In a recent 116 Life episode, hosts Ace Harris and Meah Evans engaged in a heartfelt conversation with a guest DEON who shared his experiences and insights on becoming a new father, his music career, and his faith journey. This blog post delves into the main themes discussed in the episode, offering valuable, detailed information that can guide listeners and readers alike. Each section breaks down the key points, providing actionable advice and thorough explanations.

Embracing Fatherhood: Lessons in Patience and Trust

Preparing to Be Unprepared

DEON shared his feelings about becoming a father for the first time, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in God. He described his mindset of “preparing to be unprepared,” acknowledging that he doesn’t have all the answers and is ready to let God take control.

Actionable Advice:
Admit Uncertainty: It’s okay to admit that you don’t have everything figured out. Embrace the journey of learning and growing as a parent.
Trust in a Higher Power: Whether it’s faith in God or another belief system, trusting in something greater can provide peace and guidance during uncertain times.
Be Present: Focus on being present in the moment and cherish the slow, peaceful times as they come.

The Joy and Responsibility of Being a “Girl Dad”

DEON expressed his excitement and emotional response to discovering he would be a father to a daughter. He reflected on the responsibility of being a gentle and strong role model for his daughter.

Actionable Advice:
Embrace Emotions: Allow yourself to feel and express emotions. It’s a sign of strength and authenticity.
Be a Role Model: Strive to be someone your child can look up to, demonstrating qualities like kindness, patience, and integrity.
Challenge Stereotypes: Break away from traditional gender roles and be both gentle and strong, regardless of your child’s gender.

Navigating a Music Career: Authenticity and Growth

Signing with Capitol Records

DEON discussed his recent signing with Capitol Records and how it has influenced his approach to music. He emphasized the importance of holding himself to a higher standard and seeking honest feedback.

Actionable Advice:
Set High Standards: Aim for excellence in your work and continuously strive to improve.
Seek Constructive Criticism: Surround yourself with people who will provide honest feedback to help you grow.
Be Strategic: Understand that success often requires careful planning and strategic decisions.

Wrestling with Career Direction and Surrendering to God

shared his journey of questioning his career direction and ultimately deciding to create music that honors God. This shift brought him peace and a renewed sense of purpose.

Actionable Advice:
Reflect on Your Purpose: Take time to reflect on why you do what you do and ensure it aligns with your values and beliefs.
Stay True to Yourself: Create work that resonates with you and honors your authentic self.
Embrace Change: Be open to changing your direction if it brings you closer to your true purpose.

The Influence of Upbringing and Faith

Childhood and Faith Journey

DEON recounted his upbringing, the influence of his mother, and his early experiences with faith. He highlighted the importance of a strong spiritual foundation and the role of his mother in shaping his values.

Actionable Advice:
Value Your Roots: Appreciate the influence of your upbringing and the lessons learned from your family.
Build a Strong Foundation: Whether through faith, values, or principles, having a strong foundation can guide you through life’s challenges.
Seek Mentorship: Surround yourself with mentors who can provide guidance and support.

Overcoming Loss and Finding Strength

DEON shared his experiences of loss and how he found strength through his faith and the support of mentors. He emphasized the importance of resilience and seeking help when needed.

Actionable Advice:
Acknowledge Grief: Allow yourself to grieve and process loss. It’s a natural part of healing.
Find Support: Seek out mentors, friends, or professionals who can provide support and guidance.
Cultivate Resilience: Focus on building resilience by finding strength in your faith, values, and support system.

Building Authentic Connections in the Music Industry

Genuine Relationships Over Opportunistic Connections

DEON discussed the importance of building genuine relationships rather than seeking connections solely for personal gain. He emphasized the value of authenticity and community.

Actionable Advice:
Prioritize Authenticity: Focus on building real, meaningful relationships rather than opportunistic connections.
Support Others: Engage with and support others in your community, even if there’s no immediate benefit to you.
Value Community: Recognize the importance of community and the support it provides.

Overcoming Perceptions of Gatekeeping

DEON addressed the perception of gatekeeping in the music industry and the importance of understanding that genuine relationships often form naturally over time.

Actionable Advice:
Understand the Industry: Recognize that the music industry, like any other, has its dynamics and relationships that may not always be accessible.
Focus on Learning: Use available resources to educate yourself and improve your skills.
Build Relationships: Invest time in building genuine relationships rather than focusing on perceived barriers.

