Happy Friday Friends!
I hope & trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day - full of hope, opportunity and promise! - begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!
I read something, or perhaps heard a message, this week that has had me thinking all week. The funny thing is when I went back to look for it in preparation for this Happy Friday, I could not find it. Perhaps it was simply the conviction of the Holy Spirit! :) Regardless, having thought about it numerous times throughout the week, I am highly confident this message can be shared...
1 Corinthians 13: 1 - 3 says this:
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
Are you, Sweet Friends, feeling the depth and breadth of those words? I can be the greatest orator the world has ever known; I can have more knowledge and wisdom than any other human being walking the face of the earth; I can have such great faith that I can actually move a mountain; I can appear to selflessly serve others by giving away literally everything I posses; and I can endure great hardships however if I do not have love, if I do not love others, I have gained absolutely nothing! Please let that sink in...
We live in a world that is so concerned with who is right and who is wrong. We spend an inordinate amount of time judging each other. We love - sad to use that word here! - to point out the speck of dust in anothers eyes while ignoring the 2 x 4 in our own eye. We work so hard at putting on these great facades. We strive to be better than everyone else in all our endeavors. We are so concerned with who is right and accusing others of being wrong. We have made everything into such a great competition, like somehow your success could minimize mine, that your joy could steal mine, that your peace takes mine away. And we do all these things and yet 1 Corinthians 13: 1 - 3 tells me I can accomplish everything I ever hoped and dreamed but if I do not love, I have gained nothing. What if, instead of focusing on winning, being better than every one, being right, etc., we focused as much time and energy on loving others? What would our world look like then?
The type of love that 1 Corinthians 13 talks of is referred to as agape. Here are a few references I found for us that describes what agape love is/means:
"Agape is a Greco-Christian term referring to love, 'the highest form of love, charity.'"
"it embraces a universal, unconditional love that transcends and persists regardless of the circumstance."
"It goes beyond just the emotions to the extent of seeking the best for others."
* The emphasis' are 100% mine! :)
And here is a great quote that captures it pretty darn well:
"Agape has to do with the mind; it is not simply an emotion which rises unbidden in our hearts; it is a principle by which we deliberately live." - William Barclay
So agape love, the love we are called to have, is universal, unconditional, transcends and persists regardless of circumstance, goes beyond emotions and is a principle by which we deliberately live.
As you and I shift in our chairs we say something like, "But you don't know what a [fill in the blank] he/she is!!!" or "But you don't know what they have done!!!" You are right, I don't. And you don't know some of the things that others have done to me, things that have bruised and broken the deepest, most tender parts of my soul. And just like I am challenged, I challenge all of us with Luke 6: 27 - 36:
"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
At this moment I am reminded of two sayings one of our Pastor's used to throw out there when he had just delivered a zinger...kinda like I just did! :)
1. It is the Spirit that convicts, not me.
2. What part of the Bible to you believe? The part you actually walk out!
Yes Sweet Friends, I get it. It is hard...So! Very! hard! But just because it is hard doesn't mean it is not right. And just because it is hard doesn't mean we cannot do it, with God's help.
The bottom line Friends is we live in an evil, fallen, broken world that wants to tear anyone and everyone apart. We live in a world that wants to judge and assign labels. Here is the thing, if we are Christians, we are no longer of this world. We live in it however we are not a part of it. As a dear mentor used to say, "Why are you surprised by the anger, hostility, etc.?You are not playing a home game!"
A few more things I want to share and then I will wrap this up with a challenge for all of us.
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt
"Love is not what you say. Love is what you do." - Unknown
That one is attributed to so many people I have no idea who actually said it first! :)
"Kindness - Loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness." - Unknown
And finally, do you remember the song, "They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love"? Please let me share a couple of stanza's with you:
"And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, By our love
Yes, they'll know we are Christians
By our love"
"We will work with each other
We will work side by side
And we'll guard each man's dignity
And save each man's pride"
I need to spend more time in Children's Church! :) Did you know that last stanza was there? No wonder our kids set such a great example for us!
As for the challenge for all of us this week? Just love.
Please don't hesitate 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, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families!
Kev
Friday, August 23, 2019
Friday, August 16, 2019
You Are Enough
Happy Friday Friends!
