail and walking in a new season of legacy building, if you will, to say, hey, not on my watch.
Speaker 1Yeah, this ends here, yeah.
Speaker 2And I believe everyone has a generational curse that they're trying to break, whether it's lack of education, physical health, mental health, you name it. If we were transparent, everybody has that one thing that says it ends here. Yeah, it ends here, absolutely. So I think that's. Another thing that keeps me is to know the cycles he's allowed me to shatter and the fruit that comes from shattering those cycles, so the next generation can walk in wholeness yes, it.
Speaker 1Listen. Walking and healing and wholeness is so important. Yeah, and I don't think enough people intentionally chart that path. Yeah, um, it is I. I've been. You talk about journaling. I've been journaling since I was in high school. Come on and it, and sometimes and I, when you talked about, you know, going back and reading it like at the end of the month, I was like, huh, maybe I should do that.
Speaker 1Um, because I go back and I'll read something from years ago and I'll see, one, how far God has brought me, and then two I'll see wait, you told me this a long time ago and I just overlooked it or missed it or forgot about it. And yeah, sometimes we have to go back so that we can be reminded, not only of God's- goodness, but of who he has called us to be.
Speaker 1Come on, and so you have so many titles You've got son, you've got brother, you've got husband and father and teacher and mentor, administrator, all the things. If you were to wrap all of those things up, what would you say your purpose is?
Speaker 2To empower others. Okay, to empower others. Okay. I think I always say and I was just telling one of my mentees this a little while ago, maybe a week or two ago I said a true man, if able is consistent in any environment, he's in Okay.
Speaker 2Too many times we switch hats too much. You know, for example, if I'm with this group of friends, I act this way. Okay, if I'm with this group of friends, I act this way. If I'm at work, I act this way. If I'm at church, I act this way. And I pride myself on being consistently Darnell. Okay, when you see me at Walmart, that's the Darnell you're going to get. Okay, when you see me out with the family, that's the Darnell you're going to get, it's the same Darnell.
Speaker 2So to empower others to walk in that freedom, to walk with that sense of purpose, because it has blessed me to be consistently Darnell. So I don't have to switch it up because you know the superintendent just walked in. Yes, yes, I'm just being Darnell. Yeah. And if I'm at the gym, I'm just being Darnell. If I'm out with the family and you know my students see me, I don't have to wonder oh man, what did they overhear? Got you? I'm just being Darnell.
Donald the Knight: Honoring His Twin's Memory
Speaker 2So it's a level of consistency that I try to empower others to live in, to say, hey, just be who God has called you to be consistently. Yes, and if you can do that consistently again, the results will take care of itself. Amen. You know just, I have a heart for mentoring the next generation, because I was mentored, I was discipled. So to see former students who are now, you know, husbands and fathers themselves, and the blessing of social media in my world is being able to stay connected with them, yes, you know, and we talk whenever we need to, and then I tell them just a text message away, I'm, just a phone call away, and they're walking me through what they're going through, and and I'm. You know I don't got all the answers, but this is what I know to be true. Right, come on. This is what's worked for me.
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Yes, so just being in that season of being the one doing the empowering and then seeing the fruit of that is just amazing. But I think if I could summarize all those hats is I've been called to empower others, amen.
Speaker 1Yeah, amen.
Speaker 2Yeah.
Speaker 1Okay, so I want to wrap this up because, look, we could talk all day.
Speaker 2I know, but.
Speaker 1I was like okay, it's a podcast we got to turn the corner.
Speaker 1But I want to bring up one more thing, which I brought up a little bit before we start recording. But every time I think about you, whenever I see you, the first thing I think about is Lane Tech Gospel Choir Come on and me encouraging you very strongly to lead Kirk Franklin's Conquerors, come on, come on. And when I think about that, and then I think about your life that we've just talked about. I didn't know why I felt so strongly that you should lead that song, but when I hear your life, yes your life.
