May 27, 2025 • 27 mins
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Raima Forbes takes us on a deeply personal journey through what it really means to build an authentic legacy while navigating the complexities of being a pastor's daughter, mother, teacher, and servant. With disarming honesty, she reveals the moment God became real to her – not in a church service or mission trip, but when she called her parents from Los Angeles to share news of an unexpected pregnancy.
"I was so overwhelmed with fear... That's when God became real to me," Raima confesses, describing how this pivotal moment transformed her faith from inherited to intensely personal. Her story resonates with anyone who's wondered how to balance family expectations with finding their own path.
As someone who ministered in public high schools as a teenager and now works with children through the LifeWise program, Raima offers unique insights into reaching young people across different backgrounds. "These are real kids with real struggles...and they need a real Jesus," she explains with characteristic warmth. Her approach to Christian education as a strategic response to cultural challenges provides a powerful framework for parents and educators alike.
Raima's vision for her Raima Word podcast tackles the "false identities" we all subscribe to – anxiety, fear, bitterness, pride – by offering practical biblical renewal. "My dad says cancel my subscription, I don't want no more issues," she shares with a laugh, before unpacking how generational patterns can be broken through intentional spiritual practice. Her advice for those feeling stuck? Fast and pray. "You're starving your flesh so that your spirit can stand up stronger," she explains, drawing from personal experience.
Whether you're questioning your purpose, struggling with balancing multiple roles, or simply seeking authentic faith, Raima's wisdom and vulnerability will inspire you to embrace your true identity. Listen now and discover how to build a legacy that transcends generations.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
you know we have false identities that we
subscribe to my dad says cancelmy subscription, I don't want no
more issues.
But we all subscribe, have andstill do because of the sin
nature, these false identities.
So what could a false identitybe, these false identities?
(00:24):
So what could a false identitybe?
Anxiety, right, Fear,bitterness, resentment, pride.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
But these are false identities that are not rooted
in the character of God and hisnature and who he is.
Welcome to Be A Baller, wherewe're building a lifelong legacy
for our families, communitiesand the world.
Your host, coach Tim Brown, isexcited for you to join him on
this journey.
On each episode, we'll betalking about how to be
intentional, about building alasting legacy.
We'll be exploring what itmeans to leave a mark that goes
(00:56):
beyond just our lives but has apositive impact on those around
us and even generations to come.
So if you're looking forinspiration, guidance and
practical tips on how to build alasting legacy that makes a
difference, then you're in theright place.
So grab your earbuds, getcomfortable and let's dive in.
It's time to be a baller.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Welcome to Be A Baller podcast.
I'm your host, coach Tim Brown,and today we're honored to have
an incredible guest whoembodies the spirit of
intentional living and legacybuilding.
Please join us in welcomingRaymond Forbes, daughter of
Pastor David Forbes fromColumbus Christian Center,
raymond is a shining example ofwhat it means to live out one's
(01:36):
faith in every area.
As a devoted servant atColumbus Christian Center, under
the leadership of her dad, shepours her heart into ministry
and service.
Christian Center Under theleadership of her dad, she pours
her heart into ministry andservice.
But that's not all.
Raymond is also a loving mother, a respected teacher of the
word and a passionate publicspeaker.
Raymond, welcome to Be A Ballerpodcast.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Thank you, I'm honored to be here with you.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
Coach oh, that's it.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
That's me, that's me, we're going pretty far back.
Oh yeah, we go.
Oh yeah, we go.
Way back to those good old days.
You're coming throughBrookhaven High School
ministering, and you even cameto Northland High School.
I had you out there twice aweek.
You were busy.
Share some of those.
What do you remember from thosedays?
You're a high school student,coming to those schools and
ministering.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
I remember just being willing, honestly, and just
being curious.
I was like what are they doingover there and what kind of
things do they know?
And do they know what I knowabout Jesus?
You know what?
What can I share?
How can I help?
And so, being in thoseenvironments, I've always been
really thankful to you forputting me in the position where
(02:39):
I can go to different areas I'mnot familiar with, go to
schools I've never been to andconnect with other students and
be able to just share my lifepersonally, on a personal basis,
and they can, you know, take itfrom from there and take it at
face value.
But I remember it being fun.
I remember the group that wewould travel with, um, we would
(03:02):
just have a good time and it wasalways great vibes and the kids
at those schools Northland andBrookhaven, they were open.
So, that was all I could ask for, really.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
You know, coming from your Christian school
background, I think you were atthat time you were a student at
Worthington Christian HighSchool, right here at
Worthington Christian, and youwere coming down.
What was it about?
Why did you say yes to coming?
Because I've been trying to getstudents to come and they come
and I don't know about this.
Mr Brown, you know what was itabout?
What drove you to want to comeand be a part of that
(03:33):
consistently?
Speaker 1 (03:34):
I think one of the driving forces and factors had
to have been, like I said, mycuriosity.
But then also it just kind ofcomes down the pipeline.
You know my dad, that would besomething that he would have
been all over when he was my age.
He would have been jumping atthat opportunity.
And so I think you know kind ofsome of how I came up and how I
(03:55):
grew up, made me verycomfortable in that kind of a
space and kind of in thatfunction, in that function, um.
So yeah, I felt comfortable andI just wanted to to share my
experience with Christ and seewho would, who would latch on,
who would, who would buy it, whowould take it and who would
allow their lives to go to a new, a new level.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
I can tell you this from the time uh, you weren't
there when you guys would leave,and so I still would go other
days and the students werealways wondering they're coming
back.
You know they're coming backBecause that's one of the things
I've learned in ministry is westart a lot of good things, yeah
, and then we just kind ofdisappear, talk about it, and
those students are looking forus, waiting on us, miss Brown,
(04:39):
they're coming back.
But you guys were consistent.
And those kids I think it wason Thursday or whatnot, but they
knew on Thursday that once amonth you all were coming and
they looked forward to it.