I hope & trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama! :)
Today is a huge day in the Haslam household. Today is the final step of a multi-step transition to our new life in Alabama that began with a phone call on March 4th. Since that time I have transitioned out of my position in Texas, said "see ya later" to many friends who had become family, moved out of our wonderful home in Texas to our temporary home in Alabama, transitioned into my new position here, made new friends as our family grows, found our church, got Payton to Illinois, Gehrig got a job and got enrolled in classes, Landry started high school and then, there is today. Today we get to move into our beautiful new home. The final step! I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how blessed we have been, how great everything has gone. I truly don't think any of it could have gone any better. God has been so good and so faithfully delivered us! We are blessed beyond measure and as I sit here and type these words, I am fully aware of it! :)
Last week I shared several lessons taught from an interview I heard with Captain Ronald Johnson. He was the one appointed to be head of security over the Ferguson incident in 2014. The funny thing is I left out perhaps one of the greatest lessons/reminders from listening to that podcast. The great thing about writing a blog weekly? Well, I can tell y'all about it today! :)
The thing about Captain Johnson being appointed to oversee the Ferguson incident is that he had never met the Governor and he did not know he was going to be appointed head of security. You know when Captain Johnson learned this was going to happen? When he heard the Governor say it on national TV, at the same time as the rest of us. And how did he respond? Probably like the rest of us would have in that situation, like we do in our current situations. Here is what he said when this topic was discussed:
"Well, at that moment, I'm thinking, 'Why? Why me?'" He continued, "You know - and so, for me, at that moment, I kept saying, 'Why me?' But then I said, 'That's not a question for you to ask.'" He concluded, "The question is that - this is a blessing that you've been given, and God gives you no more than you can bear. And you just have to continue to walk with that."
Ever been there? Ever wonder why me? Ever questioned your ability to do something? Ever question your ability to be the mate your spouse needs? Ever question your ability to be the parent your children need? Every question your ability to be the friend your friends need? Ever question your ability to perform the task that God has given to you to perform? Most, if not all, of us can relate to these fear-based thoughts and feelings.
At 21-years old I was named a college head baseball coach. At 28-years old I was named a head football coach. At 32-years old I was named a head football coach and athletic director. I mention those three positions in particular because with each one I wondered why God had put me in those positions. I did not want to be the one in charge. I wanted to be the 2nd in command or the like. I didn't want everyone to be looking to me for leadership, for direction. I questioned my ability to be a leader at such a young age. I wanted to learn all about leadership so I could then, someday, be placed into a position of leadership and be a great leader. I didn't know then that leadership is something that you learn by doing, not learn and then do. I did not appreciate the fact that God had given me a platform for His purposes, for His good. I looked at it through the sufficiency of my own knowledge, my own strength, my own courage, not His. Perhaps you have been there, or are there, this morning.
Please Sweet Friends, let me tell you. Whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever positions you hold - God has given YOU these positions for a reason. Don't forfeit your calling as a husband or wife, as a Mom or Dad, as a friend, as a leader. Oh yes, I know. You don't have all of the answers and you are certain you can't do it perfectly. Been there and you are right by the way! :) This doesn't mean the calling is wrong, that you have the wrong responsibilities, title or position. Please stop asking the, "Why me?" question. Start looking at, and receiving, the blessing of whatever it is. Instead of questioning your sufficiency, thank God for His. Instead of arguing for your weaknesses, seek your strength in Him. And, as Captain Johnson said, continue to walk with that.
You are enough. You might not be perfect but you are perfect for the position you have been called. Please don't believe the lies...there is a reason Satan is referred to as The Deceiver. Don't be deceived, you are enough. Keep seeking God, keep walking your path and know that you have been given your position for a reason. Use it for great good - to love, care for and serve others. And over and over again remind yourself, "Why me?" is not your question to ask. "Here I am Lord, use me" is your statement to make!
I also want to share just a few scriptures with you to reflect on and ponder this morning.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8: 28
"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." - 2 Corinthians 3:5
"Yes, I am the Vine: you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing." - John 15:5
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2: 10
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." - Psalm 138: 8
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." - Philippians 4: 13
Please don't hesitate 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, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families!
