An Unstable Foundation

I’d like to take a different opinion/angle on these mass shootings. When you take away the arguments of politics, guns, mental illness, etc, I’d like to consider the absolute dysfunction and destruction of families over the past few decades.

Let’s consider it in general, as I am not casting blame.

Whether it’s a matter of dysfunctional, broken families, or parents who are simply not intentional with time, love, and attention – a product is emerging that has no purpose and no hope and no value – or so these children/young adults are led to believe.

The Texas shooter posted on his LinkedIn that he is just getting by. That he guesses he’ll do software development because it seems to suit him best. I hope I’m wrong, but to me he appeared to be your stereotypical “no ambition, sit on the couch and play video games all day” type of guy.

I may be stepping on some toes, but that’s a parenting problem.

It’s a parenting problem to not teach your kid ambition. It’s a parenting problem to not teach your kid hard work. It’s a parenting problem to allow your kid to sit on screens all day.

But that’s the issue. It’s hard work to parent and be intentional with parenting.

At the end of the day, do I know all the details? No.

At the end of the day, do I know his home life was the issue? No.

At the end of the day, was he at fault? Yes.

At the end of the day, are we, as parents, responsible to teach and train and love? Yes.

I don’t post this to flippantly add to the outcry and pointing of fingers, but rather to say that the foundation of America is the family. And the devil knows it’s where the attacks are the most affective.

So where do we go from here? We all look inside and say, “What can I do to build up and strengthen my family – our foundation?”

Before you respond, know this. Please. I’m not saying because you are divorced, this happens. I’m not saying your child cannot be raised well and then turn from the truth. I’m not saying that video games are the reason. Or guns. Or donkeys. Or elephants.

Just consider this angle: Without a reason to live, without hope, and without purpose, you are capable of destruction.

Please consider your time. Do you come home from work and selfishly do what you want to do and let your kid sit there, alone, with headphones on their ears, mindlessly playing games for hours on end because no one makes them feel important, or loved, or inspired to do anything?

They’re skilled. They’re important. They’re valuable. But do they know that? Have you told them?

I can promise you this. God forbid that’s ever my son on the Walmart security cameras, but if it were, I would look back and take a lot of responsibility.

So the next time you hear people say to hug your kids and love on them because they could be the next victim, think about hugging them, loving them, and being intentional with them as parents, because they could be the next killer.

That’s hard to read isn’t it? It’s hard for me to think about that.

I close with this.

Maybe you were burned by church. Perhaps you were hurt by religion. Don’t let that keep you from teaching your kids about God. About a personal relationship, not a religion, with Jesus Christ.

NO Jesus, NO hope; KNOW Jesus, KNOW hope. ❤️

KPrainJrLeave a comment

Bridal Beware!

I was chatting with a friend from the midwest recently and she was telling me about a friend of hers who is getting married this summer, but there were some reservations concerning the guy she was marrying. After a long conversation, I have a few thoughts on the matter – since wedding season is in full bloom.

Girls, BEFORE you say those vows, keep in mind:

1. The dating/early season of marriage is usually the “honeymoon” period. If the guy isn’t treating you like a queen, respecting you, caring for you, etc, especially RIGHT NOW, during this “honeymoon” period, don’t expect him to change – it usually gets worse. #RedFlag

2. BEWARE of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Guys can “change” to fit a desired mold for a while, but unless the heart is truly changed, they will flip back after the wedding. #RedFlag

3. Just because you made mistakes with him, primarily physically, DOES NOT mean you have to marry that person. There may be guilt, and thus the guy has a “power” over you… but you don’t have to marry the man. God never says that you MUST marry someone if you have gone too far physically. He may have taken your virginity, but it doesn’t mean he gets to take you as his wife. #RedFlag

