From the chaotic streets of a fatherless childhood to the hard knocks of an NFL training camp Otto Kelly made one major decision - he would be the dad that stays. A celebrated college football career put Otto in the middle of the spotlight … it could have gone either way. How does a man react when faced with heavy choices? Otto Kelly shares with us what character does in the midst of pressure and temptation.

Otto Kelly is a significant voice of hope and reason in navigating today’s chaotic culture. He has won NAACP awards for his work with young men at risk, he was the Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Reno, Nevada for fifteen years, has an outreach called “Sons to Men” and is also Vice-President of the Global Fatherhood Initiative. Listen in as my good friend Otto Kelly, a dynamic minister, author, and influential speaker, joins me to uncover the life-altering power life in Christ. Our heartfelt discussion navigates the critical role of faith and fatherhood in fostering societal change. As we reflect on Otto's journey from athlete to the executive director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Reno, we shed light on the profound effects of mentorship, responsibility, and the Global Fatherhood Initiative's mission to combat the root causes of poverty.

Our heartfelt discussion doesn't shy away from the tough topics—confronting the "father wound" many face and exploring the healing that faith can bring. By sharing personal stories and insights, Otto and I expose how the absence or presence of a father figure can shape lives. We also celebrate the way sports and family values intertwine to sculpt our sense of self. The episode is a testament to the idea that every individual has the potential to rise above adversity, guided by the steadfast hand of God, faith in Christ and a sense of identity - fueling their inherent worth and purpose.

Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, President of the Christian Men’s Network. https://CMN.men

(00:00) Power of Spoken Words
(09:17) Identity Formation and Fatherhood in Conversation
(15:52) Father Wound and Healing Through Faith
(28:15) Speaking Truth Over Self
(38:56) Crisis Pregnancy Center and Pro-Love
(50:34) Conversations on Compassion and Love
(58:01) Power of Identity and Love
(01:07:23) Discovering Purpose Through God's Love