Putting a STOP to Your Negative Self-Talk | Sadie Robertson Huff & Earl McClellan

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Putting a STOP to Your Negative Self-Talk" | Sadie Robertson Huff & Earl McClellan

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Introduction

In the November 6, 2024 episode of the WHOA That's Good Podcast, host Sadie Robertson Huff welcomes back guest Earl McClellan. Together, they delve into Earl’s new book, "Get Your Spirit Back," exploring themes of overcoming negative self-talk, embracing faith, and personal transformation.

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Guest Introduction and Personal Stories

The episode begins with Sadie reminiscing about Earl’s previous appearance on the podcast with his wife, Onika McClellan. Their heartfelt conversation naturally transitions into a discussion about Earl's relationship with Onika, highlighting her role as a strong prayer warrior and a source of constant encouragement.

• Sadie Robertson (00:38): “We have Earl McClellan back on the PODC with a new book. Welcome, Earl.”

• Earl McClellan (01:02): “Hello. I'm happy to be here. And you're right. My wife is so beautiful, I'm keeping her forever.”

Earl shares touching anecdotes about Onika’s unwavering support and their collaborative spiritual journey, emphasizing the strength and beauty of their marriage.

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Discussion on the Book "Get Your Spirit Back"

Sadie introduces Earl’s book, highlighting its significance and relevance.

• Sadie Robertson (04:47): “Earl's is called 'Get Your Spirit Back,' and we're gonna talk a lot about this book today.”

Earl explains the inspiration behind the book, which centers on the biblical story of Gideon from the Old Testament. He discusses his initial reluctance to write the book due to fear and insecurity but emphasizes his commitment to obedience and faith.

• Earl McClellan (04:47): “I continued to pray on it. And I really, really felt impressed by God that I needed to take this step.”

Earl recounts the emotional journey of writing the book, including his decision to personally author every word to maintain authenticity and vulnerability.

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Addressing Negative Self-Talk

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on combating negative self-talk, a central theme in Earl's book.

• Sadie Robertson (09:45): “What was it about the story of Gideon that made you go like, this is what I want to write about?”

Earl ties the concept of negative self-talk to Gideon’s transformation, illustrating how confronting insecurities and fears leads to spiritual rejuvenation.

• Earl McClellan (17:35): “The worry is when ... it's all on me. Versus I'm facing something that's bigger than me. But I have someone with me who's bigger than it.”

He differentiates between unhealthy worry and natural fear, emphasizing reliance on God’s strength rather than self-reliance.

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The Story of Gideon and Its Application

Earl provides a detailed recount of Gideon’s story, paralleling it with modern struggles.

• Earl McClellan (37:26): “Gideon is just like you and I... his community is going through an incredibly difficult time.”

He draws parallels between Gideon’s battles and personal challenges listeners might face, encouraging them to trust in God’s plan despite fears and insecurities.

• Earl McClellan (42:49): “The worry is when ... it's all on me. Versus I'm facing something that's bigger than me.”

Earl emphasizes that God empowers individuals to step into their roles with faith, even amidst fear.

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Personal Experiences and Faith Journeys

Sadie and Earl share personal anecdotes illustrating their faith journeys and struggles with self-doubt.

• Sadie Robertson (16:05): “Honey, you're amazing.”

Sadie recounts a conversation with her three-year-old daughter, Honey, highlighting the early onset of negative self-talk and the importance of positive affirmation.

• Earl McClellan (29:03): “Jesus says to the dad, do you think I can do this? And the dad says, I believe. Help my unbelief.”

Earl discusses his own battles with seeing God as a coach and the unhealthy mindset it fosters, advocating for a more trusting and relational approach to faith.

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The Difference Between Worry and Fear

A pivotal segment distinguishes between unproductive worry and productive fear, anchoring the discussion in biblical teachings.

• Earl McClellan (44:19): “And it's okay to go, whoa, you want me to speak where, Lord?”

He explains that worry centers on self-reliance and anxiety, whereas fear in the biblical sense involves acknowledging God’s presence and strength despite uncertainties.

• Sadie Robertson (42:49): “So what a gift to have a mom like you.”

Sadie reflects on personal growth, shifting from seeking external affirmation to finding inner peace through faith.

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Encouragements and Final Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Sadie and Earl offer heartfelt encouragement to listeners, reinforcing the episode’s key messages.

• Sadie Robertson (59:09): “You guys have so much to look forward to. You have to go get this book and read it all here and not just hear it all on the podcast.”

Earl adds a blessing for listeners, emphasizing God’s constant presence and support.

• Earl McClellan (58:19): “May every single one of you have the grace and strength you need to be who God has called you to be and live your life for his glory.”

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Notable Quotes

1. Earl McClellan (17:35):

   • “The worry is when ... it's all on me. Versus I'm facing something that's bigger than me. But I have someone with me who's bigger than it.”

2. Sadie Robertson (04:47):

   • “How did you and Onika get to the point of writing a book at the same time?”

3. Earl McClellan (42:49):

   • “If God is putting something in front of you that you know you can do in and of yourself, it could just be training and, you know, small steps.”

4. Sadie Robertson (53:55):

   • “It's part of it. You don't get to get around that.”

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Conclusion

This episode of WHOA That's Good Podcast intricately weaves personal narratives with biblical teachings to address the pervasive issue of negative self-talk. Through Earl McClellan’s insights and his book "Get Your Spirit Back," listeners are encouraged to overcome self-doubt by leaning into faith and recognizing their intrinsic value as defined by God. Sadie and Earl’s authentic conversation serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring listeners to embrace their spiritual journey with courage and resilience.

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For those seeking to transform their mindset and strengthen their faith, "Get Your Spirit Back" by Earl McClellan comes highly recommended. Additionally, exploring Earl’s messages and teachings can further support your personal growth and spiritual development.

Transcript

[Sadie Robertson]

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[Earl McClellan]

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[Sadie Robertson]

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[Earl McClellan]

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[Sadie Robertson]

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[Earl McClellan]

To be.

[Sadie Robertson]

What's up? Everybody happy? Well, that's good. Wednesday, I hope you're having a great week, but per usual, it's about to get so much better. And y'all, I mean that for real, because we have such a fun guest on the podcast. This is no stranger. He's actually been on the podcast before with his beautiful wife, Onika. We have Earl McClellan back on the PODC with a new book. Welcome, Earl.

