Imagine a world that didn’t include the musical mastery of Mozart, the passion and perseverance of Helen Keller, or the charm and charisma of Denzel. Such may be the case if these prominent figures had never been impacted and influenced by a mentor. Various individuals consistently conclude that they are who they are and where they are because of the support they have received from a mentor. This is extremely important in the day in which we live as many youths are experiencing social, academic, and behavioral difficulties. According to the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, today many youths have limited access to adults due to high rates of divorce, single parent households, and fewer institutions and activities that are geared to support youth. With this in mind, mentors can step in and meet a signinficant need.
What exactly is a mentor? Well according to Webster, a mentor is "a trusted counselor or guide". The word originates from a character in the Odyssey who was named Mentor. King Odysseus entrusted Mentor to watch over his son Telemachus and to prepare him to reign, rule and sit on the throne. This, in essence, is the goal of a mentor today, preparing individuals to maximize their potential. As the anonymous poet said, "With help from a friend, you can reach the stars."
Therefore it is imperative that we make a commitment to mentoring our youths. Research has shown that mentoring programs can assist in the reduction of peer violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and gang membership. In addition, mentoring as been shown to increase academic achievement and school participation. Not only are youths impacted but by sacrifically giving, mentors also benefit from these relationships. When mentors commit to mentoring they are in essence enhancing their schools, churches, and communities. As Zig Ziglar suggested, You cannot help someone get to the mountain without getting to the top yourself."
Practically speaking, how can this be done? Well, first one could serve as a volunteer in an already existing program. Schools, recreational programs, churches and other programs are always looking for help in this manner. Of course the traditional one to one approach is always an option. Maybe there is someone you know that needs a little push or perhaps even reminds you of a younger you that needs some guidance and direction. Either way, it doesn't take a huge amount of time, just a willingness to give back. As I close, that's what I want to remind you to do today. Take a moment to remember the investment that someone made in you yesterday, so that you can do the same for someone today. I promise, it will make a huge difference for everyone tommorrow!
PEACE!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
What will you leave behind?
If I can help somebody as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong,
Then my living will not be in vain.
These luminous lines, often used by my mother, were also quoted by the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his speech entitled “The Drum Major Instinct". In this segacious speech, Dr. King identifies the drum major mentality, one which desires to be first, important or great. He contrasts this familiar attitude with a far less common but greater mindset, one which seeks to serve others. In so doing, he reminds us that "everybody can be great, because everyone can serve." As I reflect upon that statement, I can't help but think of my mother Mrs. Ora L. Jones. For my mother was great, not in size, stature, or status symbols, but great in service. She devoted her life to reaching out to the least, last, lost, and left out. In every role that she fulfilled, rather as a wife, mother, employee, ministry leader, or friend, she demonstrated a willingness to serve others. As I mourn her passing, I am thankful that I was priviledged to have such a mother to model and mimic. I am also grateful that she has left a legacy for me and also others who would follow in her faithful footsteps.
First, her life reveals that we gain significance in this life by serving others. My mother never attended college or authored any books yet her name is highly respected in various communities. Anyone that knew her would agree that she was an influential individual because of the impact that she made in so many lives. We gain meaning in life not by what we get but by what we give.Lastly, her life illlustrates that the service you render to others is never in vain. It's never in vain becuase it can continue to make a difference for years to come. At my mom' s funeral, in which many people gathered to celebrate her life, she received three honors in her name that will continue to live on. First, the city of Montevallo named June 4th as Ora L. Jones day, a fitting honor especially since that was also her marriage anniversary. In addition two scholarships will be dedicated in her name in order to help some student fulfill their dreams. However, I believe her highest honor was given to her in heaven as she was rewarded for all the service that she rendered to others. In conclusion, as I salute my mother for being a great woman, I also encourage you to enlist in a life of service to others knowing that what matters most is not the duration of your life but the donation of it!
