Hardly Initiated

The opportunity involved a new streaming platform and prospective multimillion-dollar deals.The speaker’s account turns on a harder question: what happens when ambition and conviction stop pointing in the same direction?In this Hardly Initiated conversation, the speaker describes preparing to lead a venture, hesitating for two weeks, and confronting a decision understood as God’s direction. This is personal testimony about faith and business, not a promise that obedience guarantees money or certainty.The conversation also challenges an easy assumption about Hollywood. Alongside difficult business experiences, the speaker describes colleagues who advocate for fair contracts and professional success. That distinction matters: protecting your values does not require assuming everyone around you is against them.Beyond the career story, this conversation explores:• How studying Scripture shapes the speaker’s understanding of spiritual guidance.• Why friendship and accountability matter when a decision carries real stakes.• The difference between shared faith and identical spiritual maturity in relationships.• How daily time with God and practical mentorship make conviction more than a public statement.When should a strong conviction lead you to leave an opportunity, and when should you seek more counsel first? Share an experience, including what helped you evaluate the decision responsibly.Subscribe to Hardly Initiated for honest conversations about faith and real life. Share this episode with someone weighing a difficult choice. Chapters:00:00 Hearing God at 1700:49 Faith in Hollywood01:51 Wearing the Cross Loud02:21 Podcast Welcome03:26 Meet Brandon Washington04:57 Instagram Connection06:42 Before Writer Boy08:54 Subway Obedience Test12:23 Knowing His Voice15:25 Identity in Hollywood17:08 Foundation Before Fame19:09 Vision and Calling22:10 Walking Away From Millions30:52 Light in Dark Places33:09 Obedience and Sacrifice36:10 Roots and Upbringing37:53 Hood Lessons and Family38:21 Giving Away the 30039:02 Grandma Affirms Obedience41:16 Owning His Voice41:54 Cross on the Carpet43:11 Radical Faith Explained46:01 Backlash and Conversations50:30 NLE Choppa and Grace55:07 Finding Purpose in Film57:39 New Film What Is Love59:05 Purpose Through Christ01:00:42 Real Relationship With God01:02:06 Singleness and Temptation01:07:26 God First in Marriage01:10:34 Bride of Christ Book01:11:08 Purpose in Singleness01:11:28 God First in Love01:12:39 Faith Standards in Dating01:13:47 Baptism Is a Process01:14:59 Equally Yoked Seasons01:16:31 Discernment and Boundaries01:19:16 Accountability Over Sin01:20:21 Marriage Shapes Legacy01:21:48 Moses and Face to Face01:25:26 Asking God for More01:27:59 Fasting and Hearing God01:32:48 Daniel Fast Until01:35:28 Obedience and Discipline01:37:22 Calling and Creative Work01:38:26 Projects Book and Farewell#FaithAndWork #ChristianAccountability #HardlyInitiatedRenew The Mind Journal:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journalFight The Flesh Bracelet:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-braceletHardly In Love Dating Cards:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deckApply for Teach The Game Thursdays:https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

join our waitlist to our EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY and be the first to have access https://stayinitiated.comYou grew up hearing about God. You learned the scriptures. You inherited the beliefs. But when life starts testing everything you’ve been taught… is your faith actually yours?Before Da’ T.R.U.T.H. was a Grammy-nominated Christian hip-hop artist and apologist, he was a pastor’s son who believed in God at five years old. Then came the questions. The doubts. The encounters that challenged beliefs he didn’t yet know how to defend.He didn’t begin searching for answers to win debates. He needed them for himself.In this episode of Hardly Initiated, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. joins Michael J. McDonald and Kira Oliver for an honest conversation about what happens when the faith you were raised with meets questions you can no longer ignore.Why is Jesus the only way? Can you believe in God and still wrestle with doubt? How were the books of the Bible chosen? And how do you confront the painful history of racism in the church while pursuing a relationship with Christ?As Michael brings his own questions to the table, the conversation becomes personal—moving through skepticism, race, scripture, and the challenge of loving people whose actions have hurt you. Da’ T.R.U.T.H. also reflects on learning that defending his faith requires listening, humility, and care for the person across from him.At the heart of it all is the move from inherited faith to informed faith: examining what you believe, understanding why you believe it, and choosing to go deeper.What question made you examine your own faith? Share your story in the comments.Subscribe to Hardly Initiated for more honest conversations. Share this episode with someone who’s been asking the hard questions.