[Earl McClellan]

Hello. I'm happy to be here. And you're right. My wife is so beautiful, I'm keeping her forever.

[Sadie Robertson]

She is. She is so beautiful. She is so amazing. I, I, I mean, I could rave about her all day long when she was on the podcast. I was like, literally, can you come? Like, just write, like, Ello's sister's whole, I guess, what, what would it be like, our mission statement? Because you pretty everything you say, I'm like, that's what I want to carry. Like, it's just she, wisdom. She's so beautiful. She's so fun. She's a friend to everyone. She's amazing.

[Earl McClellan]

Full package. She has been like that since college. Literally the first time I met her, which I still remember, and she does not remember, but I remember meeting seeing her for the very first time. Thought she was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. And she still looks like that to this day when I show pictures from college. I mean, we've been married, you know, a couple decades now, and she looks the same. I don't know how it's happening, but. And she just loves people, cares for people, kind, compassionate. I mean, but she's very strong. Don't get it twisted.

[Sadie Robertson]

She's strong.

[Earl McClellan]

She's very, very, very strong. And I love all of that about her.

[Sadie Robertson]

She's absolutely amazing. She. She told me at conference, she was like, hey, I just want to let you know, like, I really pray for your family. And I said, like, you have no idea how much that means to me. And there was one time where she was in a group text. It was after we were in New York with you guys, and we were kind of all in text about going to New York. And that night, something happened, and I really need a prayer, so I texted that group. And Onika just so consistently kept up with that situation and kept praying. And I told her at conference how much that meant to me, and she says, no, I really do pray. And so I have a little prayer team group text, and I said, I'm going to put you in there, Ana, if you don't mind. And I put her in there. And she is such a strong prayer warrior and just such a consistent friend. Special speaks the word over you. This could be a whole episode of Shout Out, Onika.

[Earl McClellan]

And listen, I'm willing to do that, too. Literally. People come to church on the weekends, and I'm pouring out my heart in sermons. Onika has this part at the end where we do. We call it the benediction, where she prays a prayer of blessing over everybody's week. So at the end of service, I'm like, hey, my beautiful wife's coming up. She's gonna pray a prayer of blessing. That's everyone's favorite part of the service. Here I am up there. I mean, I've been toiling and praying and trying to lay down my life. My wife gets up there. She has a great connection with God. So I love her, and I'm thankful for it. I'm glad you love her, too. We love your whole family.

[Sadie Robertson]

Y'all are a team for sure, and it speaks so much to who you are as a man in her life. I mean, you guys are just amazing, an incredible couple. And if you haven't listened to the podcast, Onika, I will take this time to say go back and listen, because Onika just wrote a book, as well as Earl writing a book, which I want to hear about that, because as a couple writing books for the first time at the same time, it's kind of crazy. But before. Before I totally jump into that. Earl's is called get yout Spirit Back, and we're gonna talk a lot about this book today. If you've never heard Earl's teaching, first of all, I don't know where you've been. Second of all, you need to get on that right now. I'm sending you down the best rabbit trail of your life, because his teaching is so good, and I'm so glad you decided to take, you know, your preaching and put it down on paper, because it really is cool how timeless books are. Like, you Know, you preach a sermon and those can be, those can, you know, weigh the test of time too, because you can find it on YouTube now, years later. But there's something about having it on that people can truly circle, underline, go back to have on their shelf year after year. And so I think it's just extremely powerful. So how did you and Onika get to the point of writing a book at the same time?

[Earl McClellan]

Well, I don't know. Good question. My wife was the first one to write one, so I'm so proud of her. She was taking the step to say, hey, I'm going to do this, honey. And I said, okay, you've got to I your words, your heart, the way you live. Everyone needs to hear that. She's like, honey, you need to write a book. And I'm like, no, I'm not writing a book. I don't want to do that. Honestly, I felt a lot of fear. I think I felt a measure of insecurity. I feel like I would want it to be so perfect. So. Right. And then I was also thinking, there's nobody who's going to want to hear or read anything that I'm saying. Well, maybe my mom. My mom. My mom loves me. So my mom and my, my wife were the two people that were like, yes. But I continued to pray on it. And I really, really felt impressed by God that I needed to take this step. And one, it was a step of obedience. And then number two, I felt like I wanted to do something that my kids could see and it would remove a lid off of their life. So I said, all right, I'm going to take this step so that they at least know whatever God calls you to do, take the step of faith. The results are up to him. The success is in the obedience. So I took the step, wrote the book, and Oneke and I were in it together. I read her whole book. I don't think she's yet to read my whole book. She's a skimmer. But I read her book word for word and she's about to go through mine. But she's been such an encouragement special, so incredibly life giving, as have so many other people push me this direction. But I, I didn't want to do it for that. I just really wanted to make sure it was something that the Lord was asking me to do. So I did it. Sadie, I can't believe it. Put words on paper. I did the audio book. I was reading it and I was crying at points of the book because I wrote every word you know, and God bless, you know, ghost writers and all the different things that are out there. No problem with any of that at all. But I just felt like I wanted to write every single word of this and put it all on paper. And it's. It just came right from my soul, and I did not realize how much of it I had put on paper. I'm getting a little bit emotional now even talking about it because it's so. You're so vulnerable. You know, it's kind of like speaking. You know, you go speak and you kind of put yourself out there. But I definitely did that with paper on paper. So here we are. I can't believe it. I'm glad I get to talk about it with you, though, and all the friends on the podcast.

