There is possibility and presence within the fear do it afraid! with Pastor Aaron Brown Ep: 11
\u201cFear of failure plagued me since I was a kid\u2026 but I learned to feel the fear and do it anyway!\u201d Explains Aaron Brown as he and Laura kick off this episode. \u201cI\u2019ve learned to move into it \u2013 whatever \u2018it\u2019 may be \u2013 knowing there is possibility and presence within the fear.\u201d\xa0 \xa0 In this specific case, Aaron was describing the fear he felt when he had an opportunity in 2018 to participate in a small, private \u201cShark Tank\u201d experience during a John. C. Maxwell Leadership event. His intention, upon registering for the event, was to simply relax and enjoy the experience, soak up some wisdom, and enjoy spending time with interesting people. That, however, isn\u2019t exactly what happened! \xa0 When the opportunity came up, he asked himself, \u201cis it worth the effort?\u201d The opportunity was to pitch an idea for a business endeavor in a \u2018shark-tank\u2019 format in front of Leadership Expert, John Maxwell; Shark Tank Entrepreneur and Investor, Barbara Corcoran; and the 100+ attendees at the event.\xa0 \xa0 Deciding the answer was \u2018yes,\u2019 as he would have an opportunity to bless the Ascent Recovery Center (opening in September 2019), a drop-in support center for people unable to commit to a resident-based full-time recovery program that would provide community, support, education, etc. He assumed he\u2019d be competing against a large group, but when he got that call that his idea was accepted, he discovered he was one of only three people whose ideas had been selected. The other two ideas were a 3D Modeling System used to diagnose health issues in the hearts of babies, and the other was an Activity Center for mentally disabled persons.\xa0 \xa0 He knew the competition was going to be tough, as his perception is that raising funds for addiction recovery is often difficult. He prepared and practiced; he knew he had to really grab their attention and make a meaningful impression in just two minutes. He was more nervous than he remembers being before, as well as excited by the opportunity and the audience.\xa0 \xa0 He dove in, did his best, and got through it \u2013 doing it afraid!\xa0 \xa0 Then the moment of truth\u2026 John and Barbara deliberated and then Barbara was to announce the winner. It was Scott Tolar, who had pitched the Activity Center. What happened next will surprise and inspire you! \xa0 Scott was in a position to be generous, and so he was. His generosity inspired John and Barbara to join in and share some of their wealth, as well. You\u2019ll have to listen to hear the outcome of this, but let\u2019s just say a few seeds of kindness, generosity, compassion\u2026 have more power than you imagine and can spread much farther, too!\xa0 \xa0 At Laura\u2019s urging, Aaron dives more deeply into how he \u201cdid it afraid\u201d and what works for him in these kinds of situations \u2013 Defining Moments, as he calls them.\xa0 Listen in as Aaron shares his tips for doing it afraid and how being willing to step into vulnerability opens doors, creates opportunities, and allows us to be more fully who we were meant to be.\xa0 \xa0 The learn more about Aaron and his work, look here:\xa0 \xa0 St. Paul\u2019s\xa0 Ascent Recovery Services John Maxwell Exchange Event My Year of Yes\xa0(book) \xa0 \xa0 Aaron Brown Bio \xa0 Aaron has been a pastor for 28 years and led Saint Paul\u2019s United Methodist Church in Joplin for 25 of those years. Saint Paul\u2019s is a church with three locations and a staff of 60. His skills include communication, team building, leadership development, vision casting, systems, community involvement and media usage. He led his church through 5 capital campaigns and 5 building projects including reconstruction after the 2011 tornado. Aaron brings a sense of humor and practical wisdom to leadership, believing that the role of a leader is in large part looking ahead and identifying obstacles and opportunities. His personal mission is \u201cTo do God will with people I love.\u201d Aaron serves on the boards of Ascent Recovery Residences, The Ozark Center, and JOMO Adventures. His hobbies include cycling, card magic, and fixing broken stuff.\xa0 He is married to Janet and they have two daughters and one dog.