The Power of Being an Intentional Man (EP:991)

From Pain to Purpose: Michael Huey's Journey of Radical Intentionality

In a world where men often struggle with structure, accountability, and living with purpose, Michael Huey's story stands as a beacon of hope. The CEO of HeFluence and graduate of Ohio State University recently joined the Real Men Connect podcast to share his transformative journey from childhood abuse to becoming a "second chance coach for men."

The Foundation of Pain

Michael's story begins in a broken home with a Christian mother and an abusive, alcoholic father who repeatedly told him he'd "go to hell with his friends." Despite being told by teachers he'd never graduate college, Michael not only earned multiple degrees but became a top 1% performer in the fitness industry for over 25 years.

But success couldn't heal the father wound that ran deep in his heart.

30 Years of Faithful Prayer

Perhaps the most powerful moment in Michael's testimony came when he shared about praying for his father's salvation for three decades. "Every time I would talk to my dad, my dad would say he was going to hell with the rest of his friends," Michael recalls.

Then, on a seemingly ordinary Sunday, his wife prophetically declared that his father would get saved the next day. At 7:03 PM on Monday, Michael received the call that changed everything: "Your dad said that he no longer wanted to go to hell with his friends, that he wanted to go to heaven with his son."

Three Key Highlights

1. The Power of Forgiving the Process - Michael introduces a revolutionary concept: "divorce the outcome and marry the process." Instead of being married to our desired outcomes and divorced from the difficult journey, we must embrace God's process while releasing our grip on timing and results. This mindset shift allows us to find our identity in who God says we are rather than our circumstances.

2. Forgiveness as Self-Liberation - Through his journey with his father, Michael discovered that "forgiveness is a gift God gives us to give to others. It's really for us." The realization that unforgiveness was holding him back for 27 years became a defining moment. As Dr. Joe Martin powerfully stated, "It wasn't me setting my dad free by forgiving him. It was setting me free from my own prison."

3. Radical Intentionality in Every Area - Michael challenges men to live with deliberate purpose across all aspects of life. From setting phone alarms for prayer times to having accountability partners text their weekly schedules, intentional living requires both structure and wisdom. His lightning-round advice covers everything from relationships ("understand your wife's love language") to business ("invite God into your business as your partner").

The Man Up Moment

When asked about his biggest struggle as a man, Michael's vulnerability shines through: "The fear of man has to leave so that you can have the fear of God upon your life." He continues to battle with letting go of his past and finding his identity not in his accolades but in who God created him to be.

A Message of Hope

Michael's story isn't just about overcoming adversity - it's about the transformative power of persistent faith, radical forgiveness, and intentional living. His ministry, HeFluence, exists to help men get "unstuck, get started, and keep moving" toward becoming the men God called them to be.

For men struggling with father wounds, unforgiveness, or lack of direction, Michael's journey offers both practical wisdom and spiritual hope. Sometimes the very trials meant to destroy us become the foundation for our greatest ministry to others.

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Michael Huey is the Founder and CEO of HeFluence. He is a men’s health , relationship and wealth expert.  He’s what you would call a Seconds Chance coach for men. Michael is a graduate of The Ohio State University (four year letter winner in track and field), earning multiple degrees in nutrition, sports management and exercise science, and he was a top 1% earner in the fitness industry for 25 years. Him and his wife Lisa live in Safety Harbor, Florida. Michael is also a minister of the gospel, where this month he is receiving his credentials from the Christian Life School of Theology.

To contact Michael, just visit him at http://www.HeFluence.com or email him at michael@he-fluence.com 

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