PEACE!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Rocks of Rememberance
Then he spoke to the Israelites: "In the future your children will ask you, 'What do these rocks mean?' Tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry land. Joshua 4:21-22 NCV
This past weekend was spectacular as we celebrated the Johnson-Jones Family Reunion. It was special for a couple of reasons. First because it had been a while (8 yrs.) since the last family reunion. It was really great to see so many of our family members after so long. I was so thrilled to listen to the eldest members of our family Aunt Tee Tee, Aunt Alice and my dad, Albert, share memories from their childhood. It was also nice to know that the younger people got a chance to meet family that they didn't know existed. Secondly, it was great because everyone was on one accord. You know how family gatherings can be sometimes because ain't no drama like family drama and family drama don't stop! However we didn't have no hateration, we didn't have no holleration, it was truly a Family Affair! Another good thing about this reunion was that we got a chance to view firsthand some of the talent in our family. Vernon, the next Sunday's Best, showed up with the vocals (That Boy can Sang!). Even little sister, Miss Kaylyn let us know she also has mad vocals with a song by Jazmine Sullivan. My little daughter Mycaya and nephew Dorian demonstrated that the young folk got talent too with their piano and rap performances. Last but not least my cousin Angie spit some truth with a powerful poem about our family. That sister has major skills when it comes to the spoken word!
Another thing that made this reunion great was the food. We have some incredible cooks in the Fam. The grub was off da hizzle fo shizzle! The best thing about this reunion for me was that we got a chance to better understand our heritage and where we come from. For if you don't know your history you won't know your destiny! My sister, with help from others, gathered information to create a family tree. They were able to trace our ancestry at least 7 generations. Through this process we were able to gain so many influential images of our ancestors. These images are very vital because they set high standards for us and the future generations.
One of the most moving moments for me was the last day when we all received a small rock. We were told to bring this rock back to the next family reunion, (God sparing). As everyone was holding up their rock, I thought about the scripture above. In this text the children of Israel are poised and positioned on the perimeter of the promised land. They have just crossed over the Jordan River. Prior to crossing, God instructed Joshua to have men to carry twelve large rocks or stones across the river with them. Joshua then sets the rocks up as a memorial at Gilgal and tells them that one day the future generations would ask, "What do these rocks mean?" It was then that Joshua told them that these were rocks that would enable them to remember some very valuable lessons. Just like Israel, the Johnson-Jones family has been given rocks that remind us of some powerful truths.
First these rocks should help us remember God's Presence. When the people crossed the Jordan River, they had to follow the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant which represented the presence of God. In this way they were allowing God to go before them to guide their footsteps. They were basically saying to God, "When you move we move just like that!" God guided them through the Jordan River and to their promised destination. Johnson-Jones family we have to remember that it has been God who has guided and guarded us through many dangers seen and unseen. God has brought us from being down and out to being up and in. It is God that has brought us a mighty long way!
Secondly these rocks remind us of God's Power. In vs. 22 Joshua tells them to tell the children, "that Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground." Now the Jordan wasn't a little pond and the Bible says in chapter three that it was harvest season which meant the banks were now overflowing. This river represented an impossibility for Israel. There were not enough boats for over two million people to ride on. Even if there were, they would have been sitting ducks for the enemy who was expecting them. However the Bible says instead of going over it or around it, they went through the Jordan on dry ground. Vs. 23 says that God caused the water to stop flowing until they crossed over as He did with the Red Sea. The Israelites were reminded that they needed to look back and see what God has done. Surely the Johnson-Jones Family can look back over our shoulders and see so much of what God has done. Like the psalmist we can triumphantly testify, "If it had not been for the Lord on our side!" Think about the stuff that God caused to stop flowing so you could cross over! God in His power has brought us through so much, and the good news is if He did it back then He can do it again!
Finally, these rocks ought to remind us of God's Purpose. Why did the Lord do this for Israel? Better yet, why has the Lord done so much for our family? Is it because we deserve it? Is it because we are better than other folk? No the answer lies in vs. 24, He did this so that everybody or as my young folk would say Erbody, would know that His hand is powerful and that they might always fear the Lord. God wanted to demonstrate His power through this family of faith so that others would come to know Him. Today God has manifested his power in our family so that others would recognize that God is with us, that God is blessing us, that God is making a way for us, that God's hand is on our life! Most importantly He wants us, the Johnson-Jones Family, to always recognize this fact and Fear Him Forever! As a teacher I like using visual aids as a part of my lessons. I believe that they enable my students to not only hear what I'm saying but see it and come to have a better understanding. The rocks that we have been given are our visual aids that remind us of God's Presence, Power, and Purpose that have been with the Johnson-Jones Family. Thanks for a great weekend, and a special thanks goes out to the committee that put this together and worked so tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly.
