Keep it Positive, Sweetie - Delay is Not Denial - A Candid Conversation with THEE Pastor Mike Jr

Episode Date: January 11, 2026

Faith isn’t always quiet — sometimes it shows up in the middle of pressure, responsibility, and unanswered questions. Crystal sits down with Pastor Mike Jr. to talk about what it really means to lead with faith while staying human. From the continued impact of “Amen” to the heart behind Confetti & Conspiracies, this conversation is about encouragement that doesn’t ignore reality and faith that meets people exactly where they are. Connect @luvCrystalRenee @PastorMikeJr Visit: CrystalReneeHayslett.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the heat of battle, your squad relies on you. Don't let them down. Unlock elite gaming tech at Lenovo.com. Dominate every match with next level speed, seamless streaming, and performance that won't quit. Push your gameplay beyond performance with Intel Core Ultra processors. For the next era of gaming, upgrade to smooth high-quality streaming with Intel Wi-Fi 6E

and maximize game performance with enhanced overclocking. Win the tech search. Power up at Lenovo.com. It's Ryan Crest here. If you love adventure, travel, culture, food, and architecture, there are certain cities you've got to just visit in your lifetime. Madrid tops the list. World-class museums, inspiring art, venture just beyond city limits to discover vineyards and medieval towns and feel like you're adding a second vacation. But those escapes are all part of Madrid's magic. Need another reason?

How about the F1 Grand Prix arriving in 2026? The buzz is real. See what everyone's talking about at only in Madrid.com. Hi, I'm Dr. Priyanko Wally. And I'm Hurricane Dabolu. It's a new year. And on the podcast, Health Stuff, we're resetting the way we talk about our health. Which means being honest about what we know, what we don't know, and how messy it can all be.

I like to sleep in late and sleep early. Is there a chronotype for that or am I just depressed? Health stuff is about learning, laughing, and feeling a little less alone. Listen on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, everybody, it's Michelle Williams, host of checking in on the Black Effect Podcast Network. You know, we always say New Year, New Me, but real change starts on the inside. It starts with giving your mind and your spirit the same attention you give your goals. And on my podcast, we talk mental health, healing, growth, and everything you need to step into your next season, whole and empowered.

New Year, Real You. Listen to Checking in with Michelle Williams from the Black of Black. Podcast Network on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Are you desperately hoping for change in 2026, but feeling stuck? I'm Dr. Laurie Santos, and in a new year series of my show, The Happiness Lab, I'm going to look at the science of getting, well, unstuck, unstuck at work, unstuck in your relationships, and even unstuck inside your mind. I am the absolute worst culprit when it comes to getting into these ruminative loops

and just driving myself crazy. Listen to the Happiness Lab on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Calling all my sweeties to the forefront, I'm your host, Chris Renee Hazett, and this is the Keep It Posit Sweetie Show. Welcome to the Keep It Posit Sweetie Show, the place where we heal, grow, and learn together. Today's guest is gospel artist and senior pastor, Pastor Mike Jr. Pastor Mike Jr. is someone who many people know through his music and ministry. But today's conversation is about how faith shows up in real life. From the impact of A Man to his latest project, Confetti and Conspiracies,

this is a chance to hear how he navigates leadership, responsibility, and encouragement without losing his humanity. Kids family, please give a very warm welcome to the one and only Mike Jr. Hey. How you doing, PMJ? I'm excited to be here, man. It's a beautiful day to day. I'm kicking in with you. We're going to keep it positive.

We've got to keep always. Always, and I feel like you exude that. Your energy is amazing. I was telling you before we started rolling, this is our first time really like sitting down and having a conversation, but I've been a fan of yours and watching you win is like watching one of my own friends win. Yeah.

I received that. So proud of you. You've done so many amazing things. How are you feeling right now? I'm excited, man. I tell everybody, it's been an incredible five or six years, you know. In 2019, I kind of started singing and then the career just takes off. But I tell everybody, this is the first year.

that I've actually enjoyed it. Wow, let's talk about that. I think that's a trap. I think everybody wants to win. They don't know the warfare that comes with it. You know, when we look at the Bible, we see Joseph getting favored, but his family had to turn on them.

We see David getting the crown, but his own daddy didn't think he was good enough to be king. We see Jesus conquering the grave, but he still had to be crucified. Yeah. You know, so a lot of people see, and our friend, our friend, Dr. Darius Daniels says this, the front side, which is the victory,

but not the backside, which is the pain. Yes. It's an incredible year, and I feel good. And you know that you get to a certain point where everything slow down. Where you're winning, but it's not just the wins you enjoy it, it's the journey. Yes. And seeing how it impacts people's lives. So I'm excited about this year.

Yeah, and you are making a huge impact. I receive that. Yes. Let's talk about that. So I know you're in Alabama. Are you originally from Alabama? Yeah. All I really know is Birmingham.

Really? I'm an Army brat. You know, so I was born in Tacoma, Washington. and my brother was born in Germany, my sister, Colorado. But my parents are from Birmingham. Okay, you got back home. Yeah, so all I know is Birmingham, man, everybody always tells me, I can't tell you from Birmingham.

I don't know what, I need to break, I don't know what camera I need to look at. We don't date our cousins. We actually got streets. I'm not eating ham and pork. Like, Birmingham is thriving. Shout out to my mayor, Randall Woodland. We are killing it right now. Birmingham, look at who Birmingham has.

They have me, Asked Mike Jr. Yes. We got mayor, they was calling him Mayor Bay, Round the Woodman. Then our chief of police go and borrow, they say he's fine. I saw that. We're winning right now. Listen, I might need to go to Birmingham. He's trying to make it seem like everybody in Alabama got dating their cousin and just got on overall.

Like, no, we got swag. We say, we love God. I love it. So I'm from Birmingham. I love the ham, I love the ham, that 205. Yes, I love the ham, not ham. Yeah. Okay, not the pork, but I love that.

Yeah, I'm from a very small town where, yeah, you might see somebody dating their cousin where I'm from. Oh, Lord. Yeah, no, I'm from the country, country. You had to get up out of that. But, no, that's incredible. Take me through the journey of how you got to be where you are today. Yeah, man, it's crazy, man. I'm a kid who just loved God.

Like, I'm that kid. I didn't get a chance to run the streets. I didn't get a chance to gang bang. I was in vacation Bible school In church every Sunday I'm a pastor's kid grandson of a civil rights icon He walked with Dr. King and Sheltersworth

So I grew up hearing stories about Dr. King And Sheltersworth and here's what happened You know, so I always loved God, grew up singing, I'm the irritating kid in Sunday school Who they ask who want to share what they learn I'm raising, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, because I know everything. I know everything. I know everything.

I love it. You know, so now I started church when I was 25 years old I walked into a room. I put 1,200 seats out. God told me it was going to be crazy. And so at 25, I'm looking at all these people who are like me dying senselessly. I turn to my father and say, I really think God wants me to do something special. Wow.

He says, Mike, go for it. We put 1,200 chairs out and 12 people came. But we was having the time of our life just preaching. So by 25, it was 10 of us. By 26, man, it's like 1,000, 2,000 people. And by 27, it's 5,000 people in an arena. I don't know who I am as a lot. a man, let alone somebody's pastor.