The Role of a Youth Pastor: Deepening Faith and Compassion

Impact of Being a Youth Pastor

DEON shared how his role as a youth pastor has deepened his relationship with God and taught him the importance of grace and compassion.

Actionable Advice:
Embrace Your Role: Whether in a formal position or in everyday life, embrace opportunities to guide and support others.
Practice Compassion: Be sensitive to the needs of others and offer support and understanding.
Deepen Your Faith: Continuously seek to deepen your understanding of your faith and its application in your life.

Encouraging a Relationship with God Through Music

DEON expressed his desire for his music to encourage listeners to seek a relationship with God and find strength in their faith.

Actionable Advice:
Create with Purpose: Ensure your work aligns with your values and has a positive impact on others.
Encourage Others: Use your platform to inspire and encourage others to seek a deeper relationship with their faith.
Be a Source of Hope: Aim to provide hope and support through your work, helping others navigate their own journeys.

Conclusion

This podcast episode offers valuable insights into the themes of fatherhood, faith, and music. By embracing uncertainty, seeking authenticity, and building genuine relationships, we can navigate life’s seasons with grace and purpose. Whether you’re a new parent, an aspiring artist, or someone seeking to deepen your faith, these lessons provide a roadmap for personal growth and fulfillment.

To keep up with DEON and his journey, follow him on social media at @wayofdeon across all platforms.

Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.

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TIMESTAMPS

Current Life Season (00:00:00)
DEON shares his excitement and nervousness about becoming a new father.

Preparing to be Unprepared (00:01:00)
He discusses the importance of humility and readiness for unexpected challenges in parenthood.

Feeling Like a Girl Dad (00:02:19)
DEON reflects on his joy and emotional response to having a daughter.

Trust in God (00:04:22)
He talks about the significance of feeling trusted by God during his life journey.

Signing with Capitol Records (00:06:12)
DEON describes the welcoming experience of joining Capitol Records and its impact on his music.

Pursuing Artistic Excellence (00:07:44)
He emphasizes the importance of striving for high-quality music and constructive feedback from peers.

Shifting Musical Focus (00:11:03)
DEON explains his desire to create worship music rather than just Christian-themed songs.

Childhood and Church Influence (00:12:55)
He shares his upbringing in Gwinnett County and the strong influence of his mother’s faith.

Role of His Mother (00:16:23)
DEON highlights his mother’s pivotal role in his spiritual journey and upbringing.

Family Background (00:16:23)
DEON shares about his family dynamics, particularly his father living in Detroit and his mother’s twin sister in Georgia.

Childhood Travel (00:17:05)
Discussion on family trips to Detroit every summer right after school ends, highlighting childhood memories.

Faith Struggles (00:17:51)
DEON reflects on his faith journey during middle school and the complexities of growing up in church.

Loss and Grief (00:18:51)
A pivotal year marked by the death of his grandfather and other significant losses, questioning faith.

Mentorship Impact (00:21:29)
The importance of a mentor’s support during tough times, helping DEON find direction.

Music as Therapy (00:22:49)
Music becomes a therapeutic outlet for dealing with grief and emotional struggles during high school.

Career Realization (00:25:09)
DEON discusses the moment he felt he could pursue music as a career and the realization of his potential.

Involvement in Music Videos (00:25:19)
His experiences appearing in various music videos, influencing his understanding of the music industry.

Support for Christian Music (00:28:04)
DEON talks about his passion for supporting fellow artists and promoting Christian music.

Expectation in Collaborations (00:31:06)
Discussion on the misconception that Christian artists should naturally collaborate due to shared faith.

Maturity in the Music Space (00:32:04)
Reflecting on the growth and maturity in understanding the importance of relationships over mere collaborations.

Building Genuine Relationships (00:33:34)
Discussion on the importance of authentic connections in the music industry.

Gatekeeping vs. Genuine Connections (00:34:53)
Exploration of perceptions of gatekeeping in Christian rap and the nature of friendships.

Becoming a Youth Pastor (00:37:14)
DEON shares his experience and responsibilities as a youth pastor at a community center.

Understanding Grace (00:39:15)
Reflection on how being a youth pastor has deepened his understanding of grace and empathy.

The Message of His Music (00:40:58)
DEON expresses his desire for listeners to find hope and relationship with God through his music.

God as Our Only Hope (00:42:07)
Emphasis on the necessity of faith in God amidst life’s challenges and uncertainties.

Final Thoughts and Acknowledgments (00:42:53)
DEON shares love for his family and invites listeners to follow him on social media.