Leadership

 

An officer was assigned to the 1^st Cavalry at Ft. Hood, a United States Army post located near Killeen, Texas, about halfway between Austin and Waco.  As he was wrapping up his duties for the day, he walked past an enlisted man who was attempting to clean a huge M1-A1 Abrams tank with a garden hose and a toothbrush.  When asked about the situation, the young soldier related that his sergeant assigned the punishment due to an infraction of regulations.  As an officer, he could have overridden the sentence and dismissed the young soldier.  Instead, he went and located a bucket, sponge, and another hose and began helping the shocked young man complete the task of washing down the tank.  After a while, the officer told the soldier, “We’re in this unit together.  Your errors are my errors, too.”  It didn’t take long for word to spread to the other soldiers about what the officer had done.  Much respect was earned that day.

 

Fraser, a 20-year-old Scottish med student, is making a difference in his community.  Due to his influence, he is leading others to make contributions in their areas as well.  Fraser began to notice that people in the local retirement home rarely went outside to ride around, enjoy the fresh air, or communicate with the outside world.  They appeared rather lonely.  So, Fraser came up with a plan.  A couple of times each week, he takes two people at a time on rickshaw rides.  There is a double seat attached to the front of his bicycle.    The rides are lifting spirits, getting the people out to enjoy the outside world, and offering conversation along the way.  Around 60 residents have already enjoyed a ride with Fraser.  Due to the success and positive reports, others are also helping with rides.  The hope is to provide this program throughout Scotland.  Fraser commented, “I think projects like this can make society better.”  Although Fraser is a med student, he already has the heart of a doctor.

 

Whether we are the leader or one who comes alongside to help, may we, too, invest our time, talents, and energy into activities and programs that include, uplift, and make a difference in the lives of others.

 

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4

Advocate

 

Advocate – a person who recommends or supports

 

Jose Altuve grew up in Maracay, Venezuela.  When he was seven, he met and competed with Salvador Perez, who later became a catcher for the Kansas City Royals.  In 2007, at the age of 16, Altuve attended a Houston Astros’ tryout camp in his hometown.  Since he was small in stature, the scouts assumed he lied about his age and told him he was too short to play and wouldn’t even let him on the field.  The next day, with his father’s blessing, Altuve went back to the camp and showed the recruiters his birth certificate.  Astros special assistant Al Pedrique took an interest in Altuve.  He asked Jose if he could play.  Altuve responded with, “I’ll show you.”  Pedrique then went to bat for him and persuaded the front office and other scouts to give Jose a chance.  After being evaluated and convincing the officials, Altuve was signed and given a $15,000 contract.  On July 19, 2011, Jose Altuve was promoted to the major leagues.

 

Seven-year-old Gillian had trouble sitting still in school.  She would constantly get up, walk around, be distracted, and not complete lessons.  The few times she was able to be still, the teacher rewarded her.  Gillian would be in trouble at school and then be punished again when she arrived at home.  The school personnel called for a conference with Gillian’s mother.  The teachers agreed that there must be some kind of disorder, like hyperactivity, that could possibly be helped with medication.  An older teacher, who knew Gillian well, arrived.  After hearing the conversation, he asked the participants to walk to a room where they could observe Gillian without her seeing them.  As the teacher goes into the room, where the young girl is waiting, he turns on music and says he will be back soon.  The adults watch as Gillian begins to leap and move around the room.  The older man then states, “See?  Gillian is not sick; Gillian is a dancer!”  He then suggests that her mother take her to a dance class and that the teachers allow her to dance at times.  After a career as a dancer, receiving international recognition, and opening her own dance studio, in 1981, Gillian Lynne became the choreographer for the musical “Cats.”

 

Jesus knew that once he ascended into heaven, we, too, would need an advocate to teach us, help us, and be with us forever.  He asked his Father to provide one for us so we, too, can become who God created us to be.

 

May we be quick to look for, encourage, invest in, and celebrate the gifts and talents God has given others.

 

 

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

John 14:16-17

 

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 15:16

 

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send from the Father – the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father – he will testify about me.

John 15:26

Acknowledging Others

 

“No one is self-sufficient, everyone relies on others.”  ~ John Donne

 

 

Seth Small played football for Katy High School, in Katy, Texas, and is now the place kicker for Texas A&M University.  In last Saturday’s game against Alabama, Small kicked a 28-yard field goal, with one second on the clock, to help the Aggies beat the #1 Crimson Tide. 

 

When interviewed after the game, Seth said this was the third best day in his life.  “The first was when I accepted Jesus in my heart as my true Lord and Savior heart.  And the second-best day was this summer when I married my wife.”  The interviewers then asked Small what it felt like to win the game for Texas A&M.  He was quick to say that football games are a team effort.  Small credited the Aggie fans as being the best in the nation.  The students stand and cheer for the entire time and stay for all of the game.  He reminded them that it wasn’t just him on the last play that won the game.   The defense made stops and held Alabama.  The offense moved the ball down the field.  He depended on Connor Choate to snap the ball, Niki Constantinou to catch the ball and hold it, and all the guys blocking on the line.  Once again Small said he was just a fraction of the play.

 

Seth Small was also quick to praise his fellow teammates.  When asked about quarterback Zach Calzada he expressed how he has seen him mature as a person and football player this season.  “He is a leader on the team and works hard to be quarterback.  Each week he gets better.”  Small also commented that Devon Achane’s 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown helped return the momentum of the game for the Aggies.

 

As the interview continued, Small also had accolades for the coaches.  He said the coaches, “did a phenomenal job of putting us in position to make plays.  It was up to the players to trust the process.”  Coach Fisher also told the team, “Don’t worry about the scoreboard.  Worry about your job on this play and the scoreboard will be there.”  In addition, Seth said Coach Fisher sees where the team is each week to get his instructions and message across to what they need to do.

 

During the game, Small said that he thought of and quoted Psalm 23:1. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”  He knew he needed to concentrate and deliver on his part and then he would be able to celebrate later.  And as the football cleared the uprights, Seth Small immediately pointed upward to give God the glory.

 

May we, too, be quick to appreciate, thank, and acknowledge those who help make a difference in our lives and in the world around us.

 

 

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

 

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

Romans 15:2