Crushed by Depression, Called by God: How Faith and Purpose Saved Mason Smith

In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Mason Smith—a former youth pastor, missionary, husband, and father—for a deeply personal journey through depression, a suicide attempt, spiritual awakening, and calling.

Mason didn’t grow up in chaos. He had a loving family and a strong foundation. But his world was shattered by a series of tragic losses that opened the door to darkness, depression, and numbness. At just 17 years old, he sat on his bed with a loaded shotgun, ready to end his life—until God intervened in a miraculous way.

This episode explores that moment—and everything that followed. Mason shares the long road from surviving to living: walking away from the fence of apathy, wrestling with his faith, and slowly rebuilding his life one surrendered step at a time. From college disillusionment to his first mission trip that awakened a true love for God, Mason’s story is one of obedience, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Nick and Mason dive into the messiness of ministry, the beauty of fatherhood, and the calling that eventually led Mason to become the Asia Director for a global missions organization. Along the way, we hear about his love story with his wife, raising two boys, and what it means to lead with humility, honesty, and faith.

For anyone who’s ever wondered if their past disqualifies them from their purpose—this conversation is proof that your darkest moments can become your greatest testimony. Mason’s story is a reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, God isn’t done with you yet.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:30 Childhood Memories

02:22 First Encounter with Loss

04:48 Struggles with Depression

06:19 Turning Point and Faith Journey

08:43 High School Challenges

18:59 College Life and Spiritual Awakening

23:53 Mission Work and Personal Growth

30:34 Finding Love and Building a Family

37:56 Ministry and Life Lessons

39:31 Supporting Each Other in Ministry

40:24 A Call to Missions

42:06 A Divine Encounter

44:53 Stepping Out in Faith

45:46 Finding the Right Fit

48:37 The Importance of Support

56:53 Fatherhood Reflections

01:06:18 Advice for Those in Despair

01:14:50 The Power of Community

01:15:27 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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Website: www.domesticdadproject.com

YouTube: @DomesticDadProject

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT/

Instagram: @the_domestic_dad_project

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Support Mason’s Missions Work:

Visit www.storylinemissions.org, click on “Give,” and consider donating to Mason Smith or the Asia missions team. Every dollar makes a difference—and sometimes, $12 can change a life.

Mason Smith Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mason-Smith-100075804065429/