James Teague

The God of Fear

The middle child of five siblings, James Teague was raised by God-fearing parents on a West Texas farm. James’s life was focused on his church, farm-related activities and family relationships. With a very conservative church upbringing, James came to know God as a God of fear, not a God who would love him as he is.

The Power of Stupid

A typical child, James experienced the belittling attitudes of his siblings, which led to the belief that intelligence was impossible for him and success was something other people who were fortunate enough to experience it. Finding a safe place within himself, James withdrew because he believed others would not want to know him. Believing he was below par, ungifted and unwanted, he had no confidence in himself.

The God of Love

James was given a glimmer of hope and shown a God of love (instead of fear) when God provided a dance group, where he could truly be himself. From the dance group sprung a small Bible study group where James was given the empowerment to achieve. He gave himself, for the first time in his life, the permission to be alive and creative. God had provided the avenue to discover a place of acceptance where James could be loved as he is. Fellow Christians and close friends demonstrated God’s unconditional love, releasing the power of “stupid” from James’s life.

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James’s Speech:

The Power of Stupid

 Acting stupid is different than being stupid.

Children don’t often know there is a difference between acting stupid and being stupid. James’s is a story of one man who realized success in spite of the power of stupid.

“The Power of Stupid” reveals “stupid” for what it really is and presents the ability for conscious choice in our actions – and in our successes. The power of the word “stupid” is its ability to cause the receiver to take ownership of it and believe the issue is about them personally instead of about their actions.

James’s story demonstrates that going through life feeling stupid is a trap that harnesses a good self image, creativity and happiness in life. We can choose to accept God’s best for us and not be caught in that trap.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone who:

*  has been put down by those who are more powerful:  older siblings, parents, employers, mates, etc.

*  has been accused of being stupid because of a stupid act.

*  has a low self esteem and retreat inward in times of guilt or depression.

*  desires to know that God is love and there is a path of grace.