Brenda’s Blog – March 18¸2014

“Bourbon Trail” said the sign along the Kentucky highway. Famous distilleries (known even to non-imbibers) graced the landscape. 

The exit notifications told me the distillery for Maker’s Mark® was ahead.  No, I wasn’t tempted to visit their tasting room, but it set my mind whirring.  The Maker’s Mark — what a wonderful phrase for Christians.  Don’t we bear the mark of our Maker?

One of my cousins raised her family in Bardstown, Kentucky, home of the Jim Beam Distillery.  Her daughter said everything in their house smelled like bourbon, including their clothes and their furniture.  This beautiful little town is the home of the “Bourbon Festival” each year, welcoming guests from all over the country to relish their products.  You cannot miss the sweet smell of success in this quaint community.

What is the mark we carry?  What is the aroma emanating from our lives?  I think Jesus gave us a hint when He said, “They will know you are mine by your love for one another.”  Love is our mark.  What is the aroma?  As we lift our voices and dedicate our lives to Him we present ourselves as living sacrifices.  We become precious offerings of praise to our God. We are to be aroma therapy for a world sinking into a stinking morass.

I love collecting pottery.  The ones produced by the hands of artisans are marked as evidence of craftsmanship and pride of ownership.  Mass produced items never have a personal signature.  Who has signed you?  Who says, “They are mine.”

In Ephesians 2, Paul tells us we are God’s workmanship.  He has created us for a specific purpose and has designed us with work to do which will show His mark to the world.  We are the work of His hands and we wear His mark with dignity because we are created in His image.

We are the distillation of His grace and in ALL ways wearer of The Maker’s Mark.

Brenda’s Blog – March 4, 2014

“Just don’t take your jacket off – you’ll be fine!” 

As college student newly-weds, our schedules were chaotic.  Good friends invited us to their apartment for dinner, and this was one of our first married couple outings.  Only problem – I was behind on my ironing.  In those days, shirts were button-down oxford cloth which definitely weren’t “wash and wear.”  They required starch, much elbow grease… and time.  On that Saturday night, I was fresh out of all three!

“I will iron the collar and the front of the shirt – they will never know and you will look fine.”  Famous last words.  Out he went in his faux-ironed shirt under a wool sport coat, even though it was a balmy fall evening.

They kept urging him to “make yourself comfortable and take off your jacket .”  To his credit, my husband braved the hot, un-air-conditioned apartment with a smile, while wiping the perspiration from his forehead, and ignoring their offers.

I don’t remember if we ever told Ted and Kathy what lay behind the crisp shirt front.

For years I was in a sales world which espoused the “fake it ‘til you make it” philosophy.  “Don’t ever let them see you sweat” was taken as reasonable truth.  How foolish!  We need to be willing to let others see that beneath the wool sport coat are lots of wrinkles.  We need to acknowledge we don’t have all the answers.

A female associate of mine years ago was known for her painstaking efforts on her hair – at least the front of it.  One day the comment was made, “Doesn’t she know she has to eventually leave the room?  Why doesn’t she brush the back?”  All of us have to leave the room, don’t we?  When we are tempted to put up a front, let’s remember that.

Life is messy; life is wrinkled.  Authenticity has a high price tag… but it pays high dividends, as well. 

Brenda’s Blog – February 18, 2014

“Splash Kingdom – Family Waterpark”

          SEEK THE KINGDOM

                            Matthew 6:33

The interstate billboard caught my attention. I understand the intersection of faith and work.  But, is it possible we sometimes transpose the emphasis?  Is this perhaps making faith a marketing tool, instead of making the market a place for our faith?

Certainly, the owners are believers who connect their company with the community of faith. I have taken my grandchildren to their fine establishment, throwing themselves mercilessly down slides and traversing watery canals.  I hold no ill will, but wonder about the ad campaign.

Just as the early Christians drew the symbol of the fish in the dust to notify others of their secret meeting places, we have our own Christianese. We speak in lingo, don’t we?  We draw ichthus symbols, we wear crosses, we say “bless you,” and communicate in Christian code among ourselves.  We think this will add a plus to our business among the faithful.

But do we take the significance of these symbols too lightly?  John Peterson, a noted Christian musician once said, “in composing I cannot approach the cross with flippancy.  I cannot take this subject lightly.”  Perhaps we should think carefully about the way we handle these icons.

