Recently I sat among a group of people all of whom respected one another. We share some common goals. We share some common hopes and dreams. While we were discussing those goals and hopes and dreams, one person spoke up.

The room of people turned.
We looked and listened.

She is well-respected.
She is respect-worthy.
She has a very respected legacy.

She is a leader among leaders.

And, in this group of people:
When she spoke people listened.
When she led people followed.
When she thought out-loud people agreed.

And, when she had a misguided suggestion there was buy-in.

When I was a child I was heartbroken watching the Roots mini-series on TV.

I thought, “I sure am glad that the slave days are over.”

As an adult I found out just how wrong I was.

You can find more information about “end it movement” here and the International Justice Mission.

For many of us, “No” is the first word that we spoke.

And, we heard it throughout our childhood:
“No, you can’t do that.”
“No, you’re not old enough.”
“No, you’re not big enough.”

As we got older people used “No” as a weapon:
“No, you’re not pretty enough.”
“No, you’re not smart enough.”
“No, you’re not good enough.”

“No” can protect.
“No” can push away.

Push-Away Politely

Scenarios: You are – asked out, flirted with, asked to dance, offered a drink, etc. – by someone you’re not interested in. What can you do?

My neighbor, Tyko Jaddunath, plays cricket for the Minnesota Windies. 
Yesterday I went to their cricket match.

What’s cricket?

According to Wikipedia.com, “Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on a field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the runs scored by the batting team. A run is scored by the striking batsman hitting the ball with his bat, running to the opposite end of the pitch and touching the crease there without being dismissed. The teams switch between batting and fielding at the end of an innings.” 1

Listening to our friend Kayla Berndt yesterday awed me.

Her passion for the children and families she served this summer in Louisville, KY humbled me.

She found within herself a deep well of love and compassion filled by God.

Her appreciation for the struggles and successes, challenges and conquests of those she met made me think, “Do I notice people?  Really notice people?“

I believe that if I cared more for others I think my self-respect and thus my self-esteem would swell as well.

Want Loving Relationships? Great! But Know This, Conflict Is Inevitable.

Wow many times have I wished that I had listened patiently rather than interrupted Amy? My impatience has ignited more squabbles than anything else in our relationship.

Here’s an example: Amy is explaining something she is concerned about. She doesn’t say it exactly the way I think she should have and rather than let her continue I make slightly sarcastic comment or ask a subtly critical question. I correct her word usage or criticize her about using “always” or “never”.

I worked the graveyard shift as a desk clerk in suburban Chicago.  While the weekend night were often busy late into the night, many nights I had lots of free time.   I was confined to a small space in a locked office behind glass.  I spoke through a slot below the glass.  I exchanged money and passed room keys through that small opening.

Yes, there were lonely, sleepy nights.

Alone I had several options.  I watched television.  I listened to music. Occasionally I napped.   As a newly committed God-follower I spent hours reading my Bible.

I have what you want!

It’s my birthday and I have what you want! And I want you to have it!

I know you may be thinking what’s he got? Does he have that 700 hp Shelby I saw on the Speed Channel? No, I don’t. Does he have my mortgage payment? No, sorry nope. My tuition? My future spouse? My health? My hair back? My fantasy football title? An iPhone? Sorry, none of those either.

I do have a copy of The Truth About Chuck Norris that I’m gonna give away tonight at TreeHouse. But you can buy your own copy.