Weekly Thought – November 17, 2015

Fred spoke to the San Angelo, Texas initial Prayer Breakfast in the 1990s. The local newspaper covered it and the article by Ron Durham captures his thinking so well, it is repeated as this week’s thought. Fred spoke to prayer gatherings from coast to coast, offering his distinctive style of Christian thinking from a businessman’s perspective.

Fred’s thoughts are most pertinent to today’s troubled environment.

Mark Modesti, member of the BWFLI team, as well as the BWF Project, Inc. board recently presented at the TED/UPS talks. Click here to hear his wise and challenging words on “Trouble.”

Turbulent Times

Despite indications that the nation is in the Dark Ages morally, there are enough true believers acting out their commission as “the light of the world” to prompt optimism, Dallas businessman Fred Smith told a local audience Thursday.

The remarks from Fred Smith, an author and inspirational speaker, were received enthusiastically by the approximately 600 people attending San Angelo’s version of the National Prayer Breakfast.

Prayer is “a relationship that unites us instead of a doctrine that divides us,” Smith said. At another point he noted that “moral problems spiritual solutions.”

Acknowledging that “these are turbulent times because we are between Christian and non-Christian time,” he compared the situation to a trapeze artist leaving the swing and tumbling through the air reaching for the other swing.

Citing others who agree that the nation is in moral decline, Smith referred to Russian dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s comment that “the Ten Commandments have become the Ten Suggestions.” He then observed that the culture’s materialistic bent only points to “a hole in the soul,” and that “many people have means but very little meaning.”

On the brighter side, Fred Smith cited ministries from inner city Seattle to the nation’s prison to professional sports to indicate a basis for optimism. And he told of people who have said, “I want to move my life from success to significance.”

Smith posed a blunt challenge to members of churches and synagogues to live up to the claims of their faith, noting a recent survey that indicated only 10 % of church and synagogue members show any significant difference in lifestyle.

Smith has served on more than 20 boards, including Cummings, Inc, Word, Inc, Youth for Christ International, and the Zig Ziglar Corporation. He currently serves on the Christianity Today, Inc. board. He holds two honorary doctorate of law degrees.

This week think about: 1) What is my response to our turbulent times? 2) How am I maximizing faith and minimizing fear? 3) What would be my message to a prayer breakfast?

Words of Wisdom: “Many people have means, but very little meaning.”

Wisdom from the Word: “God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 14, 2015

Fred was an excellent marketer. He always checked to see what would be helpful. He wanted to meet needs. When thinking about character he prefaced his thoughts with these words: “I checked around a little bit and found people are interested in this subject, so I decided to make a few notes about ideas utilized over the years for building an organization.”

We are thankful for the ongoing interest in the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute. Our 2017 schedule is starting to fill up – very grateful.

Diagnosis and Prescription

Jim Cain, the eminent Mayo Clinic physician, once told me the greatest diagnosticians are the ones who know the most symptoms. I think this carries over into character evaluation, as well. The more we know of strengths, weaknesses, especially in values structures the more we are able to test the waters. And the more likely we will have an accurate reading.
Many question the morality of testing, whether formal or informal. I believe they are neutral. We have to discipline our motives when using them. They are simply attempts to come to an honest evaluation.

Let me share three areas I test for. I will give you more later, and a list of red flags to notice.

1) Self-interest. I probe to ascertain the depth, intensity, and preoccupation with a person’s self-interest. You have to create a question or environment which takes them off guard to test for this. For example, a friend called me asking how my thinking on how he could handle a particular stock deal. He had a great deal of profit in it. I suggested he gift it. I got the long, long pause because he had never made a gift of this size before. I wasn’t judging him – just testing to see his reaction to the idea of gifting. I was looking to see how he saw things. I wanted to see the value he put on things and the priority he gives them.

2) Self-righteousness. I look for the degree of self-righteousness. It generally shows up in the reaction to humor or dramatics. A young man came to see me, telling me about his sermons on Martin Luther. He waxed eloquently on how he wish he could have been there with Luther so he could have stood and cheered. I looked at him and thought of the incongruity of this man who stood in a North Dallas pulpit in a three piece suit versus the slings and arrows of accusation thrown at Martin Luther.

