If I Could Go Back & Change One Thing

May 15, 2013 — Leave a comment

Life has a way of rearranging your schedule without your permission.

If you had a chance to go back and time redo life, would you?  Everyone has made poor choices or done something in their past that could possibly be labeled as regrettable.  But, think about it.  The fact that you are now able to look back and realize that a mistake or mis-step occurred means you have learned a valuable lesson.

Some of my choices may have landed me in unpleasant circumstances, but experiencing these things certainly built my current character.  I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those character-building situations.

no regrets

Mistakes are stepping stones to an evolving life.

If I had to live my life over again, here’s what I’d do:

I’d take more risks.  Why?
Risk taking gives us experience which, in turn, makes us wiser.

I’m not referring to death defying risks, but more willingness to take a chance without being fearful of an unknown outcome. By staying within our self-generated comfort zones, how much are we missing?

If you had to live your life over again what would you “do over?”

In Decisions, Empowerment, Goals, Motivation, Success
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How To Get You Going

May 9, 2013 — Leave a comment

Bruno Mars is not alone when he wakes up singing,

Oh, today I don’t feel like doing anything. I just want to lay in my bed.

Let’s face it – some days it’s harder than others to drag ourselves out of bed & jumpstart our day. I call it winning “World War Me.” It’s the ongoing battle of the will within us to overcome that internal naysayer that says “just forget about it and stay in bed.”

What motivates you? What makes you wake up every day, rush to work irrespective of various problems, challenges, and setbacks?

It’s MOTIVTION!

motivation

Intrinsic Motivation

People are motivated either internally (Intrinsic Motivation) or externally (Extrinsic Motivation). People who are motivitated internally have internal desire which fuels their passion. For them, play is work and work is play. Ask someone who’s motivated internally “why do you do what you do,” they’ll tell you “it’s because I love what I do.”

Extrinsic Motivation

Just as some are motivated internally, some are motivated by external factors. Every four years the world watches the very best athletes compete for a gold medal while representing their respective countries. That’s why atheltes work hard and push their bodies to the limits hoping to win a World Series, NBA Champtionship, or the Super Bowl. The idea that he or she is the best in the world, and has the endorsements – and bling in the form of rings and medals to show for it – is the reward that comes at the end of a hard-won battle.

Are you looking to get (and stay) motivated? To get you on the right track, consider Lifehack’s following tips: Continue Reading…

In Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Goals, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Success
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Humbling Leadership Lessons In Change & Transition – Pt. 3

April 24, 2013 — Leave a comment

Humility increases our appreciation for God. To respect God’s majesty, we must compare ourself to his greatness. When we look at creation, we often feel small by comparison. To feel small is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation.

In 2011 saw some exciting changes at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, my purpose was to share three humbling lessons learned. If you missed reading Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.

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Bishop's WP 7_000012

(Sanctuary Renovation – 2011)

So, what did I learn? Continue Reading…

In Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership
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50 Years Later…We’re Just Getting Started

April 22, 2013 — Leave a comment
I love history!  It gives you an opportunity to learn about your past and stand on the shoulders of giants.  What’s more exciting than learning history is MAKING history.  That’s exactly what we’re doing at the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago.  We’re celebrating our 50th Anniversary with events planned throughout 2013.

Celebrating Something Old – Our Past

I serve an amazing church filled with amazing people (Ok, I’m biased). The Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago is celebrating her 50th year in ministry.  On February 24, 2013, we celebrated “Something Old” by taking a trip down memory lane.  We paid tribute to our founding Pastor & 1st Lady, Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Stowers, Sr., & Margaret Stowers along with our founding members.  Together, we laughed, cried, and learned about our glorious past.

Founders

Our 17 Founding Members

Celebrating Something New – Our Present

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to  prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

On Saturday, April 20, 2013, we opened “The Gallery.”  Ylandus Roundy came up with the concept of “The Gallery.”  On display were various pictures, artifacts, clothing, and other items depicting my life.  The idea was to showcase the man behind the message and show that I’m more than a pastor, teacher, and leader.  Many members came and were pleasantly surprised by the many facets of my life.  I want to thank our staff, Ylandus Roundy, and Bert Parker for representing Mars Hill well.

