The Randalls

Category: Life as a Story

  • Part 4: Becoming the Guide

    Part 4: Becoming the Guide

    The greatest heroes don’t just win battles—they pass on wisdom. Heroes don’t just fight battles and claim victory; they share the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Just as we were once victims or villains, transformed into heroes by God’s grace, we too are invited into the next phase of the journey: becoming guides. The truth is, every hero, no matter how strong or courageous, is in desperate need of a guide. The challenges of life are too great to face alone, and even the most heroic among us need someone to walk alongside them, offering wisdom, encouragement, and perspective. The transformation doesn’t stop at our own victory—it expands, inviting us to lead others toward their own. The greatest heroes are those who, having conquered their own battles, now show others the way.

    What Makes A True Guide?

    Guide Are Humble 

    First and foremost, guides are humble. They don’t seek the spotlight or crave recognition for their wisdom; instead, they understand that the journey is never about them. True guides recognize the cost of their own journey and, rather than boasting about their victories, they share their wisdom with quiet humility. Their ultimate goal is not to elevate themselves, but to empower others to succeed. Jesus, though fully God and in the highest place of authority, was motivated by love and selflessness. He humbled Himself, took on human flesh, and became a servant to all, offering not just wisdom but life—life to the fullest, and an invitation to live abundantly.

    Guides Are Empathic Because They Were Once Victims/Villains that Became Heroes

    A true guide’s wisdom doesn’t come from theory—it is shaped by their own lived experiences. Having walked through their own battles, they understand the weight of struggle and the power of transformation. Their past struggles don’t just make them compassionate; they give them the kind of perspective that can only be gained by enduring hardship and emerging victorious. The best guides don’t simply know the way—they understand the pain of walking it. They listen deeply, not just offering advice, but truly hearing and learning the other person’s story, pain, and journey. Their empathy isn’t superficial; it’s born from their own redemption, enabling them to walk alongside others with genuine understanding and grace.

    They Don’t Just Fix – They Call into Destiny

    A guide’s role is not to take over but to walk alongside. The journey isn’t about providing quick fixes, but about empowering others to step into their own destiny. Job’s friends got it wrong—they tried to fix him instead of simply being present with him in his suffering. The best guides don’t attempt to take control; instead, they come alongside, offering support, perspective, and encouragement. They call people out of being victims or villains and into their heroic purpose. A true guide doesn’t enable self-pity or allow others to remain stuck in their pain or bitterness. Instead, they challenge others to rise above their circumstances, reminding them that they have a part in God’s larger story. Guides call others into their true identity in Christ, helping them see that they are not defined by their past struggles but by the heroic future God has called them to embrace.

    The Power of Being Present

    The power of presence often outweighs the power of advice. A good guide doesn’t just offer advice and walk away—they remain steadfast, walking alongside others through their journey. Presence communicates more than words ever could; it conveys value, safety, strength, and courage. Too often, we underestimate the profound impact of just being there with someone in their struggle. Looking someone in the eye and affirming the glory of God that you see in them could transform their life, reminding them of their worth and calling. For parents, spiritual mentors, or close friends, presence is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer. Jesus Himself demonstrated this beautifully by walking with His disciples, living life with them, not simply teaching them from afar. His presence empowered them in ways words alone never could.

    Guides Leave the Responsibility with the Hero

    A true guide equips, encourages, and supports, but they cannot walk the journey for someone else. No matter how much wisdom they offer, the responsibility to step forward ultimately belongs to the hero. Even Jesus, after teaching and mentoring His disciples, did not force them to follow Him—He left them with the responsibility to spread the Gospel and carry out their calling. A guide must resist the temptation to control or dictate outcomes. Instead, they empower others to make their own choices, trusting that God is at work in their journey. True transformation happens when a person takes ownership of their path, and a good guide knows that their role is to inspire, not to steer.

    Stepping Into Your Role as a Guide

    The journey from victim to villain to hero doesn’t end with our own transformation—it finds its fullest meaning when we become guides for others. And the truth is, it doesn’t matter what age you are; you can be a guide to someone in their story. Being a guide isn’t reserved for the experienced or the wise—it’s part of being human, and even more so, part of being a Christian. Loving and preferring others means walking alongside them, offering encouragement, wisdom, and presence. The beauty of this journey is that you don’t have to choose between being a hero and being a guide. At any given moment, you can be both—still needing guides in your own life while also guiding others toward the calling God has for them.

    Now it’s your turn.

