Do the hard things!
Happy new year to everyone as we welcome 2026! I think this statement is a great way to welcome in the new year, don’t you? WOW! I think we can all say that 2025 was filled with highs, lows, ups and downs, and probably a few hard things to achieve. As I reflect on 2025, I am both amazed and deeply reflective on all the things that occurred during this year. I had a son graduate from high school, another start his junior year, and the “baby” start his 7th grade year. I am so proud of all three of these boys and so thankful they are like their mother (lol)! God has been so faithful and so good to the Collum family and I am beyond excited to see what 2026 holds for us and YOU!.
Some of my proudest moments as a dad include looking back and watching my boys “do the hard things”. Each one of them has grown and matured so much over the past year. So what do I mean by doing the hard things? Well, we can all agree, and data would support, that one of the hardest things to do for people anywhere is the act of public speaking. I’ve seen a survey that shows the top two fears of most humans is 1. Public speaking and 2. Dying. So, in some cases we are more afraid of speaking at an our funeral than actually dying. Ha, just a perspective. But I have seen so many times over the years people tremble in fear at even the thought of having to speak in front of a group of other peers in any setting. This is still amazing to me, but it is so true. I still get butterflies every time I have to stand and speak no matter how small or large the group. It just happens!
So, why am I such a proud dad about this concept? Well, over the past few years I have watched all three of my sons tackle this challenge with humility, dignity, and grace. Each of them in different settings, but with sincerity and confidence. And I must say I am so proud. I will start with the oldest, Caleb, and share that on a mission trip after he graduated from high school this past May, He and I took a trip down to Panama with a friend and spent the night on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. The sights and the experiences themselves were amazing, but on the morning of our departure the entire village filled with kids was assembled together and he was asked to speak and share his testimony. He wasn’t given an hour, a day, or a week to prepare. No, he was given about 5 whole minutes. And wow, did he do awesome! He was nervous I could tell, but as he stood and began to speak his confidence grew exponentially and by the end I was in tears. I was so proud of him for stepping up and sharing his faith with an entire village and I know that God, his Heavenly Father, and both of his grandpas looking down from heaven were all very proud of him too.
Next, was Elijah. Now Elijah is probably the one of the three that hates to speak in public the most. He just doesn’t like it at all. But, he laid down his fears, his worries, and his lack of desire and let the Lord use him to speak at a K-Life banquet to inspire other students and adults about His walk with the Lord too and how instrumental K-Life has been to him as a young man. It was also very inspiring and another “proud dad” moment. Now finally my youngest. Wow, if you know anything about Causey, then you know he is not really afraid of much, and especially public speaking. Ha! But, his moment to shine was in front of almost 1400 adults and he did amazing! He spoke at the end of a back to school convocation event for a group of teachers and encouraged them and told them how much they were truly loved and appreciated for the work they do every day. I couldn’t have done it any better myself. In fact, I let him finish the event and he garnered a standing ovation. I am so proud of him and all three of these boys for tackling the hard things and doing them well with humility, grace, and courage. Attached are a few images from these events I just had to share.
So in closing, I encourage us all to do the hard things. Take time in 2026 to ask yourself what did I avoid in 2025 that I will not avoid this year? Be brave, be courageous and tackle those hard things. You can do it. Happy new year!
Lead well and be brave!
Dr. Collum
