Brandon Smith: A Story of Calling and Service in Burlington
In the cozy town of Burlington, one man’s journey is a heartfelt reminder of answering a calling and serving others in need. At just 12 years old, Brandon Smith felt a deep, undeniable calling to become a pastor, yet like many of us when faced with such significant life decisions, he resisted. “It was as if God had to knock me over the head,” Brandon recalls, looking back on those formative years.
For years, Brandon fought against this calling, saying, “I ran from pastoring for years, resisting everything He was asking of me.” However, everything changed in 2010. During a family cookout at his mom’s house, Brandon received a surprise that would alter the course of his life forever. When the chairman of the deacon board approached him, Brandon thought he was simply having a casual conversation. Instead, the chairman delivered life-changing news: “Well, we just finished the vote… and you won!” Shocked, Brandon responded, “What vote?” To which he learned it was about becoming the pastor of his church.
The Challenge of Leadership
When I asked Brandon if his reluctance stemmed from wanting to hold onto certain aspects of his life, he shared a deeper perspective. “I don’t think it was so much about what I wanted to give up, but more about what I had to accept,” he explained. He understood that leading people isn’t always a walk in the park. “Leading people can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with different personalities. I love the work I do. But accepting that not everyone will appreciate or understand my efforts was tough.”
Once he graduated high school, Brandon enlisted in the military, gaining valuable skills in leadership and conflict resolution that would later aid him in his pastoral journey. For the past 12 years, he has faithfully served as a respected and well-loved pastor in Burlington. Yet, Brandon’s calling is now leading him to serve in an even greater capacity.
Serving in Times of Crisis
As if being a devoted father of three wasn’t enough, Brandon also serves in the National Guard. Recently, he was deployed to Asheville to assist after Hurricane Helene ravaged the area. His dedication to serving others was put to a severe test as he witnessed dreadful destruction firsthand. “Busta, the best way I can describe it is like the scene from the movie ‘Independence Day’. The destruction was overwhelming, like nothing I’d ever seen,” Brandon described poignantly.
Brandon went on to explain the chaos and heartbreak he encountered, saying, “Houses were leveled completely to the ground, reduced to nothing but debris. The air felt heavy with brokenness. You could see it in the eyes of the people.” As he spoke, the emotional weight of his experiences was clear. He described how many were just trying to survive and piece their lives back together, while despair hung heavily in the atmosphere.
A Hand to Those in Need
His mission involved collecting supplies and transporting them to various points across Asheville and its surroundings. “At first, our job was simple; then we became a support operation for other units, ensuring they had what they needed to keep working,” said Brandon. His duties became crucial in aiding those who worked in the field, often in areas with limited resources.
Living through such devastation, Brandon’s mission is far from over. The National Guard will undoubtedly call him back to provide help wherever needed. “I’ve seen the burden these families carry,” he shared, reflecting on the weight of losing everything. “I kept asking myself, how would I react if I were in their shoes?” This thought stirred profound empathy within him, reminding us all of the importance of compassion.
Uniting for a Better Tomorrow
In the face of adversity, Brandon advocates for stronger communities today. “The challenges we face shouldn’t be left for future generations to solve. It’s our responsibility to take action and make things better for those who come after us,” he said, emphasizing the need to build resilient communities now, rather than waiting for disaster to strike.
*h4>Faith to Overcome Hardship
So, what keeps Brandon grounded during personal trials? He finds solace in scripture, particularly Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” His unwavering faith powers him through, reminding him that every fight is ultimately on God’s shoulders, ensuring him victory.
In a world full of challenges, Brandon Smith shines as a beacon of resilience and compassion. His journey illustrates the profound impact of answering one’s calling and serving humanity, inspiring others to do the same. Truly, he is our Phenomenal Person of the Week!
