Press

Seven years. Goodness gracious. How can it be? I am only where I am today because of God’s goodness and His graciousness toward me – and in spite of me. There would be no need for His grace without disgrace.You see, March 7, marked the seventh year since my irresponsible and reckless decision to drink and drive claimed the life of Mr. Hort Kap, and caused so many other lives to implode. From the inside out.This world doesn’t need help dishing out pain, yet on that fateful day in 2009, I became the agent that ignorantly helped mete out pain. I say “ignorantly,” not because I didn’t know what I was doing, but because sin makes you dumb which makes you do things without thinking. I have no excuses.What I did and the pain I caused is certainly heavy.  And to some, my failure will always speak louder than my character. But this one thing I know to be true: And that is that no matter how much weight I may feel for the destruction I caused, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross weighs more and His character speaks louder than my failure.So even as some in the world would continually put me on trial for my recklessness, my Father in heaven whispers, “Let them, my child. Your responsibility isn’t to rebuttal. No! Your response ought to do nothing but humbly put my faithfulness on trial, for it has already been found tried, true, and tested.”Hence, my mission burns even more intensely: Knowing that God’s faithfulness isn’t based on my innocence. Nor is His forgiveness determined by my worthiness, but on Jesus’ righteousness. So for all who are broken and weary, Jesus already died for every sin we will ever commit. He already paid the price with the crucifixion and then validated this sacrifice with His resurrection. Want to know why the tomb is empty?  Because Jesus is alive and lives inside all who call upon His name.Thus, from the inside out, I stick to the script of what I know to be constant. And that’s how God will not allow His mercy to be trumped by judgment. He will not allow His grace to flow without being obvious and blatant.I am so sorry that it took great tragedy to get me to learn this, but without great disgrace how else can God show off His great grace?My mission stands on His character alone. The story of redemption continues...Matthew Maher is a former professional athlete and author of the newly-released book U MAY B THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEBODY READS: R U LEGIBLE? His “Decisions Determine Destiny” assemblies are funded by State Farm and service youth in the tristate area. He served four years and seven months in N.J. State prison and was released August 2014. You can learn more at www.themattmaherstory.com, where his blogs have been read by over 500,000 people in every state, 121 countries, and in 67 different languages. Follow him on Twitter @mattmaherstory and on Instagram @matthewmaher7

I recently taught a sermon in my church entitled “Unashamed: Broken Before God.”  Before I go any further, I need to pause a moment in awe of the fact that ‘I recently taught a sermon in my church.’  It wasn’t the first time, but I am blown away by God’s grace every time. You see, it is only because of God’s faithfulness to make much of Himself through my brokenness that there is even a platform for me to stand on. I am unashamed to claim that.There’s an old saying, “A broken vessel is an open vessel.”  I not only know that to be true, but I have lived that truth. I am broken and better for it. As I have attested many times before, (in fact now through six years worth of writings), it was the brokenness of my own doing that became the impetus for me to see God so vividly and to hear Him so personally.I remember when I was in prison and it was inevitable for the question to come up about what I would do in the future. I’m sure many would think my attitude was somewhat delusional because I would boldly state that God had a specific plan for my life and He would bring it to pass in His timing. I would be even more explicit with close family and share the actual vision of what God placed on my heart about my future. I would tell them that I saw myself speaking on multiple platforms, pouring out on others what God had so faithfully poured into me during my time away in isolation.Since my prison release, I have seen this vision come to fruition, and I will continue to go where God alone has opened the doors. I have been humbled to stand on platforms from Cali to Boston, with many future engagements to come, such as the ACS Music Fest in May, before the Christian band Mercy Me, and again this summer at the event, a Closer Walk, held in Wildwood on the beach with the band Unspoken. Another ‘God-arranged’ engagement will have my wife and me traveling out to Colorado Springs in June to meet with Dr. James Dobson and his ministry team for a radio interview. (I was raised on Dr. Dobson.) Pretty crazy stuff that I know I don’t deserve, but I’m realizing God was preparing me for this all along, showing me that the pathway to blessedness must humbly pass through brokenness. The world may throw away what’s broken, but God looks to pour into such vessels because they are finally open.It was through my brokenness that my ears were in tune to another realm as I read the living Word each day and knew that God had a perfect plan for my imperfect life. It was through my broken heart that He began mending and molding His grace into my disgrace. And it was through brokenness that I learned the most about God’s faithfulness.The hard truth about life is this: Trials, difficulties, and specifically brokenness are a means by which faith is exercised and increased. God allows adversity as a way for us to get to know Him more deeply. And since mostly everyone can relate to some form of pain, I’m saying that it is usually our hurts that make our platforms most effective as the clearest way to highlight God's healing. So when trials come and our innermost soul is tested, we shall say:“I will wait and see what good God will do to me by it, assured He will do it.  Thus, we shall bear an honorable testimony before the world, and thus we shall strengthen the hands of others.”  – George Mueller[Matthew Maher is a former professional athlete and author of the newly released book U MAY B THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEBODY READS: R U LEGIBLE? His “Decisions Determine Destiny” assemblies are funded by State Farm and service youth in the tri-state area. He is also the Director of Student Ministries at Coastal Christian Ocean City. He served four years and seven months in N.J. State prison and was released August 2014. You can learn more at www.themattmaherstory.com. Follow him on Twitter @mattmaherstory and on Instagram @matthewmaher7.]

