"What's goin' on!?" (Yes I'm back!)

Yes its been a while! A while since my last blog post "The Clue From Leu". I love to write/blog but must really be so moved to do so. Well, I'm so moved - at least at this moment. It's hard not to be moved after spending week in the West Indies with Dear celebrating our 25 wedding anniversary! Yes, it's been 25 years! I know we don't look that old (just nod your head) and people can't believe we have a son who is about the age I was when I met his mother (no this is not a "how I met your mother story!;) At this writing we're up in the air hoping to land shortly! Lol. God is good & I'm grateful. Well, I wish I could say it's good to "not know" what the rest of the world has been up to for the last seven (7) days ... But sadly, I know! You see, the last cruise we went on five (5) years ago wasn't fully equipped with satellite tv, so at least in the early morning I took to the news for a short morning dose of what's new in the world! (Don't tell Dear) :-) ... I had hoped that things would've calmed down in Missouri, but I see not - they haven't so much - maybe the rioting has stopped but I know the tension is high. We have to learn to get a long - not "get a long to go along" but really get a long. On one hand it's hard to believe that there still remains so much racial tension in these United States ... But on the other hand quickly raised, it's not! It's not, however, limited to these United States, but to other parts of the world. Wow! As I mentioned, we cruised the West Indies - made four (4) stops plus Puerto Rico, and it was eye opening. I'll not go into too much detail but suffice it to say that some of our White, Brown, Black, & Blacker brothers and sisters still need to pull up the Rodney King sound bite ie "Can we just get a long?" Now, I've been a black man all of my life (well I started as a baby - lol, but you get me right?) and I know racism, both subtle as well as blatant. You learn from many encounters in these United States (yes I've used it three times) to ignore it, confront it when necessary, and teach and learn lessons when & where you can. One such lesson came one night while my wife was in casual conversation with a charming Latina sister from New York City via San Juan, Puerto Rico. While an older lady, she was fairly versed on the current state of school children in many of our urban (and not so urban)  settings. She mentioned how some of the parents of all colors react and respond to some of the educators in a most negative and disparaging way. She, a grandmother, mentioned that while her grandson was dark complexioned (she pointed at me and said "like him" - again, she was a very charming and engaging lady) she made sure she taught him to speak up and claim his heritage ie that he is not black but Puerto Rican. Why she went there I have no idea, :-) but it shed light on a few issues we still face today. For starters, while I'm not saying she was racist, it points out the fact that it's no secret as to the way African Americans have been treated in these United States and no one wishes that treatment on themselves or family. Then it highlights the fact that it's really about survival ... What can I teach my sons (her grandson in this case) that will help them survive in these - you got it - "United" States. You best believe I have taught my sons when to speak up and when to just ... Well, come home safely. It's a harsh reality ... But a reality nonetheless. So what's the take a way? The "Clue?" Well, first let me say I thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Carib with our extended "family" of all colors!! Also, that we simply have a lot of work to do! I believe it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." What we've done in this country has been seen and continues to be seen around the world and to many it's barometer of sorts of how to treat others who appear on the outside to be different from us. I said it before ... Let's learn to get along, God made us in His image/likeness; He is creative genius ... So are we. Let's find, create, make, invent a way to make it happen! Peace. TheClue. 

Climbing Out of Your Comfort Zone!

We are all aware of what a Comfort Zone is. A Comfort Zone is that place in which we operate on auto pilot … the place of sameness, no stress, low risk, and predicted behavior. Each of us in our own little way has been caught up in a Comfort Zone at one time or another. Some of us are still our CZ’s of life. Some of still do things the same way we have always done them … we travel in familiar crowds with familiar people, we have the same friends, dine at the same restaurants, hang out in the same hang out spots … Yes, we have our Comfort Zones. We go the same meetings, discuss the same things, address the same problems, come up with the same solutions, and wonder why there’s no movement in our lives. Because of being stuck in a Comfort Zone.

You see, when you’re in a CZ, you’re in a spot that requires very little effort to maintain … it requires very little exertion to keep it going … very little energy to make it through the day. But in life, there will come a time when it becomes paramount to break out, crawl out … climb out of your Comfort Zone! Life has a way of bringing you to the edge of your Comfort Zone then it’s up to you to both stretch your mind and experience the “cross-over” or to stay there in your safe, secure, and comfortable place. But be mindful of the fact that if you choose to stay in your Comfort Zone, you may never achieve the greatness that God has in store for each and every one of us today. 

If you have ever flown on an airplane you know that although the airplane is comfortable on the ground, it is not meant to stay on the ground! When the plane leaves the runway and enters the lower atmosphere it experiences a great amount of stress and pressure. The good thing is that the aircraft is built for just for that purpose! (You know God made you; designed you; structured your mind, body and soul not to break!!) And as it breaks through the clouds to get you to your destination, you may experience turbulence which at times is uncomfortable, but again, the plane was built to withstand it! Moving higher will always take effort and with effort comes risk, and with risk comes stress, but if we are to make our destination it means leaving that comfort zone and stretching to the next!

I believe that was part of the Apostle Paul’s message to Timothy in 2 Tim. 1:7 “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” He didn't want Timothy to get stuck and complacent in his life and ministry and get paralyzed by fear! The Christian today must realize that with Jesus there is no Comfort Zone we ought not to be able to climb out of …

But there are a few things we must understand … it’s gonna take a few things on our part! Get these three ... It’s going to take us being uncommon, doing the unusual, and embracing the uncharacteristic.  

