The Power of Living in the Present: Lonnie’s Journey of Faith, Community, and Giving Back

Life has a way of shifting our perspective—sometimes through small moments, and other times through life-altering events. In our latest Kerouac’s Cruising podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Lonnie, a man whose experiences, including multiple near-death encounters, have led him to embrace faith, community, and the power of the present moment. His story is one of resilience, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.

A Life Transformed by Experience

Throwback photo of the Kerouacs with Lonnie and friends

During our conversation with Lonnie, it became clear that his journey has been shaped by both hardship and hope. Having faced death more than once, he knows firsthand the importance of cherishing each day. He has made it his mission to help others—not only by sharing his story but by creating United Services, a grassroots initiative aimed at making a difference in local communities.

His vision? To build an organization where anyone can contribute just $2 a month to support projects like building safe playgrounds in underserved neighborhoods. It’s a simple yet powerful idea: small contributions adding up to big changes.

The Power of Presence

One of the biggest takeaways from our chat with Lonnie was the importance of staying

2023 when Lonnie's struggle with his lungs was at its height

present. We talked about how easy it is to get caught up in chasing dreams so intensely that we forget to appreciate the journey itself.

James and I have been working hard to embrace this mindset in our own travels. When you live on the road, you quickly learn that plans can change in an instant. Weather, breakdowns, unexpected detours—everything forces you to adapt and live in the now.

Lonnie’s perspective reinforced something we’ve felt deeply: when you surrender to the present moment, life has a way of unfolding exactly as it should. Whether it’s building a dream business, strengthening relationships, or simply choosing to appreciate the beauty around us, staying present is the key.

Faith, Community, and Giving Back

Another recurring theme in this conversation was giving back. Lonnie credits his ability to keep moving forward to the kindness of those who have helped him along the way. Now, he wants to return that kindness by creating opportunities for others.

We love meeting people who are driven by a mission bigger than themselves, and Lonnie is a perfect example of this. United Services is still in its early stages, and he’s looking for people who want to help him bring it to life. Whether you have experience in nonprofit work, know someone who does, or just want to contribute, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Want to Help? Here’s How:

✅ Reach out to Lonnie – If you have ideas, resources, or simply want to connect, email him at lonniethepainterofwilliams@gmail.com

✅ Follow & Support – You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram (links in the show notes)

✅ Spread the Word – Share this or the episode with anyone who might be interested in helping grow United Services

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Mend Fences

One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came when Lonnie reminded us:

"You never know when you're going to lose somebody. So always tell them that you love them. And don’t wait until the last moment to mend your fences, because you might not get a chance."

It’s a message we all need to hear. Whether it’s reaching out to an old friend, forgiving someone, or simply expressing love and appreciation, don’t wait. Life is unpredictable, and the time to act is always now.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Have you had an experience that changed your perspective on life? How do you practice living in the present? Drop a comment below or join us on social media!

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Until next time, live fully, love deeply, and embrace the journey. 🚐✨