Are they coming?
And one girl told me you know,mr Brown, them boys, they just
put on a good show when thegroup comes in.
(04:59):
I'm going to tell you aboutthese boys, mr Brown.
They ain't like that every day.
I was crying.
But later on this same girltold me, mr Brown, I see a
change in them.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
Exactly.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
She said and this was a student now I see a change in
these kids, Mr Brown, Make surethey keep coming, you know,
because I just want to let youknow you guys did make an impact
and made a difference in thelife of those young people
during your time there.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
God and same to you.
I mean, you were heading it upand you were leading us and it
was an incredible experience.
But I could see how maybe theywere faking the funk at first,
but you really can't fake whenyou let Jesus in.
You can't fake it for long andafter a while it just really
comes out.
So that's really.
It's a testament to what shesaid.
Like okay, they're actuallychanging.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
They're actually changing.
They really are.
You can see it.
You know, we know what theworld says about PK kids,
preacher's kids.
Can you share your story about?
First off, about the challengesand benefits of being a PK.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
I would say, should I start with challenges or
benefits?
Speaker 3 (06:01):
That's up to you.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Okay, challenges, benefits, that's up to you.
Okay, challenges, I think, thepressures of what comes with
calling your father or yourmother a minister of the gospel,
preacher of the word.
There's pressure that can comeand sometimes, you know, in my
case the pressure was not reallyinflicted by the people that
are really solid in our ministry.
(06:24):
They're extremely supportive,loving people.
They're like extended family tome.
They've been around since I wasa child.
But you have many other peoplethat may not be connected to
your own family's ministry, thatmay be outside or other
sister-associated ministries andpeople of the world that are
(06:45):
just kind of watching you,waiting for you to do something
that they can talk about,whether that be good or bad.
And so, obviously, my dad he isan outstanding man of faith and
there's a lot to live up to youknow and he expects it.
He says I expect it from allfive of y'all, all of y'all
(07:06):
better go further than me, andso I think that you know that is
a lot to look at when I'mlooking at it in my own strength
.
But, when I really say, okay,lord, it's, this is your show,
this is for you, and you'regoing to be doing all the heavy
lifting, he takes care of it andhe gets us to where we're
supposed to be.
But I think that's probably oneof the biggest challenges.
(07:28):
And then, just like trying tofactor in maneuver, how do I,
how can I be, how can I say this?
Trying to recognize how to beyourself, how to grow up and and
to learn and grow and evolvefrom a child, a small child,
into an adult, while being trueto Jesus Christ.
(07:52):
That can be hard because you'retrying to find out who am I
really?
You have the voices of manypeople that won't be in your
life forever.
You have the voices of peersthat may not be going in the
same direction, but you have aconnection with them and you
love them.
So it's like, hey, how do I getto where I'm supposed to go?
And then, how do I know who Ireally am?
So I think that adolescence,that puberty, that those young
(08:17):
years I think those are probablyfor me had been the most
difficult to really understand.
Okay, I'm a pastor's daughter.
How can I be true to that?
But then be true to me and feellike I'm normal, because that
sense of normalcy I struggled toget, that I really struggled
(08:39):
for that.
The benefits are the covering.
You know, being covered bypeople excuse me, people like my
dad and my mom like that isnothing small and it is an
extreme blessing.
I'd never trade it for anything.
How he prays over me, how hewalks with me, how he always
points me back to the Lord andto the word, that's priceless.
(09:02):
So I always felt secure andsafe in my purpose and in my
calling.
And then just being used by Godis a benefit as well.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
You know, as we all know, you grew up in church and
been around ministry pretty muchall your life.
Can you share with the audiencewhen God became real to you?
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Sure, God became real to me when I called my dad and
I called my mom from Los Angeles, sharing with them that I was
expecting a child.
That's when God became real tome, because I was so overwhelmed
with fear I mean, it washorrible, was horrible, and at
(09:52):
that time I don't think I hadfostered a relationship with
Jesus in a way that wascompletely personal.
You know, because you ride onthe coattails of your parents
and the faith people in yourlife.
You know as long as you can,and that's kind of where I found
I was.
You know, I grew up in church.
It was all I knew.
But it takes a real lifeshaking experience At least I
(10:14):
speak for myself.
That was what I had to endure.
That really got me on my kneesbefore God and saying, oh my
gosh, I'm weighing over my headhere.
He's been nothing but faithful.
That was, that was theexperience for me.
I was 24 years old.
It's powerful.
It's been nothing but faithful.
That was the experience for me.
I was 24 years old.
Speaker 3 (10:30):
It's powerful.
It's a powerful story.
We know we can count on theLord.
We know he's going to be there.
You're way out in California.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
Oh gosh, yeah, that's a long story.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Speaking of that as a mother, now being a mom, how do
you balance your role as beinga teacher, a servant and a
parent, and what advice wouldyou give to others in similar
situations?
Being a young mother, how doyou balance all that?
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Well, I think that first you have to recognize
where you are and what isactually aligned with your
purpose and I think a lot oftimes.
We try to do so many things andwe try to say yes to everyone,
and I think that that is wherewe fight this battle of oh, I
don't know how to balanceeverything, and sometimes
balance means saying no, andthat's something that I had to
(11:19):
learn.
Positions and places and peopletugging at me, being able to
use discernment and, you know,flowing in the spirit of wisdom,
able to help me.
See, this is what's alignedwith me.
You know, this is what Godwould have me do in this season,
and when I'm really focused onthat, then my motherhood
(11:41):
flourishes because I'm reallydoing what I'm supposed to be
doing and I'm not burning myselfout, just saying yes to
everything and people pleasing.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
You know, I know you've had the experience with
the LifeWise program.
Yes, when directors and I knowthey meet at the church there,
can you talk about how that hasshaped your?
Speaker 1 (12:00):
approach, to be able to be close up with many
different kinds of children, tobe able to see the different
life circumstances andsituations that kids face and
that they go through.
But I think that there's thisbeauty about the gospel where it
(12:22):
is literally so profound andamazing but at the same time
it's so simple that a childcould understand it and grasp it
.
And so God has done somethingreally beautiful with the gospel
by making it to where it's thismulti-layered, amazing, most
amazing thing you ever heard.
Yet it's so simple, and so Ifind that with children, it's
(12:44):
getting down with them on theirlevel.
There's things that they talkabout I never would have
imagined as an adult thatsomeone would be facing in the
way that they are, just down thestreet, just right across the
street from the ministry that Iserve in at Mifflin Middle
School, cassidy Elementary.
(13:04):
These are real kids with realstruggles.
They have real hearts and theyneed a real Jesus.
And so my heart goes out to thembecause they need somebody to
pour the word into them, likewhy not, why not me?
Speaker 3 (13:17):
Yeah, you know.
Speaking of that, you're doingministry at your father's church
and your father's leadership.
Why do you feel called to servethere?
Because I'm sure you could haveother opportunities at
different places.
What is it about ColumbusChristian Center and your dad's
leadership that you feel calledto serve?
Speaker 1 (13:36):
I think that the authenticity of my dad's heart,
being able to see how genuine heis and how much his love for
the Lord has taken him from thebottom up.
I mean, he's had really humblebeginnings and he has really
done such amazing work, not justin Columbus Ohio, but in our
(13:58):
family you know what I'm sayingIn the Forbes family.
He has really paved a way thatis attractive.
It pulls you in because it'ssparkling and it's glamorous.
But it's the word of God, it isdedication, it's consecration,
it's holiness.
He makes that look veryattractive because he's so
(14:18):
confident in himself.
My mom she is completely themost genuine woman that I know.
She's always the same and herfoundation is Christ.
So they make it easy, they makeit desirable, but then also
they always made me and mysiblings feel like we have a
place.
We have a place.
Speaker 3 (14:38):
So yeah, you know, as we continue this conversation,
I know you're just so serious,so focused what does what's fun?
What does Raymond do for fun?
You know we got to loosen thisthing up.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Am I too tense?
Am I too tense?
I want to move the mic.
I mean, I love to eat, period.
I love eating.
I love to eat some good food,try out new restaurants.
I really enjoy board games.
That is just something that I'mjust like yeah, give me a good
board game.
(15:12):
Put me around, my family and myfriends.
I just light up and I'm excitedand I'm happy about that.
I do enjoy spending time withpeople that I love.
Walking is one of my favoritethings to do I'll go on a walk
and I'll be excited about it,just exploring nature and
(15:34):
there's such a calm that comesover me, so I really enjoy that.
Those are some things that Ireally like doing Good good good
.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
You know there's a.
I know you grew up in Christianschools and at Columbus
Christian Center you guys have aCrown Preparatory Academy.
Can you tell the audience aboutwhat the value of Christian
education, what Christianeducation is valuable, important
to you?
Speaker 1 (15:57):
I mean, I think it's a sign of the times.
You can see, you look out yourwindow and you just see the
agenda of the enemy manifesting.
And so you know, god is neversecond fiddle, right.
He's never just like sitting inthe corner, like, okay, well, I
see what the enemy's doing,what am I going to do?
No, he has a bigger and betterplan and he has his
(16:18):
reinforcements, he has hisstrategies, he has his power,
and so Christian education isone of those powers that the
Lord has to reach the souls ofthese young children, because as
they grow, they are going to bematuring and evolving into the
people that are going to beraising up the next generation.
(16:39):
And especially when I thinkabout life-wise, I'm like, oh my
gosh, some of these kids, theirstories, their backgrounds,
their everyday life, what theygo home to after they leave
school, it's just like a fightall the time.
It is constantly a fight, andmy dad and I were talking about
(17:01):
it the other day and he's justlike that fight or flight.
Some people are locked in fight, they are just always
constantly on edge, and that isthe work of the enemy at play,
and that's something that wehave to actively fight against.
If the enemy is going to berelentless, hey, we're going to
(17:24):
fight back and say no.
God's principles and what hestands for and what we believe
as followers of Christ matterstoo, and it matters in the lives
of these kids as well.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Lord gave you a vision to launch Ramah Word
podcast.
Can you tell us more about thevision and its purpose?
Speaker 1 (17:50):
no-transcript false identities that we subscribe to.
My dad says cancel mysubscription, I don't want no
more issues.
But we all subscribe, have andstill do because of the sin
nature, these false identities.
(18:12):
So what could a false identitybe?
Anxiety, right, fear,bitterness, resentment, pride.
There's many, there's a wholelong list of them.
But these are false identitiesthat are not rooted in the
character of God and His natureand who he is.
(18:33):
And so, rhema, word helps you toget back on track by renewing
your mind.
So you will have a catalog andyou might say what have I really
been struggling with?
And a lot of this stuff.
This goes back generations,generational curses in your
family.
Your mom and your grandma andyour grandpa all had the same
(18:53):
fear.
They always struggling withfear can never finish something,
always starting but notfinishing.
That's a generational curse anda lot of times people don't
know that those things areactive in their family lines.
Well, first you repent right Foryour sin of that false identity
.
You repent for your ancestor'ssin.
(19:14):
You receive a godly blessing inexchange for that, and then,
after you have to renew yourmind with the word of God, where
those lies once were, you'vegot to root those up and put the
word in.
So you go through a catalogthat I create for you and you'd
say, man, I'm really strugglingwith insecurity.
You'll click it and it is anaudio book of me reading the
(19:37):
word of what does the word ofGod say about insecurity, and
you renew your mind and youlisten to it over and over and
over again, and then it's justalso just a conversational
podcast.