PEACE!
P.S. Don't forget to remember your rocks!
This past weekend was spectacular as we celebrated the Johnson-Jones Family Reunion. It was special for a couple of reasons. First because it had been a while (8 yrs.) since the last family reunion. It was really great to see so many of our family members after so long. I was so thrilled to listen to the eldest members of our family Aunt Tee Tee, Aunt Alice and my dad, Albert, share memories from their childhood. It was also nice to know that the younger people got a chance to meet family that they didn't know existed. Secondly, it was great because everyone was on one accord. You know how family gatherings can be sometimes because ain't no drama like family drama and family drama don't stop! However we didn't have no hateration, we didn't have no holleration, it was truly a Family Affair! Another good thing about this reunion was that we got a chance to view firsthand some of the talent in our family. Vernon, the next Sunday's Best, showed up with the vocals (That Boy can Sang!). Even little sister, Miss Kaylyn let us know she also has mad vocals with a song by Jazmine Sullivan. My little daughter Mycaya and nephew Dorian demonstrated that the young folk got talent too with their piano and rap performances. Last but not least my cousin Angie spit some truth with a powerful poem about our family. That sister has major skills when it comes to the spoken word!
Another thing that made this reunion great was the food. We have some incredible cooks in the Fam. The grub was off da hizzle fo shizzle! The best thing about this reunion for me was that we got a chance to better understand our heritage and where we come from. For if you don't know your history you won't know your destiny! My sister, with help from others, gathered information to create a family tree. They were able to trace our ancestry at least 7 generations. Through this process we were able to gain so many influential images of our ancestors. These images are very vital because they set high standards for us and the future generations.
One of the most moving moments for me was the last day when we all received a small rock. We were told to bring this rock back to the next family reunion, (God sparing). As everyone was holding up their rock, I thought about the scripture above. In this text the children of Israel are poised and positioned on the perimeter of the promised land. They have just crossed over the Jordan River. Prior to crossing, God instructed Joshua to have men to carry twelve large rocks or stones across the river with them. Joshua then sets the rocks up as a memorial at Gilgal and tells them that one day the future generations would ask, "What do these rocks mean?" It was then that Joshua told them that these were rocks that would enable them to remember some very valuable lessons. Just like Israel, the Johnson-Jones family has been given rocks that remind us of some powerful truths.
First these rocks should help us remember God's Presence. When the people crossed the Jordan River, they had to follow the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant which represented the presence of God. In this way they were allowing God to go before them to guide their footsteps. They were basically saying to God, "When you move we move just like that!" God guided them through the Jordan River and to their promised destination. Johnson-Jones family we have to remember that it has been God who has guided and guarded us through many dangers seen and unseen. God has brought us from being down and out to being up and in. It is God that has brought us a mighty long way!
Secondly these rocks remind us of God's Power. In vs. 22 Joshua tells them to tell the children, "that Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground." Now the Jordan wasn't a little pond and the Bible says in chapter three that it was harvest season which meant the banks were now overflowing. This river represented an impossibility for Israel. There were not enough boats for over two million people to ride on. Even if there were, they would have been sitting ducks for the enemy who was expecting them. However the Bible says instead of going over it or around it, they went through the Jordan on dry ground. Vs. 23 says that God caused the water to stop flowing until they crossed over as He did with the Red Sea. The Israelites were reminded that they needed to look back and see what God has done. Surely the Johnson-Jones Family can look back over our shoulders and see so much of what God has done. Like the psalmist we can triumphantly testify, "If it had not been for the Lord on our side!" Think about the stuff that God caused to stop flowing so you could cross over! God in His power has brought us through so much, and the good news is if He did it back then He can do it again!
