Big Is The New Small

Today I wanted to share some excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s, “I have a Dream” Speech:  Allow the words to penetrate your heart.  See it in it’s entireity here! 

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” 

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” — one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.“

Don’t let today simply be a day off of work, but rather a day of reflection.  It’s hard to believe this speech was just 43 years ago.  I thank God for Dr. King; it’s scary to think how different the world would be without his leadership, as a matter of fact you probably wouldn’t even be reading my blog….  We have come a long way and have a long way to go.  Still Dreamin’

Share your thoughts, discuss…..

Need a Quickie?  Okay, here is a 5 step leadership quickshop: 

1. If you loose your cool or your temper; you will loose respect.

2. Don’t be afraid to empower others and give some leadership away.

3. You can’t give a rip about what people think; stay focused.

4. If you micromanage, you are insecure and you need to get a life.

5. Be bold, don’t compromise, stay true to who you are and people will follow!

6. Bonus: Always maintain integrity;  check out the Swerve post on Integrity.

What are your thoughts or experiences with any of theses leadership principles?  Again, share your thoughts or share your own quickies!  BigIsTheNewSmall

My family was having dinner this past Saturday after church at Chili’s; which is one of our favorite restaurants for consistency.  You can see the picture of my red hot smokin’ wife LaKendria, who is a stone cold fox, easily a 94 on a scale of 100 and my two striking, handsome young sons; Jayden (4) in my lap and Wesley (8).  As we were finishing up our food, my youngest son Jayden stated that he needed to use the restroom.  Before he blurted out what number he needed to do; my wife (LaKendria) quietly asked him what he needed to do.  Jayden informed us and the others around him that he needed to do “number 4.”  LOL!  Jayden, what did you say, did you say number 4?  LOL LOL!  LaKendria proceeded to ask Jayden what number 4 was.   Jayden responded quite boldly: “Number 4 is diarrhea!”  

Not only was this moment entertaining, but Jayden provided a valuable life and leadership lesson.  Many times as leaders, parents, spouses…. we accept things as though there are only number ones and number two’s.   

As Jayden clearly illustrated there are many variations of those numbers; as a matter of fact he just defined a new one, the number 4.  I will hear leaders, parents or people say; well that’s the way we do this or that, or we can’t do this or that…  The bottom line is that many times there is a number 4 option available, in whatever situation we are facing. In other words; look for the slight variation; it might be just enough to make a “Big Difference,” if you know what I’m saying.  Some of the world’s best leaders, top CEO’s, best marriages, success stories…  are a result of someone deciding to “take a Number 4.”

Do you find it difficult for yourself or others to look for that number 4?  Share your thoughts!  Also share any lessons have you learned from your children?

As I am winding down 07’ one of the things that I like to do is to set some clear goals and directions for myself and my family.  This year we will reflect on what God has done in our lives in 07’ and make plans for 08’.   

I generally make some New Years resolutions; one of which always seems to be getting into better shape.  I examine the little areas, as well as the really big areas of my life, understanding the importance of both of them.  I make a list of the things that I like; as well as the things that I don’t like.  This year if I am being candid, one of the things that I don’t like is….. “I don’t like Christians with Big Butts!”   

Many of you that read this blog have Big Butts and you know it; 08’ is time for you to do something about it.  You know what I am talking about…. I need to be a better husband, better leader, more generous, spend quality time with my family, write a book, sever some relationships, rekindle some relationships, get my finances in order, be bold, forgive so and so, loose weight, quit smoking, kick addictions, read the Bible daily, get more involved, apply for that job, have that conversation, ask those questions….. but I don’t have the time, but I’m not ready, but I don’t have what it takes, not today but maybe tomorrow, but, but, but, but! 

