Faith, Life, Work

Faith, Life, Work

Have you ever sat in a room with hundreds of people and suddenly realized it is likely that what is being said was surely directed to you? It had to be right? It is everything that has been simmering in my heart, mind, and soul for quite some time now.

I had that very feeling as I sat in a row at #Blackhawk Church and listened as the new series RE: Work started. I was a bit dismayed wondering how he knew what I had been thinking about. Sometimes I felt a little uncomfortable and more than I should have I knew exactly what he was saying or about to say.

I was taught that work and work ethic defined who you are. I am grateful for that lesson from the two best parents on this planet. In fact, I have instilled the same principals in my own 15-year-old son. But here is the thing I have thought a lot especially in the last couple of years, what has that all been for? It has all been to lead me right to a path God has chosen for me. Nope- yea not sure of exactly where or what that is right now, but here are some take aways (not in any particular order) from yesterday that will help me find it.

Instead of your past defining you, be grateful as today and tomorrow lie ahead. Every day the possibility exists through grace and example to change this world. The gesture of a smile, showing simple compassion, and lending an ear can ignite a change in someone that will pay it forward and thus kindness spreads.

The workforce is a challenge across industries. Work absorbs a large percentage of our time on this earth. Inventory of lives and work have taken on new meaning after the last two years. Do we recognize the toll or has the term the great resignation forced us as individuals and leaders to think differently?

Those times I worked two or three or even four jobs at once, had purpose. I am grateful for every moment, every interaction even on days I thought I could not withstand one more hour or one more minute. They taught me so much.

Kindness and empathy matter in every step of life. Holding these two personal attributes high, my friends, does not mean I do not and cannot lead successfully. In fact, I venture a guess that in today’s marketplace the two are what most desire from a leader, a coworker, and even a friend. So, no apologies from me, well unless I have a moment where I do not show or exhibit kindness and empathy to those around me.

Have as I always been strong in my faith? Nope and mainly because early on I experienced a culture of hypocrisy. A special thanks to #HopeChurchMemphis and Rufus Smith for breaking those barriers and teaching me how to try my best every day to make this world better; one smile, one person at a time.

Have I always made the right decisions in parenting and as a leader? Nope. But it all takes work.

I could go on. But what I took away yesterday was a new way to look at work. Will it be forever a huge part of who I am? Yes. My eyes are now open though that being who I am rooted in faith, spreading kindness and joy, and yes working hard, hopefully has and will continue to allow me to be the one around at the very moment someone needs me to be.

Maybe you agree with me and maybe not. Honestly, that is perfectly fine. Regardless a smile is a smile no matter when our paths meet. I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to the many messages of how faith, life, and work intersect. I am better today for the message.

#faith #life #work #purpose #bekind #itsthatsimple #HopeChurchMemphis #BlackhawkChurch