Leadership

Hello Friends, how are you doing? I recognize a lot has probably been percolating deep inside you, and with the continuing extension of the stay home orders, your negative emotions may be ready to explode. What I've noticed is that instead of staying six feet apart, many have kept adding six feet. Now instead of being fairly close people are miles apart in so many ways. Paul says to live in harmony and peace with one another, so maybe instead of moving six feet apart, it's time to for us to move #sixfeetcloser. Stay healthy and safe my friends, I love ya.

Hello friends! I'm hurting for our world right now as we collectively lament the hurt and division that is separating so many people. I want to challenge you not to be baited into thinking this is an either/or situation. When something is reduced to only two positions it's called a 'fool's choice.' You don't have to choose between saying Black Lives Matter and supporting those who serve in law enforcement. You can actually do both. Choosing one or the other only breeds more division and anger, and is not likely to bring parties together for effective dialog. Be an agent of reconciliation. Be someone who does the hard work of sitting with the pain and suffering of our black brothers and sisters. Be one who stands with those who have taken an oath to serve and protect you. Be someone who is willing to wrestle with the hard stuff in life and look for solutions. I'd invite you to take a listen...

Hello friends! How are you doing? If you read or listen to any kind of media these days, you'll likely hear the call for 'systemic change.' And most thoughtful people would agree there is much work to be done in our society. But how do you change the system? Well, I think it starts at a very personal level. It starts with you and I committing to personal responsibility and accountability. It begins when each of us treat the people around us with the dignity, respect and love they deserve. The other thing you're likely to notice is how people are directing their anger, not always at the issue at hand, but at each other for how each of us chooses to respond. Whether you're the silent or vocal type...let's not take offense where offense shouldn't be taken. Let's work together for justice, for love and for peace. Hopefully this video articulates my thoughts in a helpful way for you.

Hello Friends! How are you doing? I've noticed lots of people looking backwards these days. Now please don't hear me wrong, remembering and learning from our past is a good and helpful thing. Our challenge is not idolizing our past so much that it prevents us from moving forward into what God might have next for us. Hear these words from Isaiah 43 and commit to being #futureoriented. Have a beautiful and blessed day! I love ya.

Hello friends, how are you doing? My encouragement for you today is to observe and listen to others closely, so closely that you'll be able to engage in real conversation rather than distancing yourself and condemning (or appearing to condemn) those who think and live differently than you do. Paul gives us a nice picture of what this looks like in Acts 17 when he talks with the people of Athens about their idolatry. He opens a door rather than slamming one shut. I have faith you and I can follow his lead and be people who open dialog instead of shutting it off. #starttheconversation