Posted on Aug 01, 2025

BYU Graduate Abandons Dream Career After One Summer Changes Everything

BYU Graduate Abandons Dream Career After One Summer Changes Everything

Sometimes the most unexpected detours become our greatest destinations. David Bowman's transformation from a destined illustrator to a faith-focused educator showcases that our talents often serve as stepping stones rather than final destinations. In this episode of the Why We Believe show with Nathan Gwilliam, David brings unique perspectives to discussions about career pivots, spiritual callings, and using creative gifts for ministry, as the creator of the viral "Drawn In" video series and former seminary teacher.

David's credentials span both artistic excellence and educational impact. After earning his illustration degree from BYU and serving a mission, he seemed positioned for a traditional art career. However, his journey took an unexpected turn that would eventually lead to touching millions of families worldwide through his innovative approach to teaching gospel principles through visual storytelling. His story reveals that sometimes our greatest talents are designed to prepare us for purposes we never anticipated.

The journey from aspiring professional artist to faith educator illustrates that divine redirections often come disguised as temporary opportunities. David's experience encourages anyone questioning their career path to remain open to spiritual promptings, even when they seem to contradict our carefully laid plans. His story shows that following inspiration can lead to impact far beyond what we initially envision for our lives.

One Summer That Redefined Everything  

David's artistic journey began in childhood, with a natural talent that seemed to emerge before he could even walk properly. He often jokes that he might have been drawing on the walls of the womb, reflecting a passion that appeared hardwired into his very being. His parents recognized this gift early, nurturing his abilities and supporting his decision to pursue illustration at BYU. The path seemed clear and predetermined - graduate, establish an art career, and build a life around creating visual works.

After completing his mission and returning to his studies, David's trajectory appeared set in stone. He had the education, the talent, and the drive to succeed in the competitive world of illustration. However, one summer working as an EFY  counselor introduced him to an experience that would shake the foundations of his assumed future. Working with teenagers in a spiritual setting revealed something unexpected - his love for teaching and mentoring young people in their faith journeys.

This revelation came as both a surprise and a challenge. While David had always enjoyed his artistic pursuits, something about connecting with youth and helping them develop testimonies resonated on a deeper level than creating art for its own sake. The realization that teaching might be more fulfilling than illustration forced him to reconsider everything he thought he knew about his purpose and calling. This internal shift would ultimately lead him to make a decision that seemed to contradict his natural talents and educational investment.

The Seminary Teaching Years  

The decision to pursue seminary teaching represented a significant departure from David's original plans. Instead of launching into the art world immediately after his mission, he chose to follow the spiritual promptings he felt during his EFY experience. This meant additional preparation and a completely different career trajectory than what he had envisioned throughout his college years. The transition required faith that this new direction would prove as fulfilling as the artistic calling he was setting aside.

Seminary teaching provided David with the opportunity to combine his love for youth ministry with structured gospel instruction. The role allowed him to develop his teaching skills while working within the established framework of church education. However, even within this fulfilling environment, David continued to feel creative stirrings that suggested his artistic background might play a larger role in his future than he initially realized. The experience taught him that our talents rarely disappear when we change directions - they often evolve to serve new purposes.

During his seminary years, David began to recognize that his artistic abilities and teaching passion didn't have to exist separately. He started envisioning ways to combine visual creativity with gospel instruction, planting seeds for innovations that would later define his career. The security and structure of church employment provided a valuable learning environment, but something continued to nudge him toward exploring how his unique combination of skills might serve families and youth in ways beyond traditional classroom settings.

The Leap Into Creative Ministry  

After several years in seminary teaching, David faced another crossroads that would require significant faith. Despite the security and satisfaction of his position, he felt inspired to leave church employment and venture into independent creative work. This decision meant abandoning the safety net of steady income and established systems to pursue something entirely uncertain. The leap required trusting that his combination of artistic talent and teaching passion could create opportunities he couldn't yet fully envision.

