What defines you? That is, how do you perceive yourself to be or how you desire others to perceive you to be? What is it that ultimately defines you as a person? How do you complete the sentence..." I am ______!" Are you defined by your gender; your marital status; your age? How about your college degree or perhaps your career or job title? Could it be your wealth or lack thereof? Your health; your possessions? What about the car you drive or maybe it's your accumulation of adult toys? Let's not forget your house - you know, The American Dream! Maybe you identify via your sexual preference, that certainly is quite popular these days! Do you relate to your status as a parent or through your kids, grand kids or your great-grand kids. Forget successes, maybe you define yourself through your failures or your self-imposed tribulations!
Let's rephrase the question or approach it from a different perspective. What would it finally take to make you truly happy; to make you feel that once you obtain or achieve this "thing" that your life will be fulfilled? Is it a promotion at work; reaching retirement; a college degree; a wedding band on your finger; children to carry-on your family name; winning the lottery or competing on American Idol or Dancing with the Stars? How about a title before your name or some initials after it? Perhaps a political position, a prestigious appointment or achieving celebrity status. What is your top priority in life? Where are you going and where do you want to end up? What are you looking for? How do you want your obituary to read?
So, what is it that truly defines you? What is it that is keeping you from attaining the ultimate confirmation that "you have arrived?" What would it take for you to be fully satisfied with what you have as God has provided for you?
Gal 2:20 I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
BOSS vs. LEADER
It has been said by many that there are only two types of people - leaders and followers. I'm not sure if that was intended to be a definitive statement because based upon my observations these roles intermingle and we move freely between them as situations demand. However, in our "professional roles" we usually find ourselves in semi-permanent positions where we work for someone and maybe have others working under our tutelage. In other words, we all have superiors, peers, and maybe subordinates. This relationship also exists outside the workplace and applies to most of our personal and family relationships. This hierarchy helps define our pecking-order to maximize cultural cohesion and to minimize potential chaos.
Two terms are commonly used to describe those appointed, or maybe self-appointed, to be our guardians: Boss and Leader. In my opinion the term "boss" has negative implications while "leader" exhibits positive vibes. Perhaps it's because we don't always, if ever, pick our bosses but we can consciously and deliberately pick our leaders.
To reiterate, these characteristics apply to bosses, parents, friends, associates, and all other interpersonal relationships!
Let's review some defining characteristics that clearly separate these two ideologies. This is not a scientific study nor is it endorsed by any professional entity - it's just the opinion of one!
Bosses Leaders
Two terms are commonly used to describe those appointed, or maybe self-appointed, to be our guardians: Boss and Leader. In my opinion the term "boss" has negative implications while "leader" exhibits positive vibes. Perhaps it's because we don't always, if ever, pick our bosses but we can consciously and deliberately pick our leaders.
Boss can be defined as one who gives orders; a superior; one over others;
Leader can be defined as one who guides; a principal; one in front of others.
To reiterate, these characteristics apply to bosses, parents, friends, associates, and all other interpersonal relationships!
BOSS vs. LEADER
Let's review some defining characteristics that clearly separate these two ideologies. This is not a scientific study nor is it endorsed by any professional entity - it's just the opinion of one!
Bosses Leaders
Do As I Say Lead By Example
Gives Orders Seeks Advice / Input
Closed Door Policy Open Door Policy
Speaks Listens
Speaks Listens
Focuses on Faults Builds Upon Strengths
Impediment Helper
Frowns Smiles / Laughs
Exclusive Inclusive
Abuses "The System" Uses "The System"
Points the Finger Takes Responsibility
Plays Favorites Promotes Equality
Egotistic Gives Credit to Others
Which ones describe you?
What are you doing about it?
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Saturday, May 8, 2010
HEROES
http://www.televisiontunes.com/Davy_Crockett.html
Without a psychoanalysis of why I adopted the character Davy Crockett as my hero, I can surmise that it had a lot to do with the adventures of surviving in the wilderness; facing dire consequences in each episode; actualizing the survival of the fittest; confronting and commingling with Indian tribes; utilizing while protecting what nature provided for food and shelter; representing the lowly citizen to Congress; or perhaps it was Davy's final heroic act of defending to his death the sovereign territory of Texas at the "Battle of the Alamo." Any or all of those may have had impact on me but deep inside I'm sure it was the coonskin hat that had much to do with my devoted attention and patronage. As this picture on the right proves, back then I truly was a big fan of Davy Crockett.
When I sadly announced to others that my childhood hero had died, I expected some remorse or perhaps just a bit of sympathy, especially from my siblings who shared those memorable moments with me watching Davy Crockett on TV. But no, no pity on me; instead the only response I received from anyone was basically to "get over it" One even had the audacity to suggest that I "find a new hero"! Very comforting words - NOT - but perhaps words of wisdom anyway.
Could it be that another Davy Crockett personified lives today? Let's face it, Davy's shoes (moccasins to be precise) would be hard to fill in today's "civilized" world. Be that as it may, there comes to mind one who truly emulates Davy Crockett's spirit, character, and life-long accomplishments (maybe passing on the opportunity to become a national martyr)! I'm convinced that there are many special individuals that are revered by others to be modern day heroes but following in the shadow of Davy Crockett's character and lifestyle in some manner or accomplishment poses special attributes. How many modern day people do you think truly could emulate the conditions and challenges bestowed upon Davy Crockett after surviving in the wilderness; facing dire consequences in each episode of one's life; actualizing the survival of the fittest; confronting native tribes; depending upon and preserving what nature provides for food and shelter; and representing the lowly citizen to various representations of government? Could it be that a Davy Crockett clone actually lives today amid advanced societies and computerized technologies? Stay tuned - don't touch that dial.
A new episode of Davy Crockett captures an individual who, at a relatively young age, left the security and confinements of home for the"Wild West." Searching for himself and for his true purpose in life traveled him far and wide only to realize that his calling was yet further away. Finally, he finds himself at a far, far away, remote and barren piece of land at the end of the earth confronted with the most extreme weather conditions and the bleakest of living conditions and accommodations. This was to be his home and for some weird twist of fate, he felt at home here too. Over the next four decades and still counting, this man saved a tribe's Chief and his family from slowly perishing on a fruitless slab of land; relocated the tribe with its six remaining members; built them a "city on a hill" complete with fresh water, electricity, plumbing, homes and buildings, a school, paved roads, and protection from the harshest of environments. This village grew in population to its current population of approximately 250 in a self-sustained community. Yes, as with Davy Crockett, there were bears to kill, fish and wild life to catch, storms to survive, births and deaths to contend with, and representation to the various government entities to pursue. Throughout this period this one person has held virtually every civil service and government position at the village level, and continuing today he is the villages only resource for medical and fire & rescue needs. Oh yes, he married the Chief's daughter, bore three kids and has enough grand children to start his own tribe.
Now, some of you reading this by now know who this modern day Davy Crockett is, or at least you think that you know. Just hold your thoughts for a moment because there is one more critical observation to be expressed. History will eventually acknowledge the contributions that this one man has made upon a family, a tribe, a village, and perhaps an entire region of our great country. But why I consider him a hero, over and above his lifelong accomplishments, is that he accomplished what the did from the position of that of a servant. He came to serve as scripture calls us all here "...not to be served but to serve others...." (Mark 10:45).
A humble person who lives and loves to help others is the reason why my new hero is my brother Bill.
God bless you, Billy!
Point Lay, Alaska, is home for Billy and his family. To appreciate the remoteness of Pt. Lay and some of the unique challenges life presents there, click on the following links:
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