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Teaser00:50 Meet DA Truth01:34 Apologetics as Dialogue02:34 New Book Announcement02:49 Training and Credentials04:32 From Music to Ministry08:34 Growing Up in Faith10:40 Crises and Doubts13:34 What Apologists Do15:18 Intelligent Faith Mission15:53 Black Church and Scholarship Gap20:05 Information Age Challenges20:58 Dogma vs Education22:33 Creating Safe Spaces23:37 Epistemology Doing the Work26:18 Truth Without Rudeness27:00 London Story Body Language30:59 When Truth Feels Judgmental32:29 Post Truth Culture33:20 Belief Has Consequences34:58 Iceberg Conversations37:11 Rich Young Ruler41:32 Why Jesus Uses Questions46:05 Beyond Sunday School Faith52:55 Black White Church Dynamics59:11 History Behind Segregation01:00:34 Gospel Reconciliation Vision01:03:42 Image Bearers Over Labels01:08:51 Christianity White Religion Claim01:09:31 History Shapes Faith01:10:58 Bridge Building AEAA01:13:12 White Jesus Imagery01:15:58 Ask Before Answer01:18:52 Christianity Before Slavery01:20:46 Christ Versus Culture01:23:52 Canonization Explained01:27:37 Pseudepigrapha And Tests01:34:10 Informed Faith Challenge01:38:51 Pray For Appetite01:42:24 Wrap Up And Resources#HardlyInitiated #DaTRUTH #Faith #ChristianApologeticsRenew The Mind Journal:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journalFight The Flesh Bracelet:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-braceletHardly In Love Dating Cards:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deckApply for Teach The Game Thursdays:https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Keisha Gibson’s story is a powerful testimony of survival, faith, and transformation. Born into trauma and generational curses, Keisha faced molestation, addiction, and years of life on the streets. Yet through the grace of Jesus Christ, she found freedom from the chains of sin and a new identity as a bride of Christ.In this episode, Keisha shares candid reflections on spiritual warfare, the struggle with lust, and the importance of obedience over mere ritual. She challenges misconceptions about faith, self-worth, and the church, offering raw honesty and hope.Takeaways include:- How generational sin can impact lives and how God’s grace breaks those cycles.- The difference between loving self and loving God as the foundation for transformation.- Practical insights on discerning God’s voice amid confusion.- The power of confession and community in healing.- Why obedience is the key to unlocking God’s provision and protection.What part of Keisha’s journey resonates most with you? How do you discern God’s voice in your life?Subscribe for more honest conversations that challenge and encourage your faith. Share this episode with someone who needs hope today.## Chapters00:00 Cycles of Trauma00:37 Sex Work and Survival00:58 Danger in the Streets01:16 God Says Not This One01:54 Podcast Guest Intro04:18 Brooklyn Roots and Abuse06:26 Abortions and No Foundation07:37 From Hustling to Brothels11:59 Money vs Lust13:55 Outcalls and Close Calls15:17 Saved From Hell18:14 God’s Love for the Lost22:56 Childhood Strength and Silence25:34 Breaking Generational Curses28:04 Fasting and Hearing God31:06 No More Debates Just Souls31:49 Protecting the Next Generation32:20 Family Alcohol Warnings32:41 Raising a Protected Child36:07 Prayer Covering Daily36:54 Music and Spiritual Influence37:32 God Said Not This One38:13 Leaving Prostitution Behind40:02 First Church Breakthrough42:02 Abortion Clinic Voice44:22 No More Double Life45:53 Hard Truth on Fornication50:27 Three Voices Discernment55:58 Bible Over Church Routine58:26 One Church Not Three01:02:29 One Church Headship01:03:26 Confusion From Mixed Teaching01:04:23 Pastor Integrity Risks01:06:50 Ask God Where To Go01:08:36 Calling Growth And Rebellion01:10:45 Obedience Over Sacrifice01:15:02 Catholicism And Denominations01:20:16 Giving Up Secular Life01:26:32 Mentors And Hearing God01:28:12 Grace Vs Willful Sin01:31:38 Final Declaration And Outro#FaithJourney #SpiritualTransformation #HardlyInitiatedRenew The Mind Journal:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journalFight The Flesh Bracelet:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-braceletHardly In Love Dating Cards:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deckApply for Teach The Game Thursdays:https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kelz had Billboard success, nightlife access, and a place to belong—but he still could not find peace. Then one sentence inside the Nation of Islam made him decide: **I’m walking out, and I’m not coming back.