David's initial focus centered on creating fine art depictions of Christ and developing illustrated children's books that applied scriptural stories to modern situations. His approach differed from traditional religious art by emphasizing close-up facial expressions that conveyed emotion and connection rather than elaborate background scenes. This unique style began attracting attention from publishers, with Deseret Book showing immediate interest in both his artwork and his book concepts. The positive response validated his decision to strike out independently.

The success of his early projects demonstrated that there was indeed a market for his distinctive approach to faith-based art and education. His children's books, particularly those that helped young readers connect Book of Mormon characters to their own daily experiences, filled a need that traditional religious materials hadn't addressed. This validation encouraged David to continue expanding his creative ministry, setting the stage for even more innovative approaches to family gospel instruction.

The Birth of Drawn In  

The concept for David's "Drawn In" video series emerged from his desire to create something entirely new in family gospel education. Before COVID-19 became a global concern, David envisioned filming himself drawing while teaching gospel principles, combining visual art creation with doctrinal instruction. The timing of this inspiration proved remarkably prescient, as the series launched just months before worldwide lockdowns created an unprecedented demand for family-friendly online content.

The Drawn In series represents the ultimate fusion of David's artistic talents and teaching passion. Each episode features David drawing while discussing gospel topics, incorporating humor through character puppets, and maintaining engagement through varied content that appeals to different learning styles. The format allows families to experience both the creative process and the spiritual instruction simultaneously, creating a unique viewing experience that traditional teaching methods couldn't replicate.

Key elements that make 'Drawn In' effective include:

• Visual engagement through watching the artistic creation process

• Educational content that applies to real family situations
• Humor and entertainment that keeps children interested

• Consistent spiritual messages woven throughout each episode

• Flexible format that works for various family dynamics

• Regular release schedule that builds anticipation and routine

The series' success during the pandemic demonstrated that David's long journey from artist to teacher to creative minister had prepared him for exactly the right moment in history. Families suddenly confined to their homes desperately needed engaging, educational content that could supplement their spiritual instruction. The combination of David's artistic skills, teaching experience, and innovative thinking created a resource that met this unprecedented need.

Embrace Your Unexpected Calling  

David Bowman's journey from aspiring artist to faith educator demonstrates that our talents often serve purposes we never anticipated. His story encourages anyone feeling torn between their natural abilities and spiritual promptings to remain open to divine redirection. The path from illustration student to seminary teacher to creative minister shows that seemingly disconnected experiences often weave together in ways we can't initially comprehend.

Consider examining your own life for talents and passions that might combine in unexpected ways. David's artistic abilities didn't disappear when he chose teaching - they evolved to serve his calling in more impactful ways than he could have imagined. Your own combination of skills, interests, and spiritual promptings may be preparing you for opportunities that don't yet exist but will emerge at exactly the right time.

Take time to evaluate whether you're being called to merge your talents in the service of others. David's experience with the Why We Believe show demonstrates that following spiritual impressions about career changes can lead to ministry opportunities that touch lives far beyond what traditional paths might offer. Whether through formal calling changes or creative side projects, your unique combination of abilities may be exactly what someone else needs to experience spiritual growth and connection.

Thank you for reading this week's blog post inspired by the Why We Believe show. If you are interested in more stories like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes at WhyWeBelieve.com.

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Shooting with Lexi Lagan: A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Perseverance
Shooting with Lexi Lagan: A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Perseverance
  • by Nathan Gwilliam
  • Sep 13, 2024