[Sadie Robertson]

It is a different level of vulnerability, I think, because speaking, you know, you can kind of. You can kind of filter your way through whatever you're gonn share. You know, you think about it for a second, you say it, and then also you can tailor in the moment. But also it's like, okay, well, I said that, but no one, maybe no one will remember that. You know, like, it's just out there, okay, next sermon next Sunday or next thing, you know, or you can course correct. But when you write it down, it's like, okay, this is going to be in print and this is gonna be there 10 years from now. And is this really what I want to. What I want to share what I want to say? And there's something about overcoming it as you're writing it and going like, you know, this is now. I love. Kristen Kane said this on the podcast one time that this was such good advice. She said when she was talking actually about social media, not necessarily writing a book, but I think the same applies. She said, wait to share your story on social media for. Until it becomes a testimony. And she said, because sometimes, like, we share the struggle in the struggle and. And that's okay to some degree because, you know, you want to be vulnerable and authentic. But she was saying, like, if sometimes you risk. If you share something in the midst of the struggle and it's not a testimony yet, then what happens is like, you're getting man's. Too much of man's opinion on social media. You know, you're not getting like, your actual friends, your actual family members. And so all of a sudden, like, you have all this weight into it. And she said, so so many times when we do that, we begin to, like, identify with the struggle and we almost want to stay there because we can create something out of it. She's like, but when you share it as a testimony, you're like, I'm walking past this, you know? And sometimes I think your testimony looks like the middle of the struggle, too. It's like, hey, I'm in this. I'm gonna be in this. But I've also. I'm not held by this, and I want to share this with you guys. You're not, like, looking for something else. And I think the same applies in a book. It's so cool as you're writing it and working through it that it's really becoming a testimony for you because you're like, God, you got me through this. Now I'm helping lead someone else through it. So it's really a beautiful process and a beautiful thing to do, and I love that you did. One question I have is, you know, you've preached for a very long time. You know, you pastored a church. You've done so many sermons. What was it about the story of Gideon that made you go like, this is what I want to write about. This is what, like, the book's gonna be about?

[Earl McClellan]

That's a great question. Okay, this goes all the way back to when I was about 18 years old, my freshman. Or maybe it was my sophomore year of college. My sophomore year of college, I came across the story of Gideon. So this book has been. This man, Gideon has been with me for years. I read his story when I was 18 years old, and I'm sure I had read it before then, you know, in high school at some point in time, but I came across his story, and it struck me so deeply. I mean, it just hit me to my core. So go. Judges, chapter six. Judges, chapter seven. And then when he gets to judge, when it gets to Judges, chapter eight, and you see this switch that has taken place on the inside of him. I had never seen that switch. I don't know if I'd ever read the whole story. It only kind of stayed in chapter six. But when you keep going through it, this man goes from hiding and afraid and scared to, I'm going to kill you. Which is really aggressive. And I'm not encouraging anybody to kill anybody, obviously, but this is Old Testament stuff. The guy's confidence goes through the roof. And the way he approaches life is radically different from when we first see him introduced in the story. And I just saw this transformation take place on the inside of him. I almost called the book, like, the switch, or I had different things coming to my head. But get your Spirit back is what just felt so right. Like, who did Jesus call us to be? Who are we in him and in Christ? We're not some defeated, broken down, tossed aside, forgotten people. No, we are the sons and daughters of Almighty God. And that does not mean our life is perfect. Obviously is not. Does not mean everything goes our way all the time. We know that's not the case, but it does mean that our spirit has been changed and transformed and we haven't been given a spirit of fear. But what a power, love. And so there is this rejuvenation, revitalization, revival, this restoration that has taken place on the inside of us. But I think we are all too comfortable and content just going, you know what? No, it's just me. Ho hum. I'll be fine. You know, it is what it is. And it's like, no, it's not. It is what it is. It's like, who has God called you to be? Let's step into that with all the humility, but also with all the confidence that God has called us to. So this story has been with me for a long, long time, Sadie, and he's pushed me forward.

[Sadie Robertson]

That's so good. Friends, you know that we don't shy away from hard conversations on this podcast. And the hard truth is that there is a growing pornography epidemic among women in the church. Way back in 2016, a study found that one in three Christian women have struggled with porn. And the numbers now are probably even more tragic, honestly, just with how the world's going. So if you're one of those millions of women struggling with porn, our friends at Covenant Eyes don't want you to suffer silently anymore. They actually want to share a brand new resource made for women by women and it's called Arise. It's actually a free 21 day video series from Covenant Eyes. Designed especially for Christian women. Arise is a resource that aims to help women overcome porn addiction and put them on the path to sexual healing. It's a safe, confidential community of women who care about your story and your struggles. Arise will help you find hope, freedom, and the understanding that you are not alone on this journey. So ARISE is expertly crafted and offers helpful guidance like identifying your triggers, exploring childhood hurts, and understanding how your body and your cycle even affect your porn use. Honestly, I love this so much. I think it's incredible because I think especially in a struggle like that, you got to have accountability. It's. It's something that you can do so privately, but nothing done in the dark. It's a good thing Friend. You got to get friends around you. You got to get people who you can confess to walk through this with. And I think that they offer just an incredible opportunity to be surrounded by other who are walking towards freedom as well and those who have overcome it. I also will say, just since starting this ad on the podcast, we've had so many people sign up for this. So you are not alone. You're not going to be the only one. It's anonymous, you know, we're not going to know. But I just think that you should take this opportunity to get the help that you need. So experience hope and freedom like never before with Arise. Get this resource completely for free by scanning the QR code on your screen or visiting arise for women.com again. That's arise for women.com. don't miss out on this, friends. Okay, so many people needed everything that you just said. And I love how you said, no, it's not just. It is what it is. Like, we can't just settle for that complacency. Especially whenever you read the Word and you really, you really read the Word and you really understand, you know, who you are in Christ, it's like, no, that's so contrary to what, to what the whole story is about. About even the story of your life, the story that was written for your life. And so I love that one of the things that you are really, really good at and Onika is speaking words of life. And you talk a lot about that in the book is like the power of the words that you're speaking. And you're already alluding to that by saying like, no, don't just say it is what it is. Don't just say it's fine. Don't just say, oh, it's just the way that I am. Like, no, like you are the sons and daughters of God. Like, you begin to speak this life. Talk a little bit about the importance of speaking life and the importance of the words you're saying over yourself. Because that's actually something I'm already trying to teach. Honey. At three years, it's crazy how fast and how soon in life negative self talk begins. And it's wild to see it already in a three year old. I know she's a lot like Christian and I, very hard on herself, very competitive. Like already. Like we started her in gymnastics class and she wants to just do really well. She's three years old.

