

The Crux of Crisis
A prominent cell service provider ran an advertising campaign with the tag line: “Can you hear me now?” The purpose was to address the problem of limited coverage and aggravating dropped calls. In the ads, one actor moves from place to place repeatedly voicing the familiar inquiry. It became part of the cultural linguistic vocabulary.
The art of effective questioning intrigues me. Sales training emphasizes the rules: ask open ended questions, never ask one with a simple yes or no answer, listen to the other person looking for conversational cues, and of course – be interested in the other person.
The confirmation hearings held by the US Senate this week brought that probing question to mind. However, the answer was quite different. There was very little (in fact, practically no) listening to evoke substantive answers. It was an exercise in noise and dominance. What a pity! This was an opportunity to probe experience and vision… to “take the measure of the man or woman.” However, hearing quickly became a misnomer for the event.
My Dad enjoyed a reputation for his expertise in asking questions which would lead to productive conversation. I always wanted to mine his expertise and perhaps develop this skill. “Talk to me about questions.” “Brenda, it is both an art and a science. Too many focus on the formulas and hone their science skills while ignoring the art.” “Dad, what is the key to asking a productive question?” “You simply ask a question the other person wants to answer.”
That really piqued my interest. I was sure the next words would change my life. “Well, you just do… that is the art.” Years have gone by since that brief exchange, but it stays with me. It becomes a mental exercise each time I am meeting new people or spending time with those I want to know better.
The goal of listening and hearing are critical for those who want to expand their expertise in asking questions which move relationships, open business opportunities, and further academic pursuits. Think: “ask a question they want to answer” and see what fun you can have. Listen and find out how much easier it is to be heard.
Prayer Network
by Brenda A. Smith, BWFLI.com, BreakfastWithFred.com
“I love the opportunity to attend a Christian University.”
This month we celebrate love. We send valentines, candy, and balloons. It would be a great month to send a note of encouragement, financial support, and prayer to schools which train the whole person in the art of serving Jesus Christ, excelling in academic endeavors, and influencing our world through the faithful stewardship of our talents and opportunities.
This month let’s pray specifically for those who are committing their professional and personal lives to build young men and women of integrity and excellence. As we look at the American culture let’s focus on the philosophy which seeks to control the minds and hearts of our younger ones. We look at messages which speak against Biblical faith and give thanks for Christian higher education which is devoted to Christian character building and service.
Setting One’s Heart
by Bob Deffinbaugh, Bible.org, BWFLI.com
10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10, NAS).
8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself (Daniel 1:8, NAS).
Ezra, Daniel, and (it would seem fairly apparent, Joseph as well), resolved early in their lives to serve God, and a good part of this involved learning and obeying His Word. These objectives would suit any young person well, whether or not their college major was known at this same time.
I have a friend, who in his youth purposed to memorize a large portion of the New Testament. He also set his heart on going to the “most God-forsaken place on earth.” In his college days he set out to fulfill his goals, and he prayed to this end as well. He ended up doing both. (Secular photographers were actually sent to this place to document how primitive peoples lived.) The tribe to which my friend ministered in Africa was sending out missionaries by the time he left to serve elsewhere.
It seems that many young people today lack a clear sense of purpose and direction. Let us pray that through good teaching and the godly example of faculty and staff, many more young people would gain a commitment to pursue knowing God through His Word, and discerning His calling and direction early in their lives. These are noble goals for anyone, at any age.
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Character Counts
Weekly Thought – February 11, 2025
Fred believed leaders made decisions which determined the character of their organizations. He reminded groups of leaders that they could never make exceptions for themselves. They were responsible to make sure decisions were in line with the values and mission of the organization.
Character Counts
Decision makers hold the responsibility for disciplined choices and direction. In considering this aspect of leadership it is critical to look at the undisciplined, not just the well-disciplined. Here are a few of the poor drivers which result in poor decisions.
1) Trying to maintain control. Some organizations create structures for personal, not for leadership development. Generally, the control driven leader is self-serving. Dictators do not develop great succession plans.
2) Trying to outdo the competition. Heathy competition is one part of the infrastructure of commerce, but conniving, fraudulent practices to undercut and undermine others makes for bad decisions.
3) Refusing to admit mistakes. Effective leaders must name and claim mistakes as quickly as possible. The loss must be minimized and the remedial actions must begin immediately. Denying mistakes does not work for real leaders.
4) Hiring or promoting people based on politics. A leader’s first question should be: “Will this person and or move help the organization to fulfill the mission?” The wrong question always is: “will this person and or move vote my way or forward my personal goals?”
True tested, disciplined character is required for the building and leading of an organization with honesty, integrity, and purpose. Disciplined decisions avoid rationalizations, irresponsible and self-serving choices.
This week carefully consider: 1) When have I let personal goals allow an undisciplined decision? 2) How can I help others avoid these pitfalls? 3) What safeguards have I established to ensure my character holds even under the fiercest fire?
Words of Wisdom: “Strong, effective leaders understand that exceptions to organizational values are unacceptable – even for themselves.”
Wisdom from the Word: “For you know yourselves how you must imitate us, because we did not behave without discipline among you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7 NET Bible)