I'm doing the best that I know how to do, and we're just growing, growing and growing. And I always wanted to sing. I would write songs and record songs. And I never forget, my pastor, shout out to Dr. Ari Vernon. He said, Mike, God's going to do something crazy in your life, but do me a favor. For 10 years, love God, love your family, love your city,

love your church, and the world will come looking for you. So I'm sitting here like 10 years, you don't lost your mind. It's go time right now. Like you ever got a word in church and the prophet was like, I need you to wait. No, no, no, no, no. It's now. Yes. But I don't know why when he said it, it just hit my spirit.

Yeah. So for 10 years, I had one of the fastest growing churches in the world and nobody knew who I was. Like I would get invited to be on TVN and invited to be on all these stations. I'd be like, no, no, thank you. And a lot of my friends would be like, boy, you're crazy. But in my heart, I heard my pastor say, and I felt like that was God through him. Love God, love your family, love your city.

He said in 10 years the world will come looking for you. That was 2009. 2018, we have an incident in our city where the whole city is ripped apart. You know, for the first time and a long time, I was Malcolm X in my city. If something happened, I'm doing protests, we march. It was almost a thing like, when Pastor Mike find out, this is going to go down. Wow, yeah. But for the first time I heard the Lord tell me to be a bridge, you know, and the bad thing about a bridge is it get walked

on by both sides. So the black people in my city are saying, Pastor Mike, you're not doing enough. And we get to the arena that Sunday, my city is so mad at me that it's empty. Wow. So in my heart, I'm like, this is it.

It's over for us, you know. And I walk on stage that Sunday, and I prays to him and singing, I'm getting ready to see something I've never seen. And I walked up and said, and it's going to be big. That clip does almost two million views. And I don't even, I'd thank God for the young lady who clipped it.

It was just crazy. And I'm wrestling with anxiety, borderline depression at the time, so much going on. I go on somewhat of a sabbatical and I get a phone call saying, hey, I don't know what you were singing Sunday, but you might need to turn that into a song. Wow. I called my guy and say, hey, let's make that a song. We're going to sing it at church anniversary. And the rest is history, man.

The rest is history. But the beautiful thing about that is 2019 is the year big. came out. That's 10 years to 2009 when my pastor telling me to wait 10 years. So somebody watching right now, if they just trust the word of the Lord, God ain't done yet. Delay is not denied. Say that.

I am a living testimony that's so crazy. The same year, 2009, is when I moved to Atlanta to pursue music and acting. It wasn't until 2019 that sisters got green lit. Oh, wow. 10 years. It's power in those 10

years. Stability. Ten fingers, 10 toes. I believe it, and I don't know who's watching right now, they may be in their figurative 10 years. You know, where they're sitting there gifted, talented, intellectual, got charisma, but it just ain't click yet. And I just know God has some of us in a season where our 10 years coming in 2026.

Come on. Like this is the year God's going to do everything. I told my church he's going to do expeditiously and exponentially. That he's going to do a whole lot real quick. He will. Like I've seen it. And it's crazy. Like when I think about God,

goodness and how he literally takes it and turns it around just like that. And you're like, whoa. And I feel like that's where you are right now. This has been one of the biggest years of your life. 2025. So I can imagine what 2026 is going to look like for you. How have you been able to handle it all? You know, all the nominations.

Like, congratulations. Like, literally get the broom out. Man, swept at the stellar. Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet. Had to pull a brew and them. I caught that. That's right. So good.

But like with that comes so much more. And a lot of people don't understand. Yes, we work for these things. But when it comes, it comes with a different type of weight that we may not expect. Have you had that experience? Yeah. I think this was the most prepared I ever been. Good.

And I can remember the first time I won an artist of the year. I didn't know what to expect. So when you go in the back, then I get in the truck, I'm like, oh, my life has changed. Like, I can remember, like, in my head, Oprah was going. going to call. I was going to be in a tile of paramour. I just thought it was like, you know, because in your head. Yeah, all the doors are opening. It's been open. And I got back to

the room and I can remember I just couldn't stop crying. Really? Because it was this overwhelming anxiety of, okay, what do I, how do I do this again? How do I keep it? What do I do next? And the pressure hits you. And now I told my boys this morning, I said, I'm so glad

God did all he's doing in Daddy's life at this age. So now, man, it's like, I can't explain. It's like I got so many opportunities. And shout out to the best publicists in the world. I owe him an apology. His name, Vaughn.

Son. Von calls me and he said, Hey, so-and-so wants you, no, I'm good. Well, they want you to come here? No, I'm fine. Hey, guess what?

We got your interview with? No, my daughter has gymnastics. And everybody around me right now was trying to figure out like, okay, this is the biggest year of your life. All these doors are open, but you're not going anywhere. Because some people are blowing up to be seen.

Some of us are doing our work to go missing. And so for me, I'm trying, Michael, I'm trying to go missing. I don't, because I see with that spotlight come so much. I never forget, Kurt Franklin said to me, I was, I was blowing up and I got on FaceTime with him. He said, if the light shining on you is brighter than the light shining in you, then the light shining on you will consume you. So for me, I want to display how to win, but not lose your house, how to win and not miss a single football game how to win and every time your daughter hit a back was flip she look up there you

standing right there yes so for me it's been it's been easy to handle and here's a word that got introduced in my life because i got a rhythm now you know like even with the church it's like like we had this big year i didn't too i only performed maybe four times this year wow you know because i was like nah i got to be more stable boom or not missing the boys football season boom my oldest son dating and it's serious. Yeah. You know, so I need to be there when he come on and look at him in his eye. Like, you good?

Are we good? Are we still safe? Are we still safe? I have to, I got a hat. Are we still saved? So it's been an incredible year, but it's been a easy year. Yeah. Because I think for the first time in my life, I'm not trying to be something.

Yeah, because you are. I just am. Come on. And it's a blessing. That's so, and that is exactly what is. It's a blessing because a lot of people aren't in position. We do get in the mindset, like, how do I keep this. so what's next and we will literally burn ourselves out trying to keep it up.

There is a blessing in the, no, I'm okay. I don't have to do that. That's right. Because a lot of times like, no, we need to be doing. Where are the, why isn't anybody calling? So the fact that you're able to say, no, I'm okay, that is a huge blessing. And the fact that you are prioritizing family. I think a lot of times when you talk to a lot of successful people, family is what

gets sacrificed the most. So I commend you for making sure that your family stays a priority. I tell everybody, man. I was on a call this week. A lot of people on this call. And they were like, hey, we got so many big plans for you. 20-20-6-20s. It's going to be even bigger.

We, XYZ, XYZ, XYZ. And Tiffany, who's my executive director, she said on the call, I still don't think y'all get. I don't think he care about a lot of what y'all care about. And I don't. Like, I can't. Hey, we invited you to. Okay, great.

God bless you. I go where God calls me to go. You know, even being on this platform, the moment they call, I was like, absolutely. Thank you. Because I can feel God on this. I can feel that you're in assignment and you're in purpose. And what I've discovered is when you have an assignment and you're dealing with people who just have attachments, that's when you become chaotic and toxic.

