kevin-orris-mountains
 

I am a faith-forward male living in Chicago, Illinois.

I spend my days crafting detailed digital content strategies to help brands and people share stories of impact. You can usually find me journaling at a North Side coffee shop, listening to Mike Kinsella records, leading a men's group, or thinking about hiking.

I also enjoy deep conversation, making wood wick candles, books, jeans, and leaning back in any and every chair. I am perhaps most known for eating like a 5-year-old child.

Want to connect? Grab coffee? Talk about Jesus? I’m in! Click here to get in touch.

 
God gave me a story to share this week. ⠀ On Thursday, I headed to the NW Suburbs for a series of client meetings to begin a new project. Hoping to organize a few final thoughts and pray, I searched for a coffee shop along my route. How can you say no to a place called Hugs & Mugs? I had no idea what I was in for. ⠀ I entered the cafe intending to keep to myself and make sure I was reeeeally prepared for my meetings. Then I met Sharon. ⠀ Let me tell you about Sharon! First, she joyfully asked how I found Hugs & Mugs and hardly believed me when I respond “Google.” She kindly paid for my coffee, then insisted on a tour to show me around. I had no idea what I was in for. ⠀ Sharon started by telling me it’s only her third week on the job. Her expressions and tone alone displayed passion for her work and the cause. After a quick explanation of the cafe’s offerings, we entered GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center. If you don’t already know about #GenerationG, please stop reading & Google their story. It’s far better than this one. ⠀ She showed me a huge playroom, 1-on-1 speech rooms, exercise classes, and so. much. more. Then she asked what I do and who I was meeting with. I had no idea what I was in for. ⠀ Sharon not only knew of the organization I was meeting with, but was a passionate participant as a child. She guided me to GiGi’s offices as she sang my client’s song. Staff quickly emerged, recognizing the song from their own childhood with nostalgia. ⠀ She introduced me to the team, still amazed I stopped at Hugs & Mugs, and had me share a bit of my story. I met the team, received so many hugs, and couldn’t have been more awestruck by their hospitality and warm greetings. I had no idea what I was in for. ⠀ On my way out, I stopped back at Hugs & Mugs, interacted with a local special ed class designing custom mugs, and chatted with Sam, the barista. He insisted I put more cream in my coffee. I love this place. ⠀ I never did any final prep for my meetings, but I did get to share the lifelong impact my client’s programs had on Sharon & the team. It turns out this story - this thin place moment - was all I needed. I had no idea what I was in for.
If you only knew how many stories I’ve intended to share on Instagram. ⠀ I snapped this picture in September 2017. Immediately after, I dropped my phone and shattered the screen. ⠀ The irony is not lost on me.
One. Year. That’s how long I’ve been blessed to know @samcralli, the world’s best woman. That first night, we spent six hours talking about our faith, families, friends, jobs, travels, insecurities, dreams, and so much more. I didn’t realize someone like Sam could be real, much less want to be with me. - In our first year together, we’ve laughed, cried, prayed, celebrated, mourned, and fell deeply in love. We’ve made separate trips to Arizona, Indiana (shoutout Albanese), Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Wisconsin, all the while growing closer together and devouring copious amounts of snacks. - Sam is so incredibly caring, loving, kind, fun, interesting, patient, compassionate, and of course, beautiful. The best part? Somehow, I’ve convinced this amazing woman to marry me (in less than four months, no less). - Looking back at the goodness of the last year, I can’t wait to see what God has in store for many more moving forward.
I wrote about the range of emotions I’m battling with the @rams in the Super Bowl at the link in my bio. #nips
🗣The #Rams are in the playoffs. LET’S GO!!!
I wrote about becoming a “salad guy,” how I furthered my creativity, my favorite albums, concerts, reads and more today. It’s mostly for my own documentation, but you’re welcome to read it at the link in my bio.
On February 3, I met the most AMAZING woman. She immediately shared her heart her family, friends, strangers, and most of all, Jesus. She radiates compassion, love, fun, and oh so much beauty. Every day with her is infinitely better than without. On Friday, I asked her to marry me and SHE SAID YES! I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together! She will greatly enrich mine.
No. 5 on the season.
My goddaughter is cuter than yours.
If you’re like most people my age, it’s unlikely you’ve heard of Isiah Robertson. Though he was a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the @Rams in the 70s, his life took a sharp downhill turn as his career ended. Following football, he became addicted to drugs, famously spending $25,000 on cocaine over a 31-day stretch. A drug dealer once beat him so bad it required 100 stitches and left him with 13 broken teeth. The lead barrel of a shotgun was forced in his mouth, only it jammed and Isiah managed to escape. But his story didn’t end there. After three years of rehab, Isiah got clean and came to know Jesus. His life was forever changed. I share Isiah’s story because it’s one of tremendous impact. More than 5,000 men have gotten clean from drugs and alcohol with Isiah’s help at the treatment center, House of Isaiah, he opened nearly 30 years ago. Talk about a ripple effect. — I met Isiah once. It was October 2013 when he randomly knocked on my office door and introduced himself. To that point, all I knew was the first half of his story. Gifted linebacker. Womanizer. Drug addict. Over the next hour, I listened to the second half - the story of Christ’s redemption in his life - in rapt silence. We bonded over our faith and dislike for that weekend’s opponent, the @49ers. We ended our impromptu conversation with a firm handshake before he pulled a business card from his leather padfolio, assuring me to call if I ever needed anything. — On Thursday night, Isiah was on his way home after sharing his story with a high school football team outside of Dallas. His car was struck by a semi, then another car in the opposite lane. He passed away shortly thereafter. Boy, do I wish y’all could’ve met him, too. Rest in peace, Isiah. Can’t wait to see you in heaven.
I wrote about the days when I sat at the intersection of Swagger and Thrive. You can read all about that and @samcralli’s love of plants at the link in my biography.
Happy Birthday to the 🌎’s #1 human @samcralli!!! You won’t find anyone who is more intentional, present, and loving than this beaut. There’s no one I’d rather adventure, laugh, study, worship, create, or even cry with. She radiates God’s love, compassion, beauty, and so much more for the whole world to see. Good news is we’re only just getting started. I love you, babe!