Uncommon … Look at Zacchaeus – Luke 19 … a small man with a big problem … he was stuck in a Comfort Zone of his own doing … a tax collector, a traitor of his own people, a sell-out, rich by extortion and greed … he wanted to move out but couldn’t, no body welcomed the tax man, no one cared for him … But then he met Jesus … Something happens when a man knee deep in his Comfort Zone meets Jesus … he can’t stay in his Comfort Zone no matter how he got there … he heard Jesus was coming, climbed up the Sycamore tree to get a better look … he climbed up … he went up, he had to get to a better vantage point to see Jesus … when he went up to see Jesus and Jesus looked up to see Zacchaeus, Jesus said Zacchaeus come on down! You see, Zacchaeus needed help … no one would help him but Jesus … sometimes we need help and won’t open our mouths … We won’t admit that the drama in our lives (often caused by our twisted decision making process) is killing us! And we’re like a car on the side of the road, broke down and yet for some reason we refuse to turn on our hazard lights, and folk just pass us by who have the power to help us! Yes, Zacchaeus wanted out and he wasn’t ashamed – he did that which was uncommon and found the help he needed to climb out of his comfort zone of loneliness and dejection!

Unusual - Then look at the woman at the well – John 4 … she was in her own little world, her own Comfort Zone, she was there not by choice but by confession … you see when Jesus spoke to her, her first response was one of confession “Why are you a Jew asking anything of me, you know y’all don’t have anything to do with us” She confessed the stigma placed on her when she said those words! She was used to being treated with contempt by the Jews and her lifestyle didn’t help the cause either. You see she was stuck in the Comfort Zone of low living and sordid behavior … she was trapped in the Comfort Zone of disapproval and bigoted thinking … she was wedged in the Comfort Zone of looking for a good time and longing for love! Now she meets Jesus … and something happens when a woman meets Jesus! She has the opportunity to change her whole way of living and worship! She has the opportunity to step climb out of her Comfort Zone into the Stretch Zone. All she has to do is take what Jesus is offering her! That water … that living water! She now has the opportunity to become what she needs to become … to be seen the way she wants to be seen and to worship in a way that matters to God! The bible says she dropped her water pots … left her comfort zone … and went into the city with a message of Hope! You see she would never be the same again! No you can’t keep a person in a zone once they realize the greatness and fulfillment they can have in Jesus!

Many of us are still in our comfort zones because we refuse to accept what Jesus has to offer … Jesus offers a “well of water springing up everlasting life.” He wants us to “worship God in Spirit and in truth.” He wants our praise and adoration of Him! Many in our world have refused to take what Jesus offers for fear of what the family will say; what our friends will say; or what our fellowship will say! This woman wasn’t worried about that! She was ready to climb, crawl, scratch her way out of the well and unfulfilled life!

Uncharacteristic - Then take a look at the man with the Palsy in Mark 2 … It was noised that Jesus was in the house … everybody was trying to get to Jesus … that’s what I love about this story – they all wanted to get to Jesus! But there was no more room in the house! The bible says there was this one man that was sick … he wasn’t just sick, but he was sick with the Palsy – a terrible disease – he couldn’t walk … and he was carried by four men. They tried to get through the door, but no luck, they tried the window but no luck. So they had to climb out of the comfort zone of complacency and normalcy … they had to climb out of the comfort zone of accepting things are the way they are … they had to climb out of the comfort zone of “ain’t nothing we can do!” … they had to leave all that on the floor and climb up on that house and know a whole in that roof! They did what they had to do to get their friend to Jesus! It didn’t matter to them at that time that they would be looked upon as crazy, unconventional, unusual, etc. No, the comfort zones that day were broken wide open and guess what? They got their friend to Jesus! And when we are truly interested in getting our family and friends – even our enemies to Jesus, we’ll let nothing keep us in a comfort zone!

Brethren, there are far too many children and young people that need Jesus … far too many wayward youth and misdirected young adults that need to get to Jesus … to God … to the church of Christ! There are way too many drug addicted men, and mischaracterized women that need to get to God! The government is making it harder and harder to help our folk so we have to climb out of our comfort zones of comfortable buildings and plush seats and get into the hood and help our folk realize the dream of a better life … and that better life begins with a relationship with Jesus! 

Even in our everyday lives! Think of your dreams and goals! Think of that place in your life where you want to be; where you should be; where you ought to be … you Can achieve those goals! Be UnCommon! Be UnUsual! Be UnCharacteristic! 

-         

 TheClueFromLeu 

What will you leave them?

Whenever I’m reminded of the film “The Lion King” I’m always drawn to the part in the photo above where Simba comes to the reality that Mufasa is dead. (Someone posted this picture on FaceBook for something and it caught my attention and now you are reading a new CLUE after several months - that's how it works sometimes!)  I remember this movie so well because it was the first theater movie we took our oldest son to (that he didn’t holler through ... we never made it through The Body Guard - lol). When he was a toddler we would act out the scenes and the one we played out the most was the revelation from Scar that “I killed Mufasa!” and he attempted to throw Simba from the cliff.  That was a nearly two decades ago – wait – yes that’s right – praise break … thank you Lord for life and health! Okay, back to business … Yes that was close to twenty years ago but again the scene in the photo above always grabs me in my soul.

One day the inevitable (death) will arrive for all of us. One day a loved one will say “please come back!” If you are blessed to grow to an age where you leave loved ones (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren … little Simbas), have you considered what you will leave them? ). The bible declares that a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children (Proverbs. 13:22). So what will you leave them? Money? Land? Material possessions, etc? While those things are commendable and quite necessary; I believe what matters more is not what you leave for them but what you leave in them!  Sure, we all want to leave some tangible items and heirlooms for our children and loved ones, but which is a greater gift, what you leave for them or what you leave in them?

The Apostle Paul was certain that young Timothy’s mother & grandmother left a “faith deposit” within him. (2 Timothy 1:5) He was aware that something bigger than Timothy was “dwelling” in him and that he would be able to survive in the days after Paul’s departure. During these days of swift movement in that direction, I reflect on those “Lion King days” and how the cub was able to find his way back home because of what was “inside” of him. Because of that which was in him he was able without hesitation to take his rightful place as King! I trust that when my time comes, the faith that I instill in my Simba x3 (three sons) is strong enough for them to pass on to their children so they can continue the line of greatness I’ve set for them.

TheClueFromLeu ®

Remember Mother!