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, Lexi Lagan, a two-time Olympian, shared her incredible journey from a small-town Nevada girl to an internationally recognized Olympic shooter. Having competed in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Lexi has risen to prominence in the shooting sports world, but her journey hasn’t been solely about medals and accolades. She speaks candidly about how her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ has guided her through life's trials and triumphs. Born in Boulder City, Nevada, Lexi came from a close-knit family and pursued a physics and political science degree at the University of Utah. While her academic journey was impressive, her athletic career soon took center stage, leading her to Colorado Springs, where she began training as a professional shooter. But Lexi’s story is not just about athletic prowess—it’s about how faith and perseverance have shaped her into the resilient, driven woman she is today. This blog post will explore four core areas of Lexi’s faith journey: finding strength in Jesus Christ, leaning on prayer in difficult moments, understanding the role of divine timing, and experiencing joy through adversity. Each section will explore how her faith has intertwined with her Olympic career and personal life, inspiring readers to incorporate faith into their own daily experiences. 1. Finding Strength in Jesus Christ Lexi’s journey as an Olympic athlete has been deeply intertwined with her faith in Jesus Christ. From a young age, she recognized that her athletic abilities were gifts that needed to be nurtured, not just for personal success, but as a way to glorify God. Through her many achievements, Lexi credits her strength, perseverance, and resilience to her reliance on Jesus Christ. Throughout her training and competitions, Lexi found that whenever she strengthened her spiritual relationship, her shooting performances would improve as well. She realized that the more she leaned into her faith and sought strength from Jesus, the easier it became to face challenges in her sport. Whether it was a tough training day or a high-pressure competition, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and capability when she centered her thoughts on Christ. Her time competing on the world stage wasn’t always smooth sailing. One particularly challenging moment occurred during her trip to New Delhi for a World Cup competition when she was stuck in a potentially dangerous situation due to political unrest. Despite the chaos, Lexi turned to prayer, finding solace in her unshakable belief that God was watching over her. This profound trust in Jesus Christ provided her with the calm and strength to navigate uncertainty with grace. 2. Leaning on Prayer in Difficult Moments For Lexi, prayer has been an essential part of her daily routine, especially during moments of uncertainty or fear. In her Olympic journey, Lexi frequently encountered situations where the stakes were high, and the pressure was overwhelming. However, she consistently turned to prayer as a way to find peace and connect with God in those critical moments. One of the most viral moments of her career came from a photograph of her praying before stepping onto the shooting line at the Tokyo Olympics. This image captured the essence of Lexi’s reliance on God—before competing, she doesn’t pray to win, but rather for comfort, guidance, and the reminder that He is always with her, regardless of the outcome. Her prayer was a moment of grounding and reflection, helping her stay focused on what truly mattered: her relationship with Christ. During the interview, Lexi also recounted a terrifying experience while stranded in New Delhi amidst escalating political tension. Rather than succumbing to fear, she prayed for comfort and protection. Lexi’s faith assured her that she was being watched over and that her Heavenly Father was with her every step of the way. It was through prayer that she found the strength to face each challenge with a calm and steadfast heart. 3. Understanding the Role of Divine Timing Lexi’s life is a testament to divine timing—how every event, no matter how unexpected, aligns with God’s plan. One of the most significant instances of this was how she met her husband during a simple mini-golf outing with friends. At the time, Lexi had no idea that this casual event would lead her to the love of her life. Yet, as she looked back, she saw that everything happened according to God’s perfect timing. Even in moments of professional uncertainty, Lexi trusted that God had a plan for her. She shared a story of how her funding was unexpectedly cut just two weeks before Christmas, leaving her with the prospect of homelessness. Instead of despairing, Lexi leaned on her faith, trusting that God would provide. Through the support of friends and her own resourcefulness, she found a way forward, and the experience only strengthened her resolve. Lexi encourages listeners to trust in the process, even when the road seems difficult. She emphasizes that God’s plan may not always align with our personal expectations, but it is always for our greater good. By focusing on the bigger picture and trusting in divine timing, Lexi was able to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, both in her personal life and career. 4. Experiencing Joy Through Adversity A common misconception is that faith in Jesus Christ eliminates the challenges and hardships of life. Lexi’s story shows that while challenges are inevitable, faith offers a path to experience joy even amidst adversity. Despite facing numerous personal and professional struggles, Lexi has always found joy in her relationship with Christ. Lexi speaks openly about how the church has been a guiding light in her life, teaching her the difference between happiness and joy. While happiness is often fleeting, tied to circumstances, joy is a deep, abiding feeling rooted in faith and the knowledge of God’s love. This joy has carried her through some of the most difficult moments of her life, including the pressures of competing on the world stage, financial struggles, and moments of fear. Reflecting on her journey, Lexi emphasizes that joy comes from recognizing how deeply God loves each individual. Despite the millions of people on Earth, she feels a personal connection with her Heavenly Father, who knows her by name and has guided her steps every day of her life. This recognition fuels the joy that she carries with her, even during the toughest times. Conclusion: A Call to Action Lexi Lagan’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith, prayer, and trust in God’s plan can shape a life filled with joy, perseverance, and purpose. Her journey from a small-town girl to an Olympic athlete is not just a tale of athletic achievement but of spiritual growth and reliance on Christ. Lexi’s ability to turn to Jesus in times of triumph and trial has enabled her to navigate life’s challenges with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith. If you feel inspired by Lexi’s story, consider taking steps to invite Christ into your daily life. Here are some simple ways to start: Dedicate a few minutes each day to prayer, asking for guidance and strength in your personal journey. Reflect on moments of hardship and look for how God’s hand has guided you, even when the outcome wasn’t what you expected. Share your faith with others, just as Lexi did with her husband, and encourage those around you to seek a relationship with Christ. As Lexi’s story shows, finding strength in Christ can transform every aspect of your life—whether you’re striving for an Olympic gold or simply navigating the challenges of daily life.