And so for me, I only want to align with people who are in assignment. Yes. You know, and so I'm just excited, man. I can't describe enough what it means. Like I get Joy, like we nominated for the Grammy this year. And that's like huge. Like so, and I'd say I'm so excited about that. And I know somebody said, well, you know, you shouldn't be in it for awards.

Okay. Thank you. Let's talk about that. Like, are we going to talk about that? Yes. So they say stuff like, it's not about the awards. Yes, it is. I want to be recognized.

Like, like, why are we so spiritual that we sitting? Like, when I, I'm living right so I can get a crown. Come on. Like, think when I go to heaven, he's going to give me a crown. And the Bible also says that certain people are going to have more jewels in their crown. So for me, it's not about the award in itself. But when I look at what it does for the people in my life,

like my producer. He said, Pastor Mike, I got him produced for every secular artist you can think of. I never thought my first Grammy nomination would be a gospel album. But now he's able to charge more. Now his bio says Grammy Award, Grammy nominated producer. That holds weight.

And then the writers, they're Grammy nominated writers. And so for me, man, you're not like, The last award show I left, the Stella Awards, I had an artist come up to me and say, man, one day I'm going to get me one. I said, you want this one? He was like, serious? I said, yeah, I said, put it in your studio. He literally came by the room.

I gave him to Stella. In his studio right now, it's right. They say when he recorded, that's how he stayed motivated. Wow. Because to me, I want my life to be, I don't want to be, everything that's visible isn't valuable. Mm-hmm. You know, so for me, I want to make an impact.

Yeah. And that's what's so precious right now, man. So I'm excited about the Grammy nomination. And people are saying, are you going to win? I don't even care. At this point, if we win, we win. We already won. We're going to be nominated.

And to hear people say, Yolanda Adams and Shirley Seasons, C.C. Wynas, Kurt Franklin, Tasha Cobb, Pastor Mike Jr. That's a, ooh, that's some company. What? What? Legendary. What? I ain't got to win.

As long as I get there and, like, say my name, say my name. That's all I need right there. The rest is history, so I'm excited. No, as you should be. And to go back to the young man that was like, I'm going to get me one, that shows your heart posture, you know, that it's not a, like, this doesn't make you, you know, the trophies. In fact, you're like, here, take one. You know what I'm saying? That he looks at that when he's in the studio to be motivated.

Because that's what I did, man. I was the type of person that would have pictures up everywhere. When I say pictures up everywhere, like, that's going to be this, it's going to be this. Or even you look at my team, Dre, who does all my videography, who did all. all my music videos. He didn't do that. We brought a cheap camera. I brought him a HP computer.

I said, let's figure it out. He's still with me to see Tiffany and see Leslie. I ought to see a T, to see an idea, everybody who kind of started this journey with me. So when you get a chance to win like that, it's not just about the artist. And I get what the comp, I get what people are saying in the world today.

Like, gospel artists shouldn't be, yes, I got you. We want to do this to please God. Yes. At the same time, they have to make a living. It's a gift. You know, it's a gift. And I'm honored that God picked me to help put so many people in position to live their dream, you know. So I'm excited about that.

So I want to know about your creative process. Okay. So you got amen, blessed that we just went viral from you being in the gym going crazy. Y'all my pre-workout and Jesus hit at the same time and I lost my mind. But it's so good. What is your creative process like when you go in? Do you already have an idea or do you just get in there and start letting that go? So everything is extemporaneous.

I'm being a preacher, not extemporaneous. Everything is on the spot. So take for instance, amen, right? So I'm going to give you the behind the scene story, nobody heard. So we're on tour, on the sprinter, and Tavinci says to me, he's a gospel artist. Tevenchi says, Pastor my guy, I get a song. And I look at him and said, we got to get you a number one song, boy. You know, Adia had on the way.

That was a song that was going to be on one of my projects. I was like, Adia, kill it, boom. I looked at Tia. I was like, I got to get you a song. So then I go through my phone and I find a random track. It was like, boom, no, new, new, new. And literally all I say is, this going to be the year that I break every cycle.

That the man, the main hand on the boat that the church say, amen. And then I ain't thinking. Yeah. I look up, T, like, he's shaking his head like, is that my song? I'm like, well, let's see what the Lord says about, let's pray about it. This might be mine. I said, I said, I think it, let's pray about it.

So we get off the van, we go upstairs, we go perform at the concert, we get back in the van. He looked, has the Lord. I said, come man, let me rest, man, let me breathe. I wake up the next morning, we get in the van and go to the next city. He said, hey, I said, no, that ain't God's will for you. It was in my spirit, body. I woke about my sleep, like, let the church say, eh. And then from there, we just kind of flow, you know, and if I sat down and tried to write a hit song,

I don't think I could. Big was randomly in church. Yeah. I got it. I was preaching about go possess the land and they was boom. I said, it's already mine. It's all right. And T.L.

I got it. And boom. And so a man was random. T.J. Late Boom. Shout out the late boom. One of the best producing where late boom and Curtis Glenn produced that track. That thing goes so far.

When the beat goes out, he goes, boom. I'd be like, hey. It's so. I don't miss nothing. Like I'm into every part of a song. See, but the creative process, too, I view everything. I ask myself, where do I want to live? And if a creative is watching right now, it's a bless them.

Because it's one thing to be creative, but if what you're creating has no ecosystem, not an ego system, but an ecosystem. And I think the reason so much stuff we do works because it's not in an ego. I'm not sitting there like, I know what's best. I'm going to kill it. This is going to be the so-and-so.

No, like I live in an ecosystem. You know, so when we hit the scene, it was like, okay, what do I want to look like? I was like 320 pounds, you know, so then I was 320 pounds. And I was like, okay, if I'm going to make an impact in gospel, I want to look a certain way. Yeah. I want to look a certain way. So I start working out and eating healthy. I'm lying.

I had the surgery. I had the surgery. I couldn't even lie. I couldn't even lie. I had to have a surgery. I tried to eat right. It didn't work. It didn't work.

Listen, we all need a little help now. Five-fyes called me. It was prophetic. I love it. I love it. No, I dropped weight and then when it came to the look, I knew what I wanted to look like. So no, call Felipe G. Yeah.

Then when it comes to the music, how do we want it to present? But even with the music, when I saw your video or you and your workout, that's where we wanted it to live. Yes. I was like, I may not get invited on a Sunday morning to do I got it. I said, but people who love God, we don't have nothing that we can listen to when we want to be motivated or when we go into the interview and when I'm getting my mind right. So to see you in there, that made my day. Yes. I love it. You want to know what my evenings actually look like?

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It's Ryan Seacrest here. If you love adventure, travel, culture, food, and architecture, there are certain cities you've got to just visit in your lifetime. Madrid tops the list. World-class museums, inspiring art, venture just beyond city limits to discover vineyards and medieval towns, and feel like you're adding a second vacation, but those escapes are all part of Madrid's magic. Need another reason? How about the F1 Grand Prix arriving in? 26. The buzz is real. See what everyone's talking about at only in Madrid.com. Hi, I'm Dr. Priyanko Wali. And I'm Hurricane DeBolu. It's a new year. And on the podcast

health stuff, we're resetting the way we talk about our health, which means being honest about what we know, what we don't know, and how messy it can all be. I like to sleep in late and sleep early. Is there a chronotype for that or am I just depressed? We talk to experts who share real experiences and insight. You just really need to find where it is that you can have an impact in your own life and just start doing that. We break down the topics you want to know more about. Sleep, stress, mental health, and how the world around us affects our overall health.

