Chris Grainger: 1:43

Welcome to the Line Within Us, a podcast serving Christian men who are hungry to be the leaders God intends you to be. I'm your host, Chris Granger. So let's jump in. All right, fellas. Fun Friday. We're gonna get into it. Got a new format before we get there to the scripture of the week. This week is Luke 640. A student is not above his teacher, but everyone, when he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. And guys, I unpacked that verse at length in a spiritual kickoff episode. Go back and listen to that one. And uh super excited. New year, new thing. I've been talking about we got this new thing going to the line within us. We're gonna be doing these uh member spotlights for our fun Friday. So we got our first one ever. I'm pumped up. Let's get into it. And our first member we're gonna be bringing in is Stephen Moore. So, Steven, what's up, bro? How are you doing today?

Stephen Morris: 2:25

I am fantastic, bro. Like, I'm ready to get it. Let's let's get after it. Let's have some fun.

Chris Grainger: 2:31

This is it. This is it. I'm so I mean, this has been like on the back burner for the lion for a while. Like, let's let's bring some of our members in because the coolest part of the lion is by far not me. It's you guys. So, like, this is awesome, man. I'm so pumped up just to have you here. Just get like uh maybe just a little brief overview of your background so our our listeners know a little bit about you.

Stephen Morris: 2:52

Yeah, and well, first of all, I I gotta disagree with you on that because uh, I mean, uh if you're not a member of the line within us, uh you learn real quick that it's Chris Granger, the superstar. Um like everybody like uh every once in a while he'll ask me to lead something for him, I'll do it, and like two people show up. And then the next week Chris leads it and like 40 people show up. It's well, I'm exaggerating, like 20 still. Yeah, it's better than four. So I mean, obviously, people come for Chris, not not Steven. But anyway, uh my background. Uh so uh I was raised a Christian. Um, how how deep do you want me to go, bro? Like I got a lot of story.

Chris Grainger: 3:32

Yeah, I mean uh basically how'd you come to know Christ and then maybe lead him up to how you found the lion? That'd be kind of cool.

Stephen Morris: 3:42

Do you want me to tell the truth? Yep, sure. Okay. So anyway, I was raised a Christian, and um uh after I turned 18, I joined the army. And um right after that, September 11th happened, went to war. Um, and that was pretty much my adult life after that, just war and fighting. Uh I'm I'm a pretty big pipe hitter. Um I I I I loved the military, I loved the army. Um and I loved what I did because I I felt like it I was really making a difference. The bad side of of it was that it really pulled me away from not my belief. I still always believed in God, Chris, but I I I I developed a really keen hatred for him, if that makes sense. Uh it was very sharp. Um, just you know, after you see so much bad stuff every single day, like all the evil, the worst kind of evil this world has to offer. And you sit there and you wonder, you watch your friends die, you watch innocent people, women, and children die, and you're like, why why are why are you allowing this to happen? And um, more importantly, like you know, joining the military was something I knew from the uh early childhood. Like that was that was my goal in life, that was my place, that was where I was going to be. And you can tell, and then when you're in the military, and anybody listening if that was in the military, they'll know exactly what I'm talking about. You can tell the people that were born for it because they're just naturally good at being in the military. Like nothing the military because the military no matter what branch it is, like it's it's it's a goat rope, uh, to put it politely. And you know, for for those of us that are just kind of built for it, it that stuff doesn't even phase us. The the and the the the hard parts of it done phase us. Anyway, I knew I knew I was going to to join the military um at an early age. And and my biggest question for God is why do you create people like me? Like you you allow this evil in the world, and then you create people like me to go fight it, and then we have to suffer. You know, it's not like I I chose this, I was created for this. So, and I don't know if that makes sense or if people believe in stuff like that, but I certainly do. And um so fast forward and got out, uh retired from the army, uh, met my now wife, and uh, you know, I uh what what's the word when when you're not quite dating yet or like in a serious relationship, there's an old-fashioned word. What is it? Uh courtship courting, yeah, courtship. Okay, uh was trying to try doing my best uh to court her. And let me tell you, she's a 10 and I'm a four. Like, she is so far out of my league, it's not even funny. In fact, the first day I saw her, I was like, I'm not even gonna waste my time talking to her because I know she's way too like so far out of my league. Like, she's just gonna be stuck up and come to find out she's the sweetest person in the world. But anyway, um so finally one day I I asked her, I was like, you know, what do I have to do to get you to marry me? And she was like, You have to love Jesus Christ as much as I do. Oh that crap. That sucks. So um fast forward, you know, obviously that that I I don't know how to say it. Like I I got this idea in my head, like I'm just I'm just gonna try. I don't know what's gonna happen, but I'm gonna try. I'm gonna do it for her because I really do love this girl. So I I did fast forward to what was it, 2021, 22? When yeah, um, I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur uh and work for myself, and I was in this group and I saw this guy, Chris Granger, and he saw my shit there, he sent me an email. It's like, hey, I like your story, let's talk. And um we met, and I remember you telling me what you were doing, starting the lion, and I will I left that meeting like I can't stand that dude. Like, he's one of those holier than thou Bible thumpers. Like, and I I I'm working my way back into the into building a relationship with God, but still at that point, like you were just too much for me, I I think. And uh I could I was like, man, I can't stand that guy. And Katie asked me, she's like, How'd your meeting with with that that Christian guy go? And I was like, he's not for me. And uh, she just kept at it for like two months, like you should, you should meet with him again. You should meet with him again. And I have no idea why. She doesn't know why, but she just kept pushing me like to meet with you again and meet with you again. And finally one day I just showed up at one of your Bible studies, I think. And um we we had some some conversation to say the least. And uh I know I never left, and now I consider you one of my one of my closest uh confidants and uh uh mentors. So that's how we got here. Man, that's it, bro.