I am convinced that no matter what happens during my day that my attitude is what sets the tone for me to be bitter or better. My attitude is how people view me and ultimately define me, and it’s that disposition that allows others to see what is going on inside of me.You cannot fake an attitude, nor can your body language hide it. I remember when I was in prison, writing my daily blog, and my mom would report to me that some people commented that my peaceful persona must be me “putting on a good face,” in other words, “faking it!”And there were various times in prison where inmates would admit to me that they were waiting for me to show my real attitude when things went south.  They said it was just a matter of time. But I knew the importance of setting my ‘attitude’ each morning when my knees hit the floor renewing my mind on the power of God and His influence on my mindset.  And frankly, as time progressed, the inmates realized that you can’t fake real.Attitude is the state of our mind and heart showing through, and our attitudes are usually the first impressions that last—especially when the going gets tough. Too often we allow too many uncontrollable factors to affect our attitude and demeanor. Instead of having the attitude to overcome the trying circumstances, we automatically settle with the attitude to succumb to trying circumstances.  Our attitudes are a choice, and nobody can make it for us.  It is more important than our accomplishments, our resumes, and even our IQ.You can have all the riches and talents in the world, but without a rich attitude that complements your God-given talents, you have nothing. Your attitude is the evidence of what you believe. If I say, “God is good,” my attitude is the proof that validates my words.Likewise, the attitude that we choose is responsible for our worry or our worship; it affects our emotional stress or success.  I am convinced that no matter what obstacle one may face, that attitude is the first thing that must be adjusted to adapt and advance. It is the constant that we control and will speak loudly to those close to us as the outward expression of our inward character.  Our attitudes can make us or break us, and especially reveal us; they can progress us or digress us. Our attitudes can be the main reason people become encouraged, inspired, or motivated; and it is the same reason some are disgusted, appalled, or lose heart.It is very easy to see that our actions are the unfolding of our attitudes. With all that being said, there are only four types of attitudes in this world: the attitude that sets the tone, the attitude that is set by the tone, the attitude that watches the tone being set, and the attitude that says, “What tone?”Which one are you?

There is no better time than the present to reflect and get a reality check. There is no better day than today to remember how far you’ve come and appreciate what God has brought you through. Don’t focus on how you may not be where you want to be, but reflect on the fact that you are not where you used to be.These are principles that my father taught my brothers and me from an early age, the importance of sacrifice and discipline, reflection and progression; whether it was in sports, academics, or just everyday life.  He made us understand that we will only get out of life as much as we put into life, while always emphasizing the importance of honest hard work. He would say with fatherly motivation, “What did you do today to accomplish your goals?” Or, “What can you learn from yesterday to make yourself better today?”So as I reflect, then reality check, I realize that regardless of where I’ve been and what I’ve done, or even where I am now and what I’m doing, my father’s underlying goal was for his children to learn sacrifice and discipline in order to move forward in faith and honor of God. Like my Father in heaven, my father on earth loved me in my past mess and supports me in my present message.I remember the countless times my father chastised me for my poor attitude on the soccer field, even after a multiple-goal performance.  He would quickly remind me, “It’s not about your reputation as a good soccer player (what people see), but it’s about your character while playing, whether winning or losing,” (what God sees). He made me realize that nothing can substitute for a positive attitude and Christ-like character. I failed over and over again. But today I know exactly where I am and how important my character must be, because it is the essence of who I truly am and not what people say I am (reputation).I remember shortly after my fatal accident, many friends and family were gathered together for a family function, including my pastor and his young girls, who had regularly attended our Maher Brothers Soccer Camps. And I was clearly the elephant in the room. My father tackled the gloomy, atmospheric tension head on.   He bluntly and honestly stated how shameful and horrific my situation was, but that responsibility and accountability was our family's goal.  He made it clearly known that what I did was inexcusable and that I must be punished for it (I agreed), and just as vehemently professed our family's faith in a God who controls EVERYTHING. That courageous and honest stance made an impression on everyone there, but more so, strengthened my heart; and to this day remains a real life example of what faith in action looks like, especially when it is being tested. Today, I see that all my redeeming qualities were directly learned from my father, and regardless of the tragedy I caused, I know that both my Father in heaven and my father on earth will always love me and support me. So this column is dedicated to my father and the many dads who also encourage their children to learn lessons from reflection and reality checking.Matthew Maher is a former professional athlete and author of the newly released book "U MAY B THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEBODY READS: R U LEGIBLE?" His “Decisions Determine Destiny” assemblies are funded by State Farm and service youth in the tri-state area. He is also the director of Student Ministries at Coastal Christian Ocean City. He served four years and seven months in N.J. State prison and was released August 2014. You can learn more at www.themattmaherstory.com. Follow him on Twitter @mattmaherstory and on Instagram @matthewmaher7