There are many areas of my life in which I’m a Big Butt Christian.  We need to begin replacing the word but, with the word and.  I need to do___________ and that’s what I’m going to do.  “I don’t like Christians with Big Butts and I cannot lie, you other brothers can’t deny!” LOL 

Are you a Big Butt Christian?  What areas of your life do you need to replace the word but with the word and?  BigIsTheNewSmall

I am one of those individuals who is all about having rules and following them; well I kinda am.  I understand the importance of rules and policies, except for those gray areas that can allow for some flexibility.  In other words, don’t always put “Policy before People.” Last week I went through the McDonald’s Drive-thru to get my boys some nugget Happy Meals, before I dropped them off at their Nana’s.  I placed my order and the conversation went something like this:

• McDonald’s Lady: Welcome to McDonald’s, order when you’re ready.

• Me: I need two six piece nugget “Happy Meals” w/ Orange Drinks and Sweet and Sour Sauce.

• McDonald’s Lady: I am sorry sir but we are not serving lunch.

• Me: What time does lunch begin?

• McDonald’s Lady: at 10:30

• Me: It’s 10:29

• McDonald’s Lady: Sorry!

• Me: (LOL) Ok, I will drive around and come back through!

I proceeded to drive around the parking lot and come back through and place my order.

• McDonald’s Lady: Welcome to Mcdonald’s, order when you’re ready 

• Me: “I need the same thing that I ordered 1 minute ago!” 

Are you kidding me, did this just happen…? LOL 

Have you experienced some moments of Policy before People?  Is a rule a rule and that’s it; or do some situations allow for a degree of flexibility?  Share your thoughts!

During our December Event, Sam Roberts who is a member of the LifeChurch.tv Directional Leadership Team, delivered a talk regarding Love and Leadership.  It was one of those; light-switch turning-on “Vuja De” moments for me and as he confirmed aspects my leadership style.

Sam spoke from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.  Love never fails. 

Here are some thoughts on how “Love” plays out as a leader, a spouse and a parent:

• Patience- Who do we need to be patient w/…. Be Patient!
• Kind- Don’t be too quick to judge… When you have both the authority and respect; then you can effectively lead!
• Envy- If you envy others around you, you lead out of insecurity…  This is the death spiral of leadership! 
• Boast- “When you think more of yourself, others will think less of you.”
• Self-seeking- “If you don’t respect and honor others… you won’t receive it.”
• Easily ngered- “If you want to erode equity within your team… loose your temper”
• Record of wrongs &Truth- Forgive….Be honest, lead honest… you don’t have to know everything  or have all the answers, just have integrity & be honest.
• Trust- Trust and look for the best in those who God has placed in your care.
• Perseveres- Love always perseveres. 

Love never fails- Never is a very strong word! 

“We can’t always control how we feel about someone, but we can always control how we treat them.” 

Are you showing your team or your family enough Love?  Have you worked for supervisors who lead out of insecurity and not Love? Had you ever considered this passage from a leadership perspective?  Share your thoughts!

Last Night was amazing; we had every single LifeChurch.tv staff member from around the country and their spouses together for dinner and fellowship.  I am so blessed to be a part of the work that God is doing through LifeChurch.tv.   Our keynote speaker was Perry Noble; who is the Senior Pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson south Carolina.  Perry is an absolute nut, in a good way.  He had us laughing and challenged all at the same time.  There was a question that Perry asked, to be sarcastic; however it was a powerful reminder.  Here it is:

“Does Billy Graham have a quiet time?” 

Do you have a daily quiet time, with just you and God? Seriously!

Here is a stat to gnaw on: Only 5% of Christian couples pray together!

Drive-Thru Lesson 2 (of 4) 

If you are like me when it comes to your dining or drive-thru experience, customer service is paramount.  I can’t stand to go to a dine-in or fast food restaurant and receive poor service from an individual who could care less about me as a customer.  I often times will ask to speak to a manager when I receive exceptional service, because it is simply hard to come by.  If I find a restaurant or business that has exceptional service I will be a loyal customer, it just makes sense for that relationship to be reciprocal.   