Commentary- As we prepare joyfully to celebrate the dedication of Mother, let us be reminded of a mother’s grief as she mourns one of or perhaps her only child. I’m speaking in regard to the recent tragedies that have occurred in this country. A few months ago, the nation once again was shocked and devastated as another senseless massacre of human life was carried out on innocent school children at the Sandy Hook Elementary school in Connecticut. Many hopes and dreams were cut short in that town and it only serves once again to teach and remind us of how precious and fragile life is. Even as we consider the bombing attack in Boston just a few short weeks ago, the sentiments are the same. Whether the life was that of a precious child or adult, we know someone’s Mother’s Day is ruined or saddened to say the least. And really it has affected all of our Mother’s Days because we are all somehow connected in this race called life and what happens elsewhere could very easily happen here in our cozy atmosphere.

So on this Mother’s Day, let us pause and pray for peace and comfort for the children-less parents and for the mother-less children as well.

On this Mother's Day - MD, let us look to the hills from which comes our help …

On this MD, let us seek to improve any faulty or dying relationships we may be nursing at the moment …

On this MD, let us consider God’s word and its power not only to save but to heal our wounded spirits that are often affected by the slight and wickedness of men …

On this MD, let us remember that God has promised in His word that “all things are possible to them that believe” and take Him at his word …

On this MD, let us restore broken relationships within our families and church family … God still calls us to be ministers of reconciliation …

On his MD, let us revisit the goodness and favor God has had on our lives … God has been good to us … God’s favor and light has shined on upon us time and time again … he has extended the lease on our lives by at least one more day … over night, many leases have been stamped “expired”; the death angel has come to repossess the spirit/life … But God. 

So on this MD, we ought to praise Him – we ought to magnify His Holy name – we ought to life up our voices, raise our hands and give to whom honor is due! First and foremost, it is due God; then of course it is due to the woman we affectionately call Mother/Momma/MeMaw/Mom/Nana, etc …

We thank God for all mothers … those with us in the flesh and those who have gone on to rest and awaiting the final call of the master.

Peace,

TheClueFromLeu

Hello again? Dealing with tragedy.

Tonight we are gathered in our homes, perhaps in front of the TV, computer or even at places of worship. We find ourselves once again at a seemingly familiar place, and so we pray and ask Almighty God for his guidance in thought, words, and actions. This day has been for all of us a day that will be added to the “where were you when you heard the news” list of tragic disasters.  Life of late has been filled with such moments. I still remember where I was on September 11, 2001 (9-11). I recall how I felt watching World Trade Center Tower # 2 collapse on live television: “sheer horror and disbelief”.  I remember thinking “this can’t be happening”.  When the news of the Tsunami hit in Indonesia a few years later, I felt as if there was no where to hide from the path of destruction when Mother Nature is enraged. I also recall watching the devastation and wrath of Hurricane Katrina on the city and surrounding territories of New Orleans, LA. I watched in utter “numbness” as people lost every material possession they owned. In each case there was tremendous loss of life and an even more tremendous outpouring of love and brotherhood from around the world. More recently I was pained to hear of the destruction of the Northeast states during the Superstorm named Sandy.

 

Tonight we are all touched by the tragedy in the state Connecticut. You may live several states away or even on the other side of the globe, but still, each of us is or will be affected by these senseless killings. People we have not met yet will one day cross our paths and they will have a story to tell about a loved one, family, or friend that was impacted. You may even presently have co-workers, relatives, or friends with close ties to the school or victims. Each of us has something in common: we breathe the same air, cry tears of salty water, and awake each morning by the grace of God. And for us tonight it is the fact that we live on planet earth. 

 

In these sad and emotional times you may wonder what if any lessons can be learned from these events. What strategy can be drawn up … what massive plan of action can be developed to save us from these and other tragic events … how can we be truly safe in our own surroundings?  Where can we go to really be safe? At the present there are no doubt many seeking to answer these and other questions hoping to alleviate the pain and suffering today and in the future.  Well, I’ll leave that up to them. 

 

As Christians, what is it that we can say or do to help in this time of human tragedy?  Where can we point our fellow man and mourning neighbor? What special words do we have to assist in easing some despondent soul?  Brothers and sisters, all we have is the word of God and our trust in God and belief in His Son Jesus Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. We do not have all the answers, nor can we ever find the right words to express to others to comfort them. But as Peter the Apostle told the lame man at the gate “but such as I have I give to thee” (Acts 3:6).

 

The word of God teaches us that God is a loving God. It teaches that He is a forgiving God. It teaches that life as long as we would like to make it is short and can be cut down at any moment. It teaches that vengeance is His and He will repay. It teaches us that throughout our tragedies, trials, and tribulations that He is there, even when we can’t feel His presence and influence.  It teaches us that it doesn’t matter where you are but what matters most is where you are. When you consider the biblical character Job, you remember that Job was in the right place doing the right thing; praying to the right God and still his life was sifted like wheat.  It didn’t matter that he was wealthy or that his family was up-standing in the community. It didn’t matter that he was God fearing and pushed away evil. Tragic events struck his life with such force, such power and such unrelenting dominance that it caused him if only for a moment to wish he had never been born.  The only thing that kept Job from losing all hope and control of his life was where he was! He was in God’s hands!  To us today that equates to being in God’s hands through his Son Jesus our savior. The where today is “in Christ”! 

 

Realize (especially the young people) that these students, these children were in the right place i.e. they were in school, in class, preparing for class, studying, etc. This is the way it was. They like Job were doing what they were supposed to be doing. Many are quick to say “they were in the wrong place at the wrong time”.  While I understand the sentiment, I say again, they (students, children) were doing the right things.  This teaches us again that no one knows what awaits us around the corner and it behooves each of us to “make our calling and election sure”. Everyday is a new day given by God to maintain our relationship with Him through Jesus our Lord. The Christian is wise in that he worships God daily through prayer, study, meditation, Christian deeds, etc. Christian or not, each of us should realize that at any moment the curtain could close on this life for ever.

 

Each of us who read these words must come to grips with what the biblical writer James writes concerning our lives … “life is but a vapor”.  Young people, take your salvation seriously. Adults and senior adults, live in such a way that your life can be a witness to the goodness of God and that all who encounter you may know of the hope that lies within you. Take nothing for granted. Tell your family you love them. Be faithful to each other and to the church. Honor God. Love truth. Pray for each other. #PrayforNewtown.

