Brenda’s Blog – November 12, 2013

“I didn’t think there was anything outside of Longview, Hallsville, and Marshall. Then I went to China.”

The student told of his overseas study adventure as part of the chapel service. His naturally worn cowboy attire told me he was indeed a native Texan. The first sentence stayed with me. What is opening my world right now? What amazes me and creates a sense of awe?

I thought of another young man from Appalachian America who left home for the first time to spend a semester at Disney World. He returned to Kentucky with a deeper appreciation for his strong roots and his unfurled wings.

In college my parents bought a ticket for a friend to accompany me to North Carolina. It was her first plane trip. Her emotional response as we crossed the country touched me. That trip began a lifetime of discovery for her.

We go to Christian colleges and universities to “stretch and bless the next generation of leaders…to the glory of God.” We leave stretched and blessed. Their world is full of hope and promise. Their world is unhindered by geographical boundaries. Their energy for change is contagious.

Reduced options is one of the symptoms of aging. Our worlds get smaller; our walls grow higher; our healthy restlessness diminishes.

I may never challenge the Great Wall of China again but new roads lie ahead. I am not ready to call it quits. I am still eager to wake up each morning with, “Hello, world, where are we going today?”

Brenda’s Blog – October 29, 2013

“God loves us.  God is not a meanie. I am not afraid.  Say it Mommy, ‘I am not afraid.’”

These words were spoken by a 3 year old girl dying of brain cancer.  Leadership is not age sensitive.  No degrees, no certifications, no titles, no powerful positions — just qualities that cause others to follow.

Phoebe Fair led all of us during her 21 months of illness.  Why?  She had vision; she had passion; she had direction.  She understood her mission, and stayed the course.

Most of us will not be asked to travel Phoebe’s path, but each of us is asked to be faithful to our calling.  Leading a corporation, a Christian organization, a family unit, or a campus ministry….all share the same common elements: defining reality, setting the vision, understanding constructive strengths and destructive weaknesses, capturing the loyalty of others to the vision, effective communication of direction, and the ability to move the group forward.

How could a 4 year old do this?  During her lifetime she received thousands of personal messages weekly, had 75,000 followers of her Facebook page, filled the sanctuary of a major church for her service, and continues to touch lives worldwide.  How could that not be leadership?  Her life was her mission; her love for Jesus was her passion; her eagerness to encourage others was her uniqueness.

Never underestimate your LQ – leadership quotient.  You don’t need position, power, and prominence…you simply need to influence and move others to action.  Lead on!

Brenda’s Blog – October 15, 2013

“Why ‘Fortitude’?” I surprised myself as I asked the young man about his arm’s length tattoo.  His response got my immediate attention. “It means courage.  There is a story behind it and it reminds me I will never be a coward again. I will never let fear make me cower.”

The chairs in the coffee shop became pew-like in this sacred space.  The conversation unfolded easily.

“The do-not-fears in the Bible have really helped me this year.  Fighting fear is real to me, as well.  I started studying this because it dawned on me even in the Bible fearful people made really stupid decisions.  I looked at my life and saw the same pattern.  Fear is no friend of clear thought.”

He nodded, picked up his iPad and started searching the do-nots.  His face brightened and the interest increased.  Two strangers engaged in life-strengthening.

We talked for a few more minutes, and as he left he stopped to say, “This was meant to be.”

“Start with Joshua 1:9 – it is the cornerstone; and be fortified.”

A brief exchange with the thumbprint of God all over it.

I have no idea why he fervently inked the reminder on his arm…it doesn’t matter.  His resolve to stand fearlessly marks him more deeply than the tat.

What is your word?  What is your story?  Then whose story are you missing because you don’t ask the question?  Open eyes, minds, and hearts lead us into the most exceptional surprises.

Brenda’s Blog – October 1, 2013

Welcome to the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute website.  Our organization’s mission is “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders…to the glory of God.”  The on-line archive of wisdom God gave my Dad, Fred Smith,Sr., is housed at breakfastwithfred.com  You will find a leadership library filled with timeless principles, pithy statements of truth, and challenging questions.

Our on-campus events are affectionately known as “24 hour leadership blitzes” because a team of leading men and women (mostly over 65) land on campus and immerse themselves in the community for a power-packed 24 hours.  We come to start conversations and create connections.  We are in classrooms, chapel, athletic sessions, community outreaches, dorm conversations, mealtimes, and any other possible venue that gives us a chance to share leadership principles and our faith experience.

Bwfli.com is a way to continue the conversation.

Periodically I will host this blog spot.  It will be a place to think about leadership in light of everyday experiences.  I am an “out and about” person.  I love listening to people’s stories and finding transferable themes!

Enjoy the website then grab a coffee and join me as we explore the paths God creates for us.  Come back and we will start sharing ideas.

Please think about:  1) Who first said, “I believe in you?”  2) How has it impacted your direction? 3) What is the power of belief?

Dad once told me, “There’s magic in believing as long as you don’t believe in magic!”