Is God Testing You? 3 Signs Your Season of Struggle Is Actually a Promotion
The Heart Behind the Uniform
Every great journey begins with a purpose, but sometimes God takes us down a road we never expected to travel. Meet Arlie Haddix, the Chief Executive Officer at Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN). Arlie is a retired Air Force intelligence analyst who previously served as a flight, squadron, and group commander. After 22 years of dedicated service, he retired from the Air Force in 2014, relocated to Nashville, and earned his MBA from Vanderbilt University in 2016. Seeking to turn his own personal transition into a mission for others, Arlie joined OSDTN in 2018 to help fellow Veterans step smoothly into civilian life. Today, he stays deeply connected to the community through his PMP, SPHR, and Six Sigma certifications, as well as his active work with local professional associations.
When you listen to Arlie talk on the Anchoring Hope Podcast with host David Mansilla, you quickly realize his passion isn't just about a career—it is rooted in deep faith and love for others. Sitting down with David, Arlie shared how life often takes unexpected detours, but God uses every hard moment to prepare us for a bigger calling. His life is a clear picture of practical christianity, proving that when we trust the Lord through our daily struggles, He places us right where we need to be to serve others.
When the Off-Ramp Feels Missing
Joining the military comes with months of structured, intense training that breaks a person down and builds them back up. But when service members leave that world, there is rarely a clear pathway guiding them back into everyday society. Arlie learned this lesson the hard way. Leaving behind the military life he loved wasn't easy, and finding his footing in the corporate world took years of patience, trial, and error. He faced moments of deep uncertainty while balancing single parenting, going back to school, and figuring out his true identity outside of the military.
During those tough years, Arlie experienced real spiritual growth. Instead of giving up, he realized that his personal struggles weren't wasted time. God allowed him to walk through a painful, confusing transition so he could deeply understand the pain of the men and women coming behind him. It takes immense courage to keep moving forward when you feel lost, but faith gives us the strength to trust that the valley isn't our permanent home.
Serving Those Who Served
That season of struggle eventually led Arlie to Operation Stand Down Tennessee, where his true mission unfolded. OSDTN supports local Veterans by walking alongside them in their moments of career change, personal connection, and unexpected crisis. Whether providing a safe place to sleep, helping a former service member pay their rent, or guiding someone toward a meaningful career, Arlie's organization does far more than just hand out financial aid. They sit face-to-face with people, build trust, and help them rebuild their lives from the inside out.
This hands-on work is a beautiful reflection of christian living and community service in action. Arlie believes that real help requires accountability, relationship, and patience. By giving Veterans the tools and confidence to stand on their own feet, OSDTN helps prevent future crises before they even start. It is a powerful reminder that serving our neighbors isn't just about giving away resources; it is about extending hope, respect, and unconditional love.
Leading with Wisdom and Grace
Leading a non-profit organization requires a unique balance of business smarts and a caring heart. Arlie approaches his work like many successful christian entrepreneurs, viewing his position not as a place of power, but as a opportunity to steward resources wisely. Managing a non-profit means facing daily problems, tight budgets, and heavy emotional stories. Yet, Arlie leads his team with quiet strength, humility, and steady discipline.
His leadership style is grounded in holding people accountable while giving them space to grow. He reminds us that when life throws difficult challenges our way, our response matters. Hard times are meant to build character, patience, and resilience within us. By choosing to focus on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes, Arlie shows how faith-fueled leadership can transform a workplace and bring real hope to an entire community.
Trusting the Unseen Hand
Looking back over his life, Arlie can clearly see how God's hand was guiding every single step, even when the path felt dark and overwhelming. From the lessons taught by his loving parents to his years in uniform and his long transition into civilian life, every piece of his story connects back to God’s plan. Life is full of high mountains and low valleys, but we are never walking through them alone.
Arlie’s journey reminds us that our greatest purpose often grows out of our deepest pain. When we surrender our plans and allow God to shape our hearts, He turns our struggles into a light for others. No matter what trial or transition you are facing today, stay strong and keep trusting Him. God is using your story right now to build your character, refine your faith, and prepare you to make a lasting difference in the world around you.
What is one unexpected detour in your life that God eventually used to help or inspire someone else?
Author: Jovilyn Abella
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“Think of all the things you wish somebody had told you. Think of all the things you wish you had known, yet nobody was there to inform you or guide you. ... Maybe this happened for a reason. Maybe you were supposed to go through all this. ... Now’s your opportunity. Get back in it. Get in there and make sure the guys and gals that come after you have a better experience.”