    Who is someone that God has placed in your life that you can be a guide to? What value—whether wisdom, encouragement, or simple presence—can you bring to their journey? And how might you shift your mindset to be more of a guide rather than slipping into the roles of victim or villain? Your story and experiences are not just for you—they are meant to be shared so that others can rise into the heroes they were created to be.

    Becoming an Intentional Father

    Fathers! God has entrusted you with something incredibly special, something sacred. He has placed in your hands the stewardship of His image: first, by forming His image-bearers (yes, those wild kids of yours), and second, by living as an image-bearer yourself, revealing and representing Him to your family. And beyond that, you’re responsible for shaping…

    Robby Randall's avatar by Robby Randall

    Shepherding Your Child Through Porn Exposure

    When the Enemy Hunts Your Kids: Teaching Them to Run to Jesus This was a question from a recent parenting seminar we hosted: What tips can you give about navigating your child being exposed to pornography and helping them not have that become a stronghold in their life? – Every parent who loves Jesus longs…

    Robby Randall's avatar by Robby Randall

    The Power of Home: Shaping Identity in a World That Wants to Deform It

    One of my mentors once told me that our deepest longing is the longing for home. I see this echoed in culture when Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz says, ‘There’s no place like home,’ and when countless décor signs repeat the simple phrase, ‘Home Sweet Home.’ When I reflect on what it means for…

    Robby Randall's avatar by Robby Randall
  • Part 3: Becoming the Hero: Transformation Through Christ and Embracing Our True Identity

    Part 3: Becoming the Hero: Transformation Through Christ and Embracing Our True Identity

    The Fallen Protagonists
     Have you ever played a first-person video game? It’s called first-person because the experience is seen through the eyes of the main character, placing you right in the middle of the action. In a similar way, God has designed our lives to be experienced in the first person. We are the main character of our own stories, living and making decisions from our own perspective. But here’s the twist: while we’re the protagonists, we’re also invited into a larger narrative that’s unfolding beyond us. It’s a story bigger than our own, and the choices we make not only shape our journey but also the world around us.

    The Fall: From Victims to Villains
     We all start as both the victim and the villain. It’s a sobering truth we can’t escape—we’ve all sinned, and the weight of Adam’s fall has marked us. But even though we were crowned with glory and honor, we’ve fallen short of that calling. As Romans 5:10 says, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son…” we have to face the fact that, before Jesus, we were enemies of God. This tragic reality makes us the villain in our own story, turning our backs on the Creator who made us for greatness.

    Restored to Glory: Jesus as the Hero
     In the midst of this, God speaks to our dignity, as revealed in Psalm 8: “You have made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor.” That’s the glory and honor we were meant to live in—to reveal and represent God to the world. But, like Adam, we fell short. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We became victims to sin’s power and villains in our rebellion.

    The Hero’s Redemption: Restoring What Was Lost
     But here’s the beauty: Jesus didn’t leave us in that broken state. He took on our victimhood, took on the penalty of our villainy, and offered us a way out. As Hebrews 2:9-10 says, “But we see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” Jesus is the Hero who lived up to the glory and honor we failed to represent. He has restored it to us. He didn’t just die for us—He resurrected us into new life, enabling us to bear the image of God once more.

    The Hero’s Journey: Transformation
     Through Jesus, we’ve been rescued from the victimhood of sin and delivered from the villainy of rebellion. We are no longer enemies of God. Instead, we are adopted as sons and daughters. We’ve been restored to glory and honor, entrusted with power. We carry His image and bear His name. This transformation means that we’ve been born again—filled with the Holy Spirit, the living water that flows through us, making us more like the Hero who saved us.

    The Process of Becoming a Hero: Character Arc
     Becoming a hero doesn’t happen in an instant. Every hero goes through a process of development. We are not yet fully what we were created to be, and in every good story the hero has a character arc that takes place. The Bible is clear that we are on a journey, a process of being transformed. In Philippians 1:6, it says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

    From Victims to Victors: Embracing Your Calling
     As Jesus transforms us, we move from victims to victors, from villains to heroes. We start to embrace the calling on our lives, rising to the occasion of the challenges and the character-building moments He allows. And in that journey, we also begin to step into the role of the guide—helping others along the way, pointing them to the Hero who has rescued us all.

    Partnering with God: The Key to Transformation
     The key to all this is partnering with God. We have a role to play, and just as any hero must choose to fight for the good, we must choose to partner with God in His transforming work. This means surrendering to His will, seeking His guidance, and embracing the changes He’s making in us.

