In college, Brian Dixon started out heading down the “music-and-theatre” road, until a life-changing car accident redirected him. After being told he may never have kids (he now has 3) and not walking again (he’s completed numerous marathons and a number of triathlons), he views his life as a picture of God’s redemption and grace.
Dr. Dixon ended up training to be a teacher, where he met Julie, now his wife of 20 years. They are raising their children in Charlotte, NC to be entrepreneurial, kingdom-minded humans.
(The story of how he moved from San Diego to Baton Rouge, LA to be the founding CEO of “The Mentorship Academy” was such a clear example - one of many in his life - of the hand of God…)
The focus filter of “the end”
One of the lessons Brian took away from the horrific accident he was in was a deep impression of the brevity of life. Feeling that he “should have” died then, he realized that he would forever be living on borrowed time. Actually, after having come-to at the scene of the accident, and realizing he was still alive, he prayed a prayer of dedication out of gratitude.
He considers having had this accident at the tender age of 18 a true gift. And the 25 years since “bonus” years dedicated to Kingdom building
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,” 1 John 4:18
“I can’t quote the Bible if I don’t know the Bible.”
Living life as a believer means we need to have God’s Word in our hearts. But how does one DO that in these busy times? As Brian points out, we need to get into the Word every single day. It most likely means that we will have to sacrifice something; and, like Jesus, we may have to get up early and “get away.” Brian starts every day reading, praying, listening to the Abide app…doing whatever it takes to get God’s Word into his heart.
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45
How women can encourage and support their husbands
It starts with deciding Who God is - will I apply worldly wisdom to the things that are of God? Marriage was created before the fall, and yet we wonder if somehow God made a mistake having passive, angry, undisciplined men be the leaders of the home (hey, those were Brian’s words!). We forget that God’s ways are not our own. So the question becomes: am I going to deconstruct God and remake Him into my image? Or accept the God of Scripture as He describes himself?
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
Women have to let men be men.
1 - Give them opportunities to lead. Then allow him to lead.
2 - Celebrate the small victories. Encourage the behavior you want to see.
3 - Pray together. Praying together can totally change a marriage.
4 - Don’t give up on him!
“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives.
Treat your wife with understanding as you live together…” 1 Peter 3:7 (NLT)
Brian’s closing thoughts
Listen to the entire interview below! Brian shares some ways we can stay strong in today’s society. Be encouraged as he describes and shares the fear involved, what’s behind it, and - most importantly - how we can be victorious over it!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
EAT READ LOVE
Brian is eating… Athletic Greens (a healthy smoothie)
Brian is reading… Start From Zero by Dane Maxwell
Brian is loving… the amazing opportunity we have these days to pray with and for others through technology
Check out the Abide app Brian refers to here.
Find Brian at his website: briandixon.com
And sign up for the book club: briandixon.com/bookclub
DM Brian about what you loved or learned from this episode on Instagram @brianjdixon
And feel free to reach out to me, too, on Instagram @friendsofafeatherpodcast