Social media saved Rashawn Copeland’s life. Now he’s using it to change the lives of others.
Copeland’s journey started with football scholarship offers from Division I universities and legitimate aspirations of making it to the NFL. But then, at age 17, he confronted a jilted former boyfriend of the girl he was dating at the time, and was shot twice in the leg. After that, his football career was a nonstarter.
He eventually followed a cousin to Hollywood, became a hype man for the artist Soulja Boy and got caught up in all the trappings of money, sex and the Hollywood lifestyle. It all came crashing down on him with a particularly difficult break up that left him feeling alone and worthless.
One fateful night, as he contemplated suicide, he opened Facebook and stumbled upon a post from a girl he’d met once. Her post quoted Romans 8:38–39, and she explained that God’s love is available to anyone who calls on him. Copeland reached out to her and his life was transformed by the love of Christ.
“God met me at my lowest point, and he used social media to do it,” Copeland says. “I’ll never forget the power of a single post.”
That same virtual space has become his mission field. Copeland is the founder of I’m So Blessed Daily and Without Walls Ministries, and is the host of the Scripture and Stories podcast. Each avenue reaches millions online and through social media across the world with inspirational, faith-driven messages. He is also the author of Start Where You Are (Baker Books). We caught up with him to talk about how he’s using media to impact the next generation.
What is a moment that stands out in your mind as a turning point, when you really felt like you were doing what you were meant to do?
I’d say when people started reaching out to me sharing how they were on the verge of ending it all—and they came Across one of my post or videos sharing the hope that’s found in Christ. God uses the encouragement we share online and it’s right on time for those who need it.
How has your personal faith shaped the way that you do what you do?
It’s everything! My faith gives me the courage to continue to remain steadfast in my purpose regardless of the resistance I may encounter. Knowing that I’m storing up treasures in heaven every day—means everything to me. I’m excited to continue to reach people for God’s kingdom.
Do you have a life Bible verse or another passage of Scripture that has encouraged you along your journey? Why is that passage meaningful to you?
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” —Romans 16:20
Powerful verse! I love that it doesn’t mince words. God is sovereign and his timing is perfect. We can rest in the peace of God, becoming peacemakers, and watch him bring the peace breaker, Satan, to the place he rightfully deserves to be—underneath our feet. Keep trusting, keep loving!
How do you see your passion interacting with your sense of calling or mission from God? (i.e., how is God using you to further his kingdom through you doing what you do?)
It’s amazing to think how undeserving I am of the calling God has on my life. Do you agree? It dazzles me to think how God truly uses the unlikely to do the unimaginable. The Lord has turned a D+ English student into a published author and digital content creator—by his grace I’m So Blessed Daily is reaching millions daily with the gospel of Christ.
What’s one thing you would like say to leaders in the church who are trying to cultivate and encourage younger leaders?
I’d say continue to pray for the capacity to influence young leaders through inspiration not manipulation—pray that your inspiration will be generated by a passion for Christ, motivated by a God given vision, and birth from a conviction only the cross brings—not the need to be cool. Lead this way and the next generation will run miles to keep up with you!
Read more at outreachmagazine.com/next-gen