Chris Grainger: 9:09

And it's been a it's been a journey. It is it has been a journey with you. And it's been awesome at the same time. I've learned so much from you. I have some of my favorite stories that I tell my wife are Steven's stories. And dear Lord, no. Yeah. I mean, the I'm sorry, but guys, you you're not gonna get this to hear the whole story. But if you join, I will connect you with Steven. He'll tell you about the time he shot a rocket to off to a to a guy riding a bicycle. And that was probably one of the funniest stories of of my life. But anyway, yeah, I mean it's just been just remember it's not a war crime the first time. That's it, bro. That's it. So it's just been great just to see personally for you for me, just watching your growth as well, man, of where you were, where you are now. I mean, you're now in a leadership role within the lion as well, and leading guys and and and still learning and growing at the same time. I mean, what uh we got we started these mastermind groups, you know, back in July, and now you're kind of overseeing one of the groups there. So, you know, why do you think the the the mastermind groups have have been impactful and what what gets you excited about them? Because I mean, I know as a leader it can be a little bit challenging at times.

Stephen Morris: 10:18

So, I mean, we started like the very first line within us mastermind group was what, two years ago, two and a half years ago?

Chris Grainger: 10:26

Yeah, absolutely.

Stephen Morris: 10:28

And I would I was just a member of that group, and it was uh a guy named Lucas uh Jordan was leading it. And um he uh there was oh man, I don't remember. I think there was like five of us plus Lucas. And we developed such a strong relationship with just the group of guys. And it's funny because so one of the one of the area one of my biggest areas of improvement, I would say, or at least that I'm the most pleased with in my in my walk, is uh I had mentioned to the group one night that I just I'm really terrified to pray in front of people. Like, you know, my wife over food, like it doesn't matter. If there are people other than me in the room, I can't do it. Like it just terrifies me. And then, you know, I caught a lot of flack and got beat up because you know, Steven's scared or something, and I didn't think, uh, big big army guy scared, whatever. Anyway, um, and then after they got done making fun of me, um, they're like, you know what? From now on, every time we meet, Steven is going to open and close us in prayer. That's not an option, right? And I'm like, whatever, good luck. And so, but they held me to it, man. And they like we argued for like 15 minutes the next time we met because they're like, pray. I'm like, no, and like, do it. I'm like, no, you can't make me. And finally they just I I guess peer pressured me into it. And and so now, like you said, like I'm leading a master of my group, I have to pray in front of guys all the time. I'm able to pray with my wife now. Um, you know, I I don't care. Like, like the the I the I guess it was always the fear of knowing what to say is what was getting to me. And now it's just like whatever, God will tell me or he won't, like, it doesn't matter. Like, it's okay. And if like people want to judge me because I don't pray as good as they do or whatever, then that's on them. But um, that was a huge benefit for my life, for my my marriage. Um, and and that that's just one small example of the challenge that the men that I've been up been in these groups with have brought to my life. And you know me, Chris. Uh challenge is like I I live for a challenge. Like the the second someone challenges me, like my ears perk up like a puppy. Like I'm ready to go. And so it's the the the daily challenges that they they bring to me. Um, you know, another horrible uh aspect or quality I have is I'm horrible about answering text messages and group texts and all that stuff. And um, you know, however they've called me out on it, like, hey man, the group text, you you need to respond. That's that's not cool. It's like I read it. Like, you still need to respond. So I mean, it's not even in cr, you know, like Christian areas, it's just or my walk with God. It's just areas of being a responsible man that they've helped me grow. And it's a constant, constant challenge. And I love it, man. I'm here for it. If you're not growing every single day, then you might as well not be alive, in my opinion.