The more we focus on the confusion and corruption of the world around us, the more such corrosion begins to live within us. So many people are looking for answers -- “What’s the solution to the world’s injustice, violence, and ignorance?” -- while missing the sad reality that all of what is occurring around the world is the direct result of an increasingly godless society.I said it before, and I’ll say it again, bigotry of ANY type is a matter of the heart.  We have collectively lost our way.  We are no longer “one nation under God,” but rather one nation under fog.“In God We Trust,” still printed on our money, is a daily reminder and remnant of our discarded past.  Like our dollar, we have lost our value and have moved towards spiritual bankruptcy.It’s not about figuring out what color matters most because beneath the skin of every man is a colorless ghost. We need to embrace every race and see individuals as souls who need the Good News of Jesus Christ.  He offers true equality because everyone is welcome to be adopted by Him as children. It grieves the heart of God to hear people arguing about “whose lives matter” only to miss the mega truth that to the Creator God, ALL life matters, Blues and Blacks, and even the baby that’s aborted because science ignores the facts.The Bible declares, “Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord” yet we have become a nation that has pushed God out, and then we condescendingly wonder, where’s God?Nonetheless, there is only one answer to a world that’s fallen, and that’s for the Christian to stand up in their calling—which is putting on Christ’s love and regarding others above ourselves. And that’s not religion; that’s the epitome of every good work and taking action.Let us not forget that it was Christianity that turned the world upside down in a good way. Integrity. It was Christ whose love transcended ancient world rules and traditions, elevating the status of women and children.Equality. Women flocked to Him and slaves were welcomed into early church fellowships where slave and owner washed each other’s feet. Unity. In the birth of our country, it was Christ’s teaching that was the impetus for the establishment of education, orphanages, hospitals, and every other type of humanitarian effort.Morality. Even our first colleges and universities began as Bible-proclaiming schools.  Yes—and shock alert—that includes Harvard and Yale (originally Puritan) and Princeton (originally Presbyterian). Harvard was even named after a Christian minister; Princeton’s first-year class was taught by Rev. Jonathan Dickinson; Princeton’s crest still says, Dei sub numine viget,” which is Latin for “Under God, she flourishes.”It has been followers of Christ (both black and white), who risked their lives to eliminate slavery; it was predominantly Christians who operated the Underground Railroad; it was Christians who hid the Jews from Hitler’s ruthless armies.  Do we see a pattern here?In other words, true righteous character can only be discovered in a person, not in religion, principles, programs, or presidents. His name is Jesus, and His way is the only answer to the world’s confusion and questions. Spoiler Alert: Peace will never exist in the whole of this land, but with Jesus, peace can still exist in the soul of man and that peace can influence others and eliminate prejudice from the inside out.Matthew Maher is a former professional, athlete and author of the newly-released book U MAY B THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEBODY READS: R U LEGIBLE? His “Decisions Determine Destiny” assemblies are funded by State Farm and service youth in the tri-state area. He is also the Director of Student Ministries at Coastal Christian Ocean City. He served four years and seven months in N.J. State prison and was released August 2014. You can learn more at www.themattmaherstory.com. Follow him on Twitter @mattmaherstory and on Instagram @matthewmaher7