Remember the ‘NO FEAR’ bumper sticker? I’ve seen them on the back of old beater trucks and rusted Volvo wagons with mismatched body parts. I’d usually spot the sticker right after they cut in front of me, while trying to pass with head-on traffic. My usual reaction was something like; “you don’t have fear cause you’re stupid!”

What we speak isn’t just hot air. It encourages and heals, destroys and condemns. Our thinking is one thing – it hurts us. But, the self-talk we let fly out of our hurt, is completely another. I know. I’ve done more damage with my words, than with any other weapon.

God designed men to to yearn for a battle to fight, an adventure to take, and a beauty to rescue. Unfortunately as with most men, I was incomplete. At 50, I decided I would celebrate by cycling solo across America, from Seattle to New York City. What I didn’t expect was...