3) Stress. We generally show our true nature when under stress. Who we are and what we do are usually consistent with our fundamental selves. When problems come some people will consistently run, duck, or pass on responsibility. For example, a woman told me of worked for a man who refused to hear anything negative because it upset him. He wanted to take the bows, but not the hard licks. On the other hand, I have known many executives whose gold was refined in the fire. When the filters are removed, we are who we are!

This week think about: 1) How do I evaluate possible hires? 2) How important is character in my assessment of a fit? 3) How well do I do on these three tests?

Words of Wisdom: “When the filters are removed, we are who we are!”

Wisdom from the Word: “For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 30, 2015

Fred was allergic to phonies. He admired talent, vision, and character. Much of his thinking was done in a business context – for clients and other associates. He understood how to assess it and communicate the analysis.

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute is privileged to announce our 2016 campuses: Lindsey Wilson College (Columbia, KY), Alice Lloyd College (Pippa Passes, KY), Asbury University (Wilmore, KY), and Palm Beach Atlanta University (West Palm Beach, FL). We have confirmed Union University (Jackson, TN) for 2017 and are in talks with several other schools.

Counting Character

In trying to evaluate character, I always deal from a hypothesis. I suspect certain things, and I see evidences of others. Certain flags will go up in my mind as patterns form, but they are still part of the hypothesis until I have evidence. To jump to conclusions simply would show an emotional bias toward judging rather than evaluation.

I never really know someone until I have counted money with them. I have found this to be true in business, as well as ministry. When I get to heaven I want to ask why the Lord connected money and ministry. The weakness for taking more for oneself doesn’t just mean money. For example, I have seen executives who seem totally above board steal credit to promote themselves.

Character evaluation involves understanding weight limits. Bridges carry signs which notify drivers so collapses don’t occur. People have load limits, too. I knew a man who was very outwardly devout I am convinced his faith was real, but there were soft spots. The number one priority in his life was money, but he disciplined himself within reasonable ranges.

However, as soon as the deal passed six figures, he crumbled. The bridge cracked. He was not a crook; he was just not load tested successfully.

Many people’s character simply cannot stand temptations beyond a specific limit. When they try to hold against more than they “are rated for,” they fall into poor judgment and character default. A sign of faulty character is ignorance of temptation lines.

We often credit others with strong character when actually this reputation is earned because they know their limits and understand their weaknesses. They don’t drive their personal and professional vehicles across bridges which they know cannot carry that weight without crashing into the water.

Scripture tells us God gives exit ramps so temptation doesn’t overwhelm us. He completely understands our natures and gives us opportunities to grow in grace. He wants us to know ourselves and to adopt wisdom. Good character reflects maturity.

This week think about: 1) What do I use as a measure of character? 2) Where are my character soft spots? 3) How do I protect myself from character failures?

Words of Wisdom: “I never really know someone until I have counted money with them.”

Wisdom from the Word: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 7, 2015

Fred believed in the impact of influence. He respected the wisdom of others and grew from their input. Now his accumulation of thought is helpful to multiple generations.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of sharing Fred’s wisdom.

Living Influence

Influence never dies. You may talk to me about the imprint of your parents then say, “but they are dead.” No, they are not for you are still alive and their influence lives on through you – for better or for worse. We each ripple the pond of human life. Some make dainty circles while others make big splashes. Yet the movement of the water continues.

When my friend Dr. Julian Gumperz died in New York City, the newspaper headlined, “The awesome intellect of Dr. Gumperz is gone.” I disagree. It never will be completely gone as long as any of us who learned from him remain active and alive.

This is human immortality.

Once I was introducing dancer Ray Bolger at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. Therefore, I decided to catch his act the night before. It was one of the most touching, philosophical dance numbers I have ever seen. He came on stage with an orchestra out of sight and simply gave the signature dances of the greatest artists of all time. The audience, familiar with these performers, recognized Bill Robinson dancing up the steps, or Fred Astaire tapping from one surface to another. (more…)

Weekly Thought – August 26, 2014

Fred constantly looked for ways to make forward progress.  The identification of problems and growth areas began the process.  Defining solutions had to follow to avoid falling into negative patterns.  When he spoke about the loss of confidence and relationships as the basis for pain, he immediately followed up with suggestions for recovery.