Finally, these rocks ought to remind us of God's Purpose. Why did the Lord do this for Israel? Better yet, why has the Lord done so much for our family? Is it because we deserve it? Is it because we are better than other folk? No the answer lies in vs. 24, He did this so that everybody or as my young folk would say Erbody, would know that His hand is powerful and that they might always fear the Lord. God wanted to demonstrate His power through this family of faith so that others would come to know Him. Today God has manifested his power in our family so that others would recognize that God is with us, that God is blessing us, that God is making a way for us, that God's hand is on our life! Most importantly He wants us, the Johnson-Jones Family, to always recognize this fact and Fear Him Forever! As a teacher I like using visual aids as a part of my lessons. I believe that they enable my students to not only hear what I'm saying but see it and come to have a better understanding. The rocks that we have been given are our visual aids that remind us of God's Presence, Power, and Purpose that have been with the Johnson-Jones Family. Thanks for a great weekend, and a special thanks goes out to the committee that put this together and worked so tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly.
PEACE!
P.S. Don't forget to remember your rocks!
Monday, June 7, 2010
It's a Fight!
Judges 14:5-6;8 As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion suddenly attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. 6 At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat......Later, when he returned to Timnah for the wedding, he turned off the path to look at the carcass of the lion. And he found that a swarm of bees had made some honey in the carcass.
Well if you have watched the first two games of the NBA Finals, regardless of what team you are pulling for, one thing is for sure, it's a fight! After the Lakers went out and handled business in the first game, the Celtic pride came through in game 2 and reminded everyone that they too are champions. It's going to be very interesting this week as the scene shifts to Beantown. Of course Boston will be primed and pumped in front of their fans. However I think this Lakers' team will be ready for the challenge. It seems that they perform their best under pressure.
Speaking of which, has there ever been a time in your life when the pressure was on? If you are honest, we constantly experience these occasions because life is a fight! If you don't believe me, ask Samson and he will tell you that life is a Fight. Our text lets us know that he was just minding his own business and out jumps a lion. Now I know that you've had some ferocious fights but when was the last time you tangled with a lion? However, though we don't battle literal lions, you do know our enemy, the devil is like a roaring lion. Everyday, rather in our careers, the community, at the crib and even sometimes at church we have to battle this lion. The Bible lets us know that we fight not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers. This enemy is trying to paralyze our potential, downsize our dreams, and destroy our destiny.
Not only does the text tell us about the fight but it also lets us know there is a Force we can depend on. Vs. 6 says that when it was time to fight, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, giving him the power to lick the lion! I am so glad that when I face lions that I don't have to do so in my own strength. Just think, it would be pretty depressing to try to fight this foe without a force. In a real sense that is just what many individuals do daily- try to prevail with no power. However, I'm thankful that as believers we have power throught the Person of the Holy Spirit. In fact we have an advantage over Samson in that The Holy Spirit indwells us which means He is with us all the time. Now I can confidently confess that Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world!
Finally the text blows my mind and shows us, it's amaing what we Find after we have been through a fight. After Samson killed the lion and went on to where he was going, later he traveled down the same road and saw the carcass of the dead lion. He then noticed that there was honey inside the carcass of the lion. Did you get that? In his the place where he previously struggled was something to sustain him! Where he before had to fight, he found honey! It's amazing to me what God allows me to find as a result of what I've been through. Have you ever looked back over your life and thought about what you've found as a result of the fight you've been in? Maybe it was wisdom, experience, joy, or patience. God allows us to find so many good things after the fight. Going back to my Laker analogy, the last time L.A. played in Boston in the Finals, they got smashed by about 39 points as the Celtics won the championship in 08'. But Laker fans understand that it was that fight in 08' that made them tough and allowed them to find the championship in 09'. Similarly in our lives, God has an amazing way of bringing something that helps us (honey) out of what could have hurt us (lions). Today know that you are in a fight. But be of good courage because you have a Force to help you succeed in the fight. Now it's your time to open your eyes and find your honey!
Peace!
Well if you have watched the first two games of the NBA Finals, regardless of what team you are pulling for, one thing is for sure, it's a fight! After the Lakers went out and handled business in the first game, the Celtic pride came through in game 2 and reminded everyone that they too are champions. It's going to be very interesting this week as the scene shifts to Beantown. Of course Boston will be primed and pumped in front of their fans. However I think this Lakers' team will be ready for the challenge. It seems that they perform their best under pressure.