We talk about all the ways to keep your body in mind, inside and out, healthy. We human beings, all we want is connection. We just want to connect with each other. Health stuff is about learning, laughing, and feeling a little less alone. Listen on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You know, we always say New Year, New Me, but real change starts on the inside. It starts with giving your mind and your spirit the same attention you give your goals. Hey, everybody, it's Michelle Williams, host of checking in on the Black Effect Podcast Network.

And on my podcast, we talk mental health, healing, growth, and everything you need to step into your next season, whole and empowered. New year, real you. Listen to checking in with Michelle Williams from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. About where you were mentally,

when it's going to be big came out or when it was conceived, the conception of it. I want to talk about that because a lot of times people feel like when you are a person of faith, you don't deal with any type of mental health issues where it comes to depression

and creeping in, how did you navigate that season and knowing that you were doing what you were supposed to do, be in the bridge, and how you felt like you kind of turned on you? The biggest misconception about my song Big is I was talking to people. That song was me looking in the mirror. I was the lowest I had ever been in life when we did Big. When I say the lowest, the lowest. I'm talking about Christmas 2018, Christmas 2018, Christmas 2019.

I ain't have money to buy my kids, though. You know, I'm pushing this church and I'm pushing the vision. I've never really been a money preacher. So even now when you come to our church, you probably won't even see me raise an orphan a lot of times. It was just bad. Mentally, I felt like I was at my lowest socially. I had lost a lot of friends.

Emotionally, I probably was the most immature I had ever been because, you know, when you're hurting, you start to blame. Yeah. And a lot of times it's hard for you to realize you're the problem. And so when you look back at those lyrics, I believe it's my season. I believe it's my time. I'm anticipating God's getting ready. And so for me

I don't think we talk enough about the pain that comes with purpose. You know, the pain that comes with purpose like this set and everything I'm seeing you're doing it here is so phenomenal. Like I remember when it was getting ready to shoot a movie and I walked past here and it was like that's crystal

spot. I was like, what? But they don't know the pain that comes with it. Somebody's going to walk by here and literally say man, I want that. They don't know the note. They don't know how hard it is. I don't know how hard your team work. You know, like to me, man, big was an anthem for so many people during that pandemic because I believe we all were in the most, we were all in the wilderness.

We were. Trying to figure it out. It's 2019. I'm trying to figure, okay, my show just hit. Now what? Now what? Literally. Time what you're going to do.

Like what you're going to do. It's made a whole bubble for us. And so for me, that's why I can say 2025 is different for me. Yeah. You know, I may have lost more personally than I ever lost this year as far as socially. Like friends and people and team, but I feel stronger than I ever been. Like, I'm at a place now where I can sit back and say, okay, God, I see you. Like, even when it's not going like you want it to, it's like, I see you.

I see you, man. So I'm excited about that. Yeah, I had Tyler on and he had this analogy about a rocket ship and when it takes off. talking about people who are ascending and their star is rising. And he said, Crystal, he's like, everybody can't go. And he was like, think about when a rocket goes off, it's the booster that fall off. And it's so hard because you want everybody to come. And it's like, as you're going, it's like, dang, I just lost so-and-so.

And like, where is everybody? Yeah. You know? And to let you know that you're not alone and that is just something that comes with success and with everybody either that can't handle the elevation and the altitude of where you're going. and then sometimes we've got to prepare to get there. Yeah, when you look at that rocket ship, it can preach all in and of itself.

That rocket ship, you got people in a tower where you can't go up to get you a countdown. Come on. You know, then once they get you the countdown, they all watch up, like you said, and the boosts fall off. Yeah. But the beautiful thing about that rocket is,

they go up in that rocket knowing they can't stay up forever. Right. And so for me, I guess that's where I am. It's like, okay, I'm up here. Yeah. I'm going to have to come down at some point. So now the downs don't, don't,

depress me. Yes. And I think a lot of creators become depressed because we're in that rocket and we're going up. And now we're trying to figure out how do I stay up here? Yes. You're not meant to stay up there. You know, think about this. If your life was all joy, all peace, all prosperity, if you went to a hospital, they would say you flatlines.

Yeah. That's death. That's life. Life looks like this. Yes. Medically, this is death and this is life. So if all I want to do is when or stay. I can't I gotta have rhythm

and so for me man I'm just I thank God for it now that's why now you know and I said it earlier I'm gonna have to keep hugging my publicist every time he called me like he's like hey Mike I got not right now and it's not because I think I'm all that I think it's like

right now I see where God is taking us you know like even when I look at my team like when I look at my team I see the doors God's going to open for my public the doors God's going to open for my manager the door is going to open for my team. It's okay. I'm going to have to stay in a spiritual place. So when God elevate them, who praying for them? Come on. Who praying for them and who doing this? Because

I can remember I went to a BT Awards this year, right? So I'm at the BT Awards. So it's the, it was the, it was the best thing in the world for me to go to. And I say that because people don't say, you're a pastor. Why was that good for you to go to? I didn't know the level of impact I was having because I never come outside. Right. So literally, so, so I'm, so my, Vaughn is like, I want you to go to, I'm not going to that. Right. Passion Mike, I'm not going to that.

I'm like, Pastor Mike, please, I'm cool. So, you know, when you're standing that line at the VT Awards, it's like, it's people who are celebrities who ain't even celebrities no more because another celebrity came in. Yes. So literally, it's, so I'm standing there like, you're next. Then this person walking, step back. Boom. Next thing, I know, 75 people back. You're like, wait.

I'm standing next to Gloria at one by. Hey, how you doing? Like, hey, how you doing? Like, cool. And we're looking at somebody else. I'm like, but the best part was I'm in the line and people looking at me, they're like, hey, man, I love your videos. I'm like, oh, thank you.

Then another person walked up, my daughter love, amen. Oh. Okay, so then the next first thing, hey, boy, what's up, man? Hey, boy, your TikToks be bled. And so I went home like, hey, this is making a difference. It is. This is making a difference. And when you do that, it changes your wife.

Come on. So now it's like, it's a lot of stuff you don't need anymore now because you realize I'm getting to the heart of people right way of y'all. So I'm excited. That's so true. I love that. It's so funny because there's been times where I've gotten pushed back in a lot. That pushback crazy.

I'm on two number one shows on this network. That pushback crazy. How are we getting pushed back? I was like, hey, let me tell you one funny story. So I finally get on the carpet at the VEG Awards, right? And so we're on the carpet. You know, you take the picture, hide your stomach, boom. So then, so Vaughn, my publisher,

He's literally like he's walking up to people trying to give them to talk to me. But I guess he don't want me to see, but I'm looking at him. He walks at his lady and said, I have passion. He's not big enough. I said, oh God. Take me back to the church. Take me back to the Stellas. I'm the man at the Stella.

