Redeeming Mike Vick

A few weeks ago, Mike Vick stood before the freshman class of Nueva Esperanza Academy in Philadelphia. Vick is the professional quarterback who, after signing a mega-million dollar contract with the NFL Atlanta Falcons, was convicted of multiple felony charges around a dog fighting and gambling business. Mike Vick exchanged his NFL uniform for a prison jumpsuit.

Since his release from prison, Vick has spent a lot of time with former NFL coach, Tony Dungy. Dungy is one of the most highly respected men in football circles. Incredibly successful in producing championship teams, Dungy is equally admired for the way he was able to get his players to perform at such a high levels. Coach Dungy is universally known as a man of honor and unquestionable character. Sure seems a good decision by Vick to make room for a man like
Dungy to speak into his life.

As Vick spoke to the students at the Academy, he spoke humbly about his time in prison and some of the reasons, other than the criminal actions he committed, that put him there.

Here's the deal. He admitted that many of his choices "were influenced by others." He later told these impressionable students that "my future was promising. At some point... I started listening to my friends and doing some things that were not ethical and not right."

So what is the truth Vick reveals? Friends are a powerful influence in life. That influence can be powerfully good or powerfully destructive. Maybe a question each of us should consider is: "Are the friends I hang with moving in the same direction as I am? Are my friends committed to doing things that are honorable and responsible?"

I hope Mike Vick continues his journey of redemption. I hope Mike Vick will surround himself with more friends like his new mentor Tony Dungy. That would be one of the most responsible decisions Mike Vick can make in this new season of life.

Chorus of the Frogs

We are a culture consumed with it's gadgets. Gadgets comes in just about any size, shape and memory. Colors are as varied as the candies you find in a bag of M&Ms. We sit with our gadgets, ride with our gadgets, exercise with our gadgets, study with our gadgets, and constantly think of new ways we can be with our gadgets. Okay, I'm guilty of excessively overstating our excessive obsession with gadgets. But hey, when I hear first hand accounts of teens texting each other while eating dinner at the same table, it does make a point.

I've been thinking recently about "quiet"; it's place and value in life. In the book, One Square Inch of Silence, Gordon Hempton quotes from Chief Seattle's letter to President Franklin Pierce in 1855 regarding the proposed purchase of the tribes land: "And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night?" The arguments of frogs around a pond. I love it. The imagery is something I get. Could it be that in our obsession with gadgets, we miss some of the most beautiful music being made.

How do you find quiet?

Thinking Out Loud

It is a small step yet one of profound consequences. Scary-easy, is how I would describe the shift from a God dependent lifestyle to a self competent lifestyle. From a sense of desperate passion to be with God (i.e. have Him actively present now) to desperately driven by my "stuff" and daily tasks.

As one who declares "I want to trust in the Lord with all my heart," I am alarmed by how casually I move through a day and, with the exception of some express prayers, give such little regard to my Lord. If Jesus did the things He saw his Father doing, should I not actively be looking for what Father is doing now? Should I not be actively listening to what Father is saying now?

I've studied, I've read, I've trained and I'm experienced in some things that others might deem me to be good at. Sort of like Tozer's observations of the church in his day. So good had the church become at "doing church" that the Holy Spirits absence would hardly be recognized.

I'm just thinking out loud and some of my thoughts are troubling me.

Mother's Day Without a Mom

I thought a lot about my momma this past Mother's Day. It was the first one in my 53 years without her. This time I could not call her, send her a card, buy her a gift or take her out to a favorite restaurant.

It's true I was on the other side of the world in a place called Kurdistan. She never went to Kurdistan. She never traveled very far outside of the one place she always called home. Maybe that's why it was such a thrill for me to phone her upon my return from places like Kurdistan. She was always full of questions about places her eyes would never see but her mind wanted to imagine. Every adventure I have followed God on has been deeply transforming in my life. Trying to describe that to others can sometimes be a tad disappointing. Fidgeting, yawns and general apathy can quickly lead to putting away the "vacation slides."

I missed my mom this Mothers Day. I miss her more upon my return. She would have loved Kurdistan and listened so intensely as I described my experiences there.

Speaking in Amman

Last Sunday it was my delight to speak in a church in Amman, Jordan. Just before beginning my message, a woman with a powerful voice sang a medley of songs reminding us of God's love and watchful care of His redeemed. Of course these songs were sung in Arabic but the tune was familiar enough that I could sing it in English. I love moments like these, two cultures, two languages united in worship of the God who binds our hearts as one with His.