Speaking of which, has there ever been a time in your life when the pressure was on? If you are honest, we constantly experience these occasions because life is a fight! If you don't believe me, ask Samson and he will tell you that life is a Fight. Our text lets us know that he was just minding his own business and out jumps a lion. Now I know that you've had some ferocious fights but when was the last time you tangled with a lion? However, though we don't battle literal lions, you do know our enemy, the devil is like a roaring lion. Everyday, rather in our careers, the community, at the crib and even sometimes at church we have to battle this lion. The Bible lets us know that we fight not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers. This enemy is trying to paralyze our potential, downsize our dreams, and destroy our destiny.
Not only does the text tell us about the fight but it also lets us know there is a Force we can depend on. Vs. 6 says that when it was time to fight, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, giving him the power to lick the lion! I am so glad that when I face lions that I don't have to do so in my own strength. Just think, it would be pretty depressing to try to fight this foe without a force. In a real sense that is just what many individuals do daily- try to prevail with no power. However, I'm thankful that as believers we have power throught the Person of the Holy Spirit. In fact we have an advantage over Samson in that The Holy Spirit indwells us which means He is with us all the time. Now I can confidently confess that Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world!
Finally the text blows my mind and shows us, it's amaing what we Find after we have been through a fight. After Samson killed the lion and went on to where he was going, later he traveled down the same road and saw the carcass of the dead lion. He then noticed that there was honey inside the carcass of the lion. Did you get that? In his the place where he previously struggled was something to sustain him! Where he before had to fight, he found honey! It's amazing to me what God allows me to find as a result of what I've been through. Have you ever looked back over your life and thought about what you've found as a result of the fight you've been in? Maybe it was wisdom, experience, joy, or patience. God allows us to find so many good things after the fight. Going back to my Laker analogy, the last time L.A. played in Boston in the Finals, they got smashed by about 39 points as the Celtics won the championship in 08'. But Laker fans understand that it was that fight in 08' that made them tough and allowed them to find the championship in 09'. Similarly in our lives, God has an amazing way of bringing something that helps us (honey) out of what could have hurt us (lions). Today know that you are in a fight. But be of good courage because you have a Force to help you succeed in the fight. Now it's your time to open your eyes and find your honey!
Peace!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Back Where We Belong!
"If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."
One of my fondest memories a s chilld growing up is that of watching the Los Angeles Lakers battle the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Of course there was no HDTV nor did we have ESPN but CBS was just fine (as long as it didn't rain, then we had to pull out the bunny ears!). It seemed like every year these two teams would meet to decide who was the best of the basketball world. Both of these teams are making a return to their usual place of prominence this week in the NBA Finals. The Lakers, which have been to the Finals more times than any other team (31), are returning for the 3rd consecutive year. The Celtics, who have more titles (17) than anyone are returning for the 2nd time in three years. As I thought about these teams returning to the Finals, I thought about the scripture reference for today. In it Samuel clearly states what the people of God must do in order to return to where they should be with God.
To better understand the text, one must understand the context. Israel had been oppressed and harrased by their enemy, the Phillistines, for many years. In fact the Philistines had even taken the Ark of the Covenant which was symbolic of the Presence of God. For at least 20 years the Presence of God had been absent from among them. Instead of enjoying the place of favor during this time the people experienced failure, fruitlessness and frustration. It was at this time the people basically said enough is enough and began to desire to return to God. It was at this time that Samuel conveys to them, and to us, what it takes to get back where we belong.
First Samuel says we must Repent. This word literally means a change of mind that evenuates in a change of action. It is senseless and useless to think that we can continue in the same futile direction and expect things to change. Only by changing our mind and turning from sin to God can we expect things to be different. Secondly Samuel says we must Release some things. For the Israelites it was foreign gods that they had begun to worship. The same is true for us. What is it that you are holding on to that you know you need to let go of? We must be wiling to let go of little gods if we are to get back to where we belong.
Finally Samuel says we must Re-Commit. We must be willing to give our whole selves to God just as we did when we first accepted Him as our Lord. When we make this commitment it also means that we will serve Him only. The Good News is if we are willing to Repent, Release, and Re-Committ, God will Restore us to our place of favor and also restore to us what was lost in the meantime. The end of this text says that all the lands the Phillistines had taken were restored to the Israelites. As you evaluate the first six months of the year 2010 can you say that you are enjoying the place of favor or is your experience more like that of Israel's? If the latter is true, today you can Get Back where you Belong!
PEACE!