There are Christians in business, but there are no Christian businesses.  Christ died in obedience to the Father for individuals, not for corporations (or even partnerships or sole proprietorships!)  Our faith should be evident, indeed, but should we reconsider the way we market our membership in the most holy of all associations?

Ours is a sacred privilege – to bear the name of Christ and to have access to His Word, and His throne room.  Let’s hold this with awe, not aw-shucks!

Brenda’s Blog – February 4, 2014

“Kennett, Missouri – home of Sheryl C_OW.”  Clearly a mischief maker found great humor in removing the “R.”  It made me think about the power of letters.

Think about the power of an “e” when you decide to be better, rather than bitter.

During my years of care giving I experienced many difficult and challenging moments.  There were times when I felt truly overwhelmed.  One night I sat at the computer, typing out my emotions.  At the end, I realized Mom and Dad gave me the opportunity to see the Lord change “scared into sacred.”  Holy transposition!

An old game gives you a word, requires you to shift one letter at a time, and then arrive at a completely new word.  There is a great leadership principle embedded in this exercise.  Cultural transitions aren’t made by jumping from A to Z.  Making incremental steps allows the organization to stabilize before making the next move.  They are shifting a letter at a time to complete the change.

Sometimes the word game gets off track because the moves weren’t the right ones.  Isn’t this true of organizational morphing, as well?  With each step, reassessment and review is necessary to see if the ultimate goal will be reached.

When we play the Scrabble® game of life we want to make sure it doesn’t turn into a Scramble!

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.

Brenda’s Blog – December 10, 2013

“The boy didn’t make it snow – God did!” My three year old grandson Will had it right.

The story told of a little boy who badly wanted snow. His Grandfather told him to try all sorts of silly things to bring down the white, fluffy stuff. Nothing worked. Finally, he did a snow dance and sure enough, the rain turned into flakes and covered the ground. “I did it! I made it snow!”

Without even a word, my grandson looked me in the eye and reminded me of the true truth.
His candor reminded me of a cold, snowy Christmastime in Dallas when I parked the car in a crowded mall lot, went in with my grandson Andrew to enjoy time together. When we left it was dark, and I couldn’t remember where I parked. We walked and walked and walked. Finally, Andrew spotted the car! “Thank you, Jesus” was my response. “How come you thanked Jesus? I found the car!”

There is a balance, isn’t there? Taking credit for weather conditions is foolish. Failing to acknowledge the diligence of a 9 year old is negligent.

I truly believe God is evident in all things. I believe He allowed Andrew the joy of finding the car. And, I also believe He gave Will the insight to understand who is the true maker of weather.

Showing Andrew the power of prayer and the joy of being the beneficiary of God’s providential grace was the “teachable moment” that cold December night. Celebrating with Will in his belief in our sovereign God allowed us a time to share the goodness and awesomeness of this same God.

As the Mom of three young ones I didn’t have the patience or strength to look for these spiritual vignettes. Aging brings the blessing of perspective. I thank the Lord for these “wee bites” which strengthen my heart and stretch them.

Brenda’s Blog – November 26, 2013

“World famous glass bathrooms” read the billboard luring travelers to stop in Sulphur Springs, TX. Personally, it raised more questions than interest. But it made me think about distinctives.

Companies work hard to distinguish themselves. Some do it by product design, others by advertising campaigns, and still others by pricing strategies. Businesses want positive name recognition.

A friend once worked for a CEO whose genius was creating bizarre morale builders. His head first dive into a pool of Jello fired up the sales force. Another thrilled the employees each day bounding into the international headquarters two steps at a time dressed in running shorts. Definitely distinctive They chose to be recognized for their independent quirkiness.

While working as a recruiter for a large insurance company we used a personality test consisting simply of fifty descriptive words on two sides of one page. The only difference: one side said, “Check the words you would use to describe yourself.” The other side said, “Check the words others would use to describe you.” Surprising how many saw themselves one way and expected others to view them differently.

Peter Greer, speaker at a Catalyst meeting, talked about ways to enter into conversation without leading with “what do you do?” In his list of alternative opening questions, he included, “What one word would others use to describe you?”
What one word would you use to describe yourself? What is your distinctive? What differentiates you from the other hundreds of millions sharing this planet?

I want my word to reflect my purpose and mission. I want my word to identify my heart’s desires. I want my word to express my longing for a life that counts. My word? Connect. What’s yours?

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?”