Take me where they love me. Take me where they love me. But it was so good because for me, like I was standing there when Kaiser and I told the people. Yes. If my boy can't get on, I'm not getting on. I was standing there when the lady up there said, hey, no, Kevin said he wasn't doing it unless Kai came. If we had that mentality in gospel,

or that mentality as people that when I get through this door, I ain't coming unless he come. I'm not, and that's the mindset we need, man. So to see all those people and to hug them, you know, I can't remember who that was I met in the elevator. And he gave me a big old hug. I think it was Playboy Cardi. Oh, wow.

Playboy Cardi. I said, whoa. I said, man, I'm praying for you. And, you know, I'm praying for you. So, man, I'm praying for you. And I'm sitting there. So I get home. I tell the boys, I'm like, hey, man, I pray real quick with Playboy Cardi.

Yeah. And the boy is like, what? Yeah. You know, so for me, I always wanted to be the person that when life got thick for people, I was a safe place. Yeah. Come on. Yes. I love that.

And honestly, it's a reminder of how Jesus was. A lot of times he was in places like, why are you? with them. Why are you going to their house and having dinner with them? Exactly. You're not going there to do what they're doing. You're going there to be light. You know, exactly what he was. And I wish more people operated. They don't get it. Threads is, when I tell you I'm so tired of threads, it's so messy.

Like, everybody wants to judge and condemn. But if Jesus was here, he would not be a Rock City Church. He would not be a change. He would be on Peace Tree. He would literally be at the bottom. He would be in Bessma in Birmingham. And, and So for me, man, in 2026, I'm saying, Lord, grace me with the anointing to go to places people won't go.

But here's the crazy part, not because those places are wild. Yeah. But because of the fiery darts that are going to come from people who should be praying for me. Come on. And that's the hardest part. That's the hardest part. I can tell you so many stories where I receive so much love in places that I probably shouldn't have been and more hate in places I should have been. And so we just got to get over that.

do let's talk about that because I I've never really understood that and I have a lot of, especially in this climate, so many of my friends and peers are searching for hope. And they are so turned off by the Christian community and how we carry ourselves not boxing everybody in but as a

whole we're supposed to be bringing people closer to us and to Christ to want to be more like us and be like y'all what is something about them like what are doing over there? Like they're really serious and I had one friend saying like I look at y'all and it's like y'all just not really serious about It's a lot of like, oh, yeah, I go to church on Sundays, but I'm in the club tomorrow. You know what I'm saying?

Like, living my life however I want to. Then another friend's like, yeah, I'm just not really sure what I believe. And I do feel like there's a lot. You just preach on this Sunday, I believe. I don't know if it was a recent clip about how a girl may just be coming from the club. You know, and I do believe that once you start to learn more about God, you do kind of change the way you dress. But if you don't know, you don't know. And you're not supposed to judge people based on that.

We're supposed to welcome them in, say, feel welcome. And then they'll start looking like, okay, wait a minute. So this time I was supposed to dress. They're supposed to do. But not judging them and pushing them away. Because I feel like we push so many people away. Yeah. It's a lot of great Christians out here.

Like I tell everybody, you only hear about the planes that crash, not the ones that land. Come on. And so a lot of times the church and Christian get a bad rep because we hear about the ones that crash, not the ones that land. Yeah. And so for me, man, there's some incredible churches here in Atlanta. Some incredible churches all over the country. but I think what happens now is I feel so sorry for the new school Christian because they're being condemned by the church and their peers.

Yeah. So, so, so, so, so, so we said something when, grandma said something when she was in church. She would say, please be patient with me. God ain't through with me yet, right? But there's no patience now. Yeah, man. There's no patience now. Like I got this one young cat that we inbox a lot.

And he watched me every Sunday. Every Sunday, he's going to send me a video in my inbox. And I promise that he might be smoking weed. Every Sunday. A, P, you killed that today, bro. You killed that today. And I played it one time. I never get the person in my office like, I can't believe he sent you that like that.

I said, one, he's watching church. Two, he's trying to get closer to God. Three, and his state is legal. Come on. I said, so how are we going to condemn him? Yeah. And so for me, that's what I don't think. we need to, you can't, you can't evangelize and criticize at the same time.

And so for me, I'm trying to walk this fine line of, hey guys, I love God, I'm serious about my faith. But then I think a lot of people are like, I love God, I'm serious about my faith, but I want to go out with my friend. Yeah. I want to do so and so. And what I tell people now is it may not be a sin to go there, just know it may kill your witness.

And that's the danger now. Yeah. It's not a sin to go out. It's not a sin to put on a nice dress and go kick it with your girl. You just have to decide now, is this going to kill my witness? And when we define what your assignment is and what your purpose is, that determines where you can and can't go. That's so true.

Oh, my God. So it ain't about not, it's not about being fake. It just kills your witness. It's almost like somebody, like right now, we get done taping. And then big dogs say, man, here goes a cigar. And I grabbed a cigar. and we sit here and we got a Bible open and all we do is talking about God.

Smoking a cigar not a sin but to somebody who may be unbelieving it may kill my witness. So that's why sometimes I get invited places. People want me to do serve features, they want me to do something. And I'd be like, as bad as I want to do that, I don't want that to kill my witness.

Oh my goodness. And so that's the thing but I think when you say it like that it makes more sense than you fake. You know what I'm saying? So for me, I learned that less than a hard way, you know? Like I tell everybody, it's a lot I wish I could get back.

You know, I was young and, and, you know, when you first get saved, you hail fire. Fire, man. You are fire, boy. You walk around me. Don't, don't, don't you do it. Put that out around me. Don't you do it. You know how you first get saved?

You ain't want to interview nobody. Your manager telling you, am I talking to it? You're, hey, when you first get saved, Oh my, hey, we got so and so, no, no, oh no, oh no, we're not doing that. That was me. That was me. Like, because you first get saved, all you know is how to be religious. Yes.

You don't understand the depth of your relationship. Come on. And so the first thing you do is you change your clothes. You know, things I used to do. I don't do no more. And now your girl, you got, you got on a whole turtleneck. You got on a whole turtleneck right now. You got to be saved.

Hear me. And so now I think there's a generation. I feel attacked right now. See, but now it's a generation who like, I don't want to look like that. Yes. And I think that's what it was for me. It's like, and even like I'm so happy the BET Awards, bringing it back. They made it formal attire.

Yeah. Because everybody was naked. Yeah. And I was one of them. Yeah. And I was like, thank you, Lord. I was like, we got to put some clothes on. We got a put some clothes on.

And I was like, how can I be. that apart and that was part of it. Because I love fashion. Yeah. But I am hot right now. Yeah, you know, but to me it's like, like I'm going to tell you something nobody knew. I'm going to give you an insight, right?

When we got ready to drop big, it was in the system as PMJ. My youth, Pastor Mike Jr. was going to be the preacher. Yes. PMJ was going to be the artist. Got it. And I'm sitting at home, right? And they was like, no, we got to be PMJ.

And shout out to my team. They were so prophetic. They said, you're going to be one of the biggest gospel artists in the world. And if they call you, you pastor Mike Jr, you're not going to be able to walk in certain rooms. I was like, okay, we'll be PMJ. Yeah, wow. I called back two days later and I said, now I want to be past Mike Jr.

And it's like, I said, I want them to know who I am when I walk in. And so now I think that's where we, and I don't mind taking shots now. Because I'm realizing the greater goal, you know, like even the clip I said, if they, if that girl walked in my church half-necked and I walked up and hug her, the first thing he must be sleeping with her. or the first thing they're going to say, or, and for me it's like, because I'm in the trenches.

Yeah. You know, I talk to drug dealers. Somebody got to be down. Somebody got to. And notice I ain't say X. You're right. I talk to people who ain't out the light yet. Yes.

Who say, Pastor Mike, my baby mama made me start watching. And I, like literally, we were laughing today because I want to change my phone number, but I don't know if I can. Like, because I'm the type of person that I get an inbox, like two days ago, this lady inbox me. My son, 22, he's still in the streets. He said, but he always sending me your TikToks.

Wow. I say, yes, man. I said, what's his number? She was like, you're going to, I say, bro, and literally standing outside. Fool, y'all ain't going to bleak this end word on the phone. And I'm just sitting there looking like, what up? He's like, hey, man, we be watching your TikTok, bro. You be goddamn with the woo-to-woo.

And I'd be like, man, I said, your mom hit me up. He was like, man, he walked out to itself. I said, man, you know what you're doing. is only one way that's going to end right. Maybe two. I said the second option is a blessing. Yeah. You're like, you're right.

You said, but I ain't. I said, man, what you want to do? Yeah. And then I'm sitting there and I'm like, look, this is my number. You hit me and he texts me what one time? Like, bro, pray for me. And to me, though, that's what God called us to be. Not these mega pastors that by default because a lot of people watch us, we became.

Right. But when you meet certain people, man, you got to reach them where they are. And I just don't want to be that. I can tell you going to hell. but are you going to even Jesus fed him before he talked to him yeah in essence he met a need so for me you know I want to be comfortable in places people won't go you know I want to I want to be able to say hey I had to perform in Houston one time and we in there when I tell you I knew I was going to hell like I knew I was going straight to hell like here we in Houston and it's got dang it's people on stilts

Like ladies on stilts dancing and everybody drunk. Just during the pandemic, everybody drunk in Houston. They're supposed to be in their cars. You're probably where Herman would. Hear me. They're supposed to be in their cars, right? And they like, it's a concert. I'm like, why am I here?

They was like, we asked the station and the station, everybody at the station said they want to pass a mic. So I'm talking about dating to the person before me, put your mother. And I'm like. I'm about to go on this. I'm next. They're like, you closing. I'm like, Jesus. Wow.

And God rest of soul, the senator came up, gave me like the key to the city. Wow. And then I got up and said, y'all ready? Anybody love God? Every, and this was back when they had to blow their horn because couldn't nobody get out the car. Yes. Everybody got out of the car in a pandemic. Came to the front of the gate.

I ended up prayer for people, hands lifted, people, tears. And I'm sitting there and I'm like, had I been religious? Come on. That ain't no place for me. but let me free you. Yeah. Do firemen run to the fire or away from the fire? So if I'm light and their darkness, I'm supposed to sit back and be like, no, they got to stay dark.

Or do God assign certain people to go into those places? And I think it starts with a certain level of transparency. And you got to have a level of freedom. Yeah. And that's why I say God grace me, not from what's going to happen in darkness, but from all the people who got light. Yeah. And that's the problem. You are preaching.

I said all that to say you don't have to wear a turtleneck. Okay. Thank you. You know, it's a whole joke. I be in Miami all the time. And my friend, I was like, y'all come down. I'm going to do a boat day. And my friend's wife, she goes, now you know that's the first lady.

She's like, you can't wear that around her. And then I had, but like I had on the outfit with my backout. She goes, Chris, I had her back out today. I thought you was saved. Like I can't wear outfits? Listen. Like, that's crazy. I'm sick at girl.

I was young. You are so funny. No, literally like, and I think it's also when I be fasting, but like certain things are distasteful to me now. So like when we, well, because I'm like, stop. Like I was like, I said language. And you're like, oh, my bad, my bad. You know, because certain things are more sensitive to my spirit now

than before. I, working in costumes and in the TV and film industry, it's a lot. Yeah, it's a lot. And you're around there all the time. So, like, my mouth was so bad. And I'm still working at sometimes, like, I don't cuss like I used to, but I'll get upset and it'll come out. And it'll, like, be that slits hair.

Right as a spot. You got to get to the point. I'll cuss and instantly, God forgive me. Blank, God forgive me. Literally. I'm like, I'm so sorry. Like, that fix it. Yeah.

And see, I'm going to say this too, though, like, even with you, like, you're telling me, language, language, language. I think the people who you interact with daily should become more like. you as you become more like Christ. Oh my, no, seriously. That's how it should be. No, Mike, literally, my other man, Joshana, she was like, because of you, she's, I mean, because I did an interview while I was fasting. Yeah.

Never do that. I was like, literally in tears the whole interview because, like, I was just open. Yeah. And I left and I was like, oh, my God. I was like, was that too much? Like, what did I say? Because it was like an outer body sense. Holy Spirit took over.

Yeah. Yeah. Literally. I was saying stuff. Crystal would have never said. I was like, I got to speak through you today. I got you. Yes.

And she was like, no, because of you, I read my Bible in the morning. She said, I'm doing this. And like she said, but I wasn't doing that before I started working with you. Wes, going to church, reading his Bible. Herman, same thing. We're going through 52 weeks in the Bible. And it's like, people ask, she really like, who she's? And like, no, that's really her, you know?

Like, she's really who she is. But no, you're absolutely right. And I see it. It's reflection all around me. And so when I say things like the people who interact with you, So to somebody watching who's saved, but you got a lot of people around you, the people who interact with you should grow.

But you shouldn't be at a place where you can't be around people who have not started growing yet. Exactly. And that's what I'm saying. When you go on that movie set, you don't have the, I don't need you on a movie set, like this movie ain't saved.

I need you on that set bringing 10 people out with you. Yes. And that's where I believe God is doing right now, man. Even in the industry, you're seeing it, man. You're seeing more and more rappers talk about God, more and more R&B singers, sing about God. Even athletes. Athletes now in their press conference talking about God.

I have so many athletes now who inbox me. And they be like, P, man. And it's crazy because I thought people were watching church. But they'll get that 40-second clip, then go find a sermon. 40-second. And so now they're hitting me, I just did Angel Reese's podcast. And I told her, I said, man, and I'm going to say, the same thing to you. There is a generation of young girls who need an example.

Yeah. And that's who God calling you to be. Exactly. And that's when I say now you have to ask yourself, okay, does that, even though it's not a sin? Right. Does it kill my witness? Yes. Because I don't think we realize sometimes. I had a conversation with a couple and they were going through a lot, man, because one of their children came out to them. And so they were, it was a lot. Like when I tell it was a lot. Yeah. And I asked, I asked, I asked, I asked them. I said, what did you deal with when you were growing up? It was like, man, I was out here.

I had 51 women yada, yada, yada. I was doing X, Yada, Z. I said, can I free you real quickly? He said, yeah. I said, well, you know that's lust. I said, so what you're saying is when you were coming up, although you slept with a whole lot of women, that's lust. Yeah.