There is a fast food restaurant that has been consistently named the best drive-thru in America and that is the restaurant that encourages you to “Eat Mor Chikin” Chick-fil-A.  Not only does this restaurant have the best customer service, they have the best tasting food of any fast food restaurant.  Chick-fil-A’s award winning customer service does not happen without extreme attention to detail. Chick-fil-A values it’s customers and puts its money where its mouth is by spending more than a million dollars a year evaluating service.  Wow, just think if churches and businesses spent time, energy and money evaluating service.  If you ever go into a Chick-fil-A it will appear as though they are over staffed and that’s because they strive to complete drive-thru orders in 90 seconds and 60 seconds at the counter.  At the end of every transaction at Chick-fil-A you will not simply here “thanks” or “see you later” or “come back” but rather “My Pleasure.”   

Recipies for Success from Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy:

• Embrace Unexpected Opportunities

• Do What’s Right

• Lead by Serving

• Take Sunday’s Off (A day of rest and worship)

Thoughts from Chick-fil-A:

• The Ad Campaign- Eat mor chickin cows
• The Results- 2 billion dollars annual sales, 39 years of positive sales growth
• The Product- Best customer service, Best Chickin sandwich
• The X Factor- Biblical principles as business practices

How important is customer service to you?  What are some restaurants and business that have exceptional customer service?  What are your thoughts about Chick-fil-A?

Thankful 3 (of 4) 

There are so many things that are readily accessible that I am extremely thankful for.  I am going to share three of them: Books, Blogs and Bibles: 

Books:  We are taught from an early age the importance of reading and the impact it has on a child’s performance in other areas.  The same is true for adults; as our world becomes more complex reading helps us to figure out our place in it.  I don’t care what you read, just read something and be thankful for all of the books that you have access to.    

Blogs:  Blogs have become a great tool for me to learn, develop relationships, be entertained and be stretched on a daily basis.  Blogs are impacting and changing the world in a major way.  Think of blogs from a historical perspective; how powerful would it have been to read Martin Luther King Jr.’s blog daily.  What if we could have read The First Letter of Peter through his blog or got a quote from Moses on his blog or if the Disciples were able to read each others blog?  I am thankful that I have the opportunity to blog and I have access to countless blogs.

Bibles: My Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel was asked a question in an interview by a ministry magazine; the question was “If you could have your people do one thing that would be most valuable for your church to change the world, what would it be?” Craig’s response “I would have our people daily read God’s word, and not just read it but do what it says.”  That is the bottom line truth; period, exclamation point.!  It is God’s Living Word!  You can watch Craig’s message here.  

Are we thankful enough for God’s word that we read it daily and do what it says?  Share your thoughts on Books, Blogs and Bibles!   

I have always been amazed by the number of people that I know, meet, work with…. that are “People Pleasers.”  You know the person that tries to camouflage themselves through chronic niceness, super-holiness, overly-concerned and simply wanting to make everyone happy. 

At the end of the day “People Pleasers” spend so much time trying to please others that they begin to loose sight of what is best for themselves.  At work: they work longer hours, don’t speak up and put all of their efforts towards harmony, rather than what is right or best.  During the upcoming Holiday Season, “People Pleasers” will spend a lot of extra money buying a lot of extra or expensive gifts; when the reality is that the people receiving the gifts could care less.  Oh and BTW “It’s the thought that really does count!”   

Unfortunately or Fortunately, “I really don’t care what people think.”  I am not saying that to be rude, disrespectful, crude, cocky… but I have just been blessed with the spiritual gift of “I really don’t care what people think!”  This does not mean that I am not compassionate, loving, caring, considerate, thoughtful, appreciative, don’t like harmony…. as a matter of fact it’s quite the contrary.  My discernment and decision making comes from a source, other than peoples’ opinion!  I really think that has to be the case for all of us. 

The bottom line is that we need to seek to please God and quit worrying about pleasing people.  We need to examine our thoughts, feelings, motives and behaviors; as well as placing God’s desires coupled with our personal desires before others’ approval.  I am not certain that “People Pleasers” are pleasing God, just people!  

Are you, or do you know a “People Pleaser?”  What are your thoughts, feelings and perspectives about people pleasing?    You can be candid and can say what you mean, because “I really don’t care what people think!”  Posted in Love!

Added Link:  Check Out Craig’s Post entitled “Spiritual-Esteem”