My Journey and the Seven Pillars: Mark Crowell

On July 17, 2022, I hit rock bottom. For 52 years, I chased purpose and success as the world defines it, only to find frustration and unfulfilled potential. Despite seeking answers from pastors, mentors, and successful people, I received vague responses that left me empty. Struggling with ADHD and dyslexia since childhood—conditions misunderstood in the 1970s and 1980s—I constantly “almost” achieved something, only to face failure after failure. Each missed opportunity deepened my sense of hopelessness, leaving a trail of disappointment. No one could provide the clear answers I craved, and I felt alone, trapped in a survival mindset that had followed me my entire life.

That day, I had one option left: to seek Jesus with everything I had. I began writing Scripture, taking every word to heart and acting on each verse and story. From August to December 2022, I dedicated an average of 125 hours a month to writing Scripture and letters to God. I attended four church services weekly, carried a gratitude notebook everywhere to give thanks constantly, and prayed without ceasing. I pursued God relentlessly, seeking all of Him, not just a part. Even while working a full-time job and undergoing surgeries, I gave away my money, embraced uncomfortable challenges to grow my faith, and pressed harder as I saw results.

Through this journey, God revealed the Seven Pillars—practical steps to seek Him, find purpose, and transform your life. These pillars aren’t just concepts; they’re tools I discovered through desperate pursuit of Jesus. Writing them down is key. Writing Scripture and applying the pillars rewires your mind, creating lasting change. I’ve lived this transformation, not through medication or worldly solutions, but through seeking God with all my heart.

Your journey will be unique, but the steps are universal. The Seven Pillars provide a clear path to seek Jesus, discuss your progress with others, and grow together. You don’t need to write as much as I did or follow my exact path. Our job is to seek Jesus; He does the changing. That’s the freedom of the Gospel—a life transformed by God’s power, not our efforts.

I pray that as you apply the Seven Pillars through writing and seeking God, you’ll experience the same life-changing freedom. Let go of striving to change yourself, and let God renew your mind through these steps. I can’t wait to hear your stories of transformation.