I don’t normally post things I receive in forwarded emails but this one paints a great illustration not only for the follower of Christ but also for anyone who struggles when the challenges of life just don’t seem to make any sense (that should pretty much be all of us at some time or another). Those challenges might include losing a job, facing a health crisis, a strained family situation, feeling of not getting ahead when you think you deserve it, or any number of similar situations.

Many times we find ourselves looking for the shortest path with the least resistance, asking for deliverance, seeking an easier way out, begging for relief from the burden(s) we may be carrying. When those burdens don’t get lifted, at least in our time frame, it’s easy to question “WHY?” and start to feel abandoned.

Then something happens. We come to the edge. The point where that pain, those burdens, the questions of “WHY?” all seem to make sense. It’s hard to see it during the journey but eventually when you get there, that burden could very well be the tool that provides a bridge to the other side.

If you haven’t seen this at work in your life, spend a little time reflecting. It’s there. Sometimes, like “Connect the Dots,” it’s easier to see after the fact than when it’s actually occurring.

This isn’t an abstract lesson in faith. It’s a practical application for life.

Circumstances that seem to be the worst can be, and often are, redeemed for good. There’s plenty of evidence to support that claim, you just have to trust and be willing to look for it in your own life and in the lives of others.

Losing your job could lead to you starting something new or expand into an opportunity you never would have dared enter previously when you were comfortable, employed and “safe.” Your family situation could lead to a breakthrough that brings you closer together than you ever were before. Your health situation could be the catalyst that causes you to research, seek a cure and then share that message with others or at the very least be of support and encouragement to those dealing with the same situation you are.

As the email that was sent to me said at the end…

We complain about the cross we bear but don’t realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle!

A few months ago I posted on The Gift of Going First.

When you go first, you give others a chance to go second. It’s a leadership principle. It’s a transparent life principle.

In order for others to follow, someone has to go first and lead. When we go first we pave the way… we embrace the upfront fear, risk and vulnerability and make it easier for others to join in.

In reading Seth Godin’s blog this morning he posted a perfect illustration of this concept. Watch this video below (be sure to watch around the 1 minute mark for the illustration to make sense):

Going first is often risky. If it’s not risky then it’s probably not worth it anyways. As Seth points out in his post, going second and even third is a lot less scary but just as important. Don’t miss that point. But for the sake of this post, I’m focusing on the guy who paved the way.

Going first takes courage. Sometimes people will think you are crazy (especially if you are dancing alone in the grass). They may even laugh or second guess you. But then sometime happens. When you persevere and do what you love or what you feel called to do… others will often jump in. All of the sudden what they mocked or laughed at when you were alone becomes admired. The guy who was dancing in the grass now becomes a visionary who started a movement, liberating others to join.

The Gift of Going First… it’s part of starting a movement. They just need you to lead the way. Sometimes it takes a while (The Dip as Seth Godin calls it), but it’s worth it in the end.

NOTE:

The Gift of Going First is not just about stepping up to lead or doing something that others will follow. The Gift of Going first is relational too. When we open up and admit our own problems, insecurities, and mistakes we create an environment where others can be open and honest too. When we go first and air our junk it helps others to know they are not alone so they can relate and stop drowning in the weight of trying to act like they have it all together when they don’t.

We’re all communicators to some degree. For those who communicate professionally (leaders, authors, speakers, pastors, etc.) the ability to effectively communicate is essential. There is a big difference between just sharing information versus effectively communicating in a way that causes the audience to internalize and act.

I don’t recall where I heard this quote but I love it.

“Truth that makes it into our heads is informational. Truth that penetrates the heart is Transformational.”

Effective communication can be the difference between the two.

Listen to this message below from Andy Stanley on Effective Communication. Press play below.

You can also Download the MP3.

Now Go and subscribe to Andy’s Leadership Podcast on iTunes where you’ll get access to many more insightful lessons of this type. You can also access the podcast links and additional resources from Northpoint here.

Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers wrote out many of Andy’s thoughts from this podcast above on his blog. Go here to review Mike’s notes.

Today was the official book launch day for Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else (Wiley) by Jon Gordon (Go order a copy here). Jon and I have been working hard on this book (as we’ve done with all his books). Lots of pre-launch strategy followed by a great deal of implementation. There’s still a lot to do but I’m excited that we were able to have a great launch day today.

We hit # 99 on Amazon’s overall best-seller ranking ( # 1 in the Business Management Category).

We also hit # 11 on Barnes & Noble’s best-seller list.

Screen shot below… I feel confident that we’ll stay low in the rankings even as they fluctuate between planned promotions.

The book is already receiving a great deal of praise from those who have read advanced copies. Listing a few endorsements below. I personally think it’s one of Jon’s best works yet.

From our marketing copy… Training Camp is an inspirational story filled with invaluable lessons and 11 habits on bringing out the best in yourself and your team. Whether you are in business or ministry, management or sales, play sports or the piano, these lessons apply to everyone who must climb the mountain before reaching its peak.