Kev
I hope & trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama! :)
Today is a huge day in the Haslam household. Today is the final step of a multi-step transition to our new life in Alabama that began with a phone call on March 4th. Since that time I have transitioned out of my position in Texas, said "see ya later" to many friends who had become family, moved out of our wonderful home in Texas to our temporary home in Alabama, transitioned into my new position here, made new friends as our family grows, found our church, got Payton to Illinois, Gehrig got a job and got enrolled in classes, Landry started high school and then, there is today. Today we get to move into our beautiful new home. The final step! I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how blessed we have been, how great everything has gone. I truly don't think any of it could have gone any better. God has been so good and so faithfully delivered us! We are blessed beyond measure and as I sit here and type these words, I am fully aware of it! :)
Last week I shared several lessons taught from an interview I heard with Captain Ronald Johnson. He was the one appointed to be head of security over the Ferguson incident in 2014. The funny thing is I left out perhaps one of the greatest lessons/reminders from listening to that podcast. The great thing about writing a blog weekly? Well, I can tell y'all about it today! :)
The thing about Captain Johnson being appointed to oversee the Ferguson incident is that he had never met the Governor and he did not know he was going to be appointed head of security. You know when Captain Johnson learned this was going to happen? When he heard the Governor say it on national TV, at the same time as the rest of us. And how did he respond? Probably like the rest of us would have in that situation, like we do in our current situations. Here is what he said when this topic was discussed:
"Well, at that moment, I'm thinking, 'Why? Why me?'" He continued, "You know - and so, for me, at that moment, I kept saying, 'Why me?' But then I said, 'That's not a question for you to ask.'" He concluded, "The question is that - this is a blessing that you've been given, and God gives you no more than you can bear. And you just have to continue to walk with that."
Ever been there? Ever wonder why me? Ever questioned your ability to do something? Ever question your ability to be the mate your spouse needs? Ever question your ability to be the parent your children need? Every question your ability to be the friend your friends need? Ever question your ability to perform the task that God has given to you to perform? Most, if not all, of us can relate to these fear-based thoughts and feelings.
At 21-years old I was named a college head baseball coach. At 28-years old I was named a head football coach. At 32-years old I was named a head football coach and athletic director. I mention those three positions in particular because with each one I wondered why God had put me in those positions. I did not want to be the one in charge. I wanted to be the 2nd in command or the like. I didn't want everyone to be looking to me for leadership, for direction. I questioned my ability to be a leader at such a young age. I wanted to learn all about leadership so I could then, someday, be placed into a position of leadership and be a great leader. I didn't know then that leadership is something that you learn by doing, not learn and then do. I did not appreciate the fact that God had given me a platform for His purposes, for His good. I looked at it through the sufficiency of my own knowledge, my own strength, my own courage, not His. Perhaps you have been there, or are there, this morning.
Please Sweet Friends, let me tell you. Whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever positions you hold - God has given YOU these positions for a reason. Don't forfeit your calling as a husband or wife, as a Mom or Dad, as a friend, as a leader. Oh yes, I know. You don't have all of the answers and you are certain you can't do it perfectly. Been there and you are right by the way! :) This doesn't mean the calling is wrong, that you have the wrong responsibilities, title or position. Please stop asking the, "Why me?" question. Start looking at, and receiving, the blessing of whatever it is. Instead of questioning your sufficiency, thank God for His. Instead of arguing for your weaknesses, seek your strength in Him. And, as Captain Johnson said, continue to walk with that.
You are enough. You might not be perfect but you are perfect for the position you have been called. Please don't believe the lies...there is a reason Satan is referred to as The Deceiver. Don't be deceived, you are enough. Keep seeking God, keep walking your path and know that you have been given your position for a reason. Use it for great good - to love, care for and serve others. And over and over again remind yourself, "Why me?" is not your question to ask. "Here I am Lord, use me" is your statement to make!
I also want to share just a few scriptures with you to reflect on and ponder this morning.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8: 28
"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." - 2 Corinthians 3:5
"Yes, I am the Vine: you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing." - John 15:5
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2: 10
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." - Psalm 138: 8
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." - Philippians 4: 13
Please don't hesitate 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, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families!
Kev
Friday, August 9, 2019
I Am You
Happy Friday Friends!
I hope & trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama! This day right here...its going to be a great one! :)
Every morning, if I get it right, I get to the gym right at 5:00 a.m. I then listen to the latest episode of Focus on the Family as I work out. Yesterday they had Captain Ronald Johnson of the Missouri State Patrol on the program. Captain Johnson has written a book titled, 13 Days in Ferguson. He was appointed by the Governor to take control of security operations in the city of Ferguson following the shooting of Michael Brown and the subsequent days of turmoil and protest.