4. I’m a firm believer that if a guy is currently addicted to porn, has not gotten victory over anger, or is incredibly controlling (keeping you from talking to any other guys but himself, not respecting your parents, spiritual leaders, etc) …. you SHOULD NOT marry the man. At least not now. The biggest lie of the devil is that YOU will change him. You won’t. #RedFlag

5. Don’t settle. He may the only boy that brought you a dandelion and called you pretty. You might feel the most comfortable around him. But that doesn’t make him husband material. A soft side and one who makes you comfortable is great, but rather look for a strong leader with a tender heart. #RedFlag

I have about 30 friends getting married this summer. If any of these red flags are present, please, please don’t SACRIFICE a LIFETIME of misery on the altar of a 30 minute ceremony to save the embarrassment of calling it all off. Calling it off could be your ticket to freedom. Forget the invites, the flowers, the money, etc…. honestly, your friends can probably see more clearly than YOU can and will ALL be relieved if you BOLT.

Am I old school? Sure! Biblical too. I believe marriage is sacred and serious. Marry the right person – it’s a bit of Heaven on earth; Marry the wrong person – it’s a bit of hell on earth. Maybe more than a bit.

It breaks my heart when some of my closest friends, years later, come to me and say, “I ignored the red flags”. But if you are reading this and are single, dating, or engaged, it’s not too late until it’s too late. Can God change hearts and bring repentance, yes. But it’s never a guarantee your man will want to change. So please be careful now, while there is still time. Pray early and pray often – for wisdom, guidance, and the peace which passes all understanding.

KPrainJrLeave a comment

A Lesson from the Game

Last night, while Trey and I walked around in the cold rain, people watching and taking in all that surrounds an NBA All-Star game, we were bombarded by scalpers trying to sell us tickets. Even 5 minutes before tip-off, they were trying to get $450 for each ticket.  

My son’s little chin started quivering when I explained that daddy can’t pay $900 to watch a game. He wanted so badly to go in out of the rain and cold to watch in the stands with everyone else. 

With shivering hands, Trey would bend down and reach for drenched pieces of paper on the sidewalk – asking me each time if it was a ticket someone may have dropped that we could use.

Passing us, and entering the arena, were those leaving the Ritz-Carlton, clad in outfits that put $900 tickets on a child’s piggy bank level. “VIP” could be clearly seen hanging from a lanyard around their necks. 

I’m 37. I’ve been around these types of events for years. I have athlete friends and CEO friends. I understand that money and who you know can get you in – and I rejoice for those that have tickets or badges – they worked hard. But to a 7 year old, it was tough to comprehend. One day he will appreciate that I did not spend money we did not have.

We had a wonderful night together, nonetheless – dinner at Moe’s, a train ride, and hot chocolate. Just dad and son. Kent and Kent. In the middle of a busy career, we needed quality time.

Later, I snuggled him and talked about the fun we had and reminded him that because of Jesus, we are VIPs in God’s sight. That one day, because of Jesus’ grace and mercy, we will get to enter Heaven’s gates and see Jesus face to face. We don’t deserve it; we can’t earn it or afford it – but God loved us so much, that He sent Jesus to die for our sins, and when we repent of our sins and believe on Him alone for salvation, we become joint heirs with Him. We now have an incorruptible inheritance! All-Star players will grow old, trophies and legacies will fade, but Heaven is eternal.

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing an event to teach such an important reminder.

Have you accepted Jesus? Are your sins forgiven? There is room at the cross for you! Here’s the best part – No fancy suits, passes, or money needed. Jesus loves you, and He gave His life for you. Won’t you accept His gift of salvation today?

KPrainJrLeave a comment

Mission: Compassion

I met Amanda about four years ago. She delivers for FedEx, and our Chick-fil-A in Wesley Chapel, NC was one of her stops. The hustle is REAL with these folks, and we tried to always make her day a little better by offering a drink or a sandwich.

Fast forward a few years.

Amanda’s route has changed, and I am no longer with Chick-fil-A, but we have kept in touch, as she had become a good friend. What I love most about Amanda is her heart for people. It is genuine and magnetic. And it all stems from her faith in Jesus.