Peace, "TheClueFromLeu"

When it falls apart ...

When it falls apart ...

Let’s peek into the life of a gentleman in the bible book of Acts chapter 16. You may be familiar with him. He was a jailor. He was also a leader, no doubt a husband, for sure a family man. Let’s not entertain any distain you may have for him because of his former life Pre-Midnight. We all have Pre-Midnight lives … I’m thankful for my life Post-Midnight! Let’s get a CLUE…

He had a charge to keep ... He took it seriously ... So serious that he would have ... You know, taken his life. Now before you condemn him or call him weak and a failure … Think about his charge (Acts 16:24) He was given and received a “charge”.  So Ask yourself the question “how many people in our world really take what they do that serious?” Do you take your charge as sober as this? Family, Friendship ... Faith ... Yes, he knew the penalty of losing the prisoners ... To add to that, think of the shame, the doubt, the second guessing ... "why didn't I check on them ... Why didn't I see this coming?" Of course, in actuality, there was nothing he could have done about it ... Things fell apart ... They crumbled ... It all broke up ... He didn't know why ... But it happened on his watch! He began to hear the voices "You failure" "You couldn't even keep it together" "Where were you?" The voices got louder and even more brutal … “You are going to die anyway because the magistrates will see to it!! The sword was drawn from the sheath … ready to inflict the fatal blow … Then he heard a voice ... A different voice "hey, don't do it ... We're still here … all of us!”

Failure happens ... Sometimes on your best day things will fall apart. (Of course I’m not speaking of a rule that this must happen … but it can in some way.) You feel the pressure ... pain ... You're perplexed ... "what went wrong?" You're at the point ... That point ... Not physical suicide ... But spiritual suicide - you're about to "check out" ... check out of fellowship ... Your faith ... Your family ... What's the use! Then you hear a voice … another voice; different. "Don't do it ... We're still here for you!" “Yes things fell apart but as you have been here for us, we are here for you!”

Wouldn’t it be nice if leaders, preachers, even parents heard those words from those they lead and serve? All too often when things fall apart in our lives we seldom hear those words. That’s disturbing because just as those words saved a man from making a serious, life-ending mistake, they can help your leaders through difficult times in their lives or ministries. They crumble ... It breaks up ... but remember God is moving for His purpose - you can't see or understand it, but it's in His will.

The Truth Is that your words carry weight and power- as do all of ours … Someone needs to be the voice that whispers ... Even shouts to your leaders that "We are here ... All is well … or … It will get better!" Be that voice today ... be a Hope Dealer ... Things fall apart...

TheCLUEfromLEU ®

One Day the marching will stop.

One day the marching will stop.

I remember as boy I would lay my head on my bed sideways (with my ear deep in the pillow) and listen to the marching of the soldiers. To my childhood ears it seemed as though they were marching in the frozen snow; you know the sound, perhaps – crunch, crunch, crunch. I always imagined them with red solider suits on and big hats, sort of like the Beefeaters in London, England. I could see them in my mind just marching in the snow on a sunny day (Hey I was 8 years old). At any rate, they always marched when I laid down to rest and I wondered how long they could go on marching. It’s been over 40 year and they still show up!

I know you’re saying, “What in the world is he talking about?” Well, as I lay in the silence of my room, head sideways on the pillow, I hear the pulse in my ear or temple, and against the pillow it sounds like a steady march in the cold snow.  That sound of course lets me know my heart is still beating after all these years. But I know, one day the marchers will stop marching and come to an abrupt halt!

I just pray that when they do stop, I’m occupied in the Lord’s work; his vineyard; his purpose. Even if I’m lying on my bed sideways … with my ear deep in the pillow … thinking of His will!

TheCLUEfromLeu ®

Hey, I've been really busy these last few months since the beginning of the year! I hope to bring many more CLUEs in the coming months ... Peace.

My Name is Leu ... Karma or Christ?

My name is Leu ...

Some Saturday mornings  ... I watch about 2 or three episodes/re-runs of "My name is Earl" ... it’s a hilarious sitcom about a group of misfits who take life as it comes ... literally. The main character, "Earl", was a career criminal that comes to the realization that in order to fix his messed up life, he must undo all the bad things in his life and allow "Karma" to set his universe back in order. You've heard of Karma, right? (What goes around comes back around – non-technical definition). He carries a list of all his past dastardly deeds and one by one he crosses them off as he sets right the wrongs done by him and/or his crew.
Wouldn't life be so easy if we all could carry a list of our wrongs and correct them one by one? All of our calloused spoken words that caused others grief would be erased. All of our selfish actions that caused reactions to that selfishness would be magically done away with, etc. The only problem with that is there are far too many and I'm not sure if we could ever find the time to fix everything we've done wrong. However, I'm thankful that by Gods grace and Christ's sacrifice, we don't have to even try! Once you're covered by his blood, that's it! Done! Bam! Forgiven! I'm glad that Jesus took all of my past sins to the cross with him and "poof", they're gone! (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) I accepted him ... I thank him. Yes, I believe you should treat people right, and I do concur that you reap what you sow in life (Galatians 6:7, 8), but I’ll leave the covering of my sins to the one who can really do something with my list ... and it's got some length to it! Peace.

You have been CLUEd!

It's In the Bag!

HAPPY 2012! 

Well, here we are ... the start of a new year! Newness - What a feeling. Time to start ...or at least start over; or again. Seems like the same thing either way! Well, this time it can be better, bigger, brighter! The bag is empty, time to begin to fill it. Where to begin? Your 2011 bag may have been filled with grand dreams that didn't quite come to fruition, high expectations that fell short, and lofty goals that were unrealized. That's fine. Throw them in ... again. This time however; this year, how about "placing" in the "proverbial bag," A little Hope, A little Faith, and A little Love. A "little?" you say. Why not a lot?! Well, it only takes a little. When you consider that Hope is "A strong, confident, expectation", and faith is "the substance of things hoped for ...", and love is, well, love described is that which will never fail, and the "greatest of these ..." When you consider that, all you need to begin with is just a little. Decide now, right now what’s going into your bag this year. As much as you can, keep things like doubt, discouragement, depression out of the bag ... do what you must. Those things come in abundance and will consume your thoughts, goals, and intentions because of their weight … they’re heavy!  Keep it simple ... add Hope, Faith, and love. These are expanding i.e. they grow, but they don’t get heavy. As a matter of fact, they give you strength … power … resolve … Endurance!  See what a difference these "little" things make in your year ... your family, your leadership, your life! Peace. Happy New Year!

