Breaking The Chain Of Negativity

Celebrating One Year of Gospel & Gradebooks

This week marks a milestone we prayed for but never could’ve fully imagined — one full year of Gospel & Gradebooks. We opened this episode with a video montage from friends and past guests who have walked beside us, cheered for us, and encouraged us to keep spreading the Gospel boldly in year two.

Over the past year, this podcast has opened doors neither of us expected. We've had conversations with men who shared their testimonies, educators who sharpened our purpose, church leaders who strengthened our faith, and everyday men who reminded us why this mission matters. What started as two teachers with microphones has grown into a brotherhood that continues to reach farther than we thought possible.

A Personal Update on Jamie’s Dad

This episode also takes a deeply personal turn as Jamie shares an update on his father’s recent health battle — a heart attack, open-heart surgery, and multiple strokes.

Walking through hospitals, waiting rooms, and long nights on the road brought moments where negativity tried to take over. Moments where discouragement whispered louder than faith. Moments where the enemy tried to creep into the cracks.

But even in the hardest parts, God never stopped showing up. And Jamie shares what the Lord has been teaching him through fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty — lessons about strength, surrender, and the power of perspective.

Breaking the Chain of Negativity

Negativity doesn’t usually explode into our lives — it creeps.

A small complaint.

A tough day.

A moment of fear.

A thought we don’t take captive.

Before long, we’re chained to attitudes we never meant to pick up. This week, we challenge men to confront that chain head-on.

Here’s what we unpack:

1. Negativity Grows in Silence

When men bottle everything up, it doesn’t stay contained — it grows. Scripture warns us that the enemy prowls in the dark. Bringing thoughts and struggles into the light breaks his grip.

2. Gratitude Is a Weapon

Thankfulness isn’t cheesy — it’s powerful. Gratitude doesn’t ignore the battle; it reframes it. Even in the hardest seasons, intentionally focusing on God’s goodness begins to loosen the chains of negativity.

3. Your Mind Follows Your Meditation

Whatever you meditate on shapes your attitude, your emotions, and your decisions. Filling your mind with Scripture, truth, and encouragement breaks the cycle of negativity before it can take root.

4. Other Men Need Your Strength

Negativity makes us inward-focused. Faith pushes us outward. When we choose joy, choose hope, and choose to see God’s faithfulness, the men around us feel it. Encouragement is contagious — and God uses it.

Stepping Boldly Into Year Two

As we celebrate one year of Gospel & Gradebooks, we’re reminded that this community is bigger than us, louder than negativity, and stronger than the enemy’s attempts to silence it.

We’re stepping into year two with open hands, clear mission, and renewed faith.

And we’re grateful you’re walking with us.

Listen to the Full Episode

Catch this week's conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and share it with a brother who needs encouragement today.