Do We Always Need to Say Something?

Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day on this glorious Friday morning in my Sweet Home Alabama!

 

Every Monday morning, I listen to Life.Church online and the message from the previous day. Pastor Craig Groeschel is currently in a series titled “Asking for a Friend.” He then answers tough, real-life questions with Bible truth.

 

This past Sunday’s message was titled, “Asking for a Friend, Part 4: Is There a Question God Can’t Handle?” One question he answered was, “Why don’t you talk more about politics and current events?” I thought several things Pastor Craig said were profound, and I want to share a few notes I took. I tried to quote him as directly as possible. I would strongly encourage you to search the sermon by name and go listen to it. What I am referring to begins at the 19:15 mark and is less than 5 minutes long.

 

Again, Pastor Craig is answering the question, “Why don’t you talk more about politics and current events?” Here is what he said:

 

·       He said that in accordance with 2 Timothy 4: 2 (2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.), my assignment is to preach the word.

 

·       “My calling is to preach God’s word, not to respond to every headline.”

 

o   “This does not mean I won’t address difficult issues.”

 

o   He went on to say that he wants to “teach a Biblical foundation before the next headline.”

 

·       “Silence isn’t always indifference; sometimes it is wisdom.”

 

o   “Some issues I don’t know enough about to speak on responsibly.”

 

o   “Sometimes I have spoken too early, before understanding all the facts, and I regretted it.”

 

o   He then cited Proverbs 18:13 which says, “13 To answer before listening—

that is folly and shame.

 

·       “I have the honor of speaking to people all over the world – different cultures, different experiences, and different political realities.”

 

o   “What looks obvious in one context often looks very different in another context.”

 

o   “I don’t want to give my opinion, but Biblical truth.”

 

o   “A lot of people don’t want my perspective; you just want my confirmation.

 

·       “I could lead a way that leans one way, but my goal is to reach all ways.”

 

·       “There is a big difference between making a difference and making a point.”

 

o   “You can make a point all day long.”

 

o   “Sometimes, if my goal is to make a difference, I will say things in a way you don’t like so people who disagree will actually still be willing to hear.”

 

·       He then references Galatians 1:10 (10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.) before emphatically stating that he is not trying to please people.

 

o   He concluded this section with, “My goal is to point people to Jesus and let Him do in the lives of people whatever He wants to do to bring healing, wholeness, truth, and life.”

 

Again, I strongly encourage you to listen to Pastor Craig’s message. He shared so much wisdom.

 

Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

 

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Please cherish your precious family, be kind, and stay well!

 

Kev

Show Up!

Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!

 

How in the heck is it already October?

 

I'm part of a mentoring program with our local high school called STRIVE – Students Take a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education. I love this program and interacting with the students. Each year starts with what they call “speed dating.” Mentors sit at tables, and students have two minutes with each mentor. They ask one question: “Why do you want to mentor me?” After they meet and visit with all the mentors, they list the 3-5 people they would like to have as their mentor. Late last week, I spoke with the person who oversees the program. He said, “I don’t know what you said to the students, but every single one of them chose you to be their mentor.” Oh, I know what I said, and I know why they chose me—I felt it as it was happening.

 

It was the first or second student who came to see me that day. She asked me the question, and I replied, “I want to encourage, empower, and equip you to become all you can become as you pursue your goals and dreams.” She then asked, “What does that look like?” And I said, “Always showing up for you – on the good days and the bad ones.” She had a visual reaction. Understanding how much that meant to her, and my vow to show up every day, I shared that same pledge with every other student. It's not hard to figure out why they all chose me as their mentor; don’t we all want someone who will always show up for us?

 

I remember when my Tender Warriors were young, I felt so inadequate as a dad. I got mad and irritated about things too easily. I was always in a hurry. I was trying to figure out how to be a godly man, husband, father, leader, and friend all at the same time, and I felt like a gerbil on a wheel! But the one thing I was completely committed to, good day or bad day, was showing up. And I did! It wasn't always convenient, it wasn’t always what I wanted to do, and sometimes I really didn't want to be where I was. However, I do want my Beautiful Bride and boys to know that if it is humanly possible, I will always be there for them.