One of my fondest memories a s chilld growing up is that of watching the Los Angeles Lakers battle the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Of course there was no HDTV nor did we have ESPN but CBS was just fine (as long as it didn't rain, then we had to pull out the bunny ears!). It seemed like every year these two teams would meet to decide who was the best of the basketball world. Both of these teams are making a return to their usual place of prominence this week in the NBA Finals. The Lakers, which have been to the Finals more times than any other team (31), are returning for the 3rd consecutive year. The Celtics, who have more titles (17) than anyone are returning for the 2nd time in three years. As I thought about these teams returning to the Finals, I thought about the scripture reference for today. In it Samuel clearly states what the people of God must do in order to return to where they should be with God.
To better understand the text, one must understand the context. Israel had been oppressed and harrased by their enemy, the Phillistines, for many years. In fact the Philistines had even taken the Ark of the Covenant which was symbolic of the Presence of God. For at least 20 years the Presence of God had been absent from among them. Instead of enjoying the place of favor during this time the people experienced failure, fruitlessness and frustration. It was at this time the people basically said enough is enough and began to desire to return to God. It was at this time that Samuel conveys to them, and to us, what it takes to get back where we belong.
First Samuel says we must Repent. This word literally means a change of mind that evenuates in a change of action. It is senseless and useless to think that we can continue in the same futile direction and expect things to change. Only by changing our mind and turning from sin to God can we expect things to be different. Secondly Samuel says we must Release some things. For the Israelites it was foreign gods that they had begun to worship. The same is true for us. What is it that you are holding on to that you know you need to let go of? We must be wiling to let go of little gods if we are to get back to where we belong.
Finally Samuel says we must Re-Commit. We must be willing to give our whole selves to God just as we did when we first accepted Him as our Lord. When we make this commitment it also means that we will serve Him only. The Good News is if we are willing to Repent, Release, and Re-Committ, God will Restore us to our place of favor and also restore to us what was lost in the meantime. The end of this text says that all the lands the Phillistines had taken were restored to the Israelites. As you evaluate the first six months of the year 2010 can you say that you are enjoying the place of favor or is your experience more like that of Israel's? If the latter is true, today you can Get Back where you Belong!
PEACE!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Make your Mark!
"Success always come when preparation meets opportunity" - Henry Hartman
Even though I'm not and I say again I am not an Alabama fan, I was proud last night for Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram. He is to be commended not only for being a great running back, and Alabama's first Heisman trophy winner, but also for being a quality person. I have been impressed by the way he has handled all the pressure he has faced all year. I was equally impressed at the way he handled himself last night as a representative of not only his team, university, and hometown, but also of many others who apire to climb higher and reach their dreams. It's amazing to think that at the beginnng of this year, no one, not even Mark Ingram himself expected him to be hoisting the Heisman trophy in New York. At the beginning of the season all of the Heisman hype belonged to the two previous winners and last year's runner-up which were all returning for this season. The odds were that a QB would win the award again this year. However, a little known running back from Flint, Michigan showed us last night that despite the odds you can make your mark on this world!
In order to make your mark you first need Discipline. Last year Mark Ingram was a freshman backup running back. He had a good initial year but coming into this season he knew more would be expected of him. I can imagine that during the offseason Mark worked extra hard in the weight room and on the track to become the best running he could become. I also imagine he spent extra time with the coaches and worked on things such as blocking schemes and pass routes while other players were relaxing. In other words he had the discipline prior to the season to do the things he needed to do in order to be successful. In this life always remember that success comes before work only in the dictionary and that nobody has ever accomplished anything great without paying a price.
Secondly, in order to make your mark you also need Determination. On the football field Mark Ingram is one of the most determined players in college football. Very rarely is one person able to bring him down. Week after week he racks up what is known in football terminology as YAC yards (Yards after Contact). He is able to take a hit and keep going. What a mentality to have when it comes to the game of life! In a real sense, we all absorb hits in our lives on a consistent basis. If we are to make our mark however, we must have the determination to take a hit and keep moving toward our goal.