You have the CLUE!

Yeah, you messed up but

2 Chronicles 19:1-3

19:1 When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, 2 Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. 3 There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God."

Yeah, you messed up ... But there are good things about you! Jehoshaphat was a pretty good king, like his father, Asa. However even those of us who are "pretty good", sometimes Mess up ... Make bad judgments ... Don't get it right sometimes! (Are you listening?) Well, when you acquaint yourself with Jehoshaphat, you'll find that was indeed the case. I believe that when your heart is in the right place, even if there are moments of poor judgment, misplaced steps, and unchanneled energy,  the purpose will match the plan in the end, in other words although you messed up, there's still good in you, and God can still use you to His glory! A critical factor in leadership is that as a leader you have to recognize the good and good intentions of people ... Your followers are followers for a reason: they have entrusted You to lead them because who you are (check out John Maxwell's 5 P's of leadership). It is a vital function of leadership to find and extract the good in others, even when they "mess up"! Someone has said "failure doesn't have to be final!" Many people in our organizations (church, business, Home) accomplish tasks and complete assignments that may fall below your standards, but that does not mean they (people, church members, children, etc) are sub-standard! The function of a leader among other things is that of a teacher. Teachers teach because they know what they are teaching is valuable, but they also know that some of life's most valuable lessons are gained when students try and fail, only to try again and succeed beyond measure! In Jehoshaphat’s case, he failed by joining forces with a wicked King, but God forgave him and he went on to truly demonstrate where his heart was, and in humility and bravery, cried out to the Lord and gave us perhaps the best example of how to deal with adversity ... "The battle is not yours, but God's" (2Chron. 20:15). Remember, God is The Best Leader ... Ever, and He saw beyond the faults and failures of Jehoshaphat and gave him another chance! Should we do any less?

You Have the CLUE!

Beauty out of the darkness!

Sometimes it has to be dark in order to see the beauty!

The other night I became one of the few people to see a rare sight! I saw a Luna Moth. Now come on, when's the last time you saw a Luna Moth?! I've lived for almost 5 decades (depending on who you ask or when you're reading this) and I had never seen one - until that night! It seemed to want to come thru my front door window trying as moths do, to get to the light. At first it was terrifying (well, you know ... I'm really a tough guy - lol) because I thought it was a small bird or bat. But wait, birds don't fly at night, and bats try to avoid the light! I turned the porch light off to keep it and other bugs away, but it was too late – I was intrigued. What is that thing?!  So I did what we all do when we don't know or understand something nowadays ... I googled it! Big green moth  "click". There it was surprisingly beautiful: actias lunas. Wow! Thanks Wikipedia! The Luna Moth only comes out at night; its beauty is rarely seen; certain areas of the country, etc ... However, I also found out that it's been used for a number of years in popular culture from things like rock songs to sleeping pill commercials. Who knew? Not me! Well, I said "I" never saw one. Let's get a CLUE ...

We all have dark days ... Weeks, months, etc. We wonder and grapple with the "why" of these dark days and we know inside our hearts that we must have them from time to time. We just don't like them to be too frequent. However frequent or infrequent they may be, we do experience them: break-ups, financial setbacks, family drama, sickness, confusion, etc. The list goes on. But sometimes when it's dark on the outside and your light is shining on the inside, something beautiful will try to get in! It may appear as frightening at first because you've never seen it before. But when you stop and examine it you see its usefulness. I realized that even in the midst of the darkest night God has still designed and provided beauty! This beauty is of course, attracted to our light. Its purpose is to remind us that even when dark, our lights must still shine; and when they shine, beautiful things can still be seen no matter the darkness, difficulty, or dreariness. Open your heart, no matter how dark the night, God will give you something to see that may surprise and even terrify you at first, but know that it is His will to keep you out of the darkness if you keep the light inside shining bright … it attracts beauty!

You have the CLUE!

Kisser, Keeper, or just plain Desperate?

Alright ... I'm gonna be honest and tell on myself ... On Sunday nights, after a long day in class and the pulpit, I veg out on the couch and watch "Mindless TV"! Usually the TV is watching me (LOL). However I have managed to watch a few early episodes of "Desparate Housewives" ... Yeah, I know, but you've got your show too, now dont't ya! I have noticed that each character has some charater flaws and traits that are worth mentioning.

Let's refresh the characters on the Show …  First there is the fickle, people pleaser, and can’t seem to keep a man. Next the ever so controlling, insecure,  perfectionist. Then there is the self centered, materialistic,  prima-donna. Of course the domineering, corporate ladder climbing, frustrated business woman. (These folk sound like people you know?)

What they all share in common, besides Bridge and Tea parties, is that fact that each week they find themselves in “Desperate” situations where choices are made that have an adverse affect on their lives and the lives of those around them.

The fact that life creates some desperate situations is no surprise … the fact that these situations require solutions is also no surprise … what matters is what we do when we are faced with them ... Are you a Kisser or a Keeper?
Let's get a CLUE...

In the biblical book of Ruth we are introduced to three women who share something in common. A single thread weaves them together in the fact that with the loss of their husbands they are vulnerable, at risk, and susceptible to mistreatment in a male dominated society. Due to this fact, Naomi made a wise decision to return to her place of origin, the land of Judah. This decision became the origin of stress … it made an already stressful situation (the fact that they had lost their husbands) even more so. Now the two maidens were forced to consider leaving their current place of abode and return with Naomi to a place that meant nothing to them (it was Naomi’s home). They were faced with a life changing decision that once made would affect them for the rest of their lives.  What can we learn from these women that will assist us in our Desperate situations? The book of Ruth sets up a classroom environment conducive to learning several lessons … among them are lessons in Leadership and Discipleship.