Recently, she shared this video. It is a perfect example of who she is and the love she has for those around her. I am reminded of the verse in Jude where it speaks of some having compassion – making a difference. Grab a few tissues and click the play button.

Amanda also began a non-profit organization called Hungry Heroes where she feeds hundreds of first responders, veterans, EMTs, police, fire, etc. -simply to bless and encourage them. You can check it out here: https://www.hungryheroesbbq.com/ Consider donating your time and/or money to help support these heroes!

Please share this post as I am sure this will move others as it did myself. Thank you, Amanda, for loving everybody, always, and for being an example of life touching life.

KPrainJrLeave a comment

A note to my wife

Dearest Rebekah,

We’ve been married a little over 10 years now, and it’s taken a decade to fully realize just how special you are. I am incredibly blessed. I don’t deserve you.

Over the past 10 years, I have also realized that the devil is honed in to destroy marriages. Too many close friends have watched their spouses walk away, and they are left alone – feeling empty, worthless, and scared. I pray for healing and comfort for them.

Tonight, I take a break from watching Hallmark with you, to duck around the corner to the laptop to publicly type that I am so in love with you, and by God’s grace, we will walk hand in hand until Jesus returns. And in true, Hallmark movie form, I will strive to always be the loving, trustworthy country-bumpkin that you fell for in lieu of the rich businessman.

I pray that together, we will always be a lighthouse guiding those around us to the safety of the Savior.

Yours forever!

Kent

KPrainJrLeave a comment

How to enjoy life: Pro Tip

I am a living, breathing, walking testimony that you can have a TON of fun in this life without drugs, alcohol, clubs, etc.

How?

  • Knowing Jesus brings joy!
  • Love everybody – always.
  • Rock a cool nickname like “Kentobean”.
  • Surround yourself with people who bring you up.
  • Lovingly avoid spending all your time with people who bring you down. Notice I said ALL your time. People who bring you down are the type who are struggling and you can be there for them – just don’t get sucked down the negativity vortex.
  • Smile and hug.
  • Be pure in heart.
  • Be faithful to your spouse.
  • Watch Hallmarks instead of Horror movies.
  • Less Talk radio and more talking to strangers. You’ll learn people need encouragement and the title “stranger” will be upgraded to “friend”.
  • Look for every opportunity to be a blessing!

What are some other tips you have to a life full of joy and happiness? Please comment!

KPrainJrLeave a comment

The End of an Incredible Journey… or is it?

Most of you know by now that this past week brought the news that I will not be moving ahead in my journey to own/operate a Chick-fil-A. At least not now. This news did not devastate me, nor was I angry. I know the system and how it works, and I knew this going in almost 4 years ago. I simply was not competitive enough. Chick-fil-A has 50,000 individuals per year starting the process to become an owner/operator. I made it to step 5 of 7. The top 400 of 50,000 or so. And I am very humbled and grateful to have made it that far. I am in a tough spot at my age. Mid-thirties with a family makes it difficult to be a solid candidate for the Leadership Development Program (on the road living in hotels for about 2 years opening up/running Chick-fil-As around the country), and I am not in my 40’s or 50’s with a wealth of experience from past employment. On paper…. I don’t compete. And I completely understand that from corporate’s point of view.

The only frustrating part is that I don’t know where I fit in…. or how to become THAT competitive. I feel like I have done everything in my power to become prepared to operate a store, and who I am and the endless energy and passion I have for Chick-fil-A would go far beyond simply making a local business profitable. But I am not upset. I know God has a plan, and I know that it is a perfect plan for me and my family. Sometimes it is God’s timing, or sometimes it is a completely new plan – only time will tell.

