A Reflection on 5 Years of Freedom: My Spiritual Birthday
Today, I celebrate five years since my life was radically changed—five years since January 13, 2020, when God’s overwhelming grace met me in the middle of my brokenness. I look back on that moment and am in awe of what He’s done in my life. This isn’t just an anniversary—it’s a testimony of God’s faithfulness, love, and power to redeem what was once lost.
The past five years have been filled with incredible highs and heartbreaking lows. I’ve seen miracles I never thought possible, experienced losses that left me breathless, and walked through valleys that tested everything I believed. But through it all, God has never left my side. His hand has held me, guided me, and shaped me into someone I never thought I could become. Here’s a look back at the incredible journey God has taken me on.
Year 1: The Year of Calling and Obedience
In March 2020, I had my first vision for a ministry. It was unlike anything I’d ever imagined. I knew it wasn’t my own idea—it was a calling placed directly on my heart by God. Though I couldn’t see the full picture, I knew I had to take the first step.
Just days later, on March 13, 2020, everything changed. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Businesses closed, gatherings were canceled, and life as we knew it was disrupted. But even in the stillness, God was working. The extra time I suddenly had became an opportunity to pour into what God was calling me to build. I spent countless hours in prayer, writing, and seeking His direction.
In June, a prophetic word came to me: The ministry you are starting will plow ground that no church wants to plow. But God has placed your hand on the plow, and you are to move forward without looking back.
By September, Restored Warriors was officially launched. It wasn’t perfect, and I had no idea how to build something like this, but I knew I was walking in obedience to what God had asked of me. That obedience would become the foundation for everything that followed.
Year 2: The Year of Growth and Trials
February 2021 brought our first Restored Warriors retreat in Nashville. Though small, it was powerful. Men encountered the Holy Spirit in life-changing ways. We celebrated what God was doing and felt the momentum building.
With restrictions easing, I focused on planning the first Restored Warriors Reunion. By September, the reunion took place—a powerful gathering filled with testimonies of transformation. However, it wasn’t without challenges. Nine of our attendees contracted COVID-19. It was humbling and a stark reminder of the weight of the calling God had given me.
In October, life took an unexpected and terrifying turn. On October 10, my kids and grandkids were in a devastating car accident. Their truck was struck at 60 mph, and I feared the worst. But God showed up. His protection was undeniable—despite the severity of the wreck, they walked away with only minor injuries.
Just days later, on October 21, I said goodbye to my faithful companion, Bailey Parker—my sweet “Boo.” He had been by my side during some of the hardest years of my life, and losing him was like losing a piece of my heart.
Year 3: The Year of Change and Writing
Restored Warriors continued to grow in year three, and I saw God moving in incredible ways. Men were finding freedom and healing as their stories intersected with God’s redeeming grace.
But in the spring, God began stirring something new in my heart. He showed me that Restored Warriors was shifting direction. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I knew that He was asking me to step into something different.
That fall, I began writing what would become the heart of the ministry—The Restored Warrior curriculum. It wasn’t just another resource—it was a calling in written form. These teachings would become the foundation for everything we do, designed to take men deeper into discipleship, healing, and purpose.
In September, we held our second Restored Warriors Reunion at Eagle Sky Camp—a four-day event packed with exciting activities, adventures, and anointed teachings from God’s Word. We were honored to have 12 of the area’s most respected speakers and pastors bring powerful messages that challenged and encouraged everyone in attendance. The reunion was a beautiful reminder of how far God had brought the ministry and how much He was continuing to do.
Year 4: The Year of Setbacks and Strength
Year four was marked by some of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced. As I continued writing The Restored Warrior curriculum, I was also navigating a difficult season in my personal life.
In the spring, I made a wrong decision—one that cost me far more than I ever thought it would. It led to a major setback, one that shook me to my core and left me questioning everything. I felt lost, overwhelmed, and in desperate need of clarity.
In July, I took an emergency getaway to Florida to visit my brother. I brought my kids and grandkids with me, and that time away was exactly what I needed to clear my mind and refocus. Surrounded by family, I felt God gently reminding me of who I was and where He was leading me. Slowly but surely, He began to restore my strength and renew my purpose.
Year 5: The Year of Transformation and Vision
Year five was a year of transformation—not just for Restored Warriors but for me personally. The vision for the ministry began to shift from being solely a “sexual purity” ministry to a “discipleship” ministry. God was expanding the reach of what He had started, calling me to focus not only on freedom from sin but on the deeper work of walking with Christ daily.
In the midst of these changes, I took an eight-week sabbatical to seek clarity and rest. I needed time to step away, listen to God’s voice, and refocus my heart. That sabbatical became a season of deep healing and renewal. I came back with a stronger sense of purpose and a clear vision for the future.
By the end of the year, I had finished writing The Restored Warrior curriculum in its entirety. In a full-circle moment, we officially launched The Restored Warrior as the sole teaching of the ministry. What started as a vision in my heart had become a living, breathing testimony of God’s faithfulness.
A Journey of Grace
As I look back on these five years, I’m overwhelmed by God’s goodness. He has walked with me through every triumph and every trial. He has been my strength in moments of weakness, my comfort in times of loss, and my guide when I couldn’t see the way forward.
These past five years have taught me that true freedom isn’t found in avoiding pain—it’s found in trusting God through it. I’ve learned that obedience is costly but worth it. I’ve learned that even when I fall, His grace is always there to pick me back up.
To anyone who feels lost, weary, or unsure of what’s next, I want you to know that God sees you. He hears your cries, and He has a plan for your life that’s bigger than anything you can imagine.
Today, I celebrate five years of freedom, five years of growth, and five years of grace. But more than that, I celebrate the God who made it all possible. Here’s to the next chapter—written by His hand and for His glory alone.
Thank You, Jesus, for five incredible years. My heart is Yours forever.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.