Out of the Valley
one local dad’s path out of the shadows
“The Kevin of today may impress you, but Kevin 3-4 years ago made really small decisions, and small steps to get to the dad he is today,” explains Kevin Goodnight.
Now an inspirational father, author, speaker, leader and mentor, Kevin’s life might seem like the “picture perfect” existence from the outside looking in.
One would call him a devoted Dad who values the relationships with his sons and the importance in raising admirable young men.
One would call him a devoted Dad, who values his marriage, adores his wife and appreciates her as an integral part of their team.
One would call him a devoted Dad, who values leadership, connection and authenticity in sharing life’s journeys with other men, valleys and peaks.
But, oftentimes the stories that impact us the most, are the ones with the rockiest pasts.
Growing up he always thought his family unit was the quintessential American dream. But, after a typical day in eighth grade, Kevin came home to an empty house. His mother had left. And his father was left scrambling to raise three teenagers on his own.
Two years would pass before Kevin’s mother decided to return, but she returned a different woman. One that had built a relationship with God, and was seeking redemption and salvation.
But, it wasn't until Kevin would later become a father himself that his own journey through redemption would become clear.
“Work hard, play hard was always the motto,” he explains. “Men like control, and being called to lead, to build your own kingdom, but many only think about it as providing financially for your family.”
And, Kevin had it all. He played for Baylor football, and by 22 was topping the ranks in a successful sales career. But, as his career climbed, he was personally venturing down a deep, dark path to despair, shame and alcohol abuse.
Kevin had found himself in a vicious cycle of what he thought was contentment, but was actually a toxic way of life that was not serving himself, or his family. By 32, his resume was brighter than ever, but his after hours drinking
habits were dimming his spirit.
“One day during the pandemic, I woke up, and this sounds crazy, but I believe the Lord told me, you’re going to do big things this year,” says Kevin.
There was only one problem, he had no idea what that meant.
With guidance and support from his wife to figure out his own path, he started to pray, contemplate and open himself up to a new way of thinking. A new way of living.
It took almost that whole year to take that next step and fast from alcohol. And his vision started to become less cloudy.
But, it took a quiet, little lady he had never met, a stranger randomly chosen to sit at the same table as him at a wedding. A messenger, who without saying another word, abruptly looked right at him, and said, “You’re going to write a book.”
Still not quite sure what to do with that seemingly direct and clear message, Kevin pondered on.
Putting one foot in front of the other in an uncertain journey but trusting in what felt right. His sobriety, his intentions, his choices were slowly leading him down a new path.
On day 40 of his sobriety journey, a fellow meeting member referred to him by the term, DADvoted. A purpose, a calling, a dad who was devoted to creating more for himself and his family.
And from there, things started to click into place.
In 2023, Kevin published that predestined book, titled “Dadvoted: Dads Devoted to Discovering their Duty, Direction, and Destiny.” And a year later, Kevin boldly left his 20 years in corporate leadership to walk in his faith, his calling, and his newfound passion.
A mission that is now leading Kevin to mentorship and sharing his journey with countless dads, male role models, leaders and corporate teams, challenging them to become the best versions of themselves.
Once taking for granted the family and life he was blessed with, he says, “I now have a vision for my family and our future generations.”
A future that is devoted to happiness, fulfillment and peace, centered by one DADvoted Dad.
More information on Kevin’s first and second DADvoted books, keynote speaking presentations, online courses, sobriety support group and his regional C-Suite for Christ ministry can be found at dadvoted.com.
“Men like control, and being called to lead, to build your own kingdom, but many only think about it as providing financially for your family.”