Brenda’s Blog – January 21, 2014

The weather news said, “Flooding in Craighead County – roads covered with water.” It didn’t mean much to me as I traveled through driving rain in Arkansas — until I passed a “welcome to Craighead County” sign. Life is sometimes like that, isn’t it?

Shortly after entering the flood zone I noticed another sign: “Road dangerous when under water.” The rain was coming down in buckets, but the cars were coming from the other side, so I assured myself it was passable.  And, it was only 15 miles – how bad could it be?  At the “8 miles to Jonesboro” marker I felt like I had been driving for hours.  Seeing the water rise out of the boundaries on each side and lap against the road made me harken back to “when under water.”

It was barely light, the cars from the opposite direction were noticeably fewer, and then I saw water creeping across the highway.  I could see the road in between and knew I had enough room to pass through on pavement, so I proceeded, but not without thinking about being the “foolish old lady” who ignored warnings.

God was good — as it got dark and the water came up over the road, I turned on to a US highway and made the last 5 miles on “higher ground.”

To the dismay of my children (grown though they may), who groan when I begin with “life lesson,” I saw some very distinct principles illustrated:

1) When Craighead County says their roads are dangerous under water, don’t ignore it.  There are times when we are given distinct, discernible warnings and we choose to look the other way;

2)  Tunnel vision in achieving a goal can blind us to precarious choices we may make on the way;

3) Stupidity and perseverance are not synonymous; and

4) Always remember! We have a God who knows our weariness, sees the water creeping over our roads, and never leaves us.

Brenda’s Blog – January 7, 2014

 “I’m FREE!” That simple text expressed my sister’s release from ice imposed house arrest.  The first day was fun – a day off from work.  The second and third days were challenging.  And by day four she was marking her hours of incarceration by staring out the window, hoping to be sprung.  (Actually, she was hoping for Spring!)

A friend of mine emailed to tell of a dream in which she watched the church move away from the bondage of darkness.  The great hymn puts it this way, “My chains fell off; my heart was free; I went forth and followed Thee.”

What chains entangle you?  What habits tie you up, hindering your progress?

One of my dear friends is in rehab.  The current assignment is to write out the life story.  “Where did the anger begin?” “Where did the hopelessness and powerlessness take hold?”

“In the free” is the slang for walking out of jail.  We don’t have to wear orange jumpsuits to be psychologically incarcerated.  And, we don’t have to be sentenced by a judge – we can judge ourselves declaring guilt that is undeserved.  But we have the right to claim life “in the free.”

The grace of God through Christ Jesus pours down mercy hour by hour.  Morning by morning we can receive His gifts of freedom. We are free to live without recrimination.  We are free to throw off those shackles which slow us down.

As an influencer, what is holding you back?  As a decision maker, what is hampering your effectiveness? What lies are you believing that put up road blocks? 

Break free — put your life in four wheel drive and hit the road.  There may be a few icy spots, but always remember – turn into the slide and you will be fine.

Brenda’s Blog – December 24, 2013

“They call me Virginia, the navigator…I am glad you found us.”

It was getting late; I had driven many miles; I was ready to quit. All well and good except for one thing: I couldn’t find the hotel. It was a national chain with an address near an interstate exit. No problem, so why was I lost? Why was I getting frustrated?

Finally, admitting defeat I called the hotel and sweetly said, “Where are you?” (Probably not so sweetly!) “People get lost all the time,” she answered before giving me turn by turn directions.

“You are without a doubt the hardest place I have ever tried to find.” Laughingly she said, “Yes, everybody ends up calling, so the regulars have a name for me: “Virginia, the navigator.” Her voice and manner was truly sweet.

“Why in the world are you built so far back on this crazy site and why in the world don’t you have signage?” “Oh, that’s easy. Our owners are from out of town and they already had this piece of land. The other hotels are owned by one man and he made it impossible for anyone else to put up any signs. You have to really want to get here!”

Virginia was a model employee with a tremendous sense of hospitality, but her employers had put her in a tough spot. Virginia understood making lemonade from lemons.

Max DePree says servant leadership is providing all the resources necessary for the employees to be all they can be, accomplishing all they can. Where do we hinder others from achieving? Where do we tie weights around their ankles, expecting them to run a winning race?

And then, what circumstances hamper our progress? Do we recognize the power we have to become a Virginia, or do we collapse into complaining and mediocrity?

How can we create an environment for others that challenge them to succeed? And how can we respond to our challenges with humor, and professionalism?

A well-known newspaper column years ago began his answer to a little girl’s question: “Is there a Santa Claus?” with the famous words, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”

The same spirit of love, hope, and goodwill the newspaper correspondent described still exists in this modern day Virginia. Merry Christmas to you, Ms. Navigator. Thank you for being a lighthouse on a dark night.