Captain Johnson inspires me! As I listened to this great man talk about his faith, his upbringing, his decision making, etc. I was awed. He thinks and acts as I hope I would in similar situations. Before going one step further, out of respect for the Lord and Captain Johnson, I would tell you that according to him, this is all the doing of the Lord, of the Holy Spirit within him. It is the daily seeking of the Lord that enables him to think and act as he does.
There were several great thoughts, and one big idea, that Captain Johnson shared that I want to share with all of you this morning. I have looked up the transcript from yesterday's talk and will be sharing the direct quotes from it with you. This morning, at 5:00 a.m., part 2 of this talk will happen. Hopefully I will get this Happy Friday done in time to hear it. :) I would strongly encourage you to search for Focus on the Family and listen to part 1 and 2 over the weekend.
One of the hosts was asking Captain Johnson about having to make life and death decisions quickly as a 30-year veteran. Captain Johnson, noting he had served 10 years on the SWAT team, stated in part, "But a part of you has to have this vision to see past what's in front of you and see the person..."
This challenges my spirit! Here is a man who has stood directly in harms way and he is saying you have to look past what is in front of you and see the person. Someone can say something in an unfriendly tone and I react negatively. I stop seeing the person. Look at any form of social media and we are saying incredibly hateful, hurtful things to one another. Yes, there are hurting, broken people that say and do horrible things. But they are still a person. Lord please give me the strength, courage, wisdom and vision to see past the situation and to see the person!
When Captain Johnson is asked about the police response to the initial incident, Captain Johnson says in part, " - we should have done a better job. And when I say we, it wasn't actually my department, but I wore that uniform. And so, it's always easy to buy into what's good, and then when mistakes are made, to separate yourself. And so, I never do that."
Anyone else just shift in their seat? It's always easy to buy into what's good, and then when mistakes are made, to separate yourself.... Sports fans are notorious for this one. Just listen to them, "We won" and "They lost." See it all the time. We can, and should, do better in all aspects of our lives.
When asked about the start of the incident, Captain Johnson says in part, "But it's always easy to judge when we're not in that moment and we're not there."
Please think about that for a moment Sweet Friends, especially in our social media world. Think of all the fights, arguments, etc. that we see. Everyone has a thought, idea, opinion about everything and 99% of the people arguing, fighting and spewing venom were not there. They were not in the moment. They know neither side of it, they simply know some brief clip of it or a picture. Wisdom tells us to slow down and not judge.
When Captain Johnson is asked where all the anger is coming from he responds in part, "And so, sometimes when we're confronting individuals, it's not necessarily they hate us as a person, but it's the institution that we stand for." He then continues, "But I think respect goes both ways. I think it's about conversation. And I would say the conversation can't start in the midst of chaos. Conversation can't start in the heat of the moment. And we can't respect each other when we haven't communicated beforehand, before incidents."
Boom! Please Friends, think about our marriages, our relationships with our children, our friends and our co-workers. How many times have we tried, to no avail, to start a conversation in the heat of the moment, when something has gone wrong. If we will slow down for a moment, genuinely love and respect each other enough to communicate with each other before something gets out of control, we would be so much better off - individually and as a society.
Such great wisdom! And then, there is this one big idea/thought that Captain Johnson shared that I want to serve as our challenge this week. Captain Johnson noted that he writes, "I am you" in every book he signs, no matter who you are. He goes on to explain, "Because, I think, in essence, we're all a part of each other in some way, and there's things that we share, no matter what our color and our gender and our beliefs."
Oh my Sweet Friends, let's live an "I am you" life! Let's stop looking for the differences, and beating one another up over them, and let's look for the things we share. How different our world would be! What a difference we can make!
Every human being who wakes up this morning has hopes, goals, dreams, fears, cares, concerns, worries. Every human being who wakes up this morning wants to be valued and appreciated. Every human being who wakes up this morning wants to be loved. Every human being who wakes up this morning wants to feel safe. Every human being who wakes up this morning will make a choice about their attitude. Every human being who wakes up this morning will influence the life of every other human being they will interact with today. Every human being who wakes up this morning has experience hurt. Every human being who wakes up this morning has experienced failure. I am you! Every. Single. One. Of. Em. (and countless others) I! AM! YOU!
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, and please cherish your precious families!