**In this episode of Hardly Initiated, Kelz sits with Michael J. McDonald and Kira Oliver to tell the story behind that decision: the suicide crisis he survived, the family pressure that followed him out, and the unlikely $7 Uber Eats delivery that led him to 2819 Church.This is not only a theological debate. It is a conversation about what happens when your conscience collides with your community—and what real transformation looks like after the emotional moment has passed.In this episode:- Why Kelz says success and nightlife never gave him peace- The statement that pushed him to leave the Nation of Islam- How his decision affected his relationship and extended family- Why he believes relationship with God matters more than religious performance- How he redirected his past into mentoring, baptism, and feeding Atlanta’s unhoused communityHave you ever known you needed to leave a belief, relationship, or lifestyle—but feared losing the people attached to it? Share your experience thoughtfully in the comments.Chapters:00:00 From Clubs to Charts00:08 Inside the Nation01:03 Farrakhan as Savior02:44 Hardly Initiated Intro05:20 Kels Testimony Begins06:42 Storms and Wake Up Calls07:50 The 2819 Church Sign09:48 Why He Left NOI12:21 Family Fallout and False Charges14:26 Money Power and Hypocrisy18:32 Mahdi and Antichrist Claims20:54 Quran vs Bible Breakdown27:35 Why Men Join NOI31:46 One Door to God33:45 Reclaiming a Strong Christ34:51 Lukewarm Christianity Check35:31 Faith Over Image38:06 Give to Strangers39:00 Suddenly God Moments39:50 Finding 2819 Church41:50 Leaving Islam Behind46:13 Access Signs and Encounters48:05 Baptism and Being Seen52:35 Bold Faith Not Too Young53:54 Jeremiah Calling Explained58:57 Relationship Over Religion01:02:57 Grace Time Is Short01:04:30 Stop Blaming God01:07:03 Music Club Idolatry01:10:42 Nightlife Costs and Consequences01:13:31 Chasing the Bag Warning01:14:18 Demonic Concert Culture01:15:31 Nightlife Shift Today01:16:35 Kingdom Work Blueprint01:17:41 Busy vs Bible Martha01:19:49 Stewardship Over Status01:23:54 Called to Reach Dancers01:29:24 Familiarity Kills Faith01:32:52 Questioning False Religions01:43:39 Change Your Diet01:46:40 Closing Outreach PlugRenew The Mind Journal:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journalFight The Flesh Bracelet:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-braceletHardly In Love Dating Cards:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deckApply for Teach The Game Thursdays:https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

He was selling drugs. Then a man in jail called him a witch.P Lo says that conversation made him confront the harm behind his hustle.Follow Guest: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJl6hwSOSpK/?stkn=bmNkZXh6OHI4c2U1Follow Kira: https://www.instagram.com/thekiraoliver/Follow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljmacdonald/Before Rikers Island, he already knew about God. But knowing about faith and letting it change his decisions were different things. An unexpected mentor helped him understand the Bible in language he could connect to—and challenged what he was doing to his community.In this episode of Hardly Initiated, Michael J. MacDonald and Kira Oliver sit down with P Lo, a construction business owner and longtime barber, for the conversation they call “The Hood Bible.” He shares the personal story behind the earlier clip that had viewers asking questions.The discussion moves from incarceration and accountability into the questions people carry about belief, spiritual discernment, and how to treat people who see faith differently. P Lo also shares why he wants listeners to examine what he says for themselves.In this conversation:The confrontation that changed how P Lo viewed drug dealing.What an imperfect mentor taught him about humility.Why honest questions matter when you’re learning about faith.The tension between firm convictions and showing people grace.Has someone ever told you a difficult truth that changed your direction? What helped you hear it?Subscribe to Hardly Initiated, share this conversation with someone who values honest growth, and watch “Fear of Death, Finding Faith & the Search for Real Peace” next: [RELATED VIDEO URL]#HardlyInitiated #FaithJourney #SecondChancesRenew The Mind Journal:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journalFight The Flesh Bracelet:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-braceletHardly In Love Dating Cards:https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deckApply for Teach The Game Thursdays:https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy