Leo Clark: The Battle Is Bigger Than You

Written By Paul McDonald

A New Series: Stories Behind Wild at Heart: The Series

 Every man carries wounds—some buried deep, some tearing through the surface, some leaving them questioning everything. Wild at Heart: The Series is an invitation to step into the stories of men who have faced their deepest wounds—and found that God was there all along.

Over the next few episodes, we will have conversations with the men who were a part of this project. We started with Daniel to explore his calling as a filmmaker and how he holds up a mirror to help men see their stories the way God does. Next we sit down with each man featured in the series—Mark, Pablo, Leo, and Sam—real men who have faced crisis, trauma, and failure, and who have found healing, redemption, and restoration.

If you haven't watched the series yet, check it out on the Wild at Heart YouTube channel. Watch the trailer or dive straight into the prologue. Then join us here as we unpack the stories that didn't make the final cut—and the films that reveal the transformation and hope that mark these men's lives.

Leo’s story can be found here.

Download your study guide here.

Everyone wants to be a champion, but no one wants to get punched in the mouth. On the verge of a professional basketball career, Leo’s dream ended with one injury. What followed were blows far heavier than any opponent could throw: the death of his father, homelessness, and more than 60 straight rejections looking for work. Through the lens of James Braddock’s comeback and Leo’s own journey, we wrestle with the possibility that the punches we endure are not punishment, but preparation for a battle that is bigger than ourselves.

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The Quotes

  • You don’t want to be humbled by God.

  • Practice doing the right thing.

  • There’s a beauty in a broken man.

  • You gotta win the fight you’re facing today.

 Themes

  • The Fight Is Bigger Than You: Your pain may be preparation for someone else’s freedom

  • The Power of Humility: Asking for help is strength under pressure

  • Champions Have to Fight: You can’t claim the title without stepping into the ring

  • When No’s Don’t Hurt: After surviving the worst, rejection loses its power

Resources

  • Wild at Heart YouTube Channel

  • Wild at Heart: The Series trailer

  • Wild at Heart: The Series prologue

  • Wild at Heart: The Series Ch 001 - Mark Evans

  • Wild at Heart: The Series Ch 002 - Pablo Ceron

  • Wild at Heart: The Series Ch 003 - Leo Clark

  • Where to find Leo Clark: website

Questions

  • When did you get your shot and fall short?

  • When have you had to ask for help? How did that feel?

  • What’s the hardest thing you’ve already survived?

  • Who is in your corner right now?

  • What fight are you avoiding because you don’t want to get hit?e?

More info

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Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston

Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).

Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.

Links:

Paul McDonald
Next

Pablo Ceron: When the Boy You Buried Shows Up