I Was an "Alpha Male" Until God Used a Hospital Bed to Humble Me
A Life Recalibrated by Grace
Mark McIntosh is the founder of Victory Productions, a Denver-based nonprofit focused on lessening the impact of homelessness, education inequities, and America’s growing health issues concerning organ donation and wellness. A long-time Denver media personality, author, and father, Mark’s life was once defined by his own "Plan A"—a path toward the Baseball Hall of Fame. But as the Lord often does with "alpha males," He used the trials of life to trade Mark’s personal ambitions for a Divine Design.
The foundation of Mark’s faith is Galatians 6:9: “Never grow weary of doing good for at the proper time we’ll reap the harvest if we just don’t give up”. This isn’t just a verse for him; it’s a lifestyle fueled by a "stud" named Jesus, the greatest coach Mark has ever known.
The Gift of the "Second Strike"
In the sports world, a "two-strike hitter" is someone who stays alive and finds a way to win even when they are down to their last chance. Mark’s life has been a series of these moments. From career-ending athletic injuries to the heartbreak of two painful divorces, Mark has learned that God uses "many tribulations" to refine our souls for the Kingdom.
Instead of becoming a victim of his circumstances, Mark chose to lean on Jeremiah 29:11, trusting that God’s plan was to prosper him and not to harm him. He realized that while we often chase success to fill a hole in our hearts, true fulfillment only comes when we align our unique talents with God’s call to be obedient.
The Miracle of a Shared Spare
Mark’s greatest test came three years ago when he was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a rare and incurable blood cancer that destroyed his kidneys. Forced into a grueling cycle of chemo and dialysis to stay alive, his 65th birthday was marked not by a party, but by his first chemotherapy treatment.
In a stunning display of Christ-like sacrifice, a 68-year-old woman named Cathie Hitchcock "shared her spare" and donated her kidney to Mark, a total stranger. This miracle didn't just save his life; it ignited a new mission. Mark now travels the country as a passionate advocate for organ donation, specifically urging communities of color to "sound the alarm" on kidney health and wellness.
Leadership Through "Comeback Coaching"
Mark’s leadership style is rooted in the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He believes that against such things, there is no law—meaning nothing can stop a leader who operates with this spirit.
Through his ministry, A Stronger Cord, Mark acts as a "Comeback Coach" for men who have been kicked around by life and homelessness. He doesn't just give orders; he walks beside them, earning their trust and teaching them how to recognize their God-given gifts. His leadership is a reflection of the Golden Rule: doing for others what you wish they would do for you.
Purpose on the Other Side of the Trial
Today, at 67 years old, Mark McIntosh is more full of energy and hope than ever before. He understands that we are "souls in training," getting our spirits ready for our true home in the Kingdom of Heaven. His business, his ministry, and his very breath are dedicated to the idea that our "stuff"—our ups and downs—all serve a greater purpose if we just keep walking forward faithfully.
His message to the world is simple yet profound: Love each other. Whether it’s sharing a kidney or simply lending a computer to a stranger in need, Mark’s life proves that when you never grow weary of doing good, the harvest is more beautiful than anything we could plan for ourselves.
Author: Jovilyn Abella
“I think God was shaping me. He was molding me. He was putting me through the fire... I think God is asking me to take my gifts and talents and then my experiences and I really think my calling is to go out and encourage others that life will poke you in the eye.”