[Earl McClellan]

Yeah, be perfect.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh, yeah, be perfect. And yesterday she came out of gymnastics and I said, you did so good. And she said, no, I didn't, I didn't do so good. And she, and then she was like, I didn't do that good, mommy. I said, you did really good. I mean, it's her literally like the fourth class. She's three years old. She didn't think she did her cartwheel wo. She didn't land on her feet. I was like, honey, you did amazing. And she said, no, I'm not good. I said, honey, you're amazing. And I said, honey, you know, because she loves Simone Biles. And I said, do you think Simone Biles talks to herself like this? I'm like, no, she doesn't talk to herself like this. I said, she could never get up there and do those flips if she told herself she was not good. And I was like, in life, I was. And you know, we're having a deep talk for a three year old, but you have to. And I said like, Honey, you know, we always say like, we're cheerleaders. I said, you have got to be your own cheerleader. You've got to encourage yourself. You've got to talk yourself, like, say good things over yourself. And it was cool just to have. We literally had this conversation yesterday. And then I'm prepping for your book last night and this morning. And I do think it is so important to go ahead and even speak that over a three year old. And hopefully by the time Honey's older, she'll do that. But not all of us at 3 years old had someone saying, be your biggest cheerleader. And I don't even know how beneficial. I think Honey, you know, just the human side of her might struggle with that, regardless of what I say, you know, I hope not, I pray not, but it might be true. So how do you learn to start speaking life over yourself when you've lived a life of negative self talk?

[Earl McClellan]

Yeah, well, what a gift to have a mom like you. And to your point, not everyone does, you know, grow up in a home like that. A lot of us grew up with the exact opposite. You know, a lot of us, you know, grew up in spaces where we were told we were less than, we didn't matter. And if we weren't told that explicitly, we definitely felt it. And even we can feel it when it's not true. You know, sometimes like Honey, she did a great job, but she can feel something that might not actually be true. She could have done great. There are plenty of times I get done with whatever, whether it's a basketball game, shout out to my man Christian for that one or it's, it could be speaking and I'm like, man, all right, God, I gave my best. I'm so sorry, Lord. I don't even know why you use me. You know, can you. We'll do it again next week, Lord, I'm so sorry. And Onique is like, no, that was so life giving. That was so good. And. But I'm just seeing just the little moments and places where I just did not like, say it exactly how I wanted to say it. And so you grow up in an environment where you're not getting encouragement or you grew up in an environment where you are, but you don't actually receive it. I mean, there's so many nuances to how we're wired and the environments we're in and who our friends are and what we're hearing. So there's all these variables. This is one of the reasons I love the word of God. Consistent, steady, not changing foundation rock. You know, the word of God, the Bible in our lives is a non negotiable because it does not go up and down based on my behavior or based on my performance. It says what it says and it means you know what it says. So with that being said, my wife, as we talked about earlier, is amazing. I have been in an incubator of encouragement from the time I basically met this woman. She has poured so much life and encouragement into me and it's authentic. She does not have to manufacture words. They flow out of her so beautifully. So I have been in that environment for years and years and years. So I'm thankful for it. My mom, when I was growing up, we grew up in the inner city. My dad was not around when I was growing up, growing up. So my single mom had my little sister at that time, just me and my mom, my little sister. And we went to this church and my mom grabbed this statement from this pastor and the statement was, don't let anybody else build your world for you, because if you do, they will build it too small. I mean, here's my mom in the inner city at that time. She had not graduated from college. She's just, you know, grinding, doing the best she can. And here she is speaking those words of life. Now she also spoke some other words too. She had plenty of stress on her. So there was some, some cuss words that definitely came flying, you know, through the house as well. But, but she was trying to do everything she could to keep on pushing me forward. I just say to everybody listening, everybody watching, you know, right now, the words that you have heard. And the words that you have spoken, without a doubt, have the ability to shape a life, but those aren't the final say on your life. If we can get back to scripture and go, let that be our starting point, and I want to go from there. The truth is, some of us been told we're perfect our whole lives, and you're not. You're actually a little bit mean, a little bit selfish, you know, and you need a little bit of God's word to go, hey, God gives grace to the humble. He resists the proud, but he gives grace to the humble. But we start there. But I've tried to. I've tried, and it's. It's difficult. It's hard, Sadie, to keep on reminding yourself of what God's word is when you feel something different, when you feel less than. When you feel like, oh, I made another mistake. Oh, my gosh, I did that same thing again. Oh, I'm such an idiot. Okay, you know, get it together, and I gotta go, all right? Am I gonna let my feelings and my behavior be the final say in my life, or am I going to let God's word be the final say in my life? That's why I love being around you and Christian. You guys are so life giving, too. You just, you know, you speak life. You guys speak words of hope and strength. And maybe you don't do it as much with yourself, but I know that's what you do for others. And if you and I and people like us could receive maybe a tenth of the encouragement that we give, I think we would be better. Because, you know, you're just trying to cross your T's, dot your I's. You want to be perfect in every scenario, and it's just not healthy. In all honesty, I want to be the best, but I don't like that I'm measuring myself up against every mistake that I've made. It's just. It creates too much anxiety and fear.

[Sadie Robertson]

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[Earl McClellan]

You're a Hooper.

[Sadie Robertson]

Okay. Yeah, Hooper. Love basketball. Very competitive in basketball.

[Earl McClellan]

You're big time.

[Sadie Robertson]

No, no, no, no.

[Earl McClellan]

Christian said you can beat him.

[Sadie Robertson]

Well, that's true. Listen, I always say the hype. The hype of, I guess the height, I guess I should say of my basketball career was like 13 years old. And it ended there. It was a high, high. I was on Team USA Junior Olympics, so it was a high.

[Earl McClellan]

Let's go.

[Sadie Robertson]

But then from that moment on, it just plummeted. So, you know, 13 was a peak anyways. What? So it, it kind of does go back to basketball. And I do think about this sometimes because I wanted to make that team so bad. You know, I wanted to and I really had a goal. And this is kind of sad, but this, like, it's a beautiful sad. But my great grandpa, he was getting older and he we were really close. And he played basketball for the U.S. marines. And I just thought that was coolest thing ever. And so he was on Team USA as well. And so I really wanted to be on Team usa And then I also wanted to play varsity when I was in middle school because I wanted him to see me play, you know, because he was getting older. So I worked really, really hard to do that. So I would go just hold myself to, like, a high level. So I'd go outside every day, and, like, I was not going in until I made a hundred shots. I was, like, making sure every. Like, I would just hold myself to the standard. Well then, like, even after practices, I would work harder because I wanted to make this thing okay. Well, then my dad. My dad's amazing. My dad is an amazing, amazing dad. But one side of my dad that is awesome, but also was frustrating when I was young is that he is a coach. Like, he actually. When he was in college, he graduated with, like, a P.E. you know, degree. Like, literally, like, he was gonna coach. And he was kind of hard on me in sports in the sense of, like, I would come home and I would be like, yep, I would make however many points the game, and I'd be so proud of the points I made. And he'd be like, hey, that one play, you did this dribble. And, like, you gotta stop doing that one dribble. Pick up the ball. You need to go all the way to the goal. And I would be frustrated. Cause it was, like, the one thing that he noticed was, like, the thing I did wrong. And so sometimes I think I. Like, I brought that same energy that I did in basketball to my relationship with the Lord. And it's like. Like, I do all these things to try to hold myself to the center that, like, God's not even putting on me. Like, he hasn't even, like, asked of me. It's me and, like, my own strength and my own doing. And then in this. In the one area I fail or feel like I could have done better, I sometimes feel like that's from God, but it's not.