    The Hero’s Journey: Embracing the Struggles
     The journey is hard. It’s full of challenges and obstacles, but every step of it shapes us into the hero God always intended us to be. We are not defined by our past failures, but by the new life we have in Christ. So, the question becomes: How will you partner with God in your own journey of transformation? How will you step into the heroic role He has designed for you?

    The Role of the Guide: Empowering Others
     In the next post, we’ll explore what it looks like to embrace the role of the guide—helping others unlock their potential and empowering them to walk in the same victorious transformation we’ve received.

    (This post is inspired by Wellspring Group, John Eldredge & Donald Miller’s work, with my personal application of some of their concepts.)

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  • Part 2: Who are you in the story? The Hero & Guide or a Victim & Villain 

    Part 2: Who are you in the story? The Hero & Guide or a Victim & Villain 

    The Power of Story: Why We Need Heroes, Guides, Villains, and Victims

    I can’t stand movies with bad storytelling! Can you think of a film you’ve enjoyed, even though its plot was terrible? The movies we love are powered by stories that grab our attention and keep us hooked from beginning to end. For a story to truly resonate—whether in a film, book, or otherwise—there are four essential characters: the hero, the guide, the villain, and the victim. What’s wild is that, at any given moment, YOU could embody any one of these roles.

    I can hear some of you saying, “No way! I don’t need to be rescued!” Victims are weak, and villains have sad lives. (Well, the truth is that we had no choice but to be both of those, but that is for the next post). If you’re anything like me, you probably want to be a hero but often question whether you’re good enough, strong enough, or wise enough to be a guide—let alone a hero. Some of you might be thinking, “I already know I’m a hero! God made me to save the world.” But before you start dreaming up your superhero name or talk yourself out of stepping into that role, let’s take a moment to explore each of these characters that drive a great story.

    The Hero: More Than Just a Character—A Path to Growth

    The hero is the central figure who embarks on a journey, facing challenges and obstacles that test their limits. They often start out ordinary, just like anyone else, but are called to rise to the occasion when the stakes are high. Along the way, the hero faces personal doubts, fears, and moments of failure that threaten to break them. But it is through overcoming these struggles that they grow stronger, wiser, and more self-aware. In the end, the hero becomes a hero not because of their inherent abilities, but because of the character development they undergo throughout their journey.

    The Guide: Helping Others Unlock Their Potential

    The guide is the mystical, wise figure who offers wisdom and guidance when the hero faces their darkest moments. They possess a deep understanding of the world and the forces at play, providing the hero with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate their journey. Though they don’t lead the hero directly, the guide’s presence and insight are crucial for the hero to overcome challenges and grow. A great example of this is Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, who provides crucial guidance and wisdom to Frodo during his journey to destroy the One Ring.

    The Villain and the Victim: Only Exists to Add Drama 

    The victim and the villain both add essential drama to the story, but their true purpose is to serve the hero’s journey and make it compelling. The villain often mirrors the hero, but where the hero chooses growth, the villain allows bitterness and offense to fester, using their strengths for harm. The victim, on the other hand, lacks a deep backstory or character arc—they are simply there to be saved. Their role is not to drive the story forward but to create the circumstances that force the hero to rise and take action. It would be pretty lame to exist only to add drama without any meaningful growth or purpose. Imagine being a character whose only job is to make others look good or give them something to overcome—that’s not a story worth living! 

    So, with that in mind, it’s important to pause and ask yourself: Which role are you playing in your own story right now?

    Which Role Are You Playing?

    We can find ourselves acting as any of these characters at different times in our lives. Sometimes, we are the hero, facing challenges head-on, while other times, we feel like the victim, overwhelmed by circumstances. We may also embody the villain when bitterness or anger takes over, using our strengths for harm. At times, we play the guide, offering wisdom or encouragement to others, or even to ourselves in moments of doubt. Life often pushes us between these roles, and growth comes from recognizing which character we’re playing. Understanding when to be the hero, lean into guidance, confront our victimhood, or check our actions before becoming the villain is key to personal development.

    Breaking Free: Why the Victim and Villain Mindsets Hold You Back

    Being the victim or villain traps us in negative patterns that prevent personal growth. The victim mindset keeps us stuck, feeling powerless and waiting for rescue instead of taking action to change our circumstances. The villain mindset, fueled by bitterness and harm, damages relationships and creates conflict, blocking the possibility for healing and redemption.