GalleryGallery 2

Snapshot from “The Gallery” Continue Reading…

In Christian, Christianity, Conference/Workshops, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Mind Dump
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Humbling Leadership Lessons In Change and Transition – Pt. 2

April 17, 2013 — 2 Comments

I am surprised and humbled by the overwhelming response to this week’s post, “Humbling Lessons In Change & Transition.”  If you missed it, you can read it HERE.

renovation 4

 (Sanctuary renovation – 2011)

In 2011, I shared some new and exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist Church.  But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball.  I believe you can learn a lot from your failures if you’re willing to admit and learn from them.

Renovation 3

(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)

First, I learned  how buildings house memories.  Therefore, it is wise not to erase their significance. Parents have introduced their children to the church and sat Sunday after Sunday in the pews together. Others have said goodbye to loved ones and those last few words in that place were significant.  In addition to learning the significance of buildings, I also learned how change can happen quickly but, transition often follows more slowly.  Continue Reading…

In Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership
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Humbling Leadership Lessons in Change and Transition

April 15, 2013 — 6 Comments

I’ll admit, as a leader it’s quite easy to get caught up with a vision. It’s natural because as leader’s we’re encouraged to look out for opportunities and then take the lead in making things happen. But sometimes we find ourselves alone out front, and wonder what happened to the people we’re leading? Why aren’t they with us?

Going Fishing – Who’s in?

Take a scenario of a group of people going fishing on a lake. Typical leaders get the vision, jump in the boat and are off to fish straight away. But the rest of the group may take a different approach. As the leaders look back they find that half the people are still on the river bank. Some are still prepping their fishing gear.

Some are just starting to launch their boats. Others are on the water but are heading in the opposite direction. Some are going in circles and still others haven’t yet even decided if they feel like fishing after all. That’s when you realise that only leading from the front doesn’t always help facilitate transition.

John Maxwell in his book Winning with People admits that patience is not one his strengths. He says:

“When I was younger I constantly cast vision for the people in my organization and then left them behind – not a good thing for a leader.”

2011 saw some exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, I’ll share three humbling lessons learned.

MHBC Before

Mars Hill Renovation (2011)

Continue Reading…

In Church Issues, Decisions, Mars Hill Baptist Church
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Common Sense Just Ain’t Common

April 11, 2013 — Leave a comment

My father, the late Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Stowers, Sr. was a wise man.  He had a lot of what’s missing today – COMMON SENSE.  He was an expert at summing up life with quick pithy statements.

Stay Out Of Debt

The best financial planning seminar I ever attended was my dad’s.  It didn’t involve plane tickets, hotels, conference fees, or books.  It took less than five minutes & here’s what he said:

“Son, it’s not the money you make, it’s the money you hold on to.”

  1. Make yourself a budget.
  2. Live BELOW your means.
  3. Pack your lunch.
  4. Pinch pennies.
  5. Save as much as you can.
  6. Get the education you need for as cheap as you can get it.

The art of holding on to money is all about saying no to stuff you don’t need. Say no to eating out, $4 fancy coffee, and that shiny new computer when the old one still works fine.

That’s my dad…his advice still works! LOL!

 What would you add to my dad’s list?

In Communication, Current Affairs, Decisions, Fun Stuff, Money and Finance
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Do You Keep a Praise File?

April 3, 2013 — Leave a comment

Happy Hump Day!

Sometimes life is lonely and filled with pitfalls, discouragement and rejection. When those dark days roll around and I need a boost, I open my praise file & remember what God has done for me.

Praise File

Instead of keeping failure and negative files, keep a praise file. Refer to it often but don’t get lost in past glory— keep it around for when you need the lift.

What’s in your file?