[Earl McClellan]

That's so good. That is so, so good.

[Sadie Robertson]

So one thing that's really helped me and over the past few years and I've gotten way better at this, is like. Like, after I get done speaking, because used to I would, like, need to go get, like, affirmation from someone. Like, from, like, Christian or from my mom. Like, what did you think of that? Well, what about when I said this? And, like, I would talk out all My overthinking thoughts of, like, the one thing I did wrong, and I would, like, get them to affirm it. But now I don't do that. As soon as I get done speaking, I go get alone with the Lord and I let him speak into whatever message I just delivered. And there has not been one. One time that I have done that, that I've walked away from that feeling like I could have or should have done better, that there was something I should have said differently. Because it's not about performance. It really is obedience. And every time I've sat with the Lord, I have felt just the comfort, a love of Father, like, great job. Well done. You did what you did what we planned, you know, you delivered what I asked, you know, and it's not a performance thing. Even if I did flop, even if I didn't deliver it well, it wasn't a about the performance. So anyways, I feel like I had to that part of my story, because I'm sitting here, like, saying, oh, this is what people need. And I'm like, actually, hold up. This is what I need. Hold up. This is something I've been walking out the past few years. And so it's. Yeah.

[Earl McClellan]

Do you. Do you find your. This. This is really healthy? Because I have found that I used to see God as a coach.

[Sadie Robertson]

Yes. Yes.

[Earl McClellan]

And then. So it was like, if I messed up.

[Sadie Robertson]

Yes.

[Earl McClellan]

Oh, man. On the bench. Because, you know, if you're in the game and you do something wrong, your coach is like, okay, get him out of there. Get him out of there. Earl, sit down, and I'll. I'll let you back in in a little bit. But you doing that dumb thing. I'm gonna sit you down on this bench. And there's a lot of people that are probably listening to this, that feel like that with God. And like God has somehow pulled them out of the game, put them at the end of the bench, shoot, made them the water boy, the water girl. And it's like, you know, if you sit here long enough, enough, then I'll let you back in. And I just don't think it's the healthy mindset to have of God at all. Does God discipline those he loves? Of course. That's in the scriptures. But is God some cosmic coach that's on the sideline looking for every wrong dribble, wrong pass, miss, shot so he can pull you out of the game as quickly as possible? No, he called you for such a time as this. He's your father that loves you and is saying hey, this is what I want you to do better next time. Hey, this is the adjustment you can make. That's why there are podcasts like this. This is why people ought to be in church. This is why you need your small group. This is why you gotta have godly friends around you. It's because those are the people that keep reminding you prayerfully of who God has called you to be and what you're supposed to do. But I really had to break that mindset. And honestly, it still can creep up in me. I mean, to this day, even I wrote this book. I still battle some of the stuff that Gideon battled. You know, it's not like you've all of a sudden arrived, but recognize, oh, that's a lie. I'm recognizing that lie. I better take that thought captive. And sometimes if you're tired enough or, you know, you've been through enough junk, you kind of let yourself go down that rabbit trail. But prayerfully, the Holy Spirit is able to arrest those thoughts a little bit quicker so we don't end up in a spot we don't want to be in.

[Sadie Robertson]

That's so true. And I have totally wrestled with that in my mind. I think sometimes the coach looks like, because, like, I mentioned STR so hard to make the team. I think that in the past, when I first started doing, like, ministry at the, I guess, capacity, I'm doing it right now, just like speaking on larger stages stuff. Obviously that's not like, the picture of ministry. That's just a form of ministry. But as that started for me and I was working so hard to prepare these messages and all this stuff, I almost felt like if I wasn't doing the extra work and the striving, then I would not make the team, quote, unquote. Like, I wasn't going to be asked to speak at the places. And I felt like the Lord really corrected me on that. Like, hey, it's not because you work so hard, you know? Like, it's not.

[Earl McClellan]

That's right.

[Sadie Robertson]

It's like my anointing. It's my spirit. It's you being in tune with that. It's not like how much you study, how much you read, how much you prepare, how much you write. Like, it's not in your own strength. Like, you gotta stop the striving and that. And when. If you do it in your own strength, that you are gonna burn out and it will be your gifting and not the anointing of the Lord. And. And that was a good pump the brakes, you know, message that's so. But it's true. Because if you operate in that mindset, especially coming as from, like, an athletic background and you were coached, sometimes you do put that same thing on God, and that's just not. I don't think that's the way he works.

[Earl McClellan]

No, it's not healthy at all. You're hitting the nail on the head. And our daughter sometimes puts on Onika's clothes. And, you know, it's so cute. She's nine, and it's so, so cute. And she's got, you know, she throws on some earrings or, you know, puts on a shirt and she's downstairs and doing the fake YouTube stuff and, you know, and it's so funny. And then everyone's like, oh, you look so beautiful. You look so beautiful. Look at your earrings. And, you know, everybody's celebrating her. But the earrings aren't hers, the clothes aren't hers. They're all borrowed from the closet. She's getting compliments, comments because of something that belongs to somebody else. And that's really all any of us have to offer.

[Sadie Robertson]

So true.

[Earl McClellan]

The anointing on our life, the giftings that we have. And some people are like, oh, no, I worked hard for this. You may have worked hard for it, but God gave you the strength and the grace to even be able to work hard for it. And some people can sing, and some people can speak, and some people are great at accounting, and some people are great, are great with art, and some people are great with design and, I don't know, fill in the blank of whatever the gift is that a person has. Understand? All these things are borrowed. This is God saying, I'll let you wear this in your generation. And wear it, wear it with confidence, for sure. Wear it with joy, for sure. But just don't forget whose closet it came from. So when all the applause comes, I know this, this belongs to my dad, you know, this belongs to my mom. I appreciate what all you guys are right now, but I know where I shop. You know, I know whose closet I got this from. And it brings a level of humility, but also a level of confidence, because God is like, yeah, I want to clothe you in this. I want to give you this. Hey, do, wear it. Go to your job, wear it. Go to your university and wear what I gave you to wear. Shine your light, Please do it so they'll see your father and glorify him in heaven.