I said, so if we're really talking about generational, you can't determine how lust shows up in the next cycle. Exactly. I said, so you might need to have a level of grace. Yeah. And so for me, I think of all of us had this. level of grace for every person in their personal walk. And that's where I catch hell at right there because it'd be like,

Pastor Mike, you're doing too much. But is he not deserving of love? Right. You know what I'm saying? Is he not deserving? Is she not deserving a love? I ask myself sometimes, if this were to happen to me, how would I treat it in my house before I start being so religious in the streets?

And so for me, man, I think there's a remnant of Christians who are rising, who are unapologetically saved, but they have this heart for people like never before and the patients to help them as they grow. Yes, exactly. I did. You want to know what my evenings actually look like? Homework questions. Someone needs a permission slip signed. The dog's begging for a walk. Someone's yelling for a snack. And somewhere in the middle of all that, I'm supposed to figure out dinner. That's why Hello Fresh has been a lifesaver. Fresh ingredients show up at my door, locally sourced when possible, simple step-by-step recipes that actually make sense. And no matter how chaotic the rest of my night gets, dinner is the one thing I don't have to stress

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That's my dog. But I got, well, I say drug through the mud because I wasn't where I am now in my walk then. And I think that's what people forget. They forget the journey of walking with Christ. It's like what I was okay with doing two years ago, I wouldn't dare do it now. You know, because I've grown with him, and I revere him, and I fear him, and I take it very serious. But people forget that they weren't saved all their lives. And it's like the grace, if we had the grace, and also the memory to remember, wait, I ain't always been like this all my life.

So let me have grace to pull them with me. I'm like, hey, I've been where you are. Like, I know what it feels like to lust and to like want to have these urges and do these things and actually do them. you know I actually got on TikTok today I've been a year abstinence I celebrated my one year anniversary of abstinence and I was very open I was like you know a lot of times we don't talk about we talk about oh yeah I've stopped having sex and this is great but we don't talk about them days where we like struggling amen and I was like and there's times where like there's other things you have to let go of as well and I said and I failed it at those things I said I held

until the absence I said but now I said six months I'm good on that I said but I said if you fall don't give up just get up I said because a lot of times we've made It seemed like, oh, you're done because you said you were doing this and you fell and, yep, you're out of there. Like, no, get up and keep, God knows your heart. Get up and keep trying. And I think that frees some people today. They're like, oh, my God, thank you. I'm going to keep, I'm not going to give up.

I'm going to keep going. Failure is so powerful. Like, I was sitting down with a group of people because everybody sees all my wins. They say things like, you're killing it. Stellas, Grammys, Doves, you get church, everything. You got a million fathers. And they're like, I said, but I feel. fail too. One of my biggest failures in the last two years is how I handle situations.

Wow. You know, it was a situation I had one time where I didn't feel like I was being treated a certain way. And so you know, you knew in the industry, you don't know nobody. Yeah. And you start filling all these things and then people in your ear telling you this person said that and this person did this. And then you start paying attention, nobody. And so now you get defensive and you get aggressive and now you start firing your shots back. And I said some things online about Ty Trippin one time. I was like, he shouldn't have did it. He shouldn't have did yada yada.

At the core, that's my hero. I've said it every time. Like, that's the only artist that motivated me to do everything. Yeah. That was my goat. That was my goat. I won the award. And I told everybody who tonight I won the award, like everything you see me doing was a reflection

of two people, Ty Tribin and Ken Jones. Those are my goats, you know, but out of pain and hurt and then people in your ears saying this. And now you get out there. you say something and now boom then I end up having to apologize but I potentially damaged that relationship forever you know what I'm saying he's in his own right to never speak to me again if you want to you know but but what I try to show people is that yes you see these wins and yes you see that but I've gotten it wrong come on so many times you know even

it come to my sons like my oldest son he kind of feeling itself at one point before I know it I'm yelling I'm fussing I'm cussing I'm like I'm still you know how that get he's he looking at me lifting weights now. He's like, I'm looking at him. You know, looking at him. And then I had to come back, but I told my church. I said, I failed at this. Wow. I said, but I went back in that same room as at Zandam, so I said, Dad, just, it's hard for me. Yeah. You know, and he was like, I understand. So I think if more people would share their failure, I wish I could get that moment with Ty Back, you know. I wish I could get certain things, but I wish I could, I wish I could go back and not do this. I wish I could go back, but since I can't, here's the thing, beautiful thing about failure. If I

tell you how I failed. Yeah. I just gave you speed. See, because the experience isn't the best teacher. It's the hardest teacher. Yes. I just told you in 10 seconds what it took me 10 years to learn. So now you can be better than me faster.

And so for me, man, I'm in this season now, especially in 2026. Yeah. It's like I want everything God got for me now. Because I feel like I'm in a place where I can handle not just what comes with it, but the ripples of what it calls. And that's what we don't talk about. We don't. You know, we know about the light that come and the fame, but it's the ripples.

It's the not realizing that the moment you got saved and got serious, you don't even realize people stopped calling. Or it's the ripples. Like, oh, she's saved now. Or the boom. She ain't doing that. Yeah, we can't have fun. You ain't fun no more. Or you realize this going to bless you.

It's another group text. Uh-huh. And then, like, whoa, when did y'all get another group text? all right now and then they get the call like what's going on? I'm like I don't know yeah

but you know I'm glad I don't leave me out of that absolutely absolutely that is all right I let's so true gosh yeah you're so right

yeah and it's okay yeah it's okay we're gonna be all right we are yeah because I'm learning now the best version of me is sometimes the isolated version of it

oh my gosh you know I ain't a lot too I love my isolation I'm having the time of my life right now I'm back playing my PlayStation.

Me and my boys got our group thread. We'd be sending memes. You know, the people around me, I really believe got my best interests at heart. I also got a circle now that when I want to be wild, I can be wild, you know?

And wild for me ain't bottles and weed. Wow for me is I just want to watch something and laugh. Yeah. You know, like everybody, I don't care who you are. Everybody says you've got seven screenshots of memes they can't post.

I just need two friends who can let me send that. That's wild for you. for me. I'm out there now. Like I'm out there now. Like, hey, because we so say, you know how you be on Twitter? Like, yeah, like, you see this? I just need to be because I can't post it. Right. So that, you think I'm too saying I can't post that, but it don't mean I ain't liking it. And everybody just need to be honest. Just be honest. And so I got a group now where I can literally be like, boom. Oh. Yeah. And so now, man, I think, but that's balanced. Think about this.

Even when it comes to sound. If I was to put my hand over the mic, it messes the sound up. So you would have to take that audio to a person who can EQ it. So if you're going to have a good circle, that circle should be the EQ to your life. You know, somebody who lets you get your high, but then somebody who handles your low, somebody in your treble who can keep you balanced. So I'm in a good place. I love that. I love that. PMJ, man, I have enjoyed this.

We're going to close out the episode with positive outcomes. And this is when our audience members write into us. Okay. And we're going to give them advice. All right. So let's see. This is from Shashi White. She says,

How do I handle shifts in my friendships as I grow spiritually, emotionally, and gracefully, without hurting anyone's feelings? Wow, that's kind of what we just talked about, shifts. Because it happens, honestly, without hurting anyone's feelings. That's impossible. Yeah. Feelings will get hurt, even when you don't mean to when it's not your intention. Shashi, I would say as you're growing, the people who are supposed to be around you will cling to you.

