It was late 2007. I was leading a public relations team at Focus on the Family. As part of my job, I was tasked with promoting Boundless.
Founded by Focus employees Steve and Candice Watters, Boundless had been around for almost 10 years. Candice was now a stay-at-home mom but remained a regular Boundless contributor. Steve led the team that included (among others) Motte Brown and Ted Slater. A conversation with these three would change my career.
“We want to start a podcast and we think you should host it.”
“Really? I’ve never hosted a show. I’m not even part of the Boundless team.”
“You’re single and you like to talk. We think you’d do a great job.”
Yes, I was single. I was a young adult (how time flies!). I was dating rather poorly and willing to talk about it. I was occasionally funny. I also had many opinions (“hot takes,” if we’re being honest) and always seemed to spout them.
Steve, Motte, Ted and their wives had already been mentors to me in many ways. They introduced me to Boundless articles, advice, insight, and the inspiration to live intentionally in all things — especially relationships.
How it started
Our first episode aired a few months later, in January 2008. My opening line was, “I’m your host, Lisa Anderson, and I’m contemplating getting a gun,” a story born out of a frightening experience the night before when a large piece of art fell off my living room wall, waking me out of a dead sleep. I shared my realization that, as a woman living alone, I had no established plan to deal with middle-of-the-night home invaders (or precariously mounted paintings).
Few people were podcasting in early 2008. We sometimes felt like we were flying blind, but thanks to the guys’ entrepreneurial wisdom and my gift of gab and willingness to put my life trials and triumphs before the world, we made it work. And listeners showed up.
Two years later I moved to Boundless full-time, and have had the privilege of leading this ministry to young adults — single, engaged and married — for the past 15 years. Knowing this season is ending has prompted me to reflect on the many things I’ve learned and experienced during my time with Boundless. Here are a few.
Both marriage and singleness are good gifts. For much of my young adulthood, marriage was my Plan C. I prioritized my career and figured that marriage would eventually “happen,” kind of like death or the breakup of Destiny’s Child. But I was in my 30s and single, not knowing what to do to “fix” the problem of my singleness. Boundless taught me the value of honoring marriage as a single person, pursuing it prayerfully and intentionally, and dating with integrity and purpose. I also learned to view men as brothers in Christ — not pseudo-spouses, useful buddies, or objects of my relational wrath.
I also learned that singleness is a good thing, both as a season and as a calling. Singleness isn’t a second-class citizenship; it isn’t a waiting room for marriage. And my singleness (yep, still single) isn’t the biggest thing about me — nor is marriage the biggest thing about my married friends.
If you’re not growing, you’re regressing. As a young adult, I thought I was pretty put-together. I was smart, capable, creative. I was often kind. But then boyfriends dumped me, friends faded away, employees jumped ship. I blamed everyone but myself; why were these people so messed up?
It took me about a decade to learn that growing toward maturity is a full-time job that usually involves resources, people and input outside of myself. I couldn’t adopt a “take it or leave it” attitude about how I showed up in situations and relationships; I needed to move the needle. I prioritized God’s Word and started applying it. I found accountability. I took professional development opportunities at work. I did therapy. I got mentors. I tackled blind spots. I learned how to repeatedly repent and forgive.
God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit are the only two things that promise transformation. It’s why Boundless’ primary mission has been to disciple young adults. After all, it doesn’t matter if you marry a great girl or excel in your career or even serve in a ministry or at church if your own faith and character is in the toilet.
I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from Boundless writers and guests over the years. Every week as I edit articles and interview guests, I learn something new. There are times on the show (now well over 900 episodes)!) where I think: Haven’t we said everything there is to say about _____________? Then I start talking to a guest and I’m challenged with a fresh perspective. It’s a master class on life, and I have a front-row seat.
Be a contributor, not a consumer. Always find ways to give rather than take. This is Leadership 101. Managing people is no joke, so if you don’t see colleagues as people, as human resources, you are missing out. I’ve worked with many talented people, but it’s learning about their parents, kids, hometowns, hobbies, hope and dreams that has been most meaningful. I chose early on to dig in and do the work alongside my team. There’s a difference between leading and dictating. Likewise, helping employees maximize their giftings has been a privilege, even when it’s meant wishing them well as they grow into the next opportunity away from Boundless.
To this end, lift others up. Beth Moore says it this way: “Pray and push others forward.” Every day you’ll meet people determined to advance their own name, brand, platform or product. Yet God gives grace to the humble. Helping experts and everyday folks share their expertise, sell their book, open a career door or meet a mate has been one of my joys. Trust me; God has never held me back for letting someone else go first.
Take risks and trust God. Not long after I started on Focus on the Family’s PR team, my boss left and I got her job. I was the youngest person on my team — intimidating, to say the least. But I asked God to show up, and He did. He showed up again when I took on the mantle of leading Boundless. I remember standing at my desk thinking: I’ve never managed a website. I’ve never run a ministry. What am I doing? I sat with our legal team and learned how to do freelance contracts. I introduced myself to the world of content management. I took a deep dive into marketing and event planning.
While at Boundless, I wrote a book and started a speaking career. I wrote articles and op-eds at USA Today, the Chicago Tribune and beyond. I’ve been on TV and radio. Could I have imagined myself doing these things 20 years ago? Nah. But God knew.
Boundless fans are the best. When Boundless started a blog back in 2003, a community was born. The blog morphed into the show, then added social media, then events, then personal visits, greetings and shared milestones. Boundless is a family.
Via Boundless, you’ve walked with me through singleness, dating, breakups, caregiving, my mom’s passing, my sister’s kidney transplant, and so much more. You’ve prayed for me, encouraged me, and shown up for me. I met many of you at our Pursuit events here in Colorado Springs; I became friends with some of you more recently. You stop at our office while on vacation. You meet me for coffee when I’m somewhere around the U.S. or world (hello, United Kingdom, Caribbean, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia friends!). You see me at conferences, airports, churches and nail salons (crazy story). You are simply the best thing about Boundless, and I will miss you.
How it’s going
For the reasons above and more, my time with Boundless has been quite a ride. I have only love for Focus on the Family, my leaders, and my colleagues. Focus has been good to me in many ways. I have matured personally and professionally. I’ve been given untold opportunities to grow, explore, risk and fail. I’ve met the most amazing people. And I’ve been trained and positioned for what is next, whatever that may be. God knows; He’s already there. My job is to show up and take the assignment when it comes — to live in faith, not fear.
I said it in this post’s title, and I’ll say it here: I am Boundless’ biggest fan. I will always have a special place in my heart for this ministry, and especially for you, dear Boundless friends and fellow travelers.
If you want to stay in touch, follow me on Facebook or Instagram; when I make my next move I’ll announce it there. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what Boundless has meant to you. Please share, as your reflections are an encouragement to me and other fans saying goodbye. I leave you with this powerful benediction from the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians:
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. ~Ephesians 3:20-21
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