Kev
I hope & trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama! This day right here...its going to be a great one! :)
Every morning, if I get it right, I get to the gym right at 5:00 a.m. I then listen to the latest episode of Focus on the Family as I work out. Yesterday they had Captain Ronald Johnson of the Missouri State Patrol on the program. Captain Johnson has written a book titled, 13 Days in Ferguson. He was appointed by the Governor to take control of security operations in the city of Ferguson following the shooting of Michael Brown and the subsequent days of turmoil and protest.
Captain Johnson inspires me! As I listened to this great man talk about his faith, his upbringing, his decision making, etc. I was awed. He thinks and acts as I hope I would in similar situations. Before going one step further, out of respect for the Lord and Captain Johnson, I would tell you that according to him, this is all the doing of the Lord, of the Holy Spirit within him. It is the daily seeking of the Lord that enables him to think and act as he does.
There were several great thoughts, and one big idea, that Captain Johnson shared that I want to share with all of you this morning. I have looked up the transcript from yesterday's talk and will be sharing the direct quotes from it with you. This morning, at 5:00 a.m., part 2 of this talk will happen. Hopefully I will get this Happy Friday done in time to hear it. :) I would strongly encourage you to search for Focus on the Family and listen to part 1 and 2 over the weekend.
One of the hosts was asking Captain Johnson about having to make life and death decisions quickly as a 30-year veteran. Captain Johnson, noting he had served 10 years on the SWAT team, stated in part, "But a part of you has to have this vision to see past what's in front of you and see the person..."
This challenges my spirit! Here is a man who has stood directly in harms way and he is saying you have to look past what is in front of you and see the person. Someone can say something in an unfriendly tone and I react negatively. I stop seeing the person. Look at any form of social media and we are saying incredibly hateful, hurtful things to one another. Yes, there are hurting, broken people that say and do horrible things. But they are still a person. Lord please give me the strength, courage, wisdom and vision to see past the situation and to see the person!
When Captain Johnson is asked about the police response to the initial incident, Captain Johnson says in part, " - we should have done a better job. And when I say we, it wasn't actually my department, but I wore that uniform. And so, it's always easy to buy into what's good, and then when mistakes are made, to separate yourself. And so, I never do that."
Anyone else just shift in their seat? It's always easy to buy into what's good, and then when mistakes are made, to separate yourself.... Sports fans are notorious for this one. Just listen to them, "We won" and "They lost." See it all the time. We can, and should, do better in all aspects of our lives.
When asked about the start of the incident, Captain Johnson says in part, "But it's always easy to judge when we're not in that moment and we're not there."
Please think about that for a moment Sweet Friends, especially in our social media world. Think of all the fights, arguments, etc. that we see. Everyone has a thought, idea, opinion about everything and 99% of the people arguing, fighting and spewing venom were not there. They were not in the moment. They know neither side of it, they simply know some brief clip of it or a picture. Wisdom tells us to slow down and not judge.
When Captain Johnson is asked where all the anger is coming from he responds in part, "And so, sometimes when we're confronting individuals, it's not necessarily they hate us as a person, but it's the institution that we stand for." He then continues, "But I think respect goes both ways. I think it's about conversation. And I would say the conversation can't start in the midst of chaos. Conversation can't start in the heat of the moment. And we can't respect each other when we haven't communicated beforehand, before incidents."
Boom! Please Friends, think about our marriages, our relationships with our children, our friends and our co-workers. How many times have we tried, to no avail, to start a conversation in the heat of the moment, when something has gone wrong. If we will slow down for a moment, genuinely love and respect each other enough to communicate with each other before something gets out of control, we would be so much better off - individually and as a society.
Such great wisdom! And then, there is this one big idea/thought that Captain Johnson shared that I want to serve as our challenge this week. Captain Johnson noted that he writes, "I am you" in every book he signs, no matter who you are. He goes on to explain, "Because, I think, in essence, we're all a part of each other in some way, and there's things that we share, no matter what our color and our gender and our beliefs."
Oh my Sweet Friends, let's live an "I am you" life! Let's stop looking for the differences, and beating one another up over them, and let's look for the things we share. How different our world would be! What a difference we can make!