Chris Grainger: 14:05

I'm with you, man. I mean, when you think about the mastermind and how it works, like what's maybe what's the hardest part about it? You know, what lots of guys run from hard stuff, but you know, I mean, legit, we're not here for the easy stuff. We're here to to put in the work. So, what has been maybe some of the most challenging parts of it for you?

Stephen Morris: 14:23

Well, for me, I I don't know. Maybe maybe I should have read the the questions ahead of time. Because I I'm not prepared for that question. I I don't know. Let me think about it. But I will say uh just as an observer, the hardest part for for most men is just being open.

Chris Grainger: 14:42

Fair enough. Um how you can overcome that then, man.

Stephen Morris: 14:46

Man, for for me and my group, I just try to create, and I hate to say this, I really hate to say this. A safe space. Right. I'm pretty sure I just lost a little year off of my life by saying that. But no, um, I'm being facetious, but uh I I just do my best to create an environment where the men feel safe that they're not going to be judged, um, they're not going to be told that they're I I mean, I've literally had a man say, bro, I'm addicted to porn to me. And it's like, okay, let's let's talk about it. Like right. And and and we sit there and did our conversation help him? I don't know. But I mean, I mean, the I I'm pretty honored that he felt safe enough to tell me that. Fair. Like that's not just something you go scream out of, you know, from rooftop. Like, and so that that that's how I try to overcome it with my group, is just make sure that the men know, like, look, I'm not perfect. I do a whole lot of dumb stuff. Uh and all of us do, and it's it's not okay, but it's okay. Like, we're we're going to talk about it, we're gonna hold each other accountable. Uh, we're going and and what what's the Bible say? You this is this is by far my my weakest areas quoting the Bible. So I'm going screwed up and Chris can correct me, but you know, the Bible calls it out and says that you know, our sins have to be put on put in front of the church so we can be held accountable. I I I believe that I know it's New Testament, I don't remember uh uh the book or the verse, but um and that you know maybe not to church nowadays, but definitely a group like this um is a place to where you can come out and be like, hey, look, uh, you know, we had a guy say, you know, I I have the worst time checking out other women besides my wife. And and you say it all the time, the first look you can't help, the second one you can. And it's like, okay, brother, well, that's not good uh for many reasons. Let's talk about it, let's let's dive into it. But be when that sin gets brought to the light, it can't survive.

Chris Grainger: 17:01

That's right.

Stephen Morris: 17:02

So um that that I hope that answers your just your question. For me personally, I I would say um for me personally, I would say it's not I have this complex of having to have answers. I I I I can I cannot say I don't know. And that just being in the group, I I've really had to learn just to get off my high horse and and and be able to say I I have no clue, bro. Like I don't know why I do that. And it's okay that I don't know.

Chris Grainger: 17:40

It is okay. And you mentioned a word though that lots of guys ask for, but many guys run from, and it's accountability. And that's been a big part of what we try to design in it. And one core component that you brought up in one of our meetings that has been implemented now is the battle buddy. So maybe just explain to the guys listening, you know, when we say battle buddy now, what does that actually look like functionally within the lion and the mastermind, how that works?