I want to thank my wife first of all for everything. And by everything, I mean the sacrifices, large and small, that she has made over the past 4 years. She was my biggest cheerleader, and she was ALL IN just as much, if not more, than I was. She is incredibly strong with a heart of gold. She will make an amazing operator’s wife one day, if that is what God wills. I love her dearly and desperately wanted to reach my goal for her. Love you, sweetheart.

Thank you also to the many Operators, Grand Opening Supervisors, trainers, Corporate staff, friends, guests, family, etc who cheered me on since day 1. I never once had someone tell me that I would never make it as an operator, but rather hundreds, if not thousands, telling me to keep going…. that they would love to help me and serve with me one day.

Though I am at peace and trust God with corporate’s decision, guests of mine are crushed. I returned to work this past Friday, and guest after guest walked in shocked – I don’t know if they were more shocked at the decision or that I had a smile on my face. Many operators reached out to me. Some told me they cried, while others expressed that if they had to go through the process today, they would not even make it.

You know what all this tells me? That this journey was not in vain. The people I know now that have impacted me, and that I may have impacted…. I wouldn’t have met them 4 years ago. The massive amount of support and outpouring of love during this journey and after the news came last week has been humbling. I don’t deserve any of this…. but God, in His goodness and grace, allowed me precious time with individuals all across this country. These moments are priceless to me!

I love Chick-fil-A and I will always love Chick-fil-A. As of now, I am still serving at my local CFA as a director working 50-55 hours a week. And until God moves me, that is where I will be. Is the journey over? I honestly don’t think so. I try to force myself to lose the desire to own my own store… and then I clock in and do life with my team, and after hugs and high fives and accomplishing goals together…. I realize I can’t stop pursuing my dream. It’s what I do. It’s who I am.

Many have asked if I am upset or mad. Almost telling me with their eyes and tone of voice that it would be ok to say yes. But no. I am at peace. I am at peace knowing that God is good all the time. Never is He NOT good. And though people all around the chain know I would make a tremendous operator, the one person who could say no, did say no. And they did their job well. They have to make sure they choose the best fit for every opportunity. To play God and to judge their decision would be foolish. To trust God and wait on His will and timing is obedience. So I choose to obey. I choose to wait. I choose to continue to be full of joy. I choose to keep on serving faithfully.

I leave you with this story from this past Saturday.

A mom and her little girl were getting into line to order when I walked by them to grab something from outside. She stopped me and told me that she had used me as an example when teaching her kids a lesson that week. I recognized the mom, but didn’t know her personally. She went on to explain that her 9th grade boy was telling her how his friends in the same grade were out partying/drinking and making poor decisions. Her son then said that he doesn’t have to hang out with that crowd and wants to make wise decisions. I bent down and asked the little girl what the mom had said about me. The little girl looked up at me and said, “Mommy said that she wants me to marry someone like you one day”. I was shocked, as I had never spoken to them before. The mom then began to tear up and told me that she can tell simply by the way I serve people in the restaurant that I am someone that she wants her boys to look up to and her daughter to marry. It was all I could do not to get all emotional! WOW! Do I deserve those comments? No. Any good in me is by the grace of God alone. But God used that instance, just mere days after receiving a “no” answer, to keep that flame burning inside of me.

To you that have followed this journey…. thank you! You are appreciated far more than you will ever know. I truly hope this isn’t the end. I have insane faith that it is not. In fact, I  check my email throughout the day thinking that I will receive one saying that they have changed their minds and have a store for me. But if that day never comes, I thank God that He used CFA to bring you into my life. May God bless you. #JUSTTRUETT

 

KPrainJrLeave a comment

I was SHOCKED by God…. but I shouldn’t have been.

What I am about to tell you, will shock you. In an awesome way. But it shouldn’t shock us…. For the past couple of years, I have been driving an old, green 1995 Toyota Tercel with a broken speedometer and a broken odometer. It leaks some oil and doesn’t change gears until the first mile of the day has been driven. I was content with the car. Proudly displaying my Chick-fil-A license plate on the front bumper while using the car as my daily driver to and from work. However, I never carry my kids in that vehicle. There isn’t much room, and I don’t feel it’s a safe vehicle as it’s so small and doesn’t drive through rain that well without hydroplaning. But it was okay for me! I was thankful for transportation, and the gas mileage was tremendous (that gauge still worked).

