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:
"Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word." John C Maxwell
What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.
A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:
Last week I shared some words that were given to me from my dying uncle, words that really encouraged me and I simply mentioned how important words are. I received some great notes and comments, as well as notes of condolence and encouragement from many of you. Thank you for sharing those notes.
WORDS.
Maxwell said it above, "Never Underestimate...." but I often do. I let things fly out of my mouth without thinking, or I hold my thoughts in my head when I should be sharing something. It's a constant battle to use my words wisely, whether it's spoken or written words.
Here's some homework: This week, find ONE person to speak some encouraging words to, and do it! How did you feel? How did they respond? Be intentional with ONE.
DEEPER STILL:
Gina and I were in Guatemala a couple of weeks visiting an organization that is providing wrap-around support to primarily girls that have been victims of sexual abuse. (Kids Alive). We really enjoyed seeing the scope of their efforts to holistically help these kids.
We had a meal at a home for girls that were moving to independence, and Gina and I were able to sit with 2 girls and just have a great conversation about life, about future and we just enjoyed our time.
At the end of our lunch, one of the girls disappeared, and we were leaving, so we went looking for her in order to say goodbye, and we finally found her and thanked her again for the time together.
About 2 hours later, We received an email from one of the staff at the home and they had attached a small drawing and note that this girl had sent us.
This note warmed our hearts. Not only did she write the note in perfect english (we had been speaking only Spanish with her), but she drew a picture of us that looks pretty good, don't you think?
This girl modeled exactly what we're talking about.
"Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word"
1Thessalonians 5:11 "So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it." (MSG)
Things I'm Reading, Listening To and Watching This Week:
Canva is a great online design studio and they make it free for non-profits. Check it out, and you can also listen to an interview with the founder, Melanie Perkins from 2019.
I started reading this book about Latin American History called "Silver, Sword, and Stone: Three Crucibles in the Latin American Story". Really interesting so far! I'll keep you posted.
I always enjoy a good business story. How I Built This interviews the founder of Tumi & Roam Luggage.
One of Canada's greatest performers. Listen to the Bryan Adams Essentials Album on Apple. He's got some great hits!
I've been using this copy paper purchased on Amazon for presentations. I love the quality & weight. Check it out HERE.