This morning, I had the honor of preaching at FBC Charlestown. Pastor Shea and I had been discussing this opportunity for about two years, and it was evident that God’s providence aligned everything for this specific day. The congregation was warm and welcoming, and sharing my story alongside the truths of Psalm 22 felt like a divine appointment.

It was especially moving to see certain people in the audience: fellow TBI survivors, along with their dear families and caregivers. These are individuals I’ve done life with for nearly a decade, sharing in the challenges, triumphs, and everyday realities of recovery. Their presence made the morning even more meaningful, reminding me of the relational journey we’re all on. I’m grateful to Pastor Shea for the invitation and to the entire FBC family for listening with open hearts.

The message “He Has Done It” drew from Psalm 22, a raw, honest cry of despair that shifts into triumphant praise. We explored how David moves from feeling forsaken (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) to declaring God’s faithfulness (“He has done it”). Along the way, I shared my own journey: the devastating car accident ten years ago that left me in a coma with a severe traumatic brain injury, the long road to recovery, relearning to walk and talk, marrying my incredible wife Chelsea just six months later, navigating seminary and law school, and welcoming our four beautiful children (including triplets) into the world, all while discovering a new calling in law.

Through it all, Psalm 22 became a lifeline for me. It taught me that faith isn’t about silencing our questions but directing them to God. It’s about interrupting our pain with truth: “Yet you are holy.” And it’s relational. We don’t heal in isolation. God uses community, like the unwavering support from Chelsea and my attorney-turned-mentor Matt Schad, to remind us we’re not forgotten. Ultimately, the Psalm points to Jesus on the cross, who echoed David’s cry so we wouldn’t have to bear God’s silence alone. He bore our forsakenness, turning our groaning into glory.

Preaching this today was especially meaningful as I prepare for a keynote at the American Bar Association’s national conference on lawyer well-being in Virginia. I’ll be speaking on the exact ten-year anniversary of my accident, September 18, 2025. What began in despair has become a platform to encourage others, proving that God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

If you’re walking through silence, suffering, or confusion, know this: Verse 1 isn’t the end. God is still writing your story, shifting your focus from self to Him, to community, and to His kingdom. Let’s hold on together. People need people, and we all need His grace.

You can watch the full sermon here (around the 35 min mark).