Weekly Thought – November 25, 2014

Fred and Mary Alice greatly appreciated the Thanksgiving time. For years, the entire family would gather at their house to share delicious food and great laughter. Fred sat at the head of the table, thoroughly enjoying the interchange among the family and contributing his thoughts, of course. Mary Alice lived Thanksgiving all year. Whenever the family got together she would smile and say, “Now THIS is Thanksgiving.”

We at BWF are indeed thankful to the Lord for His gracious gift of ministry. We are grateful to you all who express appreciation for the words of Fred. And your generous gifts of love continually strengthen us week by week.

Does Success Trump Saintliness? (Part 2)

I’ve known and seen a good many talented young people who rise rapidly in their business careers. And then, for seemingly no reason at all, they flatten out onto a plateau where they then remain for the rest of their time. After thoughtful observation, I’ve arrived at a hypothesis which satisfies me.

At first, they are alive with the physical energy of youth. They are new on the job and possess a vibrancy and zest for the game that is irresistible – even all-consuming. Competition for promotion spurs them on, and they move ahead – up the ladder of success with what appears to be inexhaustible drive.

Then at around age 40 the sheer physical drive begins to level off. A subtle change is occurring. The juices just don’t flow on command as before. And to continue the climb a second force must take over – a spiritual energy or drive. You see, for most of us life is like a two stage rocket. The first stage is sheer physical energy. It ignites and we take off. Then as physical energy diminishes, the spiritual stage must ignite to boost us on toward the heights. (more…)

Weekly Thought- November 18, 2014

Fred’s friend Steve Brown of Keylife Network reminded an audience recently of Fred’s impact. He said, “There are times when I still reach for the phone to call him and ask a question.” Many knew him for his humor, his business acumen, and many approached him for his honest approach to serious questions. This week begins a series based on a letter written to an unknown recipient who asked the question, “Can I be a Christian and still be successful.” The letter is 30 typed pages (Fred never skimped). It will be excerpted over the next six weeks.

BWFLI is actively scheduling events for 2015 and 2016. We are pleased to return to several campuses which have welcomed us over the last six years. We will also add new schools to our group of friends. Please pray as teams are organized, funds are raised, and preparations are made. You are greatly appreciated – and needed.

Does Success Trump Saintliness? (Part 1)

“Is it possible to enjoy success in business today and be a Christian?” “Can a person get rich and still be a Christian?” “Is it possible to live a consistent Christian life and still get ahead in a large corporation?”
These questions have been put to me on college campuses, in plush corporate board rooms, and by earnest young people expecting to claw their way up the ladder. And my answer in every case is a simple “Yes.” It is possible and I have seen it happen again and again.

But I think it is very important to understand that being a Christian will in no way insure success in anything. Rather, success comes from a single-minded application of your abilities – it comes from hard work – it is using your talents and gifts to their highest advantage. Wealth may come as a result, but then again, it may not.

This may sound particularly (and peculiarly) pious, but I believe in working for success, not praying for it. Instead, I suggest praying for maturity while working for success. (more…)

Weekly Thought – December 10, 2013

Fred revered reality.  He advised others to “stay current.”  When considering heroes, his principle held, as well.  He didn’t expect perfection from those whose lives he considered heroic.  He admired men like Lincoln, DaVinci, Edison, and the apostle Paul.  He identified their key character traits and understood their frailties.

The year is closing.  As you give, would you consider BWF?  Your tax deductible gift is necessary to grow the ministry, allowing us to expand Fred’s reach and impact.  Your encouragement through emails, calls, and donations “stimulate us to love and good works.”  Thank you so much.

Heroes Are Real People

Every generation contributes to the list of heroes.  Every age selects those whose lives reflect heroism.  Heroes inspire us and show us the heights to which the human spirit is capable.  In looking up, we are drawn upwards.

It takes times to correctly identify one.  We are better to use those with heroic qualities to remain models until a generation has passed.  True heroes arise in retrospect.  Looking back, not glancing around, is the test.  Will Rogers put it this way, “Being a hero is about the shortest-lived profession on earth.”  Genuine heroes finish well, so tapping one in mid-life is premature.

Our society seems intent on “demythologizing” our stories of valor.  It is popular to deconstruct the men and women of history, casting a shadow over the lives of those we greatly admire. The striving for a common ground on which no one ascends higher than another kills our vision.  These social experimenters want to create a way to bring our heroes down by “telling on them.”  (more…)

Weekly Thought – December 3, 2013

Fred considered those others chose as heroes to be strong indicators of their values.  He believed in the power of having someone to admire and emulate. This excerpt from You and Your Network speaks to his thoughts on the role of heroes.

As the year end quickly approaches, everyone at BWF Project wants to thank you for your constant encouragement.  A man in Florida wrote to say, “Thanks for the weekly emails.  I really learn alot from them.”  Another recently wrote to say, “These emails keep Fred alive and his wisdom applying to our lives.”

Your Heroes

We cannot live fully without heroes, for they are the stars to guide us upward.  They are the peaks on our human mountains.  Not only do they personify what we can be, if we diligently pursue our ideals in the furnace of our opportunities.

Heroes are those who have changed history for the better.  They are not always the men and women of highest potential, but those who have exploited their potential in society’s behalf.  Their deeds are done not for the honor, but for the duty.  Through our study of heroes we enter the realities of greatness.

Heroes are the personification of our ideals, the embodiment of our highest values.  A society writes its diary by naming its heroes.  We are individuals do the same.  When Socrates said, “Talk, young man, that I might know you.”  He could have added, “Talk of your heroes, that I might know not only who you are, but who you will become.”     (more…)

Weekly Thought – October 15, 2013

Fred enjoyed connecting friends with others.  Way before networking was a commonly accepted business practice, Fred understood its value.  And it was always for mutual benefit, never for manipulation or selfish ends.

As you are reading this, the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute team of 21 will be “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders…for the glory of God” at East Texas Baptist University.  Thank you for praying for God’s work. Breakfast With Fred is reader-supported and we are asking you to support us with donations large or small at this important time.

You and Your Network

Networking is the way most things happen.  Great achievers have always understood the necessity of organized assistance.

Successful businesses depend on a network built of suppliers, customers, government agencies, stockholders, employees, and management.

The human body is probably the oldest network — the many parts are connected.  The foot depends on the eyes to keep from stumbling… and the eye depends on the eyebrow to keep sweat from running down.      (more…)