Yesterday, I was sitting at my computer on Craigslist looking at cars and thinking that it would be nice to have a bit newer car that I could drive that could also accommodate my kids if I needed to take one child and my wife the other. I thought about finances and how money isn’t growing on trees these days… and I definitely didn’t want to touch the money I set aside for my CFA operator fee. Then I remembered something my mom always told me growing up. “Pray specifically that God would provide what you need…. pray that someone will GIVE you a car”… she would say. I kind of chuckled when I remembered that, and though I felt kind of silly, honestly, I prayed that someone would give me a car. I went to work not thinking about it at all, as it wasn’t really a pressing need, per se, just a desire of my heart.

I was about to climb into bed last night around 10:30pm when I received a private message on Facebook from a person that I had met only once in life. In a nutshell, the message said that they had recently upgraded vehicles, and God had told them to give their old vehicle to me…. WHAT!? I read on. It was a 2003 Toyota Highlander. Safe. Room for kids. Reliable. WHAT?! Toyota?? I LOVE Toyota. My mind was racing. It was hard to comprehend it all. You mean to say that I prayed a prayer that morning that someone would give me a car, and by that evening, out of the blue, someone not knowing that I prayed that prayer messages me and wants to give me their vehicle?!

Beyond the incredible answer to my car situation was the fact that at a time where work had been tough, and though I believe I am on the right path with CFA… God, through direct answer to prayer, confirmed in my heart that I am indeed walking the way in which He wants me to go. Shocking?? YES! But what a rebuke. Answer to prayer SHOULDN’T be shocking. God still answers prayer!! Oh me of little faith.

KPrainJrLeave a comment

Drive-thru Celebrities and Jesus

The Golden State Warriors’ Superstar, Steph Curry, came through drive-thru again today. Awesome individual and a joy to talk to. He’s a native to Charlotte, NC, and lives here during the off-season. He LOVES Chick-fil-A… and I would go so far as to say that his lavish point totals in the NBA are directly attributed to the consumption of our food. 🙂

I meet a lot of sports figures, CEOs, etc, as our CFA is located in a very affluent community. It’s natural to run and tell your friends and family who you met that day. “Hey babe! Got to meet Steph Curry. Class act guy!”. And it’s true. He is a class-act guy.

Reality check.

How often do we excitedly tell our friends and family about Jesus? “Hey man! I know Jesus… and He wants to know you too!!” Sure, Steph Curry can be a role model for young people… sure, he can impact your life in a positive manner… but Jesus Christ can literally change your life! He can forgive your sins. He can give you eternal life in Heaven.

Guess what else? Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is not surrounded by bodyguards. You don’t have to stand in line for 12 hours to get an autograph from a guy who will never remember your name, let alone your face.

You have an all-access pass to Jesus. He’s the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet He wants to know you… personally. He gave His life for you… that’s how much He loves you.

I don’t want you to be in hell. It’s an awful place. Whether you believe it exists or not doesn’t matter. The Bible says it’s true… and it will be the final destination for those who don’t place their faith and trust in Jesus. Bottom line is this… we all deserve Hell because we are all sinners. But here is Hope! Jesus is your Hope. Because I love each of you, and because I can’t personally talk to each one of you… I want you to see a little video from Billy Graham that explains why you need Jesus, and how He can give you eternal life in Heaven! After watching the video… if you would like to know more about how to receive Jesus as your personal savior, click the chat box and talk to someone who can help.

For those of you who already have a relationship with Jesus Christ… share it!! Tell others of the hope, joy, and peace that they can/will find in Him.

KPrainJrLeave a comment