I had the privilege of photographing Mark at our church. He was presenting a parenting conference. He also spoke at our church services earlier that morning. Mark Gregston is the founder of Heartlight Ministries. It is a residential counseling center for teens. He has also written 12 books, as well as the host of the acclaimed radio program, Parenting Today’s Teens. I participated in one of his book studies a few years ago, and really learned about how teens interact in their families. His book, Tough Guys and Drama Queens should be on every parent’s list to read in order to help understand today’s teenagers. Mark is a no-frills kinda guy. Did I mention he kinda looks like Mark Twain (see quote image). He’s very animated when he speaks (see picture set below). He says it like he sees it, which can have a tendency to “turn off” some modern-day church goers, but when you really listen, what he says makes sense. His motto to parents is “lighten up”. And the best advice he can give a confused parent with a troubled teen is to “listen”. It’s not our responsibility to “fix them”, rather help them develop their God-given abilities to make it out in the world. He says his best counseling sessions are usually, “yeah”, “un’huh”, “wow”, “no way”, “c’mon”, because he just listens. He never gives answers, just asks questions. It’s an interesting approach, that seems to work for him and his ministry. Mark is a funny guy as well. He could keep most people entertained for hours with his stories. And boy, does he have some doozies (stories). The loyalty he builds with his residents is lifelong. The best thing parents can do is to make sure their children know they are loved. Leave the perfectionism, the control, and the judgemental attitudes at the door. If you want to grow closer to your teen, be vulnerable with your teen. Be honest. His quote (see image below) is something every single person on the planet should read, believe, and put into practice. If you are ever in East Texas (Longview), look him up. I’m sure he’d have a cup of coffee with you and welcome you with conversation. Mark is making an impact in so many ways today. The world is definitely a better place because of him. That’s why he is one of my Men of Influence.
Mark displaying his inviting personality
The Modern-day Evangelical Mark Twain
This could be a portrait taken back in the Cowboy days…
The animated and dynamic speaker in action, telling me a story….