That's more comfortable relaxed,we can talk and I can just
really impart into you but it'sreally a mind renewal tool I can
just really impart into you,but it's really a mind renewal
tool.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
You know, how do you personally incorporate prayer
and spiritual practices in yourdaily life?
You know, because you're busywith so many things going on,
how do you incorporate that intoyour daily life?
Speaker 1 (20:07):
You know, one of the words that comes to my mind,
coach, is sacrifice, and you'renot going to get far in your
walk with Christ if you cannotmake sacrifices.
He made the greatest sacrificeof all.
The most we can do is to make asacrifice for the Lord.
So, whether that looks likewaking up a little bit earlier
and taking intentional time withGod, that works.
(20:30):
He'll take it.
He'll take any time that yougive For me, my daughter and I.
We love to listen to worshipmusic in the morning and that
opens up our spirits and oursouls for the day and just
allows God to really speak to usand gets us really sensitive.
Sometimes we cry on the way toschool because we're worshiping
(20:52):
God while we're driving toschool.
We're worshiping God and whilewe're driving to school.
And also, you know, gettinginvolved in your community, get
involved with your local church.
You might have a midweek Biblestudy.
I know we do on Tuesdays.
That helps us in the middle ofthe week just still checking
back in and saying, all right,lord, let's, let's, keep going
(21:13):
at it, let's keep going at it.
And then, of course, on Sundays, but outside of church, finding
time to worship, everybodydrives right.
So listen to a podcast thatinspires you to live for Christ
in a more radical way, a morestronger way, or worship that's
an easy way or waking up earlier, or just making intentional
time, sacrificing something thatyou normally would do, and give
(21:35):
that time to the Lord, and hetakes that and he makes that
thing grow.
Speaker 3 (21:39):
As you think about your generation and that's what
I wanted to have you on the showsome of those challenges that
this generation is facing.
You look at the world andsocial media, likes and all that
kind of stuff.
How do you encourage others whomay be feeling stuck or unsure
about their own calling andpurposes in life?
What word would you give tothem of encouragement?
Speaker 1 (21:59):
I have just had a conversation with a woman Her
name is Dr Sarita Lyons.
She is a dynamic speaker,wonderful woman of God and I
asked her that similar questionwhat would you say to the person
that is kind of feeling lulledNot to sleep, but just kind of
hanging in the center, you know,not really growing, not really
(22:20):
going backwards, but just kindof in the same place?
And she said I would pray and Iwould fast, and this is
something that I've done.
Fasting is a phenomenal tool togo deeper in the things of God,
because you're starving yourflesh so that your spirit can
stand up and stand up stronger.
You're hearing, yoursensitivity in the spirit is
(22:42):
heightened and things happenvery, very quickly.
The last fast that I did wasthree days.
I only had water and the Lorddid some incredible things in
just three days.
And so I would say for theperson that has really been
struggling and it might be astruggle it's not always easy,
it really isn't, and it takes alot of intentionality and a lot
(23:05):
of times it takes practicegetting in the presence of God
and really making a home there.
But I would say take a day ortake half a day and say I'm not
eating for this first half ofthe day.
I'm not eating for this firsthalf of the day.
I'm not eating for this day andwhen I would normally be eating
, I'm going to eat the word ofGod, literally.
I'm going to find a scriptureand I'm going to read.
I'm going to say God, speak tome, soften my heart, take my
(23:27):
heart of stone and turn into aheart of flesh.
He will blow your mind.
I would say pick a fast.
You don't need to do anythingcrazy, you know right off the
bat.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
But find some time to just dedicate to God and fast
and pray.
Speaking of that, as we comearound the corner, can you this
audience who's listening to this?
Can you pray over the audience?
Speaker 1 (23:52):
Absolutely To encourage them to do that for us
.
Okay, heavenly Father, I justthank you for who you are, and I
thank you for this time.
For the listener, whoever islistening, lord, you have chosen
them before they were formed intheir mother's womb.
You knew exactly who they were.
(24:13):
You knew that they would belistening to this very episode
right now, and so, lord, I justpray that you would touch the
heart of the person that iswatching.
I thank you, lord, that theywould have unshakable faith in
you.
I thank you for surroundingthem with people that would
continue to confirm andreinforce your love for them.
(24:37):
Who you are, lord, I thank youfor continuous confirmation of
your spirit of love.
I thank you, father, that theperson who is listening would
find liberty and freedom in you.
That, lord, they would go tonew heights and soar on the
wings of eagles.
Lord, I just thank you so muchfor their life.
(24:57):
Their life is precious to you.
So, lord, I just thank you thatthis moment, from this moment on
, they would continue, maybe ifthis is their first time ever
even praying this prayer.
Lord, I pray that they wouldcontinue to walk strong in their
faith, that they would not beashamed of the gospel, they
(25:20):
would not be ashamed to claimChrist.
And so, lord, I just thank youso much for your love.
I thank you for your peace thatpasses all understanding, that
surpasses all humanunderstanding.
Lord, it's something that wecan't understand, but, lord,
(25:43):
it's real and it's so true.
So, lord, I just thank you forrooting this precious person in
the foundation of truth, andthat their lives would continue
to blossom into what it is thatyou've called them to be, in the
precious name of Jesus, amen.
Speaker 3 (25:53):
Amen, amen, amen.
Well, remy, thank you so muchfor sharing your heart and
wisdom with us today on Be ABaller podcast.
It's been an absolute joy tohave you on the show and I've
just been blessed to watch yougrow and mature into the young
lady and woman that you are, andso I'm thankful for, thankful
for your parents and your churchfamily.
You know, and I'm sure, howproud they are, most importantly
(26:14):
, how proud God is, and I thankyou for answering the call.
You know not running from thatcall, but answering the call,
and we're glad you came on backhome to Columbus Ohio.
You know it's been great, sothank you for it, even coming
back to Worthy Christian HighSchool back in the studio, where
it all began, so to speak,right.
So it's truly been a blessing.