Stephen Morris: 18:08

Yeah, so anyone listening that's been in the military, you know what I'm talking about already. But it's the same concept. Um, a battle buddy is is so when you get into the army or Marines or Air Force Navy, um, they call it different things, but in the army we call it your battle buddy. And um you get assigned a battle buddy, which is just another soldier that is responsible for your actions just as much as you are. And you them likewise. So, you know, I got Chris assigned as my battle buddy, and Chris decides to go get a DUI. I'm on the carpet with him because I didn't do something like, hey, hey, bro, you're it's probably not a good idea. Don't go drive your car. Um, or I wasn't with him to stop him or something. Who knows? But it's just someone to be accountable with you. Um, because it's easy to say, I'll read my Bible tomorrow. But it's really hard to say when when your battle buddy texts you and is like, hey, bro, did you read your Bible today? No, I haven't got to it yet. Well, you need to do it right now. Stop watching, do it right now. And then they text you an hour later, like, hey, did you read your Bible yet? No, I got busy. Well, you know, I mean it that that conversation gets really hard to have to where it's finally you just break down and do what you're supposed to do eventually. Um, and that that's the idea of it. And you're right, accountability hurts, and it is really hard, especially when it comes to just admitting that that you're not perfect and that you've screwed up. And the most to it's the most important thing in the world, um, uh in my opinion, because without it, there's no growth.

Chris Grainger: 19:53

Love it, man. Well, I'm I'm I'm just grateful to you that you brought that up. You saw that it was a gap and we addressed it, right? I mean, that's a big deal. Kind of as we kind of wrap it up, Stephen. I I'd love just to know straight up, how has the lion impacted you with just your walk with Christ, man? Has it helped you? Has it has it been neutral? Just curious where where where the lion falls in with your discipleship journey?

Stephen Morris: 20:17

I mean, it's been I No, I'm kidding. Uh no, I mean outs so one of the w areas I struggle in life, uh uh and I would say this is probably the most impact impactful thing it's had in my life. Uh in the when I was in the army, it's really easy for me to make friends because it's a whole bunch of people like me. Uh then I got out of the army and no one under you know, civilians don't understand me. So I I've really struggled to to build relationships outside. And then I, you know, found, you know, met you, met, met Jay, met Lucas, Adam, uh, all those guys, and you know, Jeremiah. And they're not military, but they they they're just men. And it's been a real big blessing to just have them in my life. Uh, because on on one side I have the military, my military friends who are still in the military, so it draws me back into that life when I talk to them and when I'm around them. I start talking, I start swearing like like crazy again. Just that that's our culture. And I I you know, I joke like I I can I can say an entire Sentence of nothing but the F word, and someone, you know, my army buddies are fully going to understand what I'm telling them. And there's an actual meaning to what I'm saying, and they're going to understand it. Um, and uh I I it's a joke, and I underst but I also understand that's not good. Um but then you know, flip my flip to the lion's side. Now I have Christian men who I've never had in my life before other than my dad. And unfortunately, um my dad being the wisest man on earth, in my opinion, I still never listened to him, so um, I don't know when uh when that'll ever stop. I'm 40 and I I still act like a stupid kid uh when it comes to listening to my dad. But anyway, um have having having you men to to really just kind of show me how a Christian man acts, how a husband, a Christian husband acts, um has has been a huge blessing in my life. Uh especially like my biggest weakness definitely is my patience. Um I told you once, what do I got what do I need to tell you again? Um so I mean that that's definitely been been the my biggest uh takeaway from from being with you all these years.

Chris Grainger: 23:00

Man, it's been a the blessing has been on our end too, bro. I mean, it's been great. And I mean there may be a guy listening right now, Steven, who has listened to the lion for a while. Maybe they're considering joining the the Lion's Den community or maybe even putting an application for the mastermind. So what would you say to that guy right now, just uh if you want to uh spur him or encourage him or challenge him, what what would you say there?

Stephen Morris: 23:26

I would say that if it doesn't hurt, you're doing it wrong. And what I mean by that is, you know, you go to the gym, if if your workout doesn't hurt, then you didn't actually work out. You go for a run, if it doesn't hurt, you're not actually running. Um doing the right thing more often than not hurts. And that is what you get here. It's but it's a good hurt because you're growing and you're getting better. And if you haven't if you haven't joined the community, if you have if you aren't joining a mastermind, then you know you're you're that that guy that says, I'll go to the gym tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes. So, you know, put put the you know put whatever is in your hand down and and and just join and start becoming a better you. Uh start start embracing the suck and and let's get it going. Amen, brother.