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Faith in the Fast Lane
Faith in the Fast Lane
  • by Nathan Gwilliam
  • Jan 31, 2025

In today's high-pressure legal world, where success is measured by billable hours and landmark cases, it's refreshing to encounter someone who views their achievements through a spiritual lens. This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Jonathan Guynn, a partner at the prestigious global law firm Jones Day and a man of profound faith. From his early years in Connecticut to his current role handling complex commercial litigation and religious liberty cases, Jonathan's journey illustrates how faith can shape both professional excellence and personal purpose. Jonathan's story bridges two worlds that many find difficult to reconcile - high-powered legal practice and deep spiritual devotion. As a graduate of UVA Law School who began his career with two prestigious federal clerkships, Jonathan has achieved remarkable professional success. However, what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to faith and his unique perspective on how spiritual principles can transform our approach to life's challenges. Throughout our conversation, Jonathan shared profound insights about the true nature of our covenant with God, the transformative power of authentic connection, and how understanding God's love can reshape our perspective on life's trials. His experiences offer valuable lessons about judgment, personal growth, and the unexpected ways that faith can manifest in our lives. Growing Up Among Giants Jonathan's formative years in New Canaan, Connecticut, placed him in an extraordinary environment that would shape his understanding of faith and success. His ward included some of the most prominent business leaders in America - Gary Crittenden, the CFO of American Express; Dave Checketts, the president of Madison Square Garden; and Jim Quigley, who led Deloitte US. These weren't just names in the business world; they were his church leaders, young men's advisors, and spiritual mentors. What left an indelible impression on young Jonathan wasn't their professional achievements, but their dedication to service and faith. Despite managing demanding careers and families, these leaders consistently showed up for Saturday morning service projects, dedicated countless hours to church callings, and prioritized their families and faith communities. This example demonstrated to Jonathan that success and spiritual dedication weren't mutually exclusive but could actually enhance each other. The impact of this environment wouldn't fully register until years later when Jonathan began his own legal career. Only then did he truly appreciate the level of sacrifice these leaders made - balancing high-powered careers with 10-20 hours weekly of church service while raising families. Their example set a standard for Jonathan of what it meant to be "anxiously engaged" in every aspect of life. The Transformative Power of High Expectations A pivotal moment in Jonathan's life came through a conversation with his grandfather, Ed Quinn, a West Point graduate and Korean War veteran. His grandfather's challenge to be in the "top 10%" of missionaries - those who are fully committed regardless of circumstances - became a defining moment that would shape Jonathan's entire approach to life. This wasn't just about missionary service; it became a blueprint for excellence in every endeavor. This mindset shift propelled Jonathan from being, by his own admission, an "unserious person" to achieving excellence in his academic and professional pursuits. The principle of being in the "top 10%" followed him through his studies at BYU, his time at UVA Law School, and into his legal career. More importantly, it shaped his approach to being a husband, father, and servant in his faith community. The power of these high expectations, coupled with faith, demonstrated how spiritual principles could catalyze remarkable personal growth. It wasn't about perfectionism or comparison with others, but about giving one's absolute best effort in service to God and others. Finding God's Hand in Life's Trials Jonathan's faith journey faced its greatest test when he and his wife lost both her parents within 18 months. Her mother Sandra had just retired to spend time with her grandchildren when she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Shortly after her passing, her father Ralph died from complications during a routine heart procedure. This devastating sequence of events forced Jonathan to grapple with deep questions about faith, God's role in our trials, and the nature of divine purpose. 