We had the good fortune of connecting with William Cumby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
The feeling that my dream is bigger than me both scares me and excites me. Everyone has goals but goals never made anything happen. Our Faith in God and the systems we create are crucial to success. Make moves – Not Excuses. A relentless commitment to trusting God and fighting for what God has given me has created an insatiable desire for better!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a full-time husband and father first. I get paid to be a youth pastor and speaker. The difference between me and others is hunger pangs. Everyone feels the discomfort of a hurting community. I am not any better than anyone else however, I am passionate about that sound. I want to help meet the needs of my community. I will continue working and serving my community until God calls me home. I didn’t become where I am because I kept coming to work. I arrived here because I paid attention to my community, I paid my time as a servant, I pushed past my emotions, and I pursued God’s purpose for my life with relentless tenacity. I have learned that everyone on the front row isn’t there to cheer you on. I don’t work to prove them wrong. I work to continuously prove how right God was when He chose me for this time and this position. I want the world to know that what I don’t know, I will learn. I want the world to know that it was not by might and not by my own personal power, but it was by the spirit of God that I am here today and will continue to serve tomorrow. This is what I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Ellinor Tinsley park, Graffiti park, my barber downtown, and my favorite local restaurants all along Houston’s awesome bike trails. I would also take them to see the history of third ward, the strength of fifth ward, and the beauty of Missouri City. I would take them to see schools in HISD, FBISD, and Thurgood Marshall High school where I learned the passion of high school football and community partnership. Finally, we must stop by The Fountain of Praise where we have some of the best church services in the world. Houston is bigger than its beautiful skyline. It is a combination of dedicated Houstonians that believe in their community, love their faith, and work to make this city the best place ever.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would take them to Ellinor Tinsley park, Graffiti park, my barber downtown, and my favorite local restaurants all along Houston’s awesome bike trails. I would also take them to see the history of third ward, the strength of fifth ward, and the beauty of Missouri City. I would take them to see schools in HISD, FBISD, and Thurgood Marshall High school where I learned the passion of high school football and community partnership. Finally, we must stop by The Fountain of Praise where we have some of the best church services in the world. Houston is bigger than its beautiful skyline. It is a combination of dedicated Houstonians that believe in their community, love their faith, and work to make this city the best place ever.

Website: williamcumby.com
Instagram: @willc27
Linkedin: William Cumby
Twitter: @willc27
Facebook: william cumby
Youtube: william cumby

Image Credits
Michael Bishop – @shotbybishop_

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