Two men invested in our local communities come together to share how their journeys of growth have impacted their beliefs and commitment to inspiring others to develop themselves. Chuck Ramsey and Keenan Clark each have unique stories and flavors to share with us about how to push ourselves to grow spiritually and physically.
When asked how one should invest in themselves spiritually, Chuck Ramsey, lead pastor at Restoration Church, answers in true pastoral fashion, offering a story from the Bible about a man in history who had everything according to worldly standards, yet everything wasn’t enough.
“Solomon, the wealthiest man to ever live had it all fantasies fulfilled, palatial splendor, unending resources, and when he wrote Ecclesiastes, he was frustrated that everything he had tried had failed to fulfill him. He concluded that God has put eternity into our hearts. St. Augustine also said, our hearts are restless until they find you, and so, my experience is, mankind is searching for something; in fact, he's craving it, and it's something that only God can give.”
This observation of the human dilemma in trying to fill an ever-present spiritual void with the world’s promises of satisfaction in relationships, alcohol, or something else is, according to Chuck, “man suppressing the truth. There is nothing man can accumulate to fill that hole. We were created to find something that satisfies, but in our own capacity, we can't find it.”
So, how do we realize this profound spiritual truth? According to Chuck, “Often it's a low point that mankind wakes up and says, I’ve got to take care of what really matters- the hole in my heart.” Chuck believes that deep down, the soul knows he is wired eternally, and while sometimes it takes coming to the end of ourselves, God also uses the beauty of this world to arouse this awakening. “It’s called natural revelation,” Chuck explains that when our souls light up to a breathtaking view of a sunset, an ocean, or a mountain top, or the indescribable joy of a child being born, those are all God-inspired moments that reveal Himself to us on this earth.
So, we know that God is seeking us, but how can we intentionally seek him in practical ways? “God has given each of us a calling- a purpose to fulfill- something that can help me not just live in the temporary here and now, but something with eternal meaning. We're not here just to enjoy the fine things of life. Our purpose will involve serving others and making a difference in other people's lives. And in that- there is a great reward.”
Chuck continues with good news, “The Bible says that “Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He says, if anybody will just open the door, I'll come in and dine with you.” And that is- I'll come in, and we'll have a real intimate relationship. He's knowable, and he wants you to experience him personally and then within the community.”
And so, how do you nurture that and stay spiritually fit? Put God in the places of your heart that can only be filled by him, read the Bible, find your purpose through Him, and live out that love in your community. “It's in community that we get to live out and experience the love of God. Those are our two basic needs: to know and be known, to love and be loved.” The result is sincere experience and transformed lives. “It’s a beautiful thing,” Chuck says, “-literally heaven on earth.”
Investing in oneself physically has been a way of life for Keenan Clark. Best known in the community as owner of Clark Salon and Spa in Canton, GA, a family business that began in 1978 with his father Billy, Keenan mastered the techniques of color and style and fed his entrepreneurial spirit by expanding into spa and wellness, all to satisfy a deeper passion of his: physical fitness. “For years and even from behind my salon chair, I have coached and inspired others into personal health and wellness goals.”
Keenan and his wife Bonnie met at Coffee’s Gym in 1998. Life took them on an adventure of building a business and raising a family, but their shared pursuit of fitness stayed constant through many phases, and now they are ready to pay it forward.
2023 gifted Keenan with the opportunity to finally pursue his lifelong dream of opening a gym, and the Clarks made plans to renovate the salon and spa to accommodate the new Torch MMA and Fitness. “The businesses are not connected, but they do complement each other. We already offer spa and recovery services that will cater to the athletes at Torch. Our family hair salon will continue to promote wellness and self-care in the beauty industry.”
Keenan explains, “The Torch is the oldest tool in history to light up dark places, and we are called to be light. Our light shines the brightest when we are our healthiest. Investing in your physical health will positively impact your mental and spiritual health because it’s all connected.”
“Torch is not a traditional gym. We have a much more innovative and effective conditioning style: train like a fighter, and you’ll get in the best shape of your life. Torch will have all-level combat classes as well as conditioning, yoga, and youth classes to combat bullying.” The head striking coach, Warren “The Destroyer” Thompson, has many accolades as a professional fighter and coach and is excited to bring his expertise to his home of Cherokee County.
“We fight for what is good in this world and pass it on,“ Keenan says, “We are TORCHES.”
Pastor Chuck Ramsey is the Lead Pastor of Reformation Church, North Atlanta. He believes in the next generation and has a heart to reach our city and beyond with the life-transforming message of Jesus. Restoration Church has ministries for all ages, including seniors. As a Church of God denomination, they welcome the Holy Spirit and the use of the spiritual gifts at Restoration Church in a fitting and orderly way. Come and See: Restorationchurch.faith
Keenan Clark is the second generation owner of Clark Salon and Spa, located in The Market at BridgeMill shopping center on Bells Ferry Rd in Canton. Over the past two decades, Keenan and his wife Bonnie have expanded the hair and nail salon to offer massage therapy, floatation therapy, fire & ice contrast therapy, and a vitality booth with halo salt therapy and red light therapy. We are excited to celebrate the Clark's gym addition to the Salon. Visit: ClarkSalon.com
“Our purpose is going to involve serving others, making a difference in other people's lives.”
“Mankind is searching for something…and it's something that only God can give.”
“Often it's a low point that mankind wakes up and says, I’ve got to take care of what really matters- the hole in my heart.”
“The Torch is the oldest tool in history to light up dark places, and we are called to be light. Our light shines the brightest when we are our healthiest. Investing in your physical health will positively impact your mental and spiritual health because it’s all connected.”