Every human being who wakes up this morning has hopes, goals, dreams, fears, cares, concerns, worries. Every human being who wakes up this morning wants to be valued and appreciated. Every human being who wakes up this morning wants to be loved. Every human being who wakes up this morning wants to feel safe. Every human being who wakes up this morning will make a choice about their attitude. Every human being who wakes up this morning will influence the life of every other human being they will interact with today. Every human being who wakes up this morning has experience hurt. Every human being who wakes up this morning has experienced failure. I am you! Every. Single. One. Of. Em. (and countless others) I! AM! YOU!
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, and please cherish your precious families!
Kev
Friday, August 2, 2019
The Excellence of A Gift
Happy Friday Friends!
I hope & trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!
A couple of days ago I came across a quote that is, well, excellent! :)
"The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value." - Charles Dudley Warner
Last week I challenged all of us to give, just as real kings do, to others. We talked about giving gifts of time, talent and/or treasure. Inevitably, we try to judge the value of our gifts and the gifts of others. We say things like, "I don't have the money like the big donors" or "If I had what they had I would [fill in the blank]." Each statement is an attempt to judge the value, the worthiness, of the gift given. We are looking at the wrong things Friends. The value of a gift is not determined by an amount, a perceived value or the like. The true value of a gift is much different...
When thinking about philanthropy, there are two over-arching components that determine the value of a gift and 3 underpinnings that empower it to happen.
The first over-arching component is the passion within the donors heart. We all have a passion for something - animals, veterans, the environment, the economically disadvantaged, those with disabilities...the list is nearly as limitless as there are people walking the face of the earth. For a gift to be excellent, it must first address the passion in the heart of the giver. If there is inconsistency between the heart of the giver and the gift given, the gift - though perhaps beneficial to the one receiving it - will fail to achieve excellence.
The second over-arching component is meeting some need of the beneficiary of the gift. I can be pure-hearted, want to help, give a gift of extraordinary significance to me but if it isn't meeting some need of the beneficiary it will again fail to achieve excellence.
And then there is this incredibly beautiful situation where the passion of the giver matches the need of a person or organization and the gift given meets a need. If you have never seen or experienced it let me tell you, it is awe-inspiring! So many people believe that the giving of our time, talents or treasures means that something is lost. When a gift is given because the passion of the giver matches a need of the receiver it is actually the opposite. The giver experiences an incredible, indescribable joy that can only be found in meeting the need of another by giving a gift to something for which we have a deep passion. And the receiver? When the gift truly meets a need, it has the power to restore faith, hope, belief in themselves and others. It empowers goals and dreams to be achieved. It let's someone know that their life matters and that others believe in them. It is such a beautiful thing! :)
And then there are the 3 underpinnings:
1. The right gift. This really touches on the two over-arching components. The passion of the giver matching the need of the giver is the right gift. If either one is missing, it is not the right gift. And let me say this, I can have a passion for something and there can be a need in that area. However the need could be the need of finances and I offer the gift of encouragement. It is not the right gift. Perhaps some organization has limitless finances and they need the gift of talent - volunteers - and I offer them a financial gift. It is not the right gift. The excellent gift is the perfect match between the passion of the giver and the specific need of the receiver.
2. The right amount. This is really one sided - it is determined by the giver. The right amount? It is only the giver that can determine what is right for them. I can't tell you, and you can't tell me, how much time, talent or treasure is the right amount to give. I will tell you this, if you give something and there is not a peace in your spirit about it because you went to far, it was not the right amount. We see this played out in volunteers who are there every time, all the time and have relationships that are crumbling because of it. It is not the right amount. We see people who begrudgingly give a financial gift. It is not the right amount. Giving a gift should not cause an unsettled spirit within us. If our spirits are unsettled about giving, I would encourage us not to give the gift. Something is wrong. The passion isn't meeting a need, it's not the right gift, it's not the right amount or perhaps it's not the right time.
3. The right time. One of the best examples I can think of that illustrates this point is a scripture. Proverbs 27:14 says, "If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse." I may wish to bless my neighbor with the gift of encouragement however if I do this at the wrong time, it is not the right gift. Also, I could have a great passion for something, there is a great need in that area however because of the current circumstances of life, I can't make that financial gift, I can't give of my time. It doesn't mean it is not the right person or organization, it doesn't mean it is not the right gift and it doesn't even mean that the amount I have in mind is not right. It simply means that it is not the right time. The gift should not be given unless the time is right.
In wrapping this up this morning I want to share a couple of quotes I came across this morning that are pretty stinkin' awesome! I thought y'all might enjoy them.
