Stardate 01.22.2026
Six thousand days.
Six thousand stories.
Six thousand small steps in a marathon only God could have mapped out.
Today is more than a milestone — it’s a moment I never imagined reaching. Sixteen years of showing up. Often quietly. Often in the wilderness. Often with nothing more than a gentle nudge from God whispering, Keep going, Michael.
Some thought I was out of my mind to stay with this for so long. But every story, every struggle, every lesson — they carried me here. And today, I’m peeling back the final layer of the onion to share something that has always been part of me, but rarely spoken aloud.
A Story I Never Planned to Tell
If you’ve followed this journey, you know I never set out to be a writer. As a boy, I watched my dad face rejection after rejection. He had the talent, the education, the discipline — and still, the world didn’t open the doors he hoped for.
Watching that made writing feel dangerous. Like stepping onto ground that had already burned my family once.
That tension lingered between us for decades.
And then one morning… I woke up and started typing.
I learned to use all my fingers.
I learned social media.
I learned how to share my heart without losing my peace.
And slowly, one imperfect step at a time, this unexpected calling began to shape me.
A Faith Refined Through Fire
My relationship with Jesus is stronger now than it’s ever been.
One day I asked Him, “Show me who I am in Your eyes.”
What He showed me wasn’t flattering.
But it was true.
And it was freeing.
I began to see how much of my life had been shaped by forces I didn’t fully understand — anger, fear, loneliness, self-reliance. Battles many of us carry quietly. Jesus didn’t reveal those things to shame me. He revealed them so He could heal me.
That healing led me back to where my story began.
I was raised Catholic. I drifted for years — mostly because I was angry with God. Then I met my wife. Her quiet devotion softened something in me. Worshiping beside her felt like coming home.
Today, I want to say something clearly — and gently.
I am Catholic.
And I believe deeply that every one of us belongs to God’s family no matter what label we choose to describe our particular denomination or flavor of worship.
You don’t have to agree with me. I’m not here to convert anyone. Many of my closest friends worship in traditions different from my own, and I’m grateful for what they’ve taught me. A few aren't even sure there is a God. All people are welcome here. This space has always been about something bigger than labels. It's bigger than the fences we build around us. Perhaps that's why I was so drawn into Star Trek as a young boy watching people from the ends of the earth coming together for one purpose.
It’s about love.
And love makes room.
That spirit will guide the next chapter of these stories.
Thank You for Walking This Journey With Me
Your encouragement. Your presence. Your willingness to walk alongside me — it means more than I can say.
Today isn’t just my celebration.
It’s ours.
And if you’re wondering what comes next, I can promise you this:
We’re just getting started.
May you live long and prosper.
Have a great day.
Captain’s Addendum
Bones: Six thousand logs… Michael, remind me again why we’re not retired on some warm beach by now?
Spock: Doctor, your fixation on beaches continues to defy logic. This milestone is the predictable outcome of discipline and consistency.
Bones: Consistency? He’s running on stubbornness and whatever coffee he finds nearby.
Spock: And yet, Doctor, his method has proven effective.
Bones: (softening) All right… six thousand is no small feat. Just don’t tell him I said that.
Spock: Your attempt at secrecy is… statistically unlikely.
Michael’s Reflection:
Their banter makes me smile because they’re both right. This milestone wasn’t built on perfection. It was built on showing up — with grace, humility, and a willingness to grow one percent at a time.
Scripture for the Journey
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 1:6
Mission Log
Milestone: 6,000 consecutive blog entries
Status: Grateful. Grounded. Hopeful
Objective: Continue uplifting hearts, sharing truth, and walking boldly in divine love
Thank you for celebrating this moment with me. May it stir something quiet and hopeful in your own heart — and may God meet you gently in whatever chapter you’re walking through next.
Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
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