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute has taken teams to 10 Christian institutions.  Nearly 70 men and women have contributed to these leadership blitzes focused on “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.”

Overcoming Loss

How can you persevere through professional and personal loss?  Here are three ideas which have worked for me.  See if they strike a chord with you.

1) Build new support systems

Unless we can recognize the difference between business associates and genuine friends we will be disappointed and hardened when things change.  One man going through a serious financial downturn wisely listed his friends who would not be affected by his money failures.  He and his wife concentrated on spending their time with those on their “authentic” list.  We should be mature enough to avoid disillusionment when social relationships grow cold as mutual benefits decrease.

2) Stay in the loop

Keep up contacts and activities even when enduring difficult times.  You might have to alter your social habits because you don’t have the discretionary income for golf, the expense account for pricey lunches, or exotic vacations, but you can creatively stay in touch.  I find writing letters, sending clippings, making phone calls, and looking for local opportunities keep my mind active and the energy up.  My physical incapacity eliminates many of the ways I connected with business and personal contacts.  Finding alternative methods is essential and actually mentally challenging.  The temptation to draw back during setbacks is damaging.  My Mother used to say, “This, too, shall pass.”  Cutting off relationships during low periods endangers the eventual comeback.      (more…)

Weekly Thought – August 19, 2014

Fred wrapped up his earthly assignment on August 17, 2007 at 9:15am. His life was devoted to faithfully stewarding his gifts for the benefit of others. His thinking on perseverance enabled many to navigate choppy waters. This week’s email is an excerpt from a Sunday School lesson for Highland Park Presbyterian Church. He talked about the pain of progress.

On September 12 and 13, 2015 we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fred’s birth. We will be sharing his impact on others. If you wish to participate, please email us answering the question: “How did Fred stretch you?”

Thank you for supporting us in prayer, encouragement, and financial assistance.

Positively Painful

Plan for pain – it will come. Don’t be shocked; don’t be thrown off course. James tells us, “Don’t be surprised when various trials come.” A well-conceived plan makes us ready for action.

In my experience, one of the primary causes of pain is loss. Here are two of the most prominent:

1) Confidence – An officer of a failed corporation sat at breakfast and told me he was a phony. “I didn’t have the capability everyone credited to me.” I stopped him saying, “I wouldn’t sit and listen to anyone else lie about you, so I won’t let you do it, either.” That is exactly what he was doing. He lost his confidence, but not his ability. I have a sign in my office to remind me: “You haven’t failed – only your plans have.”

Having an objective view of the experience allows us to accurately assess our situation. In doing this, we operate from the current reality, allowing us to make solid judgments. A totally subjective approach results in withdrawal or the cockiness of false confidence.     (more…)

Weekly Thought – August 12, 2014

Fred once read that root canals without anesthetic were a form of WWII torture.  When his dentist told him one was in his future, he decided to see if he could have endured the pain.  SO, he did it without anesthetic!  He made it, giving the dentist one of those “let me tell you about my crazy patient” stories.  Fred recalled the experience, telling others it only took his nervous system six months to recover.

Plan for Pain

Bob Richards, former Olympic gold medalist, and I lectured together.  I listened in as he interviewed other Olympians.  “What do you do when you hurt?”  Each one of them had a specific routine for the painful times.  I was curious and asked him later, “Why did you ask that?”  Quickly, he replied, “No one wins the gold without hurting.”  They expected it and planned for it.  It was part of the perseverance plan on the road to the victory stand.

Marathoners anticipate “hitting the wall.”  A business associate began running 26+ mile races in his 50th year.  His first one was at White Rock Lake in Dallas.  The runners call it “Running the Rock,” and know exactly where they will experience the great depletion of mental and physical energy.  As he ran it year after year, he knew the mile marker and trained to break through it.

Our daughter, Brenda, entertained her young grandson, Andrew at a play area.  She watched him try over and over to climb atop the tree-like molded plastic form.  He slipped, fell, bruised his knees, but kept going after it.  She decided he had tried enough, and suggested they play somewhere else.  He looked her square in the eye as he hung a few feet from the top.  “Gram, do you know what a champion is?  Until I get to the top I won’t be a champion.”  He knew the pain of perseverance and the cost of championship.