In Empowerment, Encouragement, Self-Leadership, Success
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A Picture IS Worth a Thousand Words

March 30, 2013 — Leave a comment

Over two thousand years ago, in the Middle East, an event occurred that permanently changed the world. Because of that event, history was split. Every time you write a date, you’re using the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the focal point.

What’s so important about Easter? It’s important because it proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was God in the flesh, and He came to earth to save us.  Four events occurred in a dramatic succession on that Easter weekend: the betrayal of Jesus, then the suffering of Jesus, next came the crucifixion of Jesus, and finally the resurrection of Jesus.

It’s been said a picture is worth a thousand words so Let’s look at each of those events and their implications.

betrayed

But some of you do not believe me.”  (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.)  Then he said,  “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” (John 6:64 NLT).

While we cannot be absolutely certain why Judas betrayed Jesus, some things are certain. First, although Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve, all scriptural evidence points to the fact that he never believed Jesus to be God. He even may not have been convinced that Jesus was the Messiah (as Judas understood it). Unlike the other disciples that called Jesus “Lord,” Judas never used this title for Jesus and instead called him “Rabbi,” which acknowledged Jesus as nothing more than a teacher.  You can read more HERE.

Suffered

But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.  Isaiah 52:14

Jesus suffered most severely throughout the trials, torture, and crucifixion (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19). As horrible as His physical suffering was, it was nothing compared to the spiritual suffering He went through.

crucified

Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded. Jesus replied,  “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?”  (John 18:22-23 NLT)

Beginning before 6:00am, Jesus was subjected to harsh interrogation, beaten, spit on, mocked, brutally whipped, and finally convicted and made to carry His cross to His own crucifixion. He was nailed by His hands (or wrists) and feet to the cross and left hanging for hours before He died.  You can read more about it HERE.

Alive

Scripture presents conclusive evidence that Jesus Christ was in fact resurrected from the dead. Christ’s resurrection is recorded inMatthew 28:1-20;Mark 16:1-20;Luke 24:1-53; andJohn 20:1–21:25. The resurrected Christ also appeared in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:1-11).  The resurrection is not an event, it’s a person and His name is Jesus.

What a glorious truth the resurrection of Christ is! “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Did you enjoy the story?

In Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Events, History, Mars Hill Baptist Church
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What I Learned From Watching ‘Scandal’

February 8, 2013 — 2 Comments

Like many, I eagerly anticipated the airing of the show Scandal. Whenever I see beautiful, African Americans who are power players in our Nation’s capital, I’m excited.  So, like millions, I was glued to the TV wondering what would happen to Hollis, will Fitz divorce his wife, and would Olivia & Edison become a permanent item.

Scandal Photo

 DISCLAIMER:

If you’re a fan of the show, you may be offended if you continue reading.

With all the strong television shows for women, I don’t know why a beautiful, African American women forsakes a relationship with an African American Senator (Edison) for a married man (President Fitz).

I know why…love makes you do crazy things & act out of character.

Before you go sucking your teeth, rolling your eyes and calling me self-righteous, hear me out. I think there is an opportunity here to encourage the writers of the show to be bold and courageous.

I am rooting for the show to succeed, but, the creators have to be fearless and let Olivia Pope not be another man’s mistress. She’s too beautiful, too strong, and too smart for that.  I say let Olivia Pope control the interactions with her lovers. Don’t allow her to be a woman of straw that bends in whatever direction her lover needs. Additionally, I’d love to see her relationship with Edison grow into a beautiful picture of a healthy/strong relationship.

Finally, If not Edison, Olivia needs a new love interest and assert her independence from Fitz.  People seem to be ignoring the fact Olivia is having an affair with a married man.  In my humble opinion, that isn’t romantic…it’s actually tragic and pathetic.

Why?

At the end of the day Olivia goes home to her apartment ALONE and single…hardly an equal relationship.

What are your thoughts about today’s post?

In Current Affairs, Dating, Politics, Relationships
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