Chris Grainger: 24:25

Well, Steve, man, this has been awesome, bro. Thank this, and this was our first one with uh a member spotlight. Uh, I'm just blessed to have you part part of it. Uh, we always wrap up our fun Fridays, too, guys. If you remember Book of the Week. So this week it was uh All Things Together right here from Heath uh Heart of Steve. Really enjoyed this one. He uh John Tyson wrote the Ford, which by the way, I got to hear John Tyson preach, bro, at the um conference in October. That dude is on fire. Like, I don't know if you ever listen to John Tyson, but he he can bring it. So uh anyway, got two dad jokes. I'm and I actually get to test them out on somebody. You know, I've never had this. I'm always doing the dad jokes with just me, and I always wonder what the what the response is gonna be. So I get to test them out on you, Steven. All right, so let's let and the first one comes from my brother Doug, and he is like the dad joke king of the world. You know, so so Doug, this one's you. So the first one is like I was looking through my insurance insurance policy, and if my blankets are stolen in the middle of the night, uh I won't be covered. Crickets. All right, so that's crickets. All right, I thought it was a good one, Doug, bro. So I'm I'm with you there. Uh so don't don't don't be upset at Steven's reaction. And then the second one is I thought my dad spent too much money on expensive wigs. Looking back, it was a small, it was a small price to pay. Sorry, that was to me, that's pretty good, bro.

Stephen Morris: 25:48

You know, that's definitely the funnier one. Uh but it's hard. So it's funny because so you test you your joke, you get it test it out on me. I always test it on my wife. Right. So when you put that out, before I vote on which one, I I go tell them to my wife, and whichever one gets the the worst reaction is the one I vote for.

Chris Grainger: 26:10

That's it. And what he's talking about, guys, is is I post these dad jokes in the lion every Friday. And uh it's a poll, so the guys vote on them. And and sometimes that the guys are just rude and they're like, Chris, you you suck, go home. And I'm okay with that. You know, I I'll I'll just there's always next week, you know. So so let us know which one you like, fellas. Number one and number two. Uh, you know, I was looking through my insurance policy, my blanks are still in the middle of night. I won't be covered. That's number one. And number two, I thought my dad spent too much money on expensive wigs. Looking back, it was just a small price to pay. So um, I know I'm voting too this week. I'm sorry, but anyway.

Stephen Morris: 26:45

That's that's that's that's pretty funny. I'm sorry, Doug.

Chris Grainger: 26:48

That's it. That's it. Question our question of the week, though, guys, was uh what's one area where you spot where you stop being teachable? So keep thinking about that. I mean, when Steven's talked about a lot today, you we have to be uh an open mindset because that fixed mindset is when we stop growing, fellas. So everything can be found at the lionwithin.us. Uh Steven, got anything else you'd like to share before we wrap up?

Stephen Morris: 27:11

I think that's good.

Chris Grainger: 27:12

Awesome, awesome. Well, fellas, head over to thelionwithin.us, check all our resources there. Join a daily spiritual kickoff, start your lions then um trial just to get started there. Put in an application for the mastermind. We'll send those to guys like Steven. We'll see if you make the cut. How about that? So you can all all that's found at the lionwithin.us or open up your Bible app, search for the lion right there. 50 plus plans on the Bible app, fellas. We're connecting with you all over. So hope you guys enjoyed this one. I know I sure did. Come back next week and just keep on leashing the lion within. If you're tired of going at it alone, we understand every man needs wise counsel, but finding it can be quite the challenge. That's why we build our leadership masterminds. This isn't just more content, guys. It's real discipleship with a consistent rhythm, small cohorts of no more than seven guys, honest hot seat sessions, and biblical counsel that turns good intentions into action, you'll get accountability, clarity, and a circle of brothers who will challenge you and cheer you on. We open up new options regularly so there's room to find the right fit. It's not always easy, but it is worth it. The first step is simple. Take the leadership mastermind assessment. No pressure, uh, no hype, just thoughtful questions to help you see where you are, uh, where God is leading you and whether this is a good option for your next step. Hey, if it's a fit, uh we're gonna follow up with details. And if it's not, we'll point you to resources to help you keep growing. Either way, uh you move forward. So if you're ready to take the assessment, head over to the lionwithin dot us slash mastermind. Uh-huh. So that's the lion within dot us slash mastermind to get moving today.