What if the key to turning your child’s life around isn’t more curriculum—but a challenge?

Not punishment. Not pressure. A real challenge that demands effort, focus, and grit. One that makes them stretch—and maybe sweat a little.

That’s exactly what changed Mac Hanslip’s life.

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Mac grew up in an affluent suburb with access to great schools—but not a great lifestyle. Junk food, video games, and emotional struggles took their toll. By his freshman year of high school, he was overweight, withdrawn, and disinterested in his future. He didn’t make the basketball team. He got suspended from school. He hit rock bottom.

But then—he joined football. Not because he was a great player. But because it was the only team that didn’t cut people.

That single decision, made in the middle of failure, opened the door to transformation.

With the guidance of wise coaches, Mac leaned into strength training, discipline, and—eventually—his diet. One decision led to another. He lost 30 pounds. Built muscle. Raised his GPA. Scored a 32 on the ACT. Earned a full scholarship to the University of Alabama… and found faith in Christ as the ultimate reason for transformation.

Today, he owns Overtime Athletics in Charlotte and is passionate about using youth sports to change lives—not for scholarships or trophies, but for confidence, community, and character.

He told us:

“It’s never too early and it’s never too late. Give your child something to overcome.”

Homeschool parent—do you hear that?

Your child doesn’t need everything to be perfect. They need purpose.

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So here’s what we’re asking this week:

 1. Apply a new way of thinking:

Don’t just look for more curriculum. Look for more challenge. Whether it’s sports, chores, service projects, or something else—let your child face a hill that’s worth climbing. “Idle hands are the devil’s playground,” Mac reminded us. But focused hands? They build strength.

 2. Subscribe to this newsletter if this message resonated. We are here to help homeschool families raise disciplined, godly children—one challenge at a time.

 3. Share this with another homeschool parent who needs hope and help. You may be the voice that sparks their child’s turning point.

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Scripture to Reflect On:

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

—Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

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Let’s raise a generation that knows how to overcome. Let’s homeschool better—together.

Homeschooling is Better Together!

Let’s Learn, Link, and Lead with Faith!

- Lynn Pierre, President

-Level Up Educational Academy

-There’s Always Another Level!