 

And I have been blessed – yes, blessed, though some of this came during the most challenging times of my life – that life has allowed me to prove it to them. Kathy had a serious medical issue while I was at football practice – I was the Head Coach – and I sprinted out of practice to go home to my wife. Another time she needed me while I was sitting in a Board of Trustees meeting – the governing body of my institution – and I left to be with her. And while those are grander examples, and it was critically important to me that I showed up for her in those times because I do truly believe she is my greatest earthly calling and priority, I have found it is in the day-to-day, smaller moments that love is genuinely expressed, and those who need us most feel valued, appreciated, safe, and secure. I get that you would like to go play golf, sit around and watch football, sleep in, or whatever. I beg you, please show up for the people in your life – not based on your wants, needs, desires, etc., but based on theirs. Perhaps you have a tee time tomorrow morning, but your spouse or one of your children has something challenging happen this afternoon. Maybe the greatest thing you can do is cancel the tee time and just hang out with them. “But they don’t want to talk to me, Kevin.” So? It isn’t about you. It is about them. And it is about them knowing that you are there, that you will always be there, even if it means sitting in complete silence.

 

And please, don’t be one of those people who only shows up when things are good. You know the type? Me too. I don’t need you to show up and pat me on the back when things are going well – though we all enjoy appreciation too. I really need you to show up when I am grinding away, and nothing seems to be going my way. Show up then! Isn’t that what you want, too? We all do.

 

So that is it, Friends; I challenge us to always show up! Whether it's your spouse, children, friends, or co-workers – any people that you are blessed to have in your life. You don’t have to know it all, have all the answers, be able to fix anything, etc. You just have to show up and be fully present. That truly is the greatest gift we can give another.

 

“Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can do is simply show up – to be present, to

listen, to offer a helping hand, or just to let someone know they aren’t alone.” - Unknown

 

“Your presence is a promise; it speaks louder than words ever could.” – Unknown

 

“Showing up isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real.” – Unknown

 

Please feel free to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com

 

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Please cherish your precious family, be kind, and stay well.

 

Kev

Don't Miss the Minutes

Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!

 

Last week was a big week for my institution and our town. There were big events on both Friday and Saturday night – truly historic in nature. As we approached these days that many thought would never happen, my spirit was really burdened – make sure you enjoy it all. That became my commitment, and the message I shared with everyone I could.

 

Here is the thing: whether we chose to live stressed or blessed, the events were going to happen on Friday and Saturday. Our attitudes wouldn't alter whether the events happened; however, they would determine how we experienced them and forever shape how they're remembered. As I said to a colleague in a text message last week, “You and all your beautiful women will have this memory for a lifetime. As a husband and dad, please make sure it is a great, treasured one.”

 

That is my encouragement and challenge for all of us this Friday: make sure the memories are great and cherished. Yes, there will be challenges; that’s o.k. With love, mercy, and grace, we can overcome them. However, harsh tones, bad attitudes, and boorish behavior can cause problems and leave scars that last a lifetime. Whether the event is historic or only important in the moment, that is a steep price to pay.

 

I am so grateful and happy to report that most, if not all, truly did enjoy the crazy, beautiful weekend we lived. I have so many fond memories that I will truly cherish for the rest of my life. And it all began with an intentional decision to enjoy it all. I wish the same for all of you in all the things that are important to you in your life.

 

There is a great song by Josh Wilson titled Dream Small. I would strongly encourage you to look it up and listen to it. One line pierces my heart every time:

 

“Just don't miss the minutes on your way to bigger things”

 

Please feel free to contact me anytime if there is anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

 

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Please cherish your precious family, please be kind, and please stay well!

 

Kev