Lastly in order to reach our goal you need Direction. Mark Ingram is very fortunate to have one of the best, if not the best, college football coaches in Coach Nick Saban. Coach Saban is not only a visionary leader that is meticulous about every detail of the game, he is also a fiery motivator that gets the most out of all individuals including players and coaches. Mark Ingram would not even be at the University of Alabama if it were not for the fact that Coach Saban coached his father. Also, this season the coaching staff has provided direction by putting Mark in position to make plays and use his awesome athletic ability to score touchdowns for the team. If you are to make your mark you need the same kind of direction. We all need individuals in our lives who inspire us to reach higher heights. We also need people that push us to maximize our potential. In other words we need mentors that not only know the way but also show the way!
I congratulate Mark Ingram for making his mark on college football and winning the Heisman trophy. He provides a positive example as well as the encouragement for all of us to make our own mark on this world!
Even though I'm not and I say again I am not an Alabama fan, I was proud last night for Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram. He is to be commended not only for being a great running back, and Alabama's first Heisman trophy winner, but also for being a quality person. I have been impressed by the way he has handled all the pressure he has faced all year. I was equally impressed at the way he handled himself last night as a representative of not only his team, university, and hometown, but also of many others who apire to climb higher and reach their dreams. It's amazing to think that at the beginnng of this year, no one, not even Mark Ingram himself expected him to be hoisting the Heisman trophy in New York. At the beginning of the season all of the Heisman hype belonged to the two previous winners and last year's runner-up which were all returning for this season. The odds were that a QB would win the award again this year. However, a little known running back from Flint, Michigan showed us last night that despite the odds you can make your mark on this world!
In order to make your mark you first need Discipline. Last year Mark Ingram was a freshman backup running back. He had a good initial year but coming into this season he knew more would be expected of him. I can imagine that during the offseason Mark worked extra hard in the weight room and on the track to become the best running he could become. I also imagine he spent extra time with the coaches and worked on things such as blocking schemes and pass routes while other players were relaxing. In other words he had the discipline prior to the season to do the things he needed to do in order to be successful. In this life always remember that success comes before work only in the dictionary and that nobody has ever accomplished anything great without paying a price.
Secondly, in order to make your mark you also need Determination. On the football field Mark Ingram is one of the most determined players in college football. Very rarely is one person able to bring him down. Week after week he racks up what is known in football terminology as YAC yards (Yards after Contact). He is able to take a hit and keep going. What a mentality to have when it comes to the game of life! In a real sense, we all absorb hits in our lives on a consistent basis. If we are to make our mark however, we must have the determination to take a hit and keep moving toward our goal.
Lastly in order to reach our goal you need Direction. Mark Ingram is very fortunate to have one of the best, if not the best, college football coaches in Coach Nick Saban. Coach Saban is not only a visionary leader that is meticulous about every detail of the game, he is also a fiery motivator that gets the most out of all individuals including players and coaches. Mark Ingram would not even be at the University of Alabama if it were not for the fact that Coach Saban coached his father. Also, this season the coaching staff has provided direction by putting Mark in position to make plays and use his awesome athletic ability to score touchdowns for the team. If you are to make your mark you need the same kind of direction. We all need individuals in our lives who inspire us to reach higher heights. We also need people that push us to maximize our potential. In other words we need mentors that not only know the way but also show the way!
I congratulate Mark Ingram for making his mark on college football and winning the Heisman trophy. He provides a positive example as well as the encouragement for all of us to make our own mark on this world!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Rebound!
For the last couple of months I have been privileged to help coach my daughter's Middle School Basketball team. Of course, stepping back on the floor has brought back many memories for me. I must admit the older I get, the better I was! If you have been around this age range you understand that these players are at the skill level where they miss a lot of shots. However as coaches we emphasize in order for our team to be successful, despite missed shots, we have to be relentless rebounders. In the game, the team that is able to rebound the best is most likely to win.
That's true not only in basketball but also in the game of life. Have you ever missed a shot? If we are honest, we must admit that often our shots do not connect with the goal that we have in mind. Yes we do throw up bricks and sometimes we even shoot airballs in our personal lives. However instead of hanging our heads over a missed shot, we must have the courage and confidence to rebound! This is the lesson the apostle Peter had to learn in John 21:14-17. Just days before Peter had vehemently denied that he knew the Lord. The Bible says that after doing so, Peter went out and wept bitterly. Knowing that Peter was reeling from the mistake that he had just made, Jesus our Lord, shows up after His ressurection to help Peter rebound. In this delightful dialogue we all find helpful hints in how we can also rebound from our missed shots.
