A conversation between Ron Glenk, guest; and Devaughn Williamson, host.

Ron’s life is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the life-changing grace of God. From a young age, Ron showed incredible strength and talent—excelling in athletics and eventually serving in the Marine Corps. But beneath his outward success was a growing pride and self-reliance that began to pull him away from his Christian roots.

After a heated argument with his mom, Ron made a bold and prideful decision to leave his home in New Hampshire and live with his biological father in Florida. That move marked the beginning of a downward spiral—he dropped out of school, disconnected from his faith, and began heavily drinking. Though he always believed in God, he stopped walking with Him.

Seeking purpose, Ron joined the Marines, where he initially thrived in boot camp and advanced training. But without solid leadership and still struggling with pride and addiction, Ron became deeply entangled in a lifestyle of violence and rebellion. He and his close-knit unit gained a reputation for fighting—both inside and outside the ranks. Eventually, Ron’s pattern of misconduct caught up with him. He was court-martialed, imprisoned, and spent 21 days in solitary confinement. That time alone—isolated in silence with nothing but his thoughts—forced him to reflect on how far he had fallen.

Things got worse before they got better. After his release, Ron was discharged under general conditions and sent back home. Back in New Hampshire, Ron dove headfirst into a lifestyle dominated by alcohol and self-destruction. Despite multiple rehab stints while still in the military, addiction kept its grip on him. He found work at a manufacturing plant, hoping to start fresh, but his inner turmoil followed. His military-born loyalty morphed into misguided allegiance when he was asked to break up a union meeting—and did so violently. Though he was promoted for his actions, the admiration was short-lived. His coworkers resented him, and eventually, his leadership let him go.

But even then, his troubles weren’t over. One night, Ron was involved in a horrific drunk-driving accident where the car slammed into a telephone pole at 84 mph. He wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. He flatlined at the scene and was declared dead for four minutes before being revived at the hospital and placed on life support. He remained in a coma for 16 days. But in the midst of that darkness, a member of his old faith community showed up—to pray.

Rather than being humbled, he emerged thinking he was invincible. His pride swelled. He lived recklessly, spending all his savings and partying until everything came crashing down again.

But God had not given up on Ron.

Broke, broken, and without options, Ron moved to Oklahoma to live with his parents—what he calls a “refuge.” At this point, his only connection to God was through them. But that spark was enough. He started attending church, got a job as a personal trainer, and began to rediscover purpose. Though he wasn’t fully healed—still a “dry drunk,” still chasing success—God continued to bless him, not because Ron earned it, but because of His mercy.

He began rebuilding his life with a job at a recreation center as a personal trainer. As Ron’s passion for fitness grew, so did his pride. He was recruited by a school-hospital partnership to train athletes and staff. It was a dream role that gave him credibility, influence, and recognition—but once again, it became all about him. Though he continued to attend church, he slowly drifted from a real relationship with God. His career flourished, but his heart was focused on self-exaltation, not service.

Ron met his future wife during this season, and they married in 2007. As their family grew, another turning point came: his mother-in-law introduced him to finance. What started as curiosity turned into a calling. He dropped his pre-med track after three years and, with excitement and purpose, started over with a triple major in business. Even here, God's provision showed up—his first mentor had paid for his early education and believed in him before Ron believed in himself.

After graduating, Ron entered a competitive finance training program with a 33% success rate. Against all odds—and without connections—he succeeded. He was promoted and eventually offered a prestigious role in New York City. But in a decision made without consulting his wife, Ron uprooted his family. The move was professional gold, but personal disaster. Working 16-hour days and constantly traveling, he vanished from his family’s life. They had comfort, but not him. The drinking returned. So did the pride.

Despite outward success, his inner world crumbled. He alienated his team, chased ego-driven accomplishments, and ultimately lost his position. His wife’s response was firm and faithful: “We’re going back to Oklahoma.” And this time, Ron listened.

In 2017, they returned home. Ron was still drinking, still proud, but back in fellowship. God was still working. Over the next two years, God began to break down the walls. In 2018, Ron finally got sober for good—not through a program, but through surrender. In 2019, he was offered a new job, one he hadn’t even sought out, again showing God’s faithful pursuit.

Want to know the rest of the story? Check out part two of Ron’s story!

Dead for 4 Minutes. Alive by Grace - Part #1

Dead for 4 Minutes. Alive by Grace - Part #2

More Than a Game: Coaching with Kingdom Purpose