Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand                                                                                                     Isaiah 41:10

When I speak to groups about leadership, I often start off with a story. I talk with the group about the story of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. His father, of course, was the 26^th President of the United States. Roosevelt Jr. has a lengthy back story, but I will mention only this- he was not supposed to be on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944, and he had to fight to get there.

Finally given permission to directly lead his men into battle, Brigadier General Roosevelt was confronted with the chaos and terror of D-Day. He was the highest-ranking officer in the first invasion wave, and he would have it no other way. He would personally lead the way.

In the confusion of the landing, everything went wrong. His landing crafts had drifted far from their designated landing site, the promised air cover had not done the job of clearing the beach and providing craters for cover, and they were under heavy enemy fire. When asked by his lieutenants about orders for what to do, Roosevelt calmly said, “Gentlemen, we’ll start the war from right here!”

I love that. Roosevelt showed calm and clear leadership under extreme pressure. He had fought with his superiors to even be with the troops – Generals no longer were on the front lines with their troops by World War II.

The mental health concept I also love is this- when we are confronted with difficult situations, there is no time for self-pity, blame, and inaction. Roosevelt spoke the obvious truth that, if the troops did not rally and move forward immediately, they would be wiped out. They had to rally together and be united in the effort. They also needed the belief that they could still be effective warriors, and that they could actually do something. They were not defeated just because the odds were so against them.

Roosevelt Jr. gave his men hope, courage, and direction that day. He would be dead just 5 weeks later of a heart attack. That was one of the reasons that his superiors had not wanted him in the front. His health was that poor. Later, Roosevelt would win the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.

I tell that story at times to my clients as a reminder that no situation is hopeless unless we deem it to be so and then quit. When we quit, it is hopeless.

So, whatever you are facing, have the hope and courage to take action Don’t wait for something else to happen- start the war from right here.

Prayer: Thank you Father for examples of hope and courage. Give us that strength right when we need it, Amen

Tomorrow is June 2. This day has been designated as Lou Gehrig Day by Major League Baseball. Lou Gehrig died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, now better known as ALS, but in Gehrig’s day, the dreadful disease took on his name. He had become the face of the then barely know disease.

Gehrig faced this terrible disease with courage and character. On the day that he retired from baseball, knowing that he had a death sentence, he called himself “the luckiest guy on the face of the earth”. People who battle this disease, which progressively robs them of nearly everything, and eventually ends their life, fight it with amazing courage. I have walked through that struggle with one dear friend, and he and his family gave new meaning to courage and the sense of community it created around him.

Lou Gehrig is one of my heroes. All one need do is look at my office, and they will find no less than three pictures of Gehrig on my walls. However, there are many lesser known heroes who battle the disease themselves, or support those who do.

Huntington’s disease is in some ways similar to ALS, but is even lesser known. Huntington’s is a neurodegenerative disease every bit as devastating as ALS, but it has a genetic pathway which looms over every family with a history with the disease.

Another major league ballplayer, Joe Smith of the Houston Astros, along with his wife Allie LaForce, have been strong advocates of finding ways to eliminate this terrible disease. They too are heroes in this fight to deal with the devastating effects of the illness.

So, on this Lou Gehrig Day, I ask my readers to consider donating to either or both organizations to help the fight continue. I have included links for contact information. Let’s also pray for these families. They are not alone in the fight…

www.HelpCureHD.org

www.als.org

Prayer: Lord, we lift up those who suffer from grievous illness, no matter what the source. Help us to be your hands to help ease the suffering, Amen

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.                                       II Corinthians 10:5

By Mastroianni and Hart

Thanks to www.johnhartstudios.com

I have been a fan of the B.C. comic strip for decades, not only because of its humor, but because of the life truths it often portrays. The other day, the strip really nailed it on how anxiety works. I have often said that anxiety is that self-defeating part of us that we carry around. It is our “unwanted traveling partner”.

When we can recognize that this situation exists, we can then prepare for it. Expecting that the anxiety will pop up, and it will, we can begin our control plans. We can have our list of “escape strategy” behaviors ready to deal with anxiety.

In the comic, B.C. is expecting the anxiety to kick in, just when he is having a great day. He then invites the anxiety to ruin it, almost heading it off before it sneaks up on him. This is his way of trying to control anxiety before it has a chance to control him.

There is much truth in humor. Knowing that WE are in control of the anxiety stops the anxiety from controlling us!