First we must understand that rebounding is first about Positioning. If you watch film of some of the great rebounders in the history of basketball such as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlein, and even Dwight Howard of today, they all have something in common besides being very tall! All of these players understand that what happens before and during the shot is just as important as what happens after the shot. They all knew that those who are in position have a better chance of gaining the rebound. The same is true for us in our lives. In order to rebound we must first seek to position ourselves properly in relation to Christ. In Luke 22:54, the Bible says that Peter was following Jesus at a distance. We like Peter sometimes find ourselves not enjoying that up close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It's in these times that many of our shots do no hit their target. However this text demonstrates that Jesus is always desiring for us to get back connected with Him.
Next we must understand that rebounding requires Passion. If you were to ask most players or coaches they would all agree that jumping ability, strength, and quickness play a part in rebounding. However the one who often gets the ball is the one who wants it the most. This is what caused even undersized players such as Charles Barkley, Ben Wallace, and Dennis Rodman to be such efective rebounders. They all had the passion to go after the ball with all their might. The same must be true for us as well. This is why Jesus asked Peter , "Do you love me more than these?" He went on to ask Peter about his love two other times. I believe this is critical because often what causes us to have missed shots in our lives is the fact that our love for the Lord gets misplaced. Among the many things we have on our daily schedules, somewhere our relationship seems to slip. Notice Jesus asks Peter about his passion and not his performance. See we often get it twisted. We would rather do things for God rather than having intimacy with God. But in the text Jesus lets us know that our devotion precedes our duty. Everyday we are consistently challenged to make sure that we love the Lord with all our being.
No matter how many shots you've missed, today remember you can rebound with right Positioning and Passion. Now go pull in that ball!
Peace!!!
That's true not only in basketball but also in the game of life. Have you ever missed a shot? If we are honest, we must admit that often our shots do not connect with the goal that we have in mind. Yes we do throw up bricks and sometimes we even shoot airballs in our personal lives. However instead of hanging our heads over a missed shot, we must have the courage and confidence to rebound! This is the lesson the apostle Peter had to learn in John 21:14-17. Just days before Peter had vehemently denied that he knew the Lord. The Bible says that after doing so, Peter went out and wept bitterly. Knowing that Peter was reeling from the mistake that he had just made, Jesus our Lord, shows up after His ressurection to help Peter rebound. In this delightful dialogue we all find helpful hints in how we can also rebound from our missed shots.
First we must understand that rebounding is first about Positioning. If you watch film of some of the great rebounders in the history of basketball such as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlein, and even Dwight Howard of today, they all have something in common besides being very tall! All of these players understand that what happens before and during the shot is just as important as what happens after the shot. They all knew that those who are in position have a better chance of gaining the rebound. The same is true for us in our lives. In order to rebound we must first seek to position ourselves properly in relation to Christ. In Luke 22:54, the Bible says that Peter was following Jesus at a distance. We like Peter sometimes find ourselves not enjoying that up close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It's in these times that many of our shots do no hit their target. However this text demonstrates that Jesus is always desiring for us to get back connected with Him.
Next we must understand that rebounding requires Passion. If you were to ask most players or coaches they would all agree that jumping ability, strength, and quickness play a part in rebounding. However the one who often gets the ball is the one who wants it the most. This is what caused even undersized players such as Charles Barkley, Ben Wallace, and Dennis Rodman to be such efective rebounders. They all had the passion to go after the ball with all their might. The same must be true for us as well. This is why Jesus asked Peter , "Do you love me more than these?" He went on to ask Peter about his love two other times. I believe this is critical because often what causes us to have missed shots in our lives is the fact that our love for the Lord gets misplaced. Among the many things we have on our daily schedules, somewhere our relationship seems to slip. Notice Jesus asks Peter about his passion and not his performance. See we often get it twisted. We would rather do things for God rather than having intimacy with God. But in the text Jesus lets us know that our devotion precedes our duty. Everyday we are consistently challenged to make sure that we love the Lord with all our being.
No matter how many shots you've missed, today remember you can rebound with right Positioning and Passion. Now go pull in that ball!
Peace!!!
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