[Sadie Robertson]

That is so good and so relatable to my current moment, because this weekend we went to the Auburn game and My outfit head to toe was my mother's. And I got so many compliments and I was like, this is honestly all my mom's. And people kept commenting on my Instagram link, the outfit link the outfit. I'm like, this is my mom's closet. And but it does, it gives you one, yes, a humility because you really can't take the credit for it. Like, this actually is my mom's. But it does give you a compliment confidence because it's better than what you have yourself. And it's like, I went to my mom's closet because it's better than the clothes that I had in mind. And so that. Man, I love that. That's such a beautiful picture. Friends, the holidays are approaching and it is very hard to stay healthy this time of year. But that's why I rely on my AG1, and I have for the past three years. AG1 is a daily health drink packed with nutrients to help relieve bloating, boost energy levels levels and support overall health. It's just one scoop added to a glass of cold water every day, and in less than a minute, you can give your body everything it needs to power through the whole day. And with the added benefits of pre and probiotics and adaptogens, AG1 is a game changer for combating the stress of the holiday season as well as aiding in digestion. I always talk about the link between gut health and mental health because it is hard to be on your game mentally if you don't feel good. And that's why it's so important to me personally to pay attention to my gut health. And with all the awesome food that comes with the holiday season season, it's even more important to me that my gut stays healthy and on track so that, you know, I can continue to do all the things I do very well. AG1 also offers incredible travel packs. You guys have heard me talk about this, but especially for the holidays, if you're traveling to see family and stuff, it's so easy to just put your travel packs in your backpack and your suitcase, literally even in your purse, and get some nutrients during your day as you're traveling around for the holidays. So this holiday season, try AG1 for yourself and even gift it to someone special. And this is a great gift for someone. It's the perfect time to focus on supporting your body with an easy and surprisingly delicious daily health drink. That's why I've been partnered with AG1 for so long. Every week in November, AG1 will be running a special black Friday offer for a free gift with your first subscription in addition to the welcome kit with vitamin D3 plus K2. So make sure to check out drinkag1.com Whoa. To see what gift you can get this week. That's drinkag1.com Whoa. To start your holiday season off on a healthier note while supplying last so we could talk about so many things. And I do want to get back to the heart of the book, which so much of this is in the book just. And you. You put it out so well. I feel like so much of what we've said ties back to it, but the story of Gideon. Okay. Some of our listeners, probably a lot of our listeners have never heard the story of Gideon. So I hate to, like, go too far without giving a short little recap. Can you give a little overview of, like, Gideon story?

[Earl McClellan]

Short recap. Okay. Gideon is just like you and I. He is an Israelite. Well, you might not be an Israelite, but he's a part of a family. He is in a community. And his community is going through an incredibly difficult time. I mean, it is a very pressured situation that they are in. They are surrounded on every side. So again, maybe ours might not be be an invasion per se, but that could be anxiety, the fear, the, I don't know what's going on in our family. You fill in the blank what your pressure situation might be. Getting ready for grad school, I don't know, trying to get a company off of the ground. You know, navigating friendships and relationships that are changing. And he's hiding out, doing some things he needs to do, but he's hiding out as he's doing them. And God shows up to him and speaks. Here we are again, hearing the power of words. God speaks to him something that Gideon does not believe about himself. He says some words to Gideon and Gideon goes, I don't think that can be true because look at where I am. So here you are, Sadie, week in, week out on this podcast. And even when you go speak and you're speaking life over people and they're going, I don't think this could be true. And the reason it can't be true is A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, right? It can't be true because all my friends just left me. It can't be true because my bank account's not right. It can't be true because no guy is interested in me or no girl wants to date me or my relationships just fell apart. It can't be true for I don't know my dad wasn't there growing up. Fill in the blank. And he pushes back on God. And God pushes back and says, no, I've called you. I've got my hand on your life. You're somebody I've chosen. And Gideon gives some reasons that he thinks are utterly legitimate. He thinks I'm about to win this argument with the Lord. And he thinks I've got the best closing argument ever. There is no way God can get around what I'm saying right here. And that's us. We're like, God, you can't use me. I, you know, lost my virginity at this age. God, you can't use me because I did not get into that school. God, you can't use me because my family doesn't look like this. God, you can't use me because I'm not from this side of town or I'm from another part of the country or whatever. You know, we use all these reasons why God can't do something with our lives. And eventually the Lord just really speaks so much strength into him, from peace to encouragement to hope. But he asks him to do some very significant, I wouldn't say difficult things. He has to deal with some things in his past. He has to deal with some mindsets that he has. He has to deal with his own insecurities. He has to deal with his own fears. But as he confronts these things, he discovers that what God was saying about him is true. And it releases him into a place of faith and strength that transforms an entire community. Wow. So that's the high level story of Gideon. And I think we can all find ourselves in it in some way.

[Sadie Robertson]

So true. That was really beautifully done because I totally put you on the spot there. But one of my favorite things about your teachings are that you do preach out of the Old Testament often, at least from the ones that I've heard. And I don't go to your church every Sunday. But all the passion, the motion moments, and even in here, it's a lot of the Old Testament, but you make it so relatable. Like you. You pull it out to help us understand how that's us. Like we're in the same boat. We. It looks different. Yeah. His situation is different than our situation in. But it's the same, same. It's the same fears that would pop up. It's the same questions. It's the same insecurity. And you're really, really good at that. And so that's been really helpful for me listening to things like that. But I Feel like you do a great job in this book. Gideon's actually been a story that I've gone back to a few times just in my walk with Fear. And I love that you talk a lot about fear in the book. One of the things I wanted to ask you. And this. This, like, sounds like a trick question. It's really not a trick question, so don't hear it like that, because I. I think that this is something that Gideon has actually taught me. And you do a great job walking it out. You talk about. In the beginning of the book, you say, like, you're gonna win the battle, but you're not gonna win the battle with worry, which. So true. And then later, towards the end of the book, you are talking about doing things afraid, like, even though you're afraid doing it. And I wanted you to lay out the difference, because the story of Gideon does this so well. The difference in, like, doing something and having a bunch of worry that's, like, unhealthy. And then, like, the natural fear that's gonna come because you're human and doing it afraid anyway. Can you kind of talk about the difference in, like, carrying worry and also carrying, like, maybe a little natural fear?

