Michele Assad, a former CIA operative in the Middle East and author of "Breaking Cover" and "Get Off the X," shares her thrilling journey from espionage to empowerment. She recounts high-stakes survival tactics and the profound concept of 'getting off the X' to break free from life’s confines. With exhilarating stories of her espionage experiences, Michele emphasizes confronting fear, finding purpose, and using faith as a guide to navigate life's complexities and achieve personal growth.
The concept of 'get off the X' teaches the importance of swiftly leaving dangerous situations, applicable to both espionage and everyday life decisions.
Fear is presented as a manageable barrier that can be navigated with determination, leading individuals to confront challenges and realize their potential.
Deep dives
The Importance of Seeking Truth
Understanding who Jesus is remains a central theme for many individuals seeking spiritual clarity. The discussion emphasizes the classic book 'More Than a Carpenter,' co-written by Dr. Josh McDowell and his son, Dr. Sean McDowell, which addresses fundamental questions about Christ's identity and the reliability of biblical records. Questions such as whether Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or indeed Lord are pivotal in this exploration of faith. This book serves as a resource for those wanting to articulate their beliefs and share the good news about Jesus with confidence.
The Thrill of a Spy's Life
The career of a CIA operative offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of espionage, which captivates public interest. The popularity of films and the existence of entities like the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., highlight how this genre resonates with many. The speaker expresses gratitude towards those in intelligence roles, recognizing their sacrifices in service to their country and protection of its citizens. The personal narrative includes a touching story about an encounter with a Secret Service member, enhancing the appreciation of these professions.
Getting Off the X: A Survival Strategy
The term 'get off the X' is a critical survival strategy taught to CIA operatives, referring to the need to leave a dangerous situation quickly. This concept delineates the immediate, reactive actions required in life-threatening circumstances, emphasizing the importance of overcoming the natural freeze response experienced during stress. Practical examples illustrate the urgency of such situations, reinforcing the notion that survival depends on swift decision-making and action. This metaphor extends beyond espionage, applicable to everyday choices and spiritual journeys that require movement away from fear and stagnation.
Overcoming Fear and Obstacles
Fear often serves as a significant barrier to overcoming obstacles and pursuing one's life mission. Individuals are encouraged to confront fear and push through it to discover their true potential, drawing on personal anecdotes to illustrate these points. The speaker challenges the belief that fear is a permanent state, instead presenting it as something that can be navigated with practice and determination. Through sharing experiences of persistence and reliance on God, the message conveys that courage can lead to transformative outcomes.
In her first book, Breaking Cover, Michele Assad introduced the concept “get off the x.” In CIA terms, this is how officers are trained to survive deadly situations: get out of the kill zone as fast as possible. While working in counterterrorism in the Middle East, every day brought a life-or-death situation for Michele. After learning to “get off the x” and use determination and discomfort to fuel a thriving life, Michele calls upon us to do the same. With stories of her time in the CIA and the lives of those whom she encountered, as well as everyday people who found ways to get unstuck in their own lives, she will encourage us to stop feeling stuck and take charge of your situation, much like an agent in the field would.