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JARED'S STORY2Jared Hope was on a fast track to what most Canadians would call “The Canadian Dream.”

His Junior hockey career was powered by a winning mix of skill and ambition. Originally from Edmonton, he’d been playing in Spokane, Washington since he was 16.

Between 1995 and 1996, as scouts lined him up for a first round NHL draft pick, he had three consecutive concussions and was forced to walk away from a pro hockey career.

“I remember a counselor telling me I was experiencing a mid-life crisis. She said the depression was normal.”

Jared didn’t feel normal.

Building on Ego

Determined to build a new life, Jared moved back to Edmonton. He graduated college, went into sales and was making a six figure salary before he turned 24.

Jared says he lived his life thinking he was invincible. “When you play a sport and you’re successful at it you get an invincible mentality. It feeds your ego.” He slowly came to realize that ego-driven choices end up badly.

Years later he sat in my office. He had a beautiful wife and two gorgeous kids. His ambition, diligence and hard work had earned him a seven figure net worth and national recognition in real estate.  His ego had also led him to make some horribly hurtful choices that clearly showed he was not invincible.

The pieces of his marriage, family and career lay shattered around his feet.jared hope

Turning Point

The night before we met he had gone out and gotten completely smashed. Ironically, his binge actually brought him to his senses. He poured out his story.

Jared was at a turning point. Even though he knew he needed to change, his ego exerted an astounding amount of resistance. Surrendering to God is a 180 degree change. Never easy. Always good.

Hope found Jared. He experienced the power of forgiveness…from God and for himself.

Ken Blanchard taught me to remember the acronym EGO

Edging
God
Out

Don’t mistake what Jared experienced for merely a religious experience. Religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell. Hope in God is for people who have already been there.

Click here to see Jared’s full story.

APPLICATION: Please leave a comment below and share Jared’s story.


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Bob Jones

Happily married to Jocelyn for 45 years. We have two adult sons, Cory and his wife Lynsey and their son Vincent and daughter Jayda; Jean Marc and his wife Angie and their three daughters, Quinn, Lena and Annora. I love inspiring people through communicating, blogging, and coaching. I enjoy writing, running, and reading. I'm a fan of the Double E, Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Pats. Follow me on Twitter @bobjones49ers

4 Comments

  • Jess Miller says:

    So happy a lost beautiful person like jared found God and began a change of self respect for himself and others.. god bless you Jared

  • Gary Myers says:

    Great testimony, Jared, thanks for sharing with such humility.

  • Sarina St Germaine says:

    I worked for Jared for a few months in early 2015 and I am still in awe of his level of commitment to his work and his family. I relocated and wasn’t able to stay a part of his LLR Canada team but in my new role as a property manager for a very large complex in BC, I try and take what he taught me into every business day. From the heart, I wish him nothing but success and love. His story was a reminder to stay close to God and trust His communication. Thanks for sharing your story, Jared.

    Sarina St Germaine

  • Curtis says:

    I hope Jared found god. Because as a kid he was very spoiled and disrespectful to his parents. He use to talk down to his dad. As far as hockey, he had a lot of potential. He was 6″2″ at 14 years old. He lies about this great junior career. (He only scored 6 goals in his junior career) and he was never close to playing in the NHL.

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