(26:35):
So, for the audience, I want tothank you for listening to Be A
Baller podcast, where we talkabout building a lifelong legacy
, and I thank you for RaymondForrest, for being in the studio
today, someone who's building alegacy that's still been
written each and every day.
So thank you, audience, andplease listen and subscribe to
the show and share with yourfriends, as always continue and
(26:58):
share with your friends.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
As always, continue to be a baller, coach Tim Brown.
If you've enjoyed this episode,please share it with family and
friends.
The Be A Baller podcast isavailable on all major podcast
platforms.
This podcast was created byCoach Tim Brown and recorded and
edited by the video productionclass of Worthington Christian
High School.
Be sure to come back next weekas we continue to discuss on how
to build a lifelong legacy.
(27:19):
Until then, don't forget to bea baller.
you know we have false identities that we
subscribe to my dad says cancelmy subscription, I don't want no
more issues.
But we all subscribe, have andstill do because of the sin
nature, these false identities.
So what could a false identitybe, these false identities?
(00:24):
So what could a false identitybe?
Anxiety, right, Fear,bitterness, resentment, pride.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
But these are false identities that are not rooted
in the character of God and hisnature and who he is.
Welcome to Be A Baller, wherewe're building a lifelong legacy
for our families, communitiesand the world.
Your host, coach Tim Brown, isexcited for you to join him on
this journey.
On each episode, we'll betalking about how to be
intentional, about building alasting legacy.
We'll be exploring what itmeans to leave a mark that goes
(00:56):
beyond just our lives but has apositive impact on those around
us and even generations to come.
So if you're looking forinspiration, guidance and
practical tips on how to build alasting legacy that makes a
difference, then you're in theright place.
So grab your earbuds, getcomfortable and let's dive in.
It's time to be a baller.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Welcome to Be A Baller podcast.
I'm your host, coach Tim Brown,and today we're honored to have
an incredible guest whoembodies the spirit of
intentional living and legacybuilding.
Please join us in welcomingRaymond Forbes, daughter of
Pastor David Forbes fromColumbus Christian Center,
raymond is a shining example ofwhat it means to live out one's
(01:36):
faith in every area.
As a devoted servant atColumbus Christian Center, under
the leadership of her dad, shepours her heart into ministry
and service.
Christian Center Under theleadership of her dad, she pours
her heart into ministry andservice.
But that's not all.
Raymond is also a loving mother, a respected teacher of the
word and a passionate publicspeaker.
Raymond, welcome to Be A Ballerpodcast.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Thank you, I'm honored to be here with you.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
Coach oh, that's it.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
That's me, that's me, we're going pretty far back.
Oh yeah, we go.
Oh yeah, we go.
Way back to those good old days.
You're coming throughBrookhaven High School
ministering, and you even cameto Northland High School.
I had you out there twice aweek.
You were busy.
Share some of those.
What do you remember from thosedays?
You're a high school student,coming to those schools and
ministering.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
I remember just being willing, honestly, and just
being curious.
I was like what are they doingover there and what kind of
things do they know?
And do they know what I knowabout Jesus?
You know what?
What can I share?
How can I help?
And so, being in thoseenvironments, I've always been
really thankful to you forputting me in the position where
(02:39):
I can go to different areas I'mnot familiar with, go to
schools I've never been to andconnect with other students and
be able to just share my lifepersonally, on a personal basis,
and they can, you know, take itfrom from there and take it at
face value.
But I remember it being fun.
I remember the group that wewould travel with, um, we would
(03:02):
just have a good time and it wasalways great vibes and the kids
at those schools Northland andBrookhaven, they were open.
So, that was all I could ask for, really.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
You know, coming from your Christian school
background, I think you were atthat time you were a student at
Worthington Christian HighSchool, right here at
Worthington Christian, and youwere coming down.
What was it about?
Why did you say yes to coming?
Because I've been trying to getstudents to come and they come
and I don't know about this.
Mr Brown, you know what was itabout?
What drove you to want to comeand be a part of that
(03:33):
consistently?
Speaker 1 (03:34):
I think one of the driving forces and factors had
to have been, like I said, mycuriosity.
But then also it just kind ofcomes down the pipeline.
You know my dad, that would besomething that he would have
been all over when he was my age.
He would have been jumping atthat opportunity.
And so I think you know kind ofsome of how I came up and how I
(03:55):
grew up, made me verycomfortable in that kind of a
space and kind of in thatfunction, in that function, um.
So yeah, I felt comfortable andI just wanted to to share my
experience with Christ and seewho would, who would latch on,
who would, who would buy it, whowould take it and who would
allow their lives to go to a new, a new level.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
I can tell you this from the time uh, you weren't
there when you guys would leave,and so I still would go other
days and the students werealways wondering they're coming
back.
You know they're coming backBecause that's one of the things
I've learned in ministry is westart a lot of good things, yeah
, and then we just kind ofdisappear, talk about it, and
those students are looking forus, waiting on us, miss Brown,
(04:39):
they're coming back.
But you guys were consistent.
And those kids I think it wason Thursday or whatnot, but they
knew on Thursday that once amonth you all were coming and
they looked forward to it.
Are they coming?
And one girl told me you know,mr Brown, them boys, they just
put on a good show when thegroup comes in.
(04:59):
I'm going to tell you aboutthese boys, mr Brown.
They ain't like that every day.
I was crying.
But later on this same girltold me, mr Brown, I see a
change in them.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
Exactly.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
She said and this was a student now I see a change in
these kids, Mr Brown, Make surethey keep coming, you know,
because I just want to let youknow you guys did make an impact
and made a difference in thelife of those young people
during your time there.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
God and same to you.
I mean, you were heading it upand you were leading us and it
was an incredible experience.
But I could see how maybe theywere faking the funk at first,
but you really can't fake whenyou let Jesus in.
You can't fake it for long andafter a while it just really
comes out.
So that's really.
