It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
Currently, I'm exploring different leadership quotes on this blog post, and pulling out some application for all of us. This is part of my personal journey to keep growing, learning and being stretched! Join me each Tuesday at 2:00pm (PST). It will take you just a few minutes to read through the 2 sections of this post, but don't miss the final section where I share some of the things I'm reading, listening to and enjoying this week.
Russ
LEADERSHIP QUOTE:
"You're doing good work Russ" Uncle Ray
What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.
A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:
This past week my Uncle passed away, rather suddenly and unexpectedly. Gina and I were on a vision trip in Guatemala when we got the word that his health was failing quickly. We decided to call his phone direct, hoping that he would answer, and after many rings Uncle Ray picked up the phone. We were able to say some things to him and share our love with him, and he said a few things back to us, then he said these words:
"You're doing good work Russ"
I had heard him say these words to me a couple of months ago when he participated in a Global Leadership Summit I was hosting in Atlanta. He coached a young leader from the Philippines, Jomar, and at the end of the week as we said goodbye he said to me:
"You're doing good work Russ"
Back in March I had no idea that these would be the last words I heard him say just a few months later.
The Power of Words.
Think about powerful words that have been spoken to you in your lifetime.... what was said and what was the context?
DEEPER STILL:
Uncle Ray was an encouragement to me his whole life, showing interest in the things I was doing, supporting our work and then getting involved. It was a joy to get to do a small part of life with him, and we have great memories of a trip years ago to India to visit a ministry leader Ray was coaching.
As I think about the words Uncle Ray said to me last week, his words have power. They make me want to do better. They challenge me to keep going. They inspire me to live up to his belief.
Sometimes I don't understand how powerful my words can be or how hurtful my words can be.
Robin Sharma said: "Words can inspire, and words can destroy. Choose yours well."
James 3 talks about the tongue as well: "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." (ESV. James 3:9-10)
Use your words to inspire and build people up. You will never fully understand the power of your words, so "choose yours well".
Thank you Uncle Ray for speaking into my life and for being a great Uncle!
Things I'm Reading, Listening To and Watching This Week:
Inc. Magazine shares 26 Brilliant Quotes on the Super Power of Words.
In honor of Uncle Ray and his North Georgia Roots, everyone that has a Waffle House nearby should go and enjoy! A truly Southern experience.
I just read this short golf book, "The Mulligan: A Parable of Second Chances". Really good book to get you thinking! If you golf, better yet!
Listened to this playlist again today, Chicago Essentials on Apple. They have so many great hits over the years.
Gina and I spent the past week in Guatemala visiting the work of Kids Alive International. A powerful ministry of restoration and protection. Antigua Guatemala is a bonus!
Uncle Ray and Jomar at Leader Mundial Global Summit 2022