A Practical, ‘Tough’ Guide to Forgiveness: It’s Never Easy
At times, nothing can be harder than choosing to forgive. But in the end, there is nothing more liberating that forgiveness.
William Wilberforce: Unstoppable force of faith, justice, and compassion
I love the story of William Wilberforce as told in the film Amazing Grace. Wilberforce labored for the cause of social justice for forty-six years, often facing extreme opposition and hostile resistance. It took over twenty years to pass his bill for the abolition of the African slave trade, but he persevered in trench warfare one small inch at a time!
Want to give up? You’re in the company of world changers!
One of the greatest lessons we can learn from Joseph’s life is that there will always be more opportunities to quit than there are opportunities to conquer. Our dreams are always filled with detours and surprises, setbacks and hardships. But we can be assured that if our dream comes from God, the dream holds us when we feel unable to hold it.
A DREAM or VISION which costs nothing and demands nothing is worth nothing
A DREAM or VISION which costs nothing and demands nothing is worth nothing. Leaders, if we’re going to realize our dreams and materialize our vision, we’re going to have to suffer the most. We’re going to have to work long and hard hours doing things that are less than glamorous. We’re going to have to strive, sacrifice, hurt, cry, and bleed. Hardest of all, we’re going to have to do those things well; keeping the cool, calm reserve of a steadfast leader.
Let the enemy hear you say, “I have not yet begun to fight.”
On 14 August, 1779, American naval Captain John Paul Jones sailed from Brest, France, in charge of a squadron of four vessels. The French gave him an old ship, which he renamed the Bon Homme Richard. His officers were Americans without experience in naval duties, and his crew was a motley assemblage.
Baseball: My son is an ORIOLE and a childhood DREAM is fulfilled…
I grew up going to baseball games at the old Memorial Stadium on 33rd St in Baltimore. My first childhood dream was to be a Baltimore Oriole when I grew up, dreaming of following in the footsteps of childhood heroes Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken, Jr.
Soul Surfer film: One day you will say “thank you” to your adversaries!
Soul Surfer is based on the true to life story of Bethany Hamilton, a champion surfer, who is the victim of a tragic shark attack which leads to her left arm being amputated. Amazingly, Bethany fights through unbelievable challenges to one day get back on a surfboard and ultimately become a pro surfer.
George Washington Leadership Moment: dare to believe, seize the day, risk boldly
The first things that come to mind with George Washington’s name are his commanding presidency, great leadership skills, and irresistible courage. We don’t think too often that at one time he was esteemed as a crippled leader and incompetent loser who couldn’t command the Continental Army to victory against an overpowering British brigade. Seize this moment and dare to do great things for your God.
7 Keys to Creating and Sustaining MOMENTUM
Momentum is defined as “the force of movement,” and it’s one of the pivotal keys that will determine the success of any organization, business, or personal goals you may be after. John Maxwell calls momentum “the big mo”. In his book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”, he writes, “Momentum is really a leader’s best friend. Sometimes it’s the only difference between winning and losing.”
Mediocrity is a slow death; Lost your edge, ROCKY? Have you become CIVILIZED?
Remember Mickey’s blunt assessment of Rocky: “the worst thing happened to you that could happen to any fighter… you got civilized!” We must see mediocrity as our enemy. See it robbing you and those you love of so much potential. See it as a thief trying to break in and rob everything you have. See it as a criminal trying to kidnap your children and sabotage their future. It’s time to get your ‘edge’ back, Stallone!