It's a testament to what shesaid.
Like okay, they're actuallychanging.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
They're actually changing.
They really are.
You can see it.
You know, we know what theworld says about PK kids,
preacher's kids.
Can you share your story about?
First off, about the challengesand benefits of being a PK.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
I would say, should I start with challenges or
benefits?
Speaker 3 (06:01):
That's up to you.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Okay, challenges, benefits, that's up to you.
Okay, challenges, I think, thepressures of what comes with
calling your father or yourmother a minister of the gospel,
preacher of the word.
There's pressure that can comeand sometimes, you know, in my
case the pressure was not reallyinflicted by the people that
are really solid in our ministry.
(06:24):
They're extremely supportive,loving people.
They're like extended family tome.
They've been around since I wasa child.
But you have many other peoplethat may not be connected to
your own family's ministry, thatmay be outside or other
sister-associated ministries andpeople of the world that are
(06:45):
just kind of watching you,waiting for you to do something
that they can talk about,whether that be good or bad.
And so, obviously, my dad he isan outstanding man of faith and
there's a lot to live up to youknow and he expects it.
He says I expect it from allfive of y'all, all of y'all
(07:06):
better go further than me, andso I think that you know that is
a lot to look at when I'mlooking at it in my own strength
.
But, when I really say, okay,lord, it's, this is your show,
this is for you, and you'regoing to be doing all the heavy
lifting, he takes care of it andhe gets us to where we're
supposed to be.
But I think that's probably oneof the biggest challenges.
(07:28):
And then, just like trying tofactor in maneuver, how do I,
how can I be, how can I say this?
Trying to recognize how to beyourself, how to grow up and and
to learn and grow and evolvefrom a child, a small child,
into an adult, while being trueto Jesus Christ.
(07:52):
That can be hard because you'retrying to find out who am I
really?
You have the voices of manypeople that won't be in your
life forever.
You have the voices of peersthat may not be going in the
same direction, but you have aconnection with them and you
love them.
So it's like, hey, how do I getto where I'm supposed to go?
And then, how do I know who Ireally am?
So I think that adolescence,that puberty, that those young
(08:17):
years I think those are probablyfor me had been the most
difficult to really understand.
Okay, I'm a pastor's daughter.
How can I be true to that?
But then be true to me and feellike I'm normal, because that
sense of normalcy I struggled toget, that I really struggled
(08:39):
for that.
The benefits are the covering.
You know, being covered bypeople excuse me, people like my
dad and my mom like that isnothing small and it is an
extreme blessing.
I'd never trade it for anything.
How he prays over me, how hewalks with me, how he always
points me back to the Lord andto the word, that's priceless.
(09:02):
So I always felt secure andsafe in my purpose and in my
calling.
And then just being used by Godis a benefit as well.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
You know, as we all know, you grew up in church and
been around ministry pretty muchall your life.
Can you share with the audiencewhen God became real to you?
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Sure, God became real to me when I called my dad and
I called my mom from Los Angeles, sharing with them that I was
expecting a child.
That's when God became real tome, because I was so overwhelmed
with fear I mean, it washorrible, was horrible, and at
(09:52):
that time I don't think I hadfostered a relationship with
Jesus in a way that wascompletely personal.
You know, because you ride onthe coattails of your parents
and the faith people in yourlife.
You know as long as you can,and that's kind of where I found
I was.
You know, I grew up in church.
It was all I knew.
But it takes a real lifeshaking experience At least I
(10:14):
speak for myself.
That was what I had to endure.
That really got me on my kneesbefore God and saying, oh my
gosh, I'm weighing over my headhere.
He's been nothing but faithful.
That was, that was theexperience for me.
I was 24 years old.
It's powerful.
It's been nothing but faithful.
That was the experience for me.
I was 24 years old.
Speaker 3 (10:30):
It's powerful.
It's a powerful story.
We know we can count on theLord.
We know he's going to be there.
You're way out in California.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
Oh gosh, yeah, that's a long story.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Speaking of that as a mother, now being a mom, how do
you balance your role as beinga teacher, a servant and a
parent, and what advice wouldyou give to others in similar
situations?
Being a young mother, how doyou balance all that?
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Well, I think that first you have to recognize
where you are and what isactually aligned with your
purpose and I think a lot oftimes.
We try to do so many things andwe try to say yes to everyone,
and I think that that is wherewe fight this battle of oh, I
don't know how to balanceeverything, and sometimes
balance means saying no, andthat's something that I had to
(11:19):
learn.
Positions and places and peopletugging at me, being able to
use discernment and, you know,flowing in the spirit of wisdom,
able to help me.
See, this is what's alignedwith me.
You know, this is what Godwould have me do in this season,
and when I'm really focused onthat, then my motherhood
(11:41):
flourishes because I'm reallydoing what I'm supposed to be
doing and I'm not burning myselfout, just saying yes to
everything and people pleasing.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
You know, I know you've had the experience with
the LifeWise program.
Yes, when directors and I knowthey meet at the church there,
can you talk about how that hasshaped your?
Speaker 1 (12:00):
approach, to be able to be close up with many
different kinds of children, tobe able to see the different
life circumstances andsituations that kids face and
that they go through.
But I think that there's thisbeauty about the gospel where it
(12:22):
is literally so profound andamazing but at the same time
it's so simple that a childcould understand it and grasp it
.
And so God has done somethingreally beautiful with the gospel
by making it to where it's thismulti-layered, amazing, most
amazing thing you ever heard.
Yet it's so simple, and so Ifind that with children, it's
(12:44):
getting down with them on theirlevel.
There's things that they talkabout I never would have
imagined as an adult thatsomeone would be facing in the
way that they are, just down thestreet, just right across the
street from the ministry that Iserve in at Mifflin Middle
School, cassidy Elementary.
(13:04):
These are real kids with realstruggles.
They have real hearts and theyneed a real Jesus.