Speaker 1That is a that is really a testament to your life.
Speaker 1Come on, you are more than a conqueror from one pound 15 ounces to the man that you sit here today, the mentor that you are, the husband, the father, let's just say the leader, the empowerer that you are today. You are more than a conqueror and I am blessed by your story. I am blessed by your yes to God. I'm blessed by your story. I am blessed by your yes to God. I'm blessed by your obedience to God and I want to make sure that other people know how they can be blessed by your ministry as well.
Speaker 2So I'm just going to grab a few things over here, no problem, no problem.
Speaker 1And I'm going to talk to the camera for a second, all right, all right, and I am going to raise up your book here, journey to Fatherhood, which we have talked about, um, in the podcast. Um, how you are journaling your, your nine, you and your wife's nine, nine month journey, uh, through, uh, pregnancy, um, and listen, if you do not have a copy of this book and you are going through that very journey, you might want to pick it up. Come on, listen, because it'll bless you. And then we have, you came out with a journal recently.
Speaker 2Yes, yes.
Speaker 1Because we know that you are a journaler.
Speaker 2Come on, come on, come on. You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1So when the man journals, then he needs the cycle. The journal said the cycle ends with me. So, he also has a journal that you can pick up at all the outlets.
Speaker 2Yeah, well, my website is theleadonemovementcom, so all of our resources are available for purchase and anyone who purchases a copy, they can notify me and I autograph them and email and send them out. Okay, so it's very customized, okay, yes, okay.
Speaker 1Very good, very good. And then we've got a new thing which we didn't really get a chance to talk about today. That's not right, but so I'm going to hold it up now, I'm going to let you, I'm going to hold it up now, I'm going to pass it to you and ask you to tell us a little bit about it, because I think I think we probably we, we let listen, okay. So there's another book called the adventures of Donald, the night fearfully and wonderfully made, and this just recently came out. How long November of 2022.
Speaker 1November of 2022. Okay.
Speaker 2Yeah.
Speaker 1And so I want you to tell me a little bit about the background of how this came to be.
Speaker 2So again, having being born a twin. My twin's name was Donald Gotcha, so this is a tribute, donald the Knight, to his memory. Yes, tribute Donald the Knight to his memory. Yes, but also, you know, being in education for 20 plus years, I'm always having countless conversations with parents who are looking for resources on how to help their child navigate bullying, peer pressure and low self-esteem. Okay, so I wanted to provide a resource for young families. When you get to high school, you're already at a certain point of being kind of fixed in your ways. But if I could provide a resource for the children, particularly our young men, of how to navigate bullying, peer pressure and low self-esteem from a biblical perspective, then families have yet another resource to refer to. Got it. Then families have yet another resource to refer to Got it.
Speaker 2So I had a chance to honor my twin's memory, yes, keep his legacy alive, yes, while at the same time providing a resource for families. So, by the grace of God, we launched November of 2022. We just crossed 1,000 books sold Congratulations. 30 book signings later, wow, and you're the first to hear about it on this podcast. But book number two is set to launch in March, okay, so your boy been working behind the scenes.
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2So book two will be launching here shortly, okay, so definitely keep out on the look for that. We will do that, yes, yes, so it'll be a continuation of Donald Knight. It's a three part series actually. Okay, okay, all right.
Speaker 1Well, everybody, look for Adventures of Donald the Knight, part 2. Yes, coming in March of 2025. And I just want to say thank you. Thank you, thank you, darnell, for taking the time to talk to me today and share your story. It has been uplifting, it has been inspiring and encouraging and empowering, and so thank you all, so so much for joining us on Preston to Purpose on today. We pray that you have had, you've gotten, some nuggets from our conversation and we pray that they will help you to press further into your purpose. Thank you and thank you, we'll see you next time. Today's episode is brought to you by Destiny Film and Media. Go to destinyfam1.com for all your media needs. Destiny Film and Media, your destiny through film and media. You.