Let's start with a lesson in Leadership … Naomi was a Leader. A true leader has care and concern for others needs. She knew the plight before them so she directed her daughters to return to their homes. She assured them that God will surely deal kindly with them. She knew that God would grant them to find “rest” i.e. security. She gave candid and clear-cut information ... she kept it real … didn’t sugar coat it. She knew that sooner or later they would faint and wain due to thier "human-ness." She said, "Look I am old, I have no more sons, if I did you wouldn’t wait for them!" Our Lord Jesus was candid and clear. Think of the conversations he had with the following:

§  Woman at the well … you’ve had five husbands

§  Rich young man … sell what you have, give to the poor

§  To multitudes … if you love mother/father more than me …

§  To his disciples … they will persecute you

§  To disciples … the way to greatness is service

Like Jesus and his leaders of that day, Leaders today must be candid and clear! Say what you mean and mean it!

Let's take a lesson in Discipleship … Ruth would become a Learner (one who conforms his words, thoughts, and actions to that of his master/leader). One thing a disciple does is commit to new Leadership. She was heard to say" Wherever you go, I will go … lodge, I will lodge". This meant committing to a new lifestyle, new people, new concepts, etc. She willingly committed herself to Naomi's world. Christians are "called out of the world"! Our leader is Jesus ... we are his disciples committed HIs words, thoughts, and actions!

Now the other young lady, Orpah would eventually become a Loser . She Went back to ‘her’ people! Bad move ... there's nothing like God’s People ... Her people couldn’t save her ... Her people had no relationship with the true God. Today, people make the grave mistake of putting ‘their people’ before God i.e. relatives, spouses, children, friends, etc … Orpah put her people over God’s people, they had more influence over her than Naomi did, she was a “friend” of the world! She went back to ‘her’ gods. Today, people make the mistake and forsake God Almighty for false gods: False gods of: money, power, jobs, people worship. You always lose when you turn away from God! She had an opportunity but passed it up. She may have been a good person, but you always lose without God!

Let me conclude by saying that in every walk of life, there are at least two types of people … the "Kissers" like Orpah, and the "Keepers" like Ruth (1:14). It’s the kissers that more often find themselves in “Desperate” situations. The Keepers have committed themselves to the cause and will not let go! They “cleave”.  The “Kissers”, are there for a while, but when the going gets rough and uncertain, they will “kiss” you goodbye in a Desperate minute! Which one are you?

You've been CLUEd!

Listen to your Father ...

On an episode of the iconic “Sanford and son” (The Card Sharps, a 1972 episode), Lamont gets involved in a card game with three shady characters. Fred quickly recognizes that these dudes are about to take advantage of his grown, but somehow childish son! Now Fred, like Lucy of I Love Lucy, had a particular knack for getting into the most humorous and idiotic situations (sitcom), but many times, they were able to come out shining. This time the egg would be on Lamont’s face … if he didn’t heed the voice of his father. Fred tries with comedic acumen to keep Lamont from playing a losing hand … dealt with marked cards, but his antics fail. The hand is played, the other guys win, Lamont is broke i.e. a “Broke Dummy” according to Fred! He should have listened! Well, he didn’t. Now it was time for “Father knows best”! He sends Lamont out on an errand and turns the tables on those “Card Sharps”. You know the “G” in Fred G. Sanford stands for “Gambler” right?! Well, by the time he gets back, Lamont’s “friends” are speeding away with empty pockets and embarrassed feelings! The look on Lamont’s face says it all “Gee, I should have listened to pops!”

Let’s get a CLUE …

Proverbs 1:8a “Listen, my son, to your father's instruction” (NIV)

The book of Proverbs is written to instruct the young (man), the kings, and all leaders. Elements for these can be found throughout the book. The writer was not interested in the status quo but with the receiving of wisdom and in the getting of “understanding”. He knew that the acquiring the “principal thing” would go farther than any degree, fame, or fortune that one could amass in a life time.

The key verse in the book: Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (KJV)

In today’s world the father or father figure is an enigma to many, but rest assured that the father is alive and well among us! God’s word declares that the father is to be the central figure in the home, a leader of his family, and a staple in the community. He was to be listened to (Prov. 4:1), He was to correct (Prov. 3:12), He was not to be cursed (Prov. 20:20), and He was to be considered even when the son made friends (Prov. 28:7). We have traveled light years from that standard in some circles, but among God’s people, the father still strives!

You may not know or have an earthly father to share this coming Father’s Day with … perhaps he has been selected to go on ahead of you to enter the rest from his labors. Maybe you have an estranged relationship with him. That’s reality. However, an even greater reality is the relationship you can and hopefully do have with your Heavenly Father. That relationship never ends, not in this life or in the next. Every day with God is Father’s Day because every day he provides, protects, and is present … always. 

What does the Heavenly Father want? He wants what all fathers want … to be listened to! To be taken seriously. To be honored and respected, not because He knows it all, because he’s your Father! Lamont should’ve listened to his father. He would’ve been much happier many of the times … but he often didn’t. We should listen to our heavenly Father. He cares for us. He prepares for us. He is there for us! Now, I don’t think our Father in heaven would ever call us a “Broke Dummy” … but when I think of all the times I didn’t listen to him, I sure felt like one! I’m thankful for my Heavenly Father’s grace, mercy, and longsuffering! Thank God for fathers. Thank God for … God!

You have the CLUE!

Wait a minute ... Say What?

