Shattered

"I was Frank Pastore, pitcher."

From athlete to believer. Frank Pastore's journey began as a talented baseball player, rising through the ranks to become a Major League pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds. His identity was firmly rooted in his athletic prowess and success on the field. However, a career-ending injury in 1984 shattered his dreams and forced him to confront the emptiness of his pursuits.

Spiritual awakening. Through a series of events and encounters with Christian teammates, Pastore began to question his atheistic worldview. He delved into Christian apologetics, reading works by C.S. Lewis and Josh McDowell, which challenged his preconceptions and led him to embrace faith in Christ. This transformation marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, shifting his focus from athletic achievement to spiritual growth and understanding.

"My mother had lied to me."

Distorted reflections. Pastore's childhood was marked by instability and deception. His mother's chronic lying and manipulative behavior created a distorted sense of reality and self-image. Growing up as a latchkey kid with frequent moves and little emotional support, Pastore struggled to form a stable identity.

Breaking free. As Pastore matured, he began to recognize the falsehoods in his upbringing and sought to break free from his mother's influence. This process of self-discovery continued throughout his life, as he learned to:

• Question ingrained beliefs and behaviors

• Seek authentic relationships and mentors

• Develop a more accurate self-perception

• Embrace his true strengths and abilities

"I was one pitch from humility?"

Shattered elbow, shattered dreams. Pastore's baseball career came to an abrupt end when a line drive shattered his pitching elbow. This devastating injury forced him to confront the fragility of his identity as an athlete and the emptiness of his pursuits.

Finding new purpose. In the aftermath of his career-ending injury, Pastore embarked on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. This path led him to:

• Pursue education, earning degrees in business and theology

• Explore opportunities in ministry and Christian education

• Develop a passion for apologetics and worldview studies

• Eventually find his calling in broadcasting and political philosophy

The shattering of his baseball dreams ultimately paved the way for a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

"S— ministry!"

Ministry disillusionment. After embracing Christianity, Pastore enthusiastically pursued opportunities in ministry. However, he quickly encountered the harsh realities of working within Christian organizations, facing political maneuvering, betrayal, and disillusionment.

Perseverance and growth. Despite the challenges and setbacks in ministry, Pastore's faith remained intact. He learned valuable lessons about:

• The imperfection of Christian institutions and leaders

• The importance of maintaining personal integrity

• The need for discernment in navigating religious politics

• The value of perseverance in pursuing one's calling

These experiences, though painful, ultimately strengthened Pastore's faith and helped him develop a more nuanced understanding of Christianity and its practical application in the real world.

"Frank!" Dr. G exclaimed. "This is so sad! You're not feeling it, but it's so very sad!"

Emotional breakthrough. Pastore's journey of healing began when he sought therapy to address the emotional wounds from his past. Through counseling with Dr. G, he learned to:

• Identify and express his emotions

• Recognize patterns of behavior rooted in childhood experiences

• Develop healthier relationships and communication skills

• Integrate his faith with emotional healing

Transformative impact. The therapeutic process had a profound effect on Pastore's life, improving his marriage, his relationship with his children, and his overall emotional well-being. It allowed him to confront and heal from the pain of his dysfunctional upbringing, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

"Politics is theology applied."

Expanding worldview. Pastore's intellectual journey led him to explore the intersection of faith, politics, and philosophy. Through his studies at Claremont Graduate University, he discovered the rich history of Western civilization and its Christian roots.

Bridging gaps. Pastore became passionate about helping Christians understand the connection between their faith and American political philosophy. He emphasized:

• The historical importance of Christian principles in shaping Western civilization

• The role of faith in informing public policy and civic engagement

• The need for Christians to be educated and involved in the political process

• The importance of integrating a Christian worldview with critical thinking and philosophical understanding

This integration of faith, politics, and philosophy became a cornerstone of Pastore's work in broadcasting and education.

"The Frank Pastore Show was an opportunity to do exactly what I loved to do most: talk, teach, and connect with people."

A new platform. After years of searching for his true calling, Pastore found his niche in radio broadcasting. The Frank Pastore Show allowed him to combine his passions for:

• Discussing current events and political issues

• Teaching Christian apologetics and worldview

• Engaging with listeners and fostering meaningful dialogue

Balancing roles. While pursuing his broadcasting career, Pastore also continued his academic pursuits, working towards a PhD in political philosophy. This combination of roles allowed him to:

• Bridge the gap between academic thought and popular discourse

• Apply his knowledge and experiences to real-world issues

• Influence and educate a wide audience on matters of faith, politics, and culture

Pastore's journey from baseball player to radio host and educator exemplifies the power of perseverance, personal growth, and finding one's true calling.