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