My friend Robert Schuller often said on national TV, “no pain, no gain.”  That’s true, but without genuine perseverance there can be pain with no gain.  I am interested in your gain, and I want you to plan for pain as you develop.     (more…)

Weekly Thought – July 29, 2014

Fred’s gift of discernment enabled him to understand people.  When analyzing situations, he said he “looked for the ego.”  In writing on perseverance he identified an unhealthy ego and boredom as two enemies of endurance.  He considered boredom unimaginable to the fertile mind.

In September, we will begin a year long Centennial Celebration culminating in a 100th birthday event in 2015, recognizing Fred’s anniversary.  During the year we will focus on highlights of his life.  Please share your “how Fred stretched me” thoughts with us.

Enemies of the Good

Where are we deriving our ego satisfaction?  Where are we deriving our ego satisfaction?  Do we seek gratification from others or practice dedication to the betterment of others?

It is key to understand ego is intrinsic to our human nature.  We do not strive to empty ourselves, but we seek to have the proper perspective which leads to a healthy ego.   Difficult times can war against us, leaving us wounded.  Loss often detaches us from our healthy ego and makes us feel rootless.  The challenge is to find a healthy alternative.

In tough times, we quickly identify our ego centers.  Our child is involved in illegal activities, our spouse is jailed for fraudulent business practices, we lose our prestigious job and social standing, or a friend betrays us… we quickly must find the foundation of our true identity.     (more…)

Weekly Thought – May 20, 2014

Fred regarded himself as “delightfully dependent,” in his bed-bound years “I wish I could take a walk” were words spoken without bitterness. He always said, “If you can do something about it, you have a problem. If you can’t, it is a face of life.” His immobility was just that – a fact of life. But he persevered.

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute is initiating a research project in conjunction with a Southern California group, studying millennials. Research shows that generation connects with those who are 70+. We will begin studying what they want from the connections, best communications systems, and conversational methods.

Pressing On

We live in troubled times. Trouble takes us back to the basics and opens our minds. Perseverance is one life’s fundamentals.
The composer/musician Rod McKuen wrote: “Talent is never enough in any field. It must be coupled with perseverance and recognition.” Effort varies more than talent. Those who lose their tenacity generally lose their position in life.

The great merchant, J.C .Penney believed,” Self-denial is the basic requirement for accomplishment in any field of endeavor. Success comes only to those who will follow the hard road, rather than the paths of ease and pleasure. The road to success is open to those who persevere.

As a boy, Isadore of Seville struggled with his lessons. Doing badly in school, he ran away. He sat down to rest beside a little spring that trickled over a rock. He noticed the great erosion caused by the small droplets of water. Right there, he decided to resume his studies, knowing even his small drops of water could wear away the big rock of education. He became one of the finest scholars of his day. His biographer said, “Those drops of water gave to Spain one of her greatest historians.” Job 14:19 reinforces this principle: “The water wears away the stone.”   (more…)

Weekly Thought – May 13, 2014

Fred demonstrated a deep reverence for God. His upbringing in the home of a Southern Baptist preacher gave him a Scriptural foundation which was enhanced by his personal relationship through Jesus. He and Mary Alice instilled great respect for the things of God into their three children.

May is the month of graduation. It is a time to pray for the students, faculty, and staff members of our colleges. We especially remember those who have hosted a Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute event: Houston Baptist University, Dallas Baptist University, Lindsey Wilson College, Alice Lloyd College, Emmaus Bible College, LeTourneau University, Asbury University, East Texas Baptist University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Taylor University. May these graduates take the power of God throughout the world changing lives and workplaces.

Reverence

I was once known as the man who did “crooked thinking on the straight and narrow.” I guess I did “out of the box thinking” before that concept was even created. In this light, I want to offer a verse which seems strange as a basis for reverence: “How can you say you love God you haven’t seen if you don’t love your brother you have seen?”

Here’s the Smith take on this verse. How can you revere the Creator if you don’t revere His creation? I hear speakers pontificate about reverence for the God then turn around and totally disrespect those He created.

One night I was visiting with Norman Cousins. He told me about a visit to Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Lamberene. As they walked up the hill to his modest house, a hen and her little chicks walked in front of them. Dr. Schweitzer took off his hat, bowed, and said, “Congratulations, my dear, I didn’t know it would be so soon.” His reverence for God’s creatures is great cause for admiration. (more…)