I recently picked up a little hymnal at church; you know the supplemental ones we “make” ourselves from other song books or borrow with credit from others?! Well, some of you know what I mean! LOL. As I casually flipped through the pages, a very old but familiar song caught my attention. Not so much the song, but a phrase from the song. The song was “It’s gonna rain”. I’ve heard sung by church choirs, on the radio, on TV, even preached in sermons. The phrase is “It’s gonna rain, it’s gonna rain, you’d better get ready and bear this in mind …” Wait a minute “bear this in mind”? Who put that in there!? That’s not right! It should be “better send mind”! Right?! I asked a few people, their response was yes “bear this in mind” (however I think they googled itJ). I asked a few more and they like myself said yeah … better ... send mind … (I could visualize the perplexed looks on their faces when they wrote it out). Sure enough though, those are the words “bear this in mind”. Hmmmm. I guess when you think of it, there are several words and phrases that are commonly mispronounced such as:

Acrossed instead of Across

Affidavid instead of Affidavit

Antartic instead of Antarctic

Bidness instead of Business

Blessing in the skies instead of Blessing in disguise

Card shark instead of Cardsharp

Doggy dog world instead of Dog-eat-dog world

And one of my favorites … Forte instead of Fort (look it up J)

So I asked myself, “how did it come to happen that after all these years of hearing and in some cases singing something, did I have it all wrong (or most of it anyway)? Let’s get a CLUE …

One thing that I’ve learned as a leader is that all too often, people will listen to and follow your instructions and directions, not so much because they are correct, but because they believe you to be correct. They believe that you have done your homework; put the necessary think time in; used the best resources at your disposal to come to the heavy conclusions you come to, etc. For the most part I agree that leaders should be given credit for their knowledge, expertise, and competence in their specialty. But it is also up to followers to really do what followers do … follow. I mean, follow the example of the leader. If he or she studies profusely, take the initiative to develop good study habits as well. If the leader is steeped in research and analysis, show your due diligence as well. The leader’s job is to “feed and lead” but it is the follower’s job to take in and digest it properly. Too often however, the followers knowledge base begins and ends with and only with, the dominate thought of the leader and very few times does he seek out for the meaning himself. Like with the song, he just listens, takes in, and assumes that is what it says even if it doesn’t make sense. Do you think “better send mind” makes sense … really? One person commented that they thought that it was something the old folks said that had some meaning that they were too young to understand. One thing that God has blessed each of us with is a mind with a billion or brain cells floating around in there. Let’s not be afraid to aks – ask - J some questions from time to time to see if what is said is really what is said. As leaders it is always our tasks to be clear, lucid, unambiguous, and explanatory. Make sure your people hear, read, and understand! And followers, before you repeat anything, sing anything, or teach anything, make sure you know what’s what.

You’ve been CLUEd

What’s below the surface!

Ok, I don’t have a green thumb! I think it’s sorta brownish in color! LOL! Well, anyway, there’s a tree in my front yard that didn’t grow any leaves this season. Not unusual for this tree because for some reason it doesn’t always have leaves like the other trees around us. Finally my Dear One (that’s my wife) says “you know that tree is dead right!?” I thought, “how can it really be dead when it’s still standing, it just didn’t grow leaves this year, right?” So after closer examination I noticed that although the bark was still covering the tree, it was brittle and easily pulled away. I also notice several, what appeared to be “tracks”, just under the surface of the bark. It looked as if an artist had used precise tools to form an intricate design on the wood to create a piece of fine art. Oh but no! There is no artist here … how about wood-eating-disgusting-ugly bugs! Their MO appears to be to covertly enter the untreated tree, work methodically under the surface (uninterrupted), and (although the outer bark did show signs of sickness) sap all the life out of the tree from within! By the time you notice it (unless you got that green thumb thing goin on) it’s a little too late! The damage is done! The tree is all but ready to be pulled out of the ground and made into a bench! My analogy is not hard to comprehend, but let me be clear … the same thing can happen within our lives! Let’s get a CLUE!

Prov 4:23 says “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

An untreated heart is set on a path of destruction. When we allow sin and evil into our hearts and leave it unchecked, just like the tree, it will begin to do irreparable damage from within! On the surface you may look well and healthy, but under the surface is where the problem is! Tracks of hatred, envy, strife, jealousy, bitterness, and plan ole sin make their way throughout your whole body! And like the biblical disease Leprosy, by the time it shows up, it’s already been working under the surface of the skin for too long! (Leviticus 14)  There are a few ways in which you the leader, parent, head of Christian organization, etc can “keep” your heart pure. After all, if you the leader work on your heart it will in most cases have positive effect on your followers, members, family, etc.

1.       Watch what goes in. Ps 101:3-5 3 I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them.  4 I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.  5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. (NLT)

2.       Monitor what comes out. Matt 15:19 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. (KJV)

3.       Welcome necessary changes. Ps 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (KJV)

So many of the “issues” of life that we struggle with can be traced to a lack of “keeping our hearts” with all diligence! Like my tree, our hearts must be treated with a continued dose of spiritual insecticide … and the best I’ve found is none other than God’s word, the Bible!

You’ve been CLUEd!

A Tribute to Mother!

On Mother’s Day we recognize and celebrate the woman we call Mother. It is our privilege to do so. Let us be mindful of the fact that God Almighty, in His boundless wisdom has so declared that the one we call mother should be honored and held in the highest regard and esteem. Thus the bible says “Eph 6:2, 3
"Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (NIV)

God attached an incidental promise of life and wellness to the commandment to honor her. If we are wise we would listen and conform to the wisdom from above. For the mother is the backbone of the home; the mother is the foundation of the family; the mother is the crowned jewel of our lives. So we pause and in the name of Jesus we say “Thank you”. Thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do.

Thank you for your undying love and never ending care. We thank you for standing up so that we could sit down … we thank you for holding your tongue so that we could speak our minds … we thank you for sleepless nights so that we could rest … we thank you for being our comfort when we were hurting … we thank you for being our peace in the midst of our confusion … we thank you for your sacrifice in the midst of our situations … Yes, mother, momma, nana, and ma … we thank you and love you with the Love of God! You protected us from the bully’s on the block … you held our hand as we traveled through the traffic … you picked us up when our pipe dreams exploded … you laid our heads across your lap when the death angel approached and took our loved ones. And like Superwoman, you exposed yourself to the kryptonite's of life in order to prevent any harm or danger from defeating us.