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Judging Less, Loving More One of the most transformative lessons in Jonathan's spiritual journey came from realizing how poorly positioned we are to judge others' faith journeys. A powerful conference talk about a less-active sister helped him understand that God's perspective of His children is vastly different from our limited human view. This insight became particularly meaningful as Jonathan reflected on his own missionary experiences and professional interactions. He learned that people's spiritual struggles often stem from experiences, traumas, and challenges that aren't visible to others. What might appear as simple inactivity or poor choices to an observer could mask a complex spiritual journey that only God fully understands. This understanding has transformed how Jonathan approaches both his legal practice and his church service. Instead of making assumptions about others' spiritual standing, he focuses on extending Christ-like love and understanding, recognizing that everyone's path is unique and that God's love encompasses far more than we can comprehend. Building Eternal Families Through Simple Acts Jonathan's experiences as a missionary in France beautifully illustrate how seemingly small acts of genuine care can have eternal consequences. When traditional teaching methods weren't working with two young brothers from a part-member family, Jonathan and his companion took an unconventional approach - they invested in Magic: The Gathering cards and spent time playing with the boys. This simple act of meeting the young men where they were, combined with service at the Red Cross and attending their sporting events, opened doors that formal teaching couldn't. The relationship built through these genuine interactions eventually led to both brothers joining the church. Years later, Jonathan received the touching news that one of them had married in the temple and was starting an eternal family. This experience reinforced a crucial principle: sometimes the most significant spiritual breakthroughs come not from formal teaching or preaching, but from authentic connection and genuine friendship. It's a reminder that building God's kingdom often happens through small and simple means, and that showing real interest in others' lives can have eternal consequences. Your Divine Journey As we reflect on Jonathan Guynn's inspiring journey through law and faith, we're reminded that success doesn't have to come at the cost of spiritual growth. His story challenges us to view our daily actions and decisions from an eternal perspective, whether we're in a high-powered career or any other walk of life. More importantly, it shows us that authentic connection and genuine care can create ripples of spiritual impact that extend far beyond what we can see. Each of us has the potential to make a significant difference in the world when we align our actions with our spiritual beliefs. Whether it's through professional excellence, service in our communities, or simple acts of friendship, we can be instruments in God's hands. Jonathan's experiences remind us that sometimes the smallest acts - like playing cards with teenagers or showing up consistently for service - can have eternal consequences. As you go forward from reading this post, consider how you might view your own challenges, successes, and relationships through this spiritual lens. Remember that God's deal with us isn't about receiving immediate rewards for our good deeds, but about becoming more like Him through faithful living and loving others. When we embrace this perspective, we open ourselves to a deeper kind of success - one that transforms not just our circumstances, but our very nature. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.

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