And so my heart goes out to thembecause they need somebody to
pour the word into them, likewhy not, why not me?
Speaker 3 (13:17):
Yeah, you know.
Speaking of that, you're doingministry at your father's church
and your father's leadership.
Why do you feel called to servethere?
Because I'm sure you could haveother opportunities at
different places.
What is it about ColumbusChristian Center and your dad's
leadership that you feel calledto serve?
Speaker 1 (13:36):
I think that the authenticity of my dad's heart,
being able to see how genuine heis and how much his love for
the Lord has taken him from thebottom up.
I mean, he's had really humblebeginnings and he has really
done such amazing work, not justin Columbus Ohio, but in our
(13:58):
family you know what I'm sayingIn the Forbes family.
He has really paved a way thatis attractive.
It pulls you in because it'ssparkling and it's glamorous.
But it's the word of God, it isdedication, it's consecration,
it's holiness.
He makes that look veryattractive because he's so
(14:18):
confident in himself.
My mom she is completely themost genuine woman that I know.
She's always the same and herfoundation is Christ.
So they make it easy, they makeit desirable, but then also
they always made me and mysiblings feel like we have a
place.
We have a place.
Speaker 3 (14:38):
So yeah, you know, as we continue this conversation,
I know you're just so serious,so focused what does what's fun?
What does Raymond do for fun?
You know we got to loosen thisthing up.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Am I too tense?
Am I too tense?
I want to move the mic.
I mean, I love to eat, period.
I love eating.
I love to eat some good food,try out new restaurants.
I really enjoy board games.
That is just something that I'mjust like yeah, give me a good
board game.
(15:12):
Put me around, my family and myfriends.
I just light up and I'm excitedand I'm happy about that.
I do enjoy spending time withpeople that I love.
Walking is one of my favoritethings to do I'll go on a walk
and I'll be excited about it,just exploring nature and
(15:34):
there's such a calm that comesover me, so I really enjoy that.
Those are some things that Ireally like doing Good good good
.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
You know there's a.
I know you grew up in Christianschools and at Columbus
Christian Center you guys have aCrown Preparatory Academy.
Can you tell the audience aboutwhat the value of Christian
education, what Christianeducation is valuable, important
to you?
Speaker 1 (15:57):
I mean, I think it's a sign of the times.
You can see, you look out yourwindow and you just see the
agenda of the enemy manifesting.
And so you know, god is neversecond fiddle, right.
He's never just like sitting inthe corner, like, okay, well, I
see what the enemy's doing,what am I going to do?
No, he has a bigger and betterplan and he has his
(16:18):
reinforcements, he has hisstrategies, he has his power,
and so Christian education isone of those powers that the
Lord has to reach the souls ofthese young children, because as
they grow, they are going to bematuring and evolving into the
people that are going to beraising up the next generation.
(16:39):
And especially when I thinkabout life-wise, I'm like, oh my
gosh, some of these kids, theirstories, their backgrounds,
their everyday life, what theygo home to after they leave
school, it's just like a fightall the time.
It is constantly a fight, andmy dad and I were talking about
(17:01):
it the other day and he's justlike that fight or flight.
Some people are locked in fight, they are just always
constantly on edge, and that isthe work of the enemy at play,
and that's something that wehave to actively fight against.
If the enemy is going to berelentless, hey, we're going to
(17:24):
fight back and say no.
God's principles and what hestands for and what we believe
as followers of Christ matterstoo, and it matters in the lives
of these kids as well.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Lord gave you a vision to launch Ramah Word
podcast.
Can you tell us more about thevision and its purpose?
Speaker 1 (17:50):
no-transcript false identities that we subscribe to.
My dad says cancel mysubscription, I don't want no
more issues.
But we all subscribe, have andstill do because of the sin
nature, these false identities.
(18:12):
So what could a false identitybe?
Anxiety, right, fear,bitterness, resentment, pride.
There's many, there's a wholelong list of them.
But these are false identitiesthat are not rooted in the
character of God and His natureand who he is.
(18:33):
And so, rhema, word helps you toget back on track by renewing
your mind.
So you will have a catalog andyou might say what have I really
been struggling with?
And a lot of this stuff.
This goes back generations,generational curses in your
family.
Your mom and your grandma andyour grandpa all had the same
(18:53):
fear.
They always struggling withfear can never finish something,
always starting but notfinishing.
That's a generational curse anda lot of times people don't
know that those things areactive in their family lines.
Well, first you repent right Foryour sin of that false identity
.
You repent for your ancestor'ssin.
(19:14):
You receive a godly blessing inexchange for that, and then,
after you have to renew yourmind with the word of God, where
those lies once were, you'vegot to root those up and put the
word in.
So you go through a catalogthat I create for you and you'd
say, man, I'm really strugglingwith insecurity.
You'll click it and it is anaudio book of me reading the
(19:37):
word of what does the word ofGod say about insecurity, and
you renew your mind and youlisten to it over and over and
over again, and then it's justalso just a conversational
podcast.
That's more comfortable relaxed,we can talk and I can just
really impart into you but it'sreally a mind renewal tool I can
just really impart into you,but it's really a mind renewal
tool.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
You know, how do you personally incorporate prayer
and spiritual practices in yourdaily life?
You know, because you're busywith so many things going on,
how do you incorporate that intoyour daily life?
Speaker 1 (20:07):
You know, one of the words that comes to my mind,
coach, is sacrifice, and you'renot going to get far in your
walk with Christ if you cannotmake sacrifices.
He made the greatest sacrificeof all.
The most we can do is to make asacrifice for the Lord.
So, whether that looks likewaking up a little bit earlier
and taking intentional time withGod, that works.
(20:30):
He'll take it.
He'll take any time that yougive For me, my daughter and I.
We love to listen to worshipmusic in the morning and that
opens up our spirits and oursouls for the day and just
allows God to really speak to usand gets us really sensitive.