Yes, as God is our witness, we must honor her … we must love her … we must admire her … we must pay tribute to her.

And Father God, we thank you for your kind care and consideration for the feeble beings that we are, to not only send your only begotten Son, but to provide us with a bosom of blessedness … one who wipes our earthly tears and mends our earthly bruises … one whose acceptance is endless and whose commitment is continual ... We thank you for Mother!

You've been CLUEd!

Are you growing?

Choices, life is about choices. We choose a certain path which leads to a destination - the one we hoped for if we're lucky. Many of us started on a path to the ever illusive “better life” just over four months ago at the beginning of the year. We pledged to: lose weight,  go back to school, get a better job, leave that draining relationship, become better financial managers, “etc, etc, etc” (as Yul would say - you know that cool bald dude from The King and I). Here’s a question, “How many of you have accomplished or even started to work toward your goals?” I’ll got first … One of my goals was "personal growth." As a minister, I preach constantly on themes concerning spiritual and emotional growth. Even though I preach it, I have to continue to push myself toward my personal goals and excellence, and I often need to stop, look, listen, and learn as well. Note to leaders: Even though others may think you’ve got it all “knowed” up, we know better! There must always be that little voice inside of you that says “keep digging, keep stretching, keep climbing, and keep helping others to do the same.  After all, God didn't just plant us where He did to vegetate!  He wants, desires, and expects us to grow – all of us! Part of my personal growth "track" has been these blog articles. I have dedicated a portion of my week to express myself and challenge others ... to grow. I made a "choice" to pursue what is an important component of my journey.  What of yours? How are you on your journey?  Only you know.

Let’s get a CLUE...                                             

A look at the picture above would lead you to believe that the taller plant was planted before the smaller one. That assumption would be wrong.  They were both planted the same day ... the same time ... by the same person. (One of my sons’ science projects) The difference was light - yes LIGHT.

The taller plant was placed under a constant intense light/lamp during the day. The smaller plant was placed on a window seal on the side of the house where the sun only shines part of the day, and then shines only through the clouds in early spring. The planter of the seeds made a conscious decision or choice to grow them that way.

In life, the planter (God) planted you/us in a certain place for a certain reason, of which He and He alone knows. The one constant about is that it was He did the planting for his glory!  We make a crucial mistake when we compare our personal growth with others. If you’re life (plant) is not as tall as mine or vice versa, that is not a cause for dissention, discouragement, and disappointment. After all, it’s personal. God may have planted you in an area where it takes a little extra diligence on your part to experience the growth you desire. You may be the smaller plant for the moment but know and believe that the growth is not only possible but on its way! You may have to work harder, sleep less, prepare better, or beg God to move you to the other side of the house that gets the constant light - hey it’s worth a shot! LOL

The point to remember is that each of us was planted with care by the best caregiver in the universe, and however we grow; it should be to His glory! He planted us with the intention of us growing. Some grow quicker with great intensity ... some a little slower with less fervor, but the result should be the same - growth. Do what you can do to place yourself on a growing track towards personal growth and excellence (this includes praying for a better situation) and leave the rest to God!

You've been CLUEd

Sometimes you want to get away!

Sometimes you just want to “Get a way … Leave today … yeah-yeah-yeah!” (EW&F reference –LOL). What about “burn-out”? Ever feel like just turning in the keys, not showing up, or just driving away! Yes, we have all been there … most of us anyway. The pressures of life, leadership, and “living” can get the best of any of us. There are times we feel like Elijah when he felt it necessary to get away …

1 Kings 19:3-4

3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

Elijah’s task as the faithful prophet of God ushered him into some precarious situations. First he was the bearer of bad news to the king (drought – 1 King 17:1). Then his brook dried up (1 Kings 17:17). Next he was personally blamed and called a “trouble-maker” (1 Kings 18:17). Finally he was threatened with bodily harm by the wicked Queen Jezebel! That would be enough for any of us to consider booking a flight on Southwest Airlines! Sometimes even when you have dotted all the required “I’s” and crossed the needed “Ts”, and double-checked your sources, the outcome of your obedience may cause you considerable stress on your mind, body, and spirit. The book of James reminds us that “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are …” (James 5:17) so don’t get it twisted thinking he was somehow a superior being. No, he got depressed, discouraged, and mentally depleted much like we do at times.  Yet he was still a faithful prophet and servant of God!  Can you relate?

When you lead your family, your church, or your organization, there WILL be times when you are the bearer of bad news; you will suffer personal loss; you will be blamed (for something’s that were not your fault – 1 Kings 18:18), and there may be times when you or your livelihood are threatened! However, don’t allow these things to burden your blessings, trip-up your triumphs, or disturb your duty! One of the things God had to remind Elijah was that God knew where he was and God knew where others like him were!

"God knows where you are ... He knows where others are just like you"

God knew Elijah was in a sad, depressed, and defeated state! He knew where he was! Don’t you think God knows where you are today!? He knows you may have tried and tried but are still misunderstood. He knows that you have devoted yourself to his way of living your life but your family or children don’t seem to get it. He knows that inside you’re crying for help and you could really use a breakthrough! Not only did God know where Elijah was physically, but mentally and spiritually! Never think that God doesn’t see you, because he does! He knows where you are! God also knows where others just like you are! God had to explain to him that there were many, many others (7,000) who had stayed true to their God and His principles! Elijah, you ain’t alone! Today, you may feel that you are the only parent taking a stand to guide your children in the right path. You may feel that you are the only leader who has not sold out your position for a paycheck. You may feel that you are the only Christian in your church! Listen, God has an e-mail (Elijah-mail) with your name on it and in the subject line it reads “Son/Daughter, you are not alone!” In that same e-mail is the same message God had for Elijah: I know where you are and what you’re feeling. Don’t give up! It also says, listen, you’re not all by yourself in this thing! Now get up, get yourself back on track and “Go”! Elijah was nearing the end of his service to God (God lead him to his successor, Elisha) but until you get that message from God, you’ve got to keep on going … dust the dirt off your shoulder and keep moving!

You’re CLUEd!