    Shifting Our Mindset: Becoming the Hero in Your Own Story

    In moments of difficulty, we can shift our mindset by embracing the idea of being the hero in the story. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, we can view them as challenges meant to help us grow and strengthen our character. By choosing to act with courage, resilience, and purpose, we can overcome adversity and emerge transformed, just like any hero on a journey.

    The Beauty of Being a Guide: Empowering Others to Rise

    We should actively seek opportunities to be a guide to others, offering support and encouragement when they face challenges. Embracing this role requires selflessness, as it calls us to set aside our own desires and focus on helping others unlock their potential and grow through their struggles. Being a guide is beautiful because it allows us to see the strength and purpose in others, encouraging them to rise above obstacles instead of falling into the trap of being a victim or villain. By offering wisdom and support, we empower others to overcome adversity and avoid the destructive paths of bitterness or helplessness, helping them become the heroes of their own stories.

    Read Part 3: Becoming the Hero: Transformation Through Christ and Embracing Our True Identity

    (This post is inspired by Wellspring Group, John Eldredge & Donald Miller’s work, with my personal application of some of their concepts.)

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  • Part 1: Are You a Hero or a Victim? – Understanding Your Role in God’s Story

    Part 1: Are You a Hero or a Victim? – Understanding Your Role in God’s Story

    The Epic Story You Were Born Into

    You were born into an epic story—one that’s been unfolding for centuries, and your part in it is more important than you might realize. It’s a drama that’s been in the making since before Genesis 1, and the big question is: What part are you meant to play in this grand epic? Your choices, actions, and character can shape not just your own story but also will impact the stories of other people. The sobering reality is that this could be positive or negative. 

    What’s amazing is that you have the power to choose what character you’ll be in this ongoing adventure.

    Why Do Stories Move Us

    So, why do stories move us so much? Why do we feel so connected to characters, even fictional ones? The answer is simple but profound—eternity is written on our hearts. Stories resonate with something deep inside of us because they speak to eternal truths that are embedded in our very DNA. There’s something in our souls that recognizes when a story is true, real, and points to something bigger than just the here and now.

    God is an incredible storyteller. The world He created, the universe, and even our existence are woven with story. Every experience, every twist and turn, every victory and defeat is part of a bigger story. We’re not isolated individuals living random lives—we’re all part of something bigger. The story we’re living is not just about us—it’s about God’s kingdom that’s being built, and the roles we play—heroes, guides, villains, and victims.

    In every great story, there are moments filled with difficulty, hardship, and intense drama that need to be overcome. Whether it’s the hero fighting through impossible odds, the guide leading them through tough times, or the villain challenging the hero’s growth, stories are driven by conflict. Without that conflict, there’s no growth, no transformation. We love stories because we can see ourselves in them. We identify with the struggles, the victories, and the decisions characters make.

    The powerful truth is that you get to choose which character you will play in this story. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already part of a much larger story line that’s bigger than just your life. Your choices matter. The decisions you make today ripple out into the greater story that’s unfolding. And even more amazing, your story isn’t random—it’s part of a larger cosmic tale that’s connected to eternity.

    In upcoming posts, we’ll dive into the four key characters in every story: the hero, the guide, the victim, and the villain. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in moving the story forward, shaping the outcome, and teaching us lessons we need to learn. But before we get into those roles, take a moment to reflect on the role you’re playing right now.

    The Power of Your Choice

    The fact that you’re part of a larger story is empowering. It means that how you live truly matters. Your actions, words, and choices aren’t just about getting through the day—they’re part of a larger story. You have the chance to shape your role, to choose whether you will be a hero, a guide, a victim, or a villain. Every day, you’re writing your own character arc, growing, and leaving a legacy.

    What’s exciting about this is that you’re not just a passive character in the story. You don’t have to sit back and let life happen to you. You get to choose your role. You can decide whether to step up as the hero in your own life or rise to become a guide for others. You can decide if you’ll let difficulties defeat you or if you’ll overcome them, growing stronger and wiser in the process.

    The truth is, you were made for a purpose. Your story is part of something far greater than yourself. God has been writing it from the beginning, and He’s inviting you to step into the part He has for you. You get to choose! 

    So, what part will you play in this epic story?

    In the next post, we’ll dive into the essential roles that every compelling story features—heroes, guides, victims, and villains.

    Read Part 2: Who are you in the story? The Hero & Guide or a Victim & Villain 

    (This post is inspired by Wellspring Group, John Eldredge & Donald Miller’s work, with my personal application of some of their concepts.)

    Posts