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!



Angry Birds! Ugh! (How can this Bird can help you!)

Angry Birds! Ugh!  

If you have played it, you know what I’m talking about! LOL … You can get stuck on one level for an hour or more if you’re not careful! There’s this one level – level thirteen that at this writing I have not been able to master. Those blasted pigs! (Check out the game – smile). In the game there are these birds, each with a different “power, skill, or talent” … the little red bird that cruises into the target at one speed only; a dominate yellow bird that flies double time when you tap the screen and with the extra power does more damage; the tiny blue bird that multiplies times three when you tap; a big bird that  boomerangs around and attacks from the rear when you tap the screen; there are others … your task is to figure out what each bird does and when its turn arises, aim it at the right spot to break down the barriers (and get revenge! LOL). Some of it is by sheer chance, but a lot of it is skill and patience on your part.

When you consider the roll you play as a leader, father, mother, etc. it is paramount that you understand that Just as there are many different types of people within your organization, home, or church, there are many leadership types … some effective, some not so. Your task is to … yes you see now … figure it out! God has uniquely gifted each of your members, children, or workers in with the skills, talents, and aptitude to complete whatever job you need to get done. If you employ them wisely (and sometimes luck is involved) the likelihood of the task being completed is much greater which leads to a much healthier environment. In the game, if you continually aim for the same spot with birds of different powers, you may get minor results, but if you take your time and aim at different areas of the structure utilizing the strengths of the birds, it will yield greater results! In your leadership “game” (I know it’s not a game) you must be patient, instructive, and prayerful. You must be willing to accept the talents of your followers, help to improve them if necessary, and alter your leadership style if the need arises. It has been said that “If you’re a hammer, every problem looks like a nail!” Life, like the Angry Bird’s game can be unpredictable, but as a leader you have to be willing to engage and encounter the unpredictable elements with knowledge, wisdom, and the resolve to keep at it until it’s done! I’ll beat level thirteen, I’m sure of it, I may have to leave it alone for a minute and come back to it later, but I will win! It may turn out to be easier than I thought ... and when it is completed, there will be jubilation! So stay focused, have fun, and most of all remember that no matter how difficult the game, problem, or situation looks there is an answer or solution, you may need some help or advice, (that’s for another CLUE) but there is one! Don’t let em’ get the best of you! Angry Birds! Ugh!

You’re CLUEd!

Grace and Mercy!

In rural Virginia, there are long winding roads that seemingly never end. Ones, where if you are lucky enough to get caught behind a lumber truck you just have to wait; and enjoy the scenery while going 25 miles per hour until you are able (and brave enough) to pass! Well, on one occasion while driving down a long Virginia rural road, I witnessed a sight; a sight that I’ve no doubt seen many times before but never took the time to really “see”. Sometimes God can open your eyes to a truth, a very simple truth that previously you have been going too fast to observe. Well, on this particular day while driving with my mind on nothing and nothing on my mind … in particular, I saw this sight: A turtle in the middle of the road. This sight, again, I’ve witnessed before but for some reason my mind began to ponder it. As I swerved so as not to hit the turtle (turtle soup is good I hearJ ) I began to consider one word - “Mercy” … Mercy. Then it hit me! I had mercy on that turtle! So what?! Well I began to think that in the same way I had mercy on that turtle, God has had mercy on me; and every one of us! When you consider that Mr. Turtle (although unbeknownst to him) really had no business being in the middle of the road … in the danger zone! So yes, I had mercy on him as God has on us! Then I began to consider another word – “Grace” … Grace. If that was mercy, what is grace? Why am I entertaining grace? Well, considering that the turtle was still in the middle of the road, (other cars were having mercy as well) … I came to a conclusion that grace then is me pulling over to the side of the road; getting out of my car; walking to the middle of the road; bending down; picking up the turtle; carrying it to the other side of the road where he was heading; and letting it go in safety! Grace! Let me explain. Mercy has been explained by many to mean to not get what we deserve. And grace means to have unmerited favor i.e. to give us what we don’t deserve! Think about it … how many times in your life have you been “caught out there” … jammed up in one of those “situations”! You needed some help … or you would be “done”! Then somehow you were rescued, helped, saved, freed, or exonerated! How did that happen? Someone … God had mercy and grace on you! One of the meanings of favour (grace) in the Old Testament Hebrew is to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to bestow.

(Ps 102:13) Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

Certainly it was God’s kindness (Mercy) and favor (Grace) that saved us from ourselves and helped us to get to a point of safety! As I drove away that day, all I could muster to say was Thank you God for your grace and mercy … on a turtle like me!

You’ve been CLUEd!