[Earl McClellan]

Yeah, that's really an interesting question. You know, the worry is when I hear you ask that, when I hear you say that, the worry is, this is all on me. Yeah, this is. I've got to make this happen. I got to do this. And it creates so much anxiety because really, it's idolic, idolatry, right at the core. It's us saying, this does not stop and end with God. This stops and ends with me. And when I feel like it stops and ends with me, I don't think I have enough in and of myself. So I better just worry. I better. I gotta figure it out. I gotta pull everything together. And I think that's where that anxiety. I don't know if you saw inside out out, too. Yes, it's so good. And I watched that with our daughter, too, the other day, and it's to see anxiety, you know, at the table. Right. You know, I've got to think up every possible scenario, and I've got to make sure we win. And I got to put myself on the right spot, and I got to say the exact right thing, and I've got to. And I mean, I'm worrying myself to death right now. Even saying that, you know, you begin to feel. Feel. It's all on me, right? Versus I'm facing something that's bigger than me. But I Have someone with me who's bigger than it.

[Sadie Robertson]

Yep.

[Earl McClellan]

And those are just two very, very different things. And it's okay to go, whoa, you want me to speak where, Lord? You want me to talk to my whole sorority about Jesus? Wait, you want me to tell my whole family at Thanksgiving that I've given my heart to you? That's like, you want me to say that in front of everybody that's bigger than me? But I've got somebody with me in Jesus who is saying, I'm bigger than it. I'm bigger than that moment. So I got to do it afraid. I got to do it not waiting for the fear to be gone, not waiting for all my insecurities to be gone. But neither am I gonna try to manipulate the situation to try to make it perfect for me so that I no longer have any fear. So then I'm like, I'm in control. I think God is wanting us to put at us and put us in spots where we're not in control. If it does not take faith, then it's probably not God. I'm not gonna say that for every situation, but a lot of them that is true. If God is putting something in front of you that you know you can do in and of yourself, it. It could just be, you know, training and, you know, small steps. But eventually, he's just trying to get you to trust his voice in these small things so that when the bigger thing comes, you go, yes, I trust you because I've seen you be faithful with the lion and the bear. As David said before he faced Goliath. So, yeah, I'm big on all of this. I wish I had it all together, Shady. I wish I'm talking right now. And I wrote a book, and it's like, oh, I'm married and I got kids, and I got it all figured out. Oh, yeah, look, listen to me, everybody, because I'm doing it perfect. I'm not doing it perfect, but I'm committed to living this life of surrender. I'm committed to staying on this path of Jesus. I'm committed to receiving his love for me every day and recognize it's not based on my performance. I'm committed to that. I'm committed to believing that the gospel is true. I'm committed that I'm forgiven not because of what I've done, but because of what Jesus has done for me. And I'm going to keep on believing that truth all the way to the day that I go see Jesus face to face. But in the meantime, I still battle, we still have our flesh to deal with. It's not going anywhere. So we're going to have to navigate, you know, that worry and versus the fear versus the humility, versus am I being cocky versus the confidence versus all of that together. But I think that's part of the journey. I think that's what God is wanting, for us to keep on learning how to rely on him every day.

[Sadie Robertson]

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[Earl McClellan]

Love her.

[Sadie Robertson]

I just love her. I adore her. And I was Saying something to her I was struggling with, and I was almost, like, embarrassed about it, kind of. I guess I was embarrassed about it. And she said, well, good Lord, Sadie, none of us are perfect. Do you not think I struggle with that? And I was like, you know, that was just so helpful to just hear someone like her be like, good Lord, do you think that I don't struggle with that, too? We're human.

[Earl McClellan]

Yeah. The power of words again, they're the power of words right there. You know, her speaking that life, being honest. Yeah.

[Sadie Robertson]

Just honesty, upfrontness. It's so good. But I love how you just distinguish those two. I mean, you did that so well in the book, but I wanted to put those side by side because I do think people get confused by that. And that's one of the things Reed and Gideon taught me and why I went to it years ago with fear, because it's interesting. I felt like, God, how are you going to use me? My thing with the Lord was like, how are you going to use me when I am, like, such an anxious person? Like, I don't know how I'm going to overcome this. I am so afraid. I feel so anxious. I feel awkward. Like, all the things. And I'm reading Gideon, and God is calling someone who is anxious, who is afraid, but yet who is willing, you know? And then later in the story, it's like, whenever the Lord's kind of like, weeding out the army and y'all had to go read this. But there's a part where it's like, and don't bring anyone. It was like, whose knees are shaky or like, it was something like, basically, they're too afraid. And it was kind of interesting because I remember reading that for myself, and this has been a while, so I'm not studied up. This is just what I remember taking from that there is a difference in, like, being so worried anxious that you're unwilling to step into it and trust God for the next. And then God calling someone who, like, I know you're afraid, but I know you're also willing, and I know you'll step into it. And that actually then it kind of unlocked this whole thing of, like, why did God say, do not be afraid to all the people? He kept calling things because he knew they were going to be afraid because he was about to say something that was intimidating, and he's like, don't be afraid for I.

[Earl McClellan]

This is going to be bigger than you. That's right. That's so, so good.

[Sadie Robertson]

The heads up. I know you're going to be afraid about what I'm about to say. So I'm going to start with don't be afraid because I'm going to be with you. But also I'm calling you to go back to Egypt or I'm calling you to cross the Jordan and I'm calling you to all of the things were scary. So, of course, like, we have to start with don't be afraid. So anyway, I love that beautiful.

[Earl McClellan]

Oh, sorry. But there's this. That beautiful dad in the. In the New Testament. Oh, man. I don't want to say where the passage is because I feel like I'm going to mess it up, but I believe it's in the Gospel of Matthew for sure, where it says, lord, I believe, leave help my unbelief.

[Sadie Robertson]

Yes.

[Earl McClellan]

So he's like, Jesus says to the dad, do you think I can do this? And the dad says, I believe. Help my unbelief.

[Sadie Robertson]

That's great.