"Every time we dedicate our time and other resources to others, to the people around us, we serve God." - Sunday Adelaja
"When we show love to others, God's presence is with us." - Linda Evans Shepherd
Please don't hesitate 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, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families.
Kev
I hope & trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!
A couple of days ago I came across a quote that is, well, excellent! :)
"The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value." - Charles Dudley Warner
Last week I challenged all of us to give, just as real kings do, to others. We talked about giving gifts of time, talent and/or treasure. Inevitably, we try to judge the value of our gifts and the gifts of others. We say things like, "I don't have the money like the big donors" or "If I had what they had I would [fill in the blank]." Each statement is an attempt to judge the value, the worthiness, of the gift given. We are looking at the wrong things Friends. The value of a gift is not determined by an amount, a perceived value or the like. The true value of a gift is much different...
When thinking about philanthropy, there are two over-arching components that determine the value of a gift and 3 underpinnings that empower it to happen.
The first over-arching component is the passion within the donors heart. We all have a passion for something - animals, veterans, the environment, the economically disadvantaged, those with disabilities...the list is nearly as limitless as there are people walking the face of the earth. For a gift to be excellent, it must first address the passion in the heart of the giver. If there is inconsistency between the heart of the giver and the gift given, the gift - though perhaps beneficial to the one receiving it - will fail to achieve excellence.
The second over-arching component is meeting some need of the beneficiary of the gift. I can be pure-hearted, want to help, give a gift of extraordinary significance to me but if it isn't meeting some need of the beneficiary it will again fail to achieve excellence.
And then there is this incredibly beautiful situation where the passion of the giver matches the need of a person or organization and the gift given meets a need. If you have never seen or experienced it let me tell you, it is awe-inspiring! So many people believe that the giving of our time, talents or treasures means that something is lost. When a gift is given because the passion of the giver matches a need of the receiver it is actually the opposite. The giver experiences an incredible, indescribable joy that can only be found in meeting the need of another by giving a gift to something for which we have a deep passion. And the receiver? When the gift truly meets a need, it has the power to restore faith, hope, belief in themselves and others. It empowers goals and dreams to be achieved. It let's someone know that their life matters and that others believe in them. It is such a beautiful thing! :)
And then there are the 3 underpinnings:
1. The right gift. This really touches on the two over-arching components. The passion of the giver matching the need of the giver is the right gift. If either one is missing, it is not the right gift. And let me say this, I can have a passion for something and there can be a need in that area. However the need could be the need of finances and I offer the gift of encouragement. It is not the right gift. Perhaps some organization has limitless finances and they need the gift of talent - volunteers - and I offer them a financial gift. It is not the right gift. The excellent gift is the perfect match between the passion of the giver and the specific need of the receiver.
2. The right amount. This is really one sided - it is determined by the giver. The right amount? It is only the giver that can determine what is right for them. I can't tell you, and you can't tell me, how much time, talent or treasure is the right amount to give. I will tell you this, if you give something and there is not a peace in your spirit about it because you went to far, it was not the right amount. We see this played out in volunteers who are there every time, all the time and have relationships that are crumbling because of it. It is not the right amount. We see people who begrudgingly give a financial gift. It is not the right amount. Giving a gift should not cause an unsettled spirit within us. If our spirits are unsettled about giving, I would encourage us not to give the gift. Something is wrong. The passion isn't meeting a need, it's not the right gift, it's not the right amount or perhaps it's not the right time.
3. The right time. One of the best examples I can think of that illustrates this point is a scripture. Proverbs 27:14 says, "If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse." I may wish to bless my neighbor with the gift of encouragement however if I do this at the wrong time, it is not the right gift. Also, I could have a great passion for something, there is a great need in that area however because of the current circumstances of life, I can't make that financial gift, I can't give of my time. It doesn't mean it is not the right person or organization, it doesn't mean it is not the right gift and it doesn't even mean that the amount I have in mind is not right. It simply means that it is not the right time. The gift should not be given unless the time is right.
In wrapping this up this morning I want to share a couple of quotes I came across this morning that are pretty stinkin' awesome! I thought y'all might enjoy them.
"Every time we dedicate our time and other resources to others, to the people around us, we serve God." - Sunday Adelaja
"When we show love to others, God's presence is with us." - Linda Evans Shepherd
Please don't hesitate 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, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families.
Kev
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