Fierce is the best way to describe her. She doesn’t quit—especially when her first efforts fail. She sticks with her friends—even when they’re easily ignored by others. She speaks her mind—no matter if some are likely to disagree.
My daughter Natalie just turned 12 years old on Monday, but her fierce streak amazes and encourages and teaches me. Even as I’m asking God to help me parent her well, I’m learning from the intensity and strength I see in her. Let me tell you why.
Read MoreI first met Scott in Colorado as we both stepped into a mentor group that would begin to shift and change both of us as leaders. I have always described him as the most down to earth man with the most amazing leadership. When you hang with Scott he is like any other guy on the surface. He is funny, sarcastic, loving, self-deprecating (in the best of ways), and yet he drops the nuggets of gold that you start to take notice of.
Read MoreThis week’s podcast is with a church leader making a difference. I’m looking forward to what you’ll hear from Cal Jernigan, longtime pastor with Central Christian Church in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area.
Read MoreMy friend Brook Brotzman calls it “The Art of the Hang.” If you get together with people who will challenge or encourage you, you’ll discover there’s no better way to spend your time. If you just hang with leaders who care about your ministry, your ministry will be better for it.
Read MoreI remember the first time a biracial couple visited the small church where I grew up. Everybody there that day noticed, in a “you don’t belong here” sort of way. I felt uneasy for those two then. And today, many years later, I’m still troubled by the lack of diversity in many local churches.
I realized very quickly that I was growing up in a church bubble. The people in my church looked like me, thought like me, dressed like me, shared the same values and preferences. We were comfortable inside our white, middle-class boundary.
But today I’m not comfortable.
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