[Earl McClellan]

I just love that. I feel like that's me, you know, I just feel like, lord, I believe. Can you just help me where I don't believe. Can you help me where I'm, like, unsure. Can you help me where I feel incredibly insecure? Can you help me where. Where I'm like, are you going to come through on this? Because I prayed for my grandma to be healed and it didn't happen the way the healing didn't happen on this side of heaven. You know, she's healed now because she's in heaven, but it didn't happen on this side of heaven. I prayed this other time for that job and it didn't work out. So I believe that you can totally do this thing in front of me, but help my unbelief because I have these other things that are running through my head that are messing with me. But I think this is the beauty of the tension of being a follower of Jesus. And we try to make it so clean so many times. We try to make everything so simple and so linear and there's no ups and downs and there's no problems. And you just say it like this, and this is how it is. And maybe it's like that for some people. I don't like those people, but maybe it's like that, you know, for them. But for the vast majority of us, it's so beautifully messy and humbling and a stretch. But this is what's actually growing us. This is what's making us into who God has called us to be. This is the work of the spirit in our lives. To conform us to the image of Christ. This is it. This is what we signed up for. Just like you with your kids when you sign up to be a parent, and everybody on here who's listening who wants to be a parent, one day, you're going to be a great parent. We're praying for you. But you are automatically signing up for sleepless nights and dirty diapers.

[Sadie Robertson]

Y.

[Earl McClellan]

It's. It's part of it. You don't get to get around that. You know, I mean, I guess you can give it to somebody else to do if you want to, but. But that is part of being a parent. Part of leading a teenager is, oh, my goodness, what's going on with your emotions? I'm trying to be here for you right now, but I don't want you going crazy, and I want to keep you close. But I don't know what you're talking about right now. That's just part of it. And part of being a follower of Jesus is this is a whole lot bigger than I thought I could handle. Yep, yep. Yes. That's what you signed up for. Because it's a cross that we've been called to carry. It's not some little convenience store bag where we're just, you know, kind of shopping and picking and choosing what we want to have along the journey. But it's so worth it, man. Sadie, don't you feel alive? Right? Don't you feel. I mean, it's hard at times, but you feel alive.

[Sadie Robertson]

I feel. I feel like I'm in church. I'm like, yes, preach. That is so good. I'm about to stand up and clap. That is so good and so true. It's so true. It's like, you know, I think sometimes, you know, people fear, like, telling just the honest, hard truth that, like, hey, it is going to be hard. Yeah, it's a cross to pick up, but, like, it's. It's that there's so much freedom and just hearing it like it is, because then it goes, man, okay, it's home. And there's nothing wrong with that. That's actually what was expected. That was. What was that? Jesus actually said, like, it's going to be hard. You're going to have trials. Like, you got to pick up your cross, but.

[Earl McClellan]

And it's going to be filled with so much joy, too. Right. You know, like.

[Sadie Robertson]

But also.

[Earl McClellan]

I love that.

[Sadie Robertson]

Yes, yes.

[Earl McClellan]

It's like, it's all of this together. This is what it is. And there's a beautiful hope for the future. And then there are some incredibly difficult valley times that you're like, what is going on? I thought. I thought, where's the sunshine here? You know? And I know he forgive, forgave me my sins, but this hole is deep, and how long am I going to be down in this hole? But there he is, right in there with us.

[Sadie Robertson]

So true. That's the joy.

[Earl McClellan]

Grace, but.

[Sadie Robertson]

And that's the joy. But there he is. You have the relationship, you have someone to do it with. Because whether you're a believer or not, if you go through life, life is hard. And the difference is you have a hope, you know, you have a. You have someone to do it with. I was reading the Psalms this morning. It was Psalm, I think, 77. And it was. It was so interesting to see the shift in this prayer. And I can't remember if it was David or who. Who it was, you might know, but the. The beginning of it was kind of talking about, like, where are you? You seem so far. Are you ever going to have mercy again? Are you ever gonna. Because. Because it just seemed like you're not doing what I'm praying for, you know, kind of what you were saying, like. And I want to believe, but in the past, like, you didn't heal my grandma or you didn't come through on that. And so he's struggling, and then there's this shift, and he. It's some word that I thought, that's a really cool shift how he did that. And then he started blessing God for what he actually has done in the past. He says, but I will praise you because you did do this and you did do this, and it was just really cool because it's like, you're not doing it now, and maybe you didn't do it then, but I cannot deny when you did this, this and this and so forth. I'll worship you where I'm at. And I wrote down John in my Bible, said, what a shift in worship, you know, to be honest with the Lord and what is hard and what is real, but also I can't deny what's. What's also very real and very true of who you are. And that's so much more true and something I can anchor myself in than. Than these things that are currently in my situation. So I'm just going to worship you. I'm just going to praise you. It was.

[Earl McClellan]

That is powerful.

[Sadie Robertson]

Really cool. It was really powerful.

[Earl McClellan]

I'm going to clap. I'm going to stand up and clap right now. That is so.

[Sadie Robertson]

This is a Woohoo podcast.

[Earl McClellan]

Episode.

[Sadie Robertson]

But seriously, everything. I. I could talk for so long because there's so many points in this book, but I know we're out of time, which is great for the listeners, because now you can go get the book and read it all here and not just hear it all on the podcast. You guys have so much to look forward to. You have to go get this book, get your spirit back. Also, go on a rabbit trail of listening to Earl's messages. You'll be so blessed, so encouraged. So strengthen your faith and your walk with the Lord. Earl, thank you. One, for writing the book. Thank you for being obedient to that. And two, for coming on this podcast and talking about it. This has been awesome.

[Earl McClellan]

Oh, thank you so, so much. Hey, we believe in you. Love you so much. And all the listeners, we are praying for you and asking for God's richest blessings in every area of your life. And even the times that are difficult, that you would see his strength, and even this podcast in this moment, that this would be the answer to some of your prayers that God is saying. You're not alone, because I brought you even this random podcast in this moment so you can know I have not forgotten about you. And may every single one of you have the grace and strength you need to be who God has called you to be and live your life for his glory.

[Sadie Robertson]

So good. That's so great. You know, this. This whole podcast is called Whoa, that's good. But there are certain episodes that are just particularly wide. Woe, that's good. And this one has the woe, that's good stamp all over it. So thank you so much.

[Earl McClellan]

So kind. Thank you. I'm so glad I got to be a part of this. Appreciate you. We're praying for you.

[Sadie Robertson]

Thank you. Right, I got.