As the lady stepped down from the platform my translator asked, "Where in the US are you from?" "Birmingham, Alabama" I replied. That's when he told me something that was so strange I could hardly believe it. "That lady who just sang, she lives in Birmingham." Funny thing is, I could not detect any "southern" Arabic is all she said. Never did find out if there is an Arabic equivalent for ya'll.

What Think Ye?

Archibald Hart, former dean of the Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary was on the subject of spiritual and emotional heath when he wrote, "Evangelicals tend to sweep significant emotional problems under the rug. Many devout Christians receive no help whatsoever for serious emotional disorders because they are either afraid of the stigmatizations associated with such help or they have been taught to spiritualize their emotional problems and seek relief only through greater effort at piety."

Stress, exhaustion, frustration, anger, burnout, rejection, loneliness will be encountered along life's journey. For a leader, often these emotions are exacerbated by a feeling of "who can I trust."

Loving Ansley

Ansley Mitchell born April 9, 2009. Born to Jon and Karen and weighing in at 7lbs.12oz. and 19.5" long. This is number 4. Within the last 11 months we have added 3. Noah (Nathan and Rachel) will turn 1 yr next month; Silas (Jason and Jenny) was born 3 months ago and now Ansley. The senior member of the bunch, Sienna (Jason and Jenny) turned 3 yr. in February.

I've got enough hootin' and hollerin' and fishin' worms for all of 'em. I'm sitting here thinking about the possibilities of our quadrupling this group again within the next year. All things are possible.

Good Friday?

Today is Friday. But not just any ordinary Friday. Today is the Christian remembrance of what is historically known as Good Friday. What is good about this Friday? Mock trials, false witnesses, scourging, evil on top, and good suffering the ultimate humiliation of Roman crucifixion. Good Friday.

Today is something more…something else. Today I sit, along with my dad and brother, at the bedside of my mom who is dying. It has been long like a trip that doesn’t seem to have an end. They call it Alzheimer's, which means we haven’t had momma with us for many years. And now the end is hours away. “It could be any time now,” we are told. How strange is it that these words actually become words of consolation and comfort after such a long grind of witnessing a loved one suffer? The labored breathing and atrophied arms, legs and hands of someone who delighted in digging the dirt of her flower gardens is more than I think I can stand. I’m feeling something rise up within me that cries out to God for mercy. More than anything I want God to release her from this suffering. I believe He sees clearly what is happening and am more than a little disappointed that He doesn’t end this. Why should she suffer and why should we have to witness her struggle?

Perhaps the answers are to be revealed at some time in the future. But on this Friday, designated as Good by the Christian calendar, I am gently reminded of a Father who witnessed unspeakable suffering by His beloved son. God's love was displayed as never before on that Friday so long ago. If His love for mankind was greater than the images of suffering that shattered His heart then, I choose to trust His love today.

Come to the Quiet

Have been reflecting on my need for quiet space and happened upon a book, "One Square Inch of Silence." Written by an acoustic ecologist (did not know of such a thing), one of the more attention-getting quotes I read: "And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lovely cry of the whipoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night." I love the imagery and can easily imagine the vociferous croaks of a passionate debate.

I think it is in the silence that God's creation sings some of the most the most beautiful melodies.

Leadership Warning

A local journalist in the city I live produced a thoughtful piece on a recent edition of his newspaper that chronicled what is projected to be "Fifteen Leaders for the Future" (Birmingham News, Sunday, February 1 ). John Archibald warns this newly crowned group that being named to this years list may not have a good outcome. Like the dreaded Sports Illustrated Cover curse, Archibald takes us back to previous "winners" of the same acclaim. It's not a pretty picture. Some have forsaken the community they were supposed to lead while others are under federal indictment or in prison. Thankfully, some of those in whom was placed such hope have made the journey with a bit more success. It does raise a significant issue about leadership.

Leadership and the recognition of it's members can be heady stuff. It is a powerful and intoxicating drug that can consume the best of us. Need I mention a decade of corporate implosions as CEO's and Presidents followed their greed and lust into historic failures. And what about those these leaders were responsible for and to?

Leadership is more than recognition. It is more than a title or the authority that comes with it. Responsibility, character, humility, compassion, self control. These qualities are not an exhaustive list of what makes a leader, but they are common to leaders who inspire the best in others.

Ultimately, I believe the real test of leadership is time and trials. Both have a way of proving what is genuine and authentic.

How Does It Feel?