Sometimes we cry on the way toschool because we're worshiping
(20:52):
God while we're driving toschool.
We're worshiping God and whilewe're driving to school.
And also, you know, gettinginvolved in your community, get
involved with your local church.
You might have a midweek Biblestudy.
I know we do on Tuesdays.
That helps us in the middle ofthe week just still checking
back in and saying, all right,lord, let's, let's, keep going
(21:13):
at it, let's keep going at it.
And then, of course, on Sundays, but outside of church, finding
time to worship, everybodydrives right.
So listen to a podcast thatinspires you to live for Christ
in a more radical way, a morestronger way, or worship that's
an easy way or waking up earlier, or just making intentional
time, sacrificing something thatyou normally would do, and give
(21:35):
that time to the Lord, and hetakes that and he makes that
thing grow.
Speaker 3 (21:39):
As you think about your generation and that's what
I wanted to have you on the showsome of those challenges that
this generation is facing.
You look at the world andsocial media, likes and all that
kind of stuff.
How do you encourage others whomay be feeling stuck or unsure
about their own calling andpurposes in life?
What word would you give tothem of encouragement?
Speaker 1 (21:59):
I have just had a conversation with a woman Her
name is Dr Sarita Lyons.
She is a dynamic speaker,wonderful woman of God and I
asked her that similar questionwhat would you say to the person
that is kind of feeling lulledNot to sleep, but just kind of
hanging in the center, you know,not really growing, not really
(22:20):
going backwards, but just kindof in the same place?
And she said I would pray and Iwould fast, and this is
something that I've done.
Fasting is a phenomenal tool togo deeper in the things of God,
because you're starving yourflesh so that your spirit can
stand up and stand up stronger.
You're hearing, yoursensitivity in the spirit is
(22:42):
heightened and things happenvery, very quickly.
The last fast that I did wasthree days.
I only had water and the Lorddid some incredible things in
just three days.
And so I would say for theperson that has really been
struggling and it might be astruggle it's not always easy,
it really isn't, and it takes alot of intentionality and a lot
(23:05):
of times it takes practicegetting in the presence of God
and really making a home there.
But I would say take a day ortake half a day and say I'm not
eating for this first half ofthe day.
I'm not eating for this firsthalf of the day.
I'm not eating for this day andwhen I would normally be eating
, I'm going to eat the word ofGod, literally.
I'm going to find a scriptureand I'm going to read.
I'm going to say God, speak tome, soften my heart, take my
(23:27):
heart of stone and turn into aheart of flesh.
He will blow your mind.
I would say pick a fast.
You don't need to do anythingcrazy, you know right off the
bat.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
But find some time to just dedicate to God and fast
and pray.
Speaking of that, as we comearound the corner, can you this
audience who's listening to this?
Can you pray over the audience?
Speaker 1 (23:52):
Absolutely To encourage them to do that for us
.
Okay, heavenly Father, I justthank you for who you are, and I
thank you for this time.
For the listener, whoever islistening, lord, you have chosen
them before they were formed intheir mother's womb.
You knew exactly who they were.
(24:13):
You knew that they would belistening to this very episode
right now, and so, lord, I justpray that you would touch the
heart of the person that iswatching.
I thank you, lord, that theywould have unshakable faith in
you.
I thank you for surroundingthem with people that would
continue to confirm andreinforce your love for them.
(24:37):
Who you are, lord, I thank youfor continuous confirmation of
your spirit of love.
I thank you, father, that theperson who is listening would
find liberty and freedom in you.
That, lord, they would go tonew heights and soar on the
wings of eagles.
Lord, I just thank you so muchfor their life.
(24:57):
Their life is precious to you.
So, lord, I just thank you thatthis moment, from this moment on
, they would continue, maybe ifthis is their first time ever
even praying this prayer.
Lord, I pray that they wouldcontinue to walk strong in their
faith, that they would not beashamed of the gospel, they
(25:20):
would not be ashamed to claimChrist.
And so, lord, I just thank youso much for your love.
I thank you for your peace thatpasses all understanding, that
surpasses all humanunderstanding.
Lord, it's something that wecan't understand, but, lord,
(25:43):
it's real and it's so true.
So, lord, I just thank you forrooting this precious person in
the foundation of truth, andthat their lives would continue
to blossom into what it is thatyou've called them to be, in the
precious name of Jesus, amen.
Speaker 3 (25:53):
Amen, amen, amen.
Well, remy, thank you so muchfor sharing your heart and
wisdom with us today on Be ABaller podcast.
It's been an absolute joy tohave you on the show and I've
just been blessed to watch yougrow and mature into the young
lady and woman that you are, andso I'm thankful for, thankful
for your parents and your churchfamily.
You know, and I'm sure, howproud they are, most importantly
(26:14):
, how proud God is, and I thankyou for answering the call.
You know not running from thatcall, but answering the call,
and we're glad you came on backhome to Columbus Ohio.
You know it's been great, sothank you for it, even coming
back to Worthy Christian HighSchool back in the studio, where
it all began, so to speak,right.
So it's truly been a blessing.
(26:35):
So, for the audience, I want tothank you for listening to Be A
Baller podcast, where we talkabout building a lifelong legacy
, and I thank you for RaymondForrest, for being in the studio
today, someone who's building alegacy that's still been
written each and every day.
So thank you, audience, andplease listen and subscribe to
the show and share with yourfriends, as always continue and
(26:58):
share with your friends.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
As always, continue to be a baller, coach Tim Brown.
If you've enjoyed this episode,please share it with family and
friends.
The Be A Baller podcast isavailable on all major podcast
platforms.
This podcast was created byCoach Tim Brown and recorded and
edited by the video productionclass of Worthington Christian
High School.
Be sure to come back next weekas we continue to discuss on how
to build a lifelong legacy.
(27:19):
Until then, don't forget to bea baller.
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Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
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If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.