How to Selflessly Serve #114

Wars cannot be won only on the battlefield.

Jake Harriman realized this truth while completing 4 tours as a Marine. During his service in the Middle East, Africa + Asia, he saw how extreme poverty caused desperation which directly fueled the growth of terrorist groups.

After completing his service, Jake started NURU International to address the extreme poverty in war-torn countries -- and in doing so, combat terrorist groups. Jake has been honored as the Unsung Hero of Compassion by the Dali Lama, the White House Champion of Change + named one of the top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs.

Today, Jake joins us to share his passion for serving, entrepreneurial brilliance + genuine heart. Jake gives new depth to the idea of "living inspired." Join us. 

SHOW NOTES:

• Learn more about Jake's work with NURU International here.
• "It's not fair that the GPS coordinates of someones birth place dictates what choices they have in this world." - Jake Harriman
• The humble leader will always be able to persevere.
• When the cause is just and right, there is no turning back.
• What is one way we can each choose to move towards unity in our country? Build a bridge to meet others where they are. Listen. Find someone who has the exact opposite political views that you do. Sit down with them. Have a cup of coffee. Listen and get to know them. Don't wait until they pause so you can make your point.
• Sometimes you are going to fail. Pick yourself up + get back in the fight. There is strength that comes from failure. 

JAKE HARRIMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Dreaming! I could dream big. I tried to do crazy stuff as a kid. We made a potion out of crayons and dirt to make me fly. Then, I put on a cape and jumped into cow manure!

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A medallion that I carried in combat. It says: [Joshua 1:9] "Be strong, courageous and remember that the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." It sealed my faith + gave me courage. I gave it to the love of my life when we got engaged. When she has to go into dark places, I wanted her to have the same medallion with her.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Abraham Lincoln. I'd ask: How in the world did you get through that time? And hold everything together with a nation that was literally pulling itself a part? I think he'd say "Find commonality - there are threads and values that run through all of us. Get back to those basics." I think that is what he did and succeeded.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Never say you can't do something, you have to believe in yourself and those who love you. 

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It's going to be dark. You are going to have a lot of really horrific moments that you didn't even know were possible. But in those moments, know that there is light coming. There is truth and love in people in this world. There is more light and hope than darkness. Never forget that.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He learned to love and learned to leave by serving others.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).