"How does it feel to observe your son in this setting?" That was the question put to me by one of the team leaders my oldest son is privileged to have around him as he is looked to for direction and vision for a large student ministry. The setting was an annual retreat attended by a couple of hundred middle-school students. In addition, there were numerous adults comprising the worship band, technical team, small group facilitators and others serving in a variety of ways.

It was deeply satisfying. To see his influence rippling throughout the team and on to the students...yeah, that is deeply satisfying.

As a parent, I think most of us want our children to "go beyond" anything we experienced. I'm not referring to cloning what we've done but, perhaps, re-creating and re-shaping new methods resulting in greater achievements.

As I reflect on the lives of 2 sons, 1 daughter and their respective spouses, I am amazed at the opportunities they have been presented. Like the prophet Daniel, each is strategically positioned geographically and vocationally to do "great exploits for God." Their stories are still being written but it appears they are each catching a glimpse of something far greater than what I've known. Like an unfolding drama with twists and turns but full of rewards, it is my delight to observe and regularly shout the loudest of cheers, "You're doing great. Keep at it. Follow Him closely, for the best is yet ahead!"

Seems to me, that God, my heavenly Father, feels a deep satisfaction when I move in ways that reflect His power to re-create and restore the human condition. It makes me think of the power of "random acts of kindness." But is it really random? I think it is quite intentional.

Missing Grandchildren

Has anyone seen these two? The fair-haired little boy is 8 months old and, truth be told, is just about perfect. And the precious bundle of energy squeezing her Popi's face, she is soon-to-be three. It's been too many days since I saw them last and it's beginning to feel a little to heavy.

Within the next four months the number of this tribe will double. I say, "Bring 'em on." I want to be very intentional about being in the lives of my grandchildren. I think grandparents have something significant to contribute to their lives. We are the embodiment of a story that stretches back in time and testifies to the faithfulness of God through generations. In our family, this is a story that is fresh, current and continually being written.

Tracking the redemptive footprints of God in the past was difficult because there was barely traceable evidence. Over the past 30-40 years that has changed dramatically. The footprints and fingerprints of God is all over this family. God has been our refuge in dark seasons and our delight in celebration. He is common to our conversation and the essence of what makes "us" the family we are.

Parenting is a difficult challenge. I watch from a distance now and admire the effort my kids are putting forth to shape these grandkids of mine. I'm honored that they desire as much involvement as I can provide.

Several years ago while pastoring a church with many folks who make up this distinguished segment of society called grandparents, I picked up a book titled Grand-Parenting. Just today I have reviewed some it's content. I'm in a unique position as a grandfather. As Kesler writes in his book, "...grandparents share the longer and larger view that they have gained from life's experiences, they can reinforce the truths that parents attempt to teach without encountering the same resistance that parents experience."

If you pass these grandchildren, let them know Popi is missing them terribly.

Transformational Leadership... tapping in to the best in others

Often there is a disconnect between leaders and those they lead. A poll conducted by Harris Interactive indicated only 15% of the people polled felt their organization fully enabled them to execute strategic goals. Empowerment is key to success on a personal and organizational level. I read of a story told by Susan, who met the “best receptionist she had ever met.” This receptionist was the face of the company for anyone visiting the operation. Prominently placed on the receptionist’s desk was a sign:

RECEPTIONISTVILLE, POPULATION 1.

Susan’s short, but engaging exchange, with a receptionist whose self described title of “Intergalactic Empress” revealed someone empowered to express herself. Of course this is a delicate dance but the rewards are well worth the effort. When people are empowered they feel valued. The result is each person is fully present for the tasks they are responsible for and the organization is the better for it.

There are “receptionists” at every level of organizations. Every team has members that, with encouragement and a safe environment, can be coached to bring so much more. Tapping in to the creative and imaginary resources present in people one of the most opportune challenges facing any leader.

Some questions to consider (perhaps with the person you are leading):
What do you find fulfilling about your role here? Do you have what you need to be successful? Of the things lacking, what is most necessary for you to take the next step toward success? What are your ideas to make us better at what we do?

It Really Happened... in a courtroom

I have several friends who are experienced and quite exceptional in their chosen vocations. Some are attorneys. I have always walked lightly when it comes to attorney humor but found that, among my friends, they can easily laugh at their own expense. Here’s one that ranks at the top and it actually took place during trial between an attorney and a witness.

Q: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?

A: No.

Q: Did you check for blood pressure?

A: No.

Q: Did you check for breathing?

A: No.

Q: So then, it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?

A: No.

Q: How can you be so sure, Doctor?

A: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.

Q: But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?

A: It is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere.

From the Vancouver Sun, “There Ought to be a Law.”