Embracing the Maverick Mentality: How to Stand Out

Who We Are – Our Maverick Story:

Welcome to Maverick Life! We would like to start by introducing ourselves: We are Brett and Abby Stanavich, high school sweethearts from a small town, together for over ten years and married for three. Our journey has been nothing short of amazing. We have been through wonderful seasons and dark ones, too. Life has a way of taking a toll on a person, but there’s no one else we would like to go through it with than each other. We are college grads of four year programs; Brett is a network engineer and computer nerd and I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Brett just separated from serving from the New York Air National Guard and I am primarily a stay at home mom.

Writing this down, I can’t help but think of an “All American” story. Highschool football star meets academic nerd, boy heads off to the military and deployment obligations, girl eagerly awaits his return, they marry, buy a home, have two babies, and adopt a rescue pup. We have truly lived a full life thus far. I give all credit to my husband. He is definitely the “go-getter” in our relationship. The one who moves confidently in the direction of his passions, not stopping to think of the logistics. I, however, am more reserved, often my worst enemy. I think everything through, but don’t we all as women?! I sometimes sit back and think of all the things I would have missed out on if it weren’t for him. Heck, I probably would have never even gotten on a plane if it weren’t for him! I know that there are times he appreciates my logical thinking. It’s saved us from getting ourselves into investments or projects that weren’t yet in God’s timing.

Our faith in Jesus is critical to our marital relationship and defines who we are as individuals. With the way culture is shifting today, we couldn’t help but identify with the term Maverick. For those who are not acquainted with the term, a Maverick is defined as an unorthodox or independent- minded person. What used to be defined as orthodox is now considered unorthodox in our culture. In the past ten years, we have had more people say to us “There’s not many couples doing things the way you are.” Our question:
Why not?! This is the simple life, this is a peaceful way of life. This is a way in which affords us all the blessings of life, but the security as well.” A few big life decisions later and a couple of babies, we decided we needed to tell our Maverick story. We feel compelled as a couple in our mid-late twenties to share our story. Yes, we are “young” but the Word of God says “Let no one despise your youth…” 1 Timothy 4:12. When you live in tune with the Holy Spirit and simply ask for wisdom from above, you can be wise beyond your years, with little life experience. We stand by that wholeheartedly.

A Maverick Mentality

In the Bible, the book of Haggai chapter one verse seven states, “thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.”

Haggai was referencing the neglect of the Temple but as Christians this can apply to us in so many ways. God was urging the people of Israel to reflect on the intentions and motivations of their hearts. What was being prioritized? Why was it taking the place of God first? What insecurities were festering to invest so much in physical needs as opposed to spiritual ones. These are the same questions Brett and I have challenged ourselves with and continually evaluate. We hope that you will see that our ‘Maverick’ lifestyle is simply because we put God at the center of the mundane. He is the standard that we try are hardest to align everything against.

Once again, welcome. We humbly hope this leaves you blessed and inspired. As we share all of our life experiences, tips, tricks, and favorites, we pray that it can be of some benefit to you. Our goal will always be to give you the encouragement, insight, and tools necessary to accomplish whatever you set out to do. Just know that we are walking right by your side. Live Maverick.