If you want to be your best and bring out the best in others - Training Camp provides real-world wisdom on what it takes to reach true excellence and how you and your team (your work team, school team, church team and family team) can achieve it.

Visit http://www.jongordon.com/trainingcamp-promo.html to order copies for yourself and your team, access a free downloadable Playbook action plan, audio message and additional tools for success.

Amazon / BN Screen Shot (click for larger view):

Endorsements:

“Jon Gordon has written a poignant and powerful story that will help us find the best within ourselves and bring out the best in others.”
-Jeffrey Zaslow, coauthor of The Last Lecture

“Training Camp is a great read for any leader, young or old- whether a coach, teacher, pastor or CEO. Jon brings alive the key principles of “the best of the best” through the inspiring story of Martin Jones- a story built on the foundation of hope, hard work and determination woven together to create excellence. Coaches, bosses, teachers, and leaders will find this book incredibly powerful and a great source of adrenaline for those they lead. It will inspire you to inspire others, and to strive for excellence every day.”
- Brad Lomenick, VP and Ex. Director of Catalyst, a movement of next generation leaders

“Having spent my life studying the best, I have found that great individuals need great coaches. Training Camp is not only about the mentee but the mentor. Jon has woven a compelling story of two individuals together, traveling life’s journey, striving for excellence and leaving a legacy in the process. I found myself cheering the main characters on from the sidelines. Thank you Jon for leaving a legacy with the profound lessons found in this book.”
- Kimberly K. Rath, President, Talent Plus

“Inspiration on every page. I picked this book up and couldn’t put it back down. It will help you become the best you can be.”
- Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor, National Community Church, Author, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day

“Training Camp is a winner. Reading this book has inspired me to work harder, lead better and leave a lasting legacy. Once again, Jon delivers a message which will have a life-changing impact upon those who read it.”
- Todd Gothberg, Vice President Volvo Construction Equipment

“Training Camp is a touching story about one man who faces his fears on his path to greatness. Along the way, he learns a valuable lesson who is really in control. Grow your faith. Read Training Camp. ”
-Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager and Leading at a Higher Level

“I loved reading this book. Jon and I agree that one should not only strive for excellence on the field but also make greatness a life mission. I believe every coach, player, individual, organization and team who wants to be their best should read and benefit from this book.”
-Mike Smith, Head Coach, The Atlanta Falcons

Over the years I’ve heard a lot of people, especially leaders, talk about loyalty and trust. How they desire it from their teams, employees, etc. They want to know that the people they lead are buying into the vision, the direction, the mission, and the leader themselves.

This is where a discrepancy often comes in, I’ll call it The Discrepancy of Loyalty and Trust. You can’t have loyalty unless you have trust.

These same leaders who want others to extend loyalty and trust to them are often not reciprocating that same loyalty and trust to those they lead. Sure, they “say” or “think” they are but all too often their actions don’t communicate that to others. It’s often exampled in the seemingly little things, interactions and responses.

If you are a leader, which in some capacity you most certainly are, whether that be at home, at work or on the field… do yourself, and those you lead a favor. Be honest and open. Don’t let your “position” get in the way. Communicate clearly and constantly. Never loose an opportunity to pour into someone during their time of need, regardless of how petty you think it might be. Don’t be too busy to realize their perspective on an issue, since after all, their perspective is their reality. Most of all, have your people’s back. If they think you trust them then they in turn will trust you. Trust creates loyalty and it works both ways.

The definition of Religion, according to Dictionary.com, is this:

1. A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. A specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

Religion is listed as a noun… a thing.

This morning I read James 1:27 where it is said:

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” NIV Translation

Seems to me that Religion, in God’s perspective, should be a bit more of a verb… an action or state of being.

I love how the Message translation puts James 1:27:

“Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.”

Just something to think about today.

I read the quote below on Pete Wilson’s blog a few minutes ago. It challenged me.

“Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it.”

“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”

“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.”

Pete and several others are over in India right now with Compassion International. Read more about their journey and Pete’s expanded thoughts on the quote above here.

“I’d be dishonoring God if I didn’t believe that I was here to change the world.”
- Nick Vujicic

Such a powerful thought.
Do you believe that about yourself and God’s purpose for you? 

Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs but that doesn’t stop him. Life without Limbs.

Was reading through Weird Facts, Bizarre Stories and saw this below on the number 3…

In Christianity, Jesus represents 1/3 of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); he was visited by 3 wise men at his birth; 33 years later, after Judas betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver and Peter disowned him 3 times; he was crucified and rose from the dead 3 days later.

Time is 3 fold. Past, present, future.

The strongest shape is a triangle.

There are 3 states of matter. Solid, liquid, and gas.

White light is made from 3 primary colors. Red, blue, and green.

The 3 primary color pigments are red, yellow, and blue.

Earth is the 3rd planet from the Sun.

Instead, you change the world!