The people who are not will fall off. And hopefully at some point you can be the light, how we talk about, whatever that is to draw them back to you. But I wouldn't worry about hurting people's feelings when you're growing closer to God. Yeah. And your intentions appear. I would tell her, like you said, not worrying about hurting people's feelings when you're trying to get closer to God, but also making sure you're not contributing to the feelings. So that's when I was talking about that grace.

Like I had a homeboy who hit me Last night, it's probably like 1 o'clock One o'clock Hey, what's you doing? I'm chilling. He was like, man, we're gonna talk no more. He said, I'd be wanting to hit you, but you know, you like passing my junior night.

You big time night. Like he leaves like, man, you like, and I was like, nah, I said me, I say hit me. I say, you're trying to be funny. I'm still the same. Like it's yada, yada, yada. You know, and then, but the kind of, you can almost see a relief come off of them.

Yeah. Because it's not just people always think when I get saved. It's not hurting people's feelings from you being saved and your success. Because I also believe there's a level of success that comes when you're getting God's will. Yes. And so a lot of times people can almost kind of detach and project what they're feeling on you. And so what I'm trying to do now is make sure I don't contribute to it. Right.

That's so good. You're going to make me feel bad because I don't need to do that. Man, I understand that's different. I know I was the life of the party. Yeah. Because some of us seeing that we was really good at it. We got to talk about that now. We were really good at it now.

You was out there. I saw a glimpse of yours a minute ago. You said, because I was that girl. I was that girl. Some of us, I was the party. Like when I say the party, when I got there, I'm like, Michael, my kid. And so now it just ain't the same. But like I tell them, if you come over here, I'm still the life of the party.

Oh, my goodness. It's better over here. It is better. So I'm excited. I love it. I'm the same ways. I'm still the life of the party, but in a different way. In a different way.

When I invite people, they already know it's going to be a good time, good food. You can still have your drink. Whatever you're going to do, I'm not partaking in it. But we're going to have spades. We're going to have good clean fun. And we're going to go home. Absolutely. But it's like you grow and you mature. And I mean, if I'm still doing what I was

doing five, ten years ago, are we really growing? Are we really growing? You know? And I think that's just a shift. And I would tell her, you shifted baby girl from being the thermostat, the thermometer to the thermostat. You know, now you setting the temperature. So it's going to get hot. I'm going to leave this quote. My son sent me

because he loves D.C. Youngfly. It's going to get hot in that kitchen. Yeah. But they still going to have plates. So let them get through their feelings, let them go through it, and just love them through it. I love that. Thank you so much. Thank you for having.

Is there anything that we, I didn't even read the cards with you. I was like, so is there, I don't know what we're supposed to touch on. I hope we touched on it. Is there anything that you have coming up that we can support you with? Oh, man. Just support everything, Pastor Mike Jr., man. Of course, the music, and I'm excited about that. I'm not sure if this is aired during the Grammy window.

Oh, we can make it. Or if you're a Grammy voter, that would be great. But more importantly, man, just continue to share the messages. You know, that means the world to me. Yes. You know, like, it means the world to me to take the gospel, which is the good news, the places that people never thought it would go. Yeah.

You know, and if you don't mind, if you're watching right now, you don't know Jesus. Man, falling in love with God is the best thing I've ever done. I heard a person say one time, man, I can't wait to be successful. I'm going to drive a Bentley. And I looked at him and told him, even a Bentley needs an oil change, which means it's possible to be saved, successful, and still need another dip.

And if you're watching right now, man, wherever you are, man, you can just say, Lord, coming to my heart, I am a sinner in need of a savior. I confess with my mouth, I believe with my heart that you rose from the dead with all power in your hand.

And right now, you're not just positive. You saved. And that's the greatest decision you can make in your life. That's what means a lot to me. Wow. Thank you. Amen. That was beautiful. Thank you so much. Listen, anytime you want to come back, please come back. This is amazing. I'm going to come back, but we're not going to act like 20 minutes ago. She didn't just say, I was talking to Tyler. That blessed me. That never left me. I'm prophesied. That's going to be my conversation.

Well, you know, me and me and Drake were talking and we were just talking about the great things. On the jet. On the jet. We were just talking. No, I mean, I can't wait to come back. You're so funny. That's a blessing that I could, I was just talking to Tyler. It's so funny because I'm talking to Tyler. He's like, yeah, I was just talking to Barack. I'm like, oh, it's levels. It's levels.

I was just talking to Oprah. I'm like. It's level. It's level. But yes, for sure. Thank you. Thank you. This is phenomenal.

Yes. Thank you guys. Oh my goodness. Wow, that was such a powerful conversation and a reminder that faith doesn't have to ignore reality to still bring hope. Thank you guys so much for tuning in to this episode of Keep It Positive, sweetie. Don't forget to subscribe. share this episode with someone

who could use a little positivity. And remember, as always, stay blessed, stay encouraged, and remember to keep it positive, sweet. I love you guys. Thank you for tuning in. I'll see you next time. In the heat of battle, your squad relies on you. Don't let them down. Unlock Elite Gaming Tech

at Lenovo.com. Dominate every match with next level speed, seamless streaming and performance that won't quit. Push your gameplay beyond performance with Intel Core Ultra processors. For the next era of gaming, upgrade to smooth, high quality streaming with Intel Wi-Fi 6E and maximize game performance with enhanced overclocking. Win the tech search. Power up at Lenovo.com.

It's Ryan Cicrest here. If you love adventure, travel, culture, food, and architecture, there are certain cities you've got to just visit in your lifetime. Madrid tops the list. World-class museums, inspiring art, venture just beyond city limits to discover vineyards and medieval towns and feel like you're adding a second vacation. But those escapes are all part of Madrid's magic. Need another reason? How about the F1 Grand Prix arriving in 2026? The buzz is real. See what everyone's talking about at only in Madrid.com. Hi, I'm Dr. Priyanko Wally. And I'm Hurricane Dubolu. It's a new year. And on the podcast's health stuff, we're resetting the way we talk about our health, which means being honest about what we know, what we don't know, and how

messy it can all be. I like to sleep in late and sleep early. Is there a chronotype for that or am I just depressed. Health stuff is about learning, laughing, and feeling a little less alone. Listen on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, everybody. It's Michelle Williams, host of checking in on the Black Effect Podcast Network. You know, we always say New Year, New Me, but real change starts on the inside. It starts with giving your mind and your spirit the same attention you give your goals.

And on my podcast, we talk mental health. healing, growth, and everything you need to step into your next season, whole and empowered. New Year, Real You. Listen to Checking in with Michelle Williams from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Are you desperately hoping for change in 2026, but feeling stuck? I'm Dr. Lari Santos, and in a new year series of my show, The Happiness Lab, I'm going to look at the science of getting, well, unstuck. I'm stuck at work, unstuck in your relationships, and even unstuck inside your mind. I am the absolute worst culprit when it comes to getting into these ruminative loops and just driving myself crazy.

Listen to the Happiness Lab on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.