I Stopped Cussing. People Started Listening.

Words matter.

If you can't learn how to use your words, you won't get where you want to be in life.

I had to learn that the hard way.

The short version

One of the things I have struggled with is my language.

I got back in church. And I realized I couldn't do the things I wanted to do in life until I really cleaned myself up.

My language was one of those things.

Somebody called me on it

It didn't even come from me. It came from a man I want in my life.

He doesn't want to be around somebody who can't get a message across without cussing.

At first, I didn't take it well. I showed a lot of pride. I said, "I am who I am."

Then I realized we're not called to be like that.

So I took an honest look at me.

What I changed

1. I went a long time without cussing on video.
2. I stopped making posts that cuss.
3. I slowed down and started using push-to-talk.

What happened next

People heard me.

They were willing to listen. They were willing to give me a chance, because there was something different about me.

My views went up. My reach went up. My engagement went up.

Did I stop 100 percent?

No. I'm still working on it.

We're human. We're not going to be perfect. Only one was perfect, and that's Jesus Christ.

"He's gotta be using ChatGPT"

I use ChatGPT, like everybody else.

But I also use push-to-talk. I slow down. I say my words clearly. I even say "comma" out loud.

Sometimes the posts you think are ChatGPT are really me. I've been learning to tame my tongue. It has been hard.

To the man who challenged me

Hey, you were right.

As much as I didn't want to say it, you were right.

My prayer

"Lord, help me speak better, so that way people can hear me, hear you through me."

It's not been easy. But it's working.

What you're going to see

I have a duty to take the lessons I'm learning, grow from them, and be a better person.

Not rude. Not disrespectful. Not unbecoming of a Christian, a United States Marine Corps veteran, or an East Texan.

That only comes with time and consistency.

That's what you're going to see.

What I said (RYAN STATEMENT)

From the video, in my own words:

• "One of the things that I have struggled with is my language."
• "I realized that I couldn't do the things that I wanted to do in life until I really cleaned myself up."
• "When I stopped cussing in my posts and in real life, people heard me."
• "Words matter. Words are important."
• "Lord, help me speak better so that way people can hear me, hear you through me."
• "It can only be done with time and consistency. That's what you're gonna see."

The numbers going up is what I saw on my own pages. That's my read of my own data, not a study.

Want me to come talk about this?

Churches, schools, veterans groups, and businesses. If you want me to come speak about words, faith, and rebuilding, call or text me at (903) 500-8898.

Words matter.