Name: Michael Hall City: Asheville Instagram: @g2gdads
What does being a father mean to you?
I believe it’s the second most important and impactful role a man can have
Being a father means being a reflection of God’s love, grace, and guidance in the lives of those I lead—both my own children and the men I serve through my ministry. It’s more than a title; it’s a calling to protect, provide, nurture, and teach by example.
My own journey taught me that fatherhood starts with healing the boy inside the man. I didn’t always get it right, but through faith and forgiveness, I learned that being a father isn’t about where you started—it’s about how you show up now.
To me, being a father means standing in the gap—breaking cycles, restoring trust, and creating a legacy built on love, accountability, and presence. It’s walking in purpose every day, knowing that the way I live will either heal or harm the next generation. I choose to heal, to build, and to be more alive—for them and through Him.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My dad was not present.
As I look back, I can see how the trauma of his absence impacted my decisions.
Growing up, my relationship with my father was marked by absence, inconsistency, and unanswered questions. I didn’t have his consistent presence or guidance, and for a long time, I didn’t realize how deeply that shaped me. It left me searching for identity, direction, and a definition of manhood that I could trust. His absence created a void that I tried to fill through the streets, anger, and survival.
One of the most life-changing moments came when I met one of my sisters by accident—I was attempting to have a physical relationship with her, not knowing we were family until we both ended up standing outside my father’s apartment. When I asked what she was doing there, she said, “This is my dad’s apartment.” I told her, “No way. I’m Michael Hall—my dad is Nelson Hall.” That moment stopped me in my tracks and exposed the deep generational disconnection that comes from a father not being truly present.
The most impactful but destructive thing my dad showed me was that he would be violent to defend me—which, as a young man, I confused with love and protection. It taught me to equate anger with strength and fighting with loyalty, shaping years of my life around violence and reaction instead of peace and purpose. That path eventually led me down hard roads, including incarceration.
But God used that brokenness to rebuild me from the inside out. Through faith and healing, I learned that what I lacked from my earthly father could be restored through my Heavenly Father. Real strength isn’t in aggression—it’s in compassion, accountability, and love.
Today, as the Founder of Be-More Alive Ministry and a fatherhood mentor, I use my story to help other men face their pain, find forgiveness, and redefine manhood. My father’s absence taught me how powerful presence truly is—and now I’m committed to being that presence for my children and for every man I’m called to reach.
What things/tools/gems did you take from your experience growing up into your Fatherhood journey today?
Many identified my errors/crimes but not my cry.
Understanding that I have the right and strength to ask for help
Trauma resilience, emotional intelligence, identity, and the fact that the change was available and obt
ainable
From my experience growing up without a consistent father, I learned that pain can either poison you or push you toward purpose. The greatest gems I took from my childhood are forgiveness, empathy, and presence. I realized that what I didn’t receive taught me what I needed to give.
I learned that true fatherhood starts with healing. I had to confront my own wounds so I wouldn’t pass them on to my children. I also learned that love isn’t proven through anger or control—it’s proven through consistency, humility, and time.
My past taught me the value of faith, accountability, and community. These tools guide how I lead my home and my ministry. Today, I use those same lessons to help other men understand that even broken beginnings can lead to powerful fatherhood. Every scar became a source of wisdom, and every mistake became a reminder that redemption is real.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
Yes. My fatherhood journey has been one of redemption and responsibility. I grew up without a consistent father figure, and early in life, I faced challenges that led to incarceration and separation from my children. Those experiences forced me to confront my own pain, redefine manhood, and commit to becoming the father I never had.
Through faith, self-reflection, and community, I rebuilt my life and purpose. Today, as the Founder of Be-More Alive Ministry, a Chaplain, Certified Peer Support Specialist, and Fatherhood Coach, I use my testimony to empower other men to heal and lead with love. My obstacles became my assignment—to show that transformation is possible, and that true fatherhood begins with being present, accountable, and fearless in love.
What advice would you give other Fathers on their journey?
My advice to other fathers is this: don’t run from your reflection—grow from it. Fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, patience, and progress. You may not have had the best example, but you can become one. Take the time to heal from what hurt you so you don’t pass that pain on to your children.
You don’t have to make up for the past—just take advantage of the present. Every moment you choose to show up is a step toward restoration. Lead your family through love, not fear. Surround yourself with brothers who will hold you accountable and lift you higher. And remember—you are on purpose for a purpose. Your children don’t need a perfect man; they need a present one.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
I used to carry a lot of anger toward you—anger for not being there, for leaving me to figure manhood out on my own. But with time, I realized that holding on to that pain only kept me trapped in the same cycle you were caught in. I now understand you could only give what you had, and life didn’t equip you to father from a healed place.
Your absence became my assignment. It pushed me to grow, to heal, and to become the father I once needed. Because of what I lacked, I found my purpose—to help other men break the same chains and lead with love, presence, and faith.
I offer you the same grace I needed as a dad—and I want you to know, I’m here for you. I forgive you, I love you, and I thank God for using even the broken pieces to build something whole.
With grace and peace,
Your Son, Michael
