If we’re honest, we’ve all faced times when the days were dark and the nights were unusually long…

This isn’t unique to you. It’s true of anyone who has a pulse.

My intent with this website is for me to be an encourager to you. This in no way implies that I have it all worked out, or that I’m some sort of wisdom ninja. We are all in this together. If I can share anything that lifts you up – not some bumper sticker slogan, or some piece of trendy fluff – then I’ll have accomplished what I set out to do.

I’m Tony Martin. I am dedicating my life to helping broken people feel better.

I’d like to identify myself as a pilgrim, a sojourner, and an encourager. Professionally, my day job is serving as associate editor of a large Christian newsjournal (that BA in journalism finally paid off.) My background is in youth ministry – I’ve dealt with teenagers professionally for 40+ years. I’ve also written tons of faith-based curriculum. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur, but doggone if I don’t have some of those tendencies. I have a popular blog at www.youcanhavehope.com which was selected As One of the Top 100 Life Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2019 (feedspot.com), and also Selected As One of the Top 30 Christian Men Blogs to Watch in 2019. Additionally, I’m certified as a coach, speaker, and trainer with the John Maxwell Team. I’m a travel agent specializing in Disney. And I’m a part-time professional magician.

The biggest joy I have is family … I’ve been married to Teresa since 1980. We have two grown kids – Jeremy, married to Kathleen, and Amy, married to Stone. They are both honorable young adults. As a bonus, Amy and Stone have provided two little grandkids, Katherine, 5, and Levi, 4.They have caused us to lose our minds.

Here’s my real credentials though. This may come across like sharing too much information on a first date, but I’m in full disclosure mode. Feel free to scroll past this – you won’t hurt my feelings.

In June of 2018 I suffered a nasty concussion. At first it wasn’t too big of a deal – my eye swelled shut, I had stitches, but it all seemed pretty routine. CT scans and x-rays showed no head or brain damage, but I did have three broken ribs. About a week after the injury, I started getting headaches on the opposite side of my head from the impact site. Overnight I developed a sensitivity to light and sound. There were some cognitive issues – it’s like my brain was shrouded in fog. Worst of all was the deepest, darkest emotional funk you can imagine. Anxiety, depression, and what I characterized as “a sense of impending doom” became realities. It was/is perfectly awful. After another round of scans and x-rays, my internist – whom I love much – told me I had post-concussion syndrome. No, I’d never heard of it either. All my symptoms were textbook. The cure? Time. I was to be patient. It would “take time.” (I’ve heard that “take time” phrase so many times that I’m afraid the next time I hear it I’m gonna punch someone in the throat.) He also put me on a killer combo of depression/anxiety meds. Apparently PCS victims are prone to suicidal thoughts. Praise God that hasn’t been an issue. Since then, I’ve been to a chiropractor, I’ve tried acupuncture (which was actually pretty fun, but it didn’t really help), and talked to a counselor. All well and good. I’ve also been to a neurologist, and that’s been very encouraging. I’d had a migraine headache 24/7 – that was taking its toll – but again, she’s tinkered and experimented with several drugs and danged if the headache is only maybe 8/7. It’s not constant, and when it comes it hits with a vengeance, but it’s so much more manageable. This incident – which has come in many ways to define my life – comes on the heels of the darndest year ever. Our house flooded and had to basically be gutted; we were displaced for seven months. I had surgery for two benign parathyroid tumors that were messing with my head. I was diagnosed with cancer – renal cell carcinoma. The upside of that one was that the doc went in, got the tumor and a piece of kidney, and I was good to go with no chemo or radiation or any of those nasty things. And our beloved ancient Boston terrier, Teddy, went to doggie heaven.

Why am I sharing this? Simple. My story is your story.

We all deal with challenges, do we not? Life is full of joy and heartache in equal measure. Everyone faces something. Many people respond to life with despair, or at least a sense of hopelessness. Well, I am here to stand before you and declare that hopelessness is not an option.

How can I help?

• Online courses in spiritual growth, emotional health, goals, and applicable Bible study, It’ll be engaging, upbeat, and fun.
• Life coaching opportunities. There are gazillions of people out there who offer something called “life coaching.” I’ll be coming at it from that Christian worldview, but the principles will be applicable to all. The big difference in life coaching and other disciplines (mentoring, teaching, counseling, etc.) is that my role is to help you set your own agenda, determine your own needs, and help lead you to discovery and action. Way fun. I offer this one-on-one, in small groups, and virtually. I’m really excited about this.
• Life coaching for teenagers. This is a sorely neglected area of growth. I’m persuaded that students have the ability to reach down deep, self-evaluate, and with proper guidance and support chart their formative years.

Thanks for indulging me. Be blessed!