Prayer: Lord, you have given us tools to handle our emotions. Help us to use them wisely, Amen

We never realize the value of something until it becomes a memory                                                    (Graciousquotes.com)

Maybe it’s rainy days. As I sit to write this blog, it has been raining all day. Actually for me, that makes it easier to write, because if the sun is out, I need to be out too. The rain however puts me into a nostalgic mood. I am listening to old vinyl. My older readers immediately relate, but then again, vinyl is now actually a cool thing. The old records are amazing. I am immediately transported to another time as I listen.

My son helped fix up the speakers so that the sound is actually pretty good. He listened to some of the records with us that we used as background for childhood wrestling matches in the living room, and it recalled great memories. Yes, the records skipped while we wrestled in that old living room with my kids as we shook the floor, but what great memories!

I listened to records from my dad, one of which was the song my daughter and I danced to at her wedding (Daddy’s Little Girl by the Mills Brothers). So rainy days are good for memories and listening to old vinyl.

If you have saved old vinyl records, find a rainy day to play them.

 It is good for the soul.

Prayer: Lord, you give us pleasure in little things. Thank you for such detail in providing for us, Amen

 Lord, who may go and find refuge and shelter in your tabernacle up on your holy hill? Anyone who leads a blameless life and is truly sincere.  Anyone who refuses to slander others, does not listen to gossip, never harms his neighbor,  speaks out against sin, criticizes those committing it, commends the faithful followers of the Lord, keeps a promise even if it ruins him,  does not crush his debtors with high interest rates, and refuses to testify against the innocent despite the bribes offered him—such a man shall stand firm forever.                                                                      Psalm 15 (The Message)

 So, if we say we are his friends but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying.                   I John 1:6 (The Message)

In Psalm 15, David, also known as a “friend of God”, was asking how he could dwell closer to his friend. “How do I live in the tabernacle on the hill with you?” he asks. The answer follows in the rest of the short Psalm. Be sincere, and don’t slander others; don’t gossip; don’t hurt your neighbor; speak out against sin; call out those who do hurt others; keep promises, even if it hurts; do not crush others financially with high interest rates; don’t take bribes.

This is a list of behaviors that indicates how one should treat one’s fellow human being. Basic stuff, really, but it indicates that the way to please God- to be considered his friend and dwell closely with him- is to treat others well.

Many people want to call God their friend. We can cite the verses, sing the songs, and look pious, but if we do not treat others with dignity, respect and honor, God is not interested in having us share close space with him.

I am always amazed that the God of the universe, the first cause, Creator and mighty God, simply asks us to treat our brothers and sisters well, and he will be satisfied. The way to God’s heart is by loving others- even those we don’t really know.  He sent his son to be the sacrificial example of this.

Prayer: Lord, you would have us be close to you. What you ask in return is to have us favor your creation, Amen

Jesus went with them; but just before arriving at the house, the captain sent some friends to say, “Sir, don’t inconvenience yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of any such honor or even to come and meet you. Just speak a word from where you are, and my servant boy will be healed! I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my men. I only need to say ‘Go!’ and they go; or ‘Come!’ and they come; and to my slave, ‘Do this or that,’ and he does it. So just say, ‘Be healed!’ and my servant will be well again!”

 Jesus was amazed. Turning to the crowd he said, “Never among all the Jews in Israel have I met a man with faith like this”                                                                    Luke 7:6-9

This is a great story from Luke chapter 7 about the faith and humility of a Roman centurion who had great faith in Jesus. The soldier had been recommended by Jewish leaders to Jesus because he was seen as a man sympathetic to Jews. Indeed, he even helped build a synagogue.

This leader of men however, had the humility to ask Jesus for a healing act- not for himself, but for his servant boy. He did not believe that he had the right to approach Jesus directly, but he had Jewish leaders intercede for him to Jesus.

Then, the centurion recognized his unworthiness to have Jesus even enter his home, because to do so might make Jesus ceremonially unclean. At the least, he did not want to have Jesus get into any more trouble than he probably already was with both Jewish and Roman authorities.

This reminds me of an old saying- a man of authority must also be under authority. Great leaders understand the value of accountability. This Roman soldier knew that well, and he practiced it with Jesus and others.

Jesus then honored this soldier publicly, saying “Never among all the Jews in Israel have I met a man with faith like this.” High praise indeed from Jesus.

Would that we all understand and merit such praise.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this great example of faith and humility, Amen

So, let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.                               Hebrews 10:22-25 (Living Bible)

We met the other day as a group of four couples who have known each other for over 40 years. We went to church together for many years, raised our families together, and now we meet to discuss and pray for our children, and grandchildren, and now, even a few great-grandchildren. Yes, we have been friends and have journeyed through life together for decades.

We met to celebrate a birthday of one of the group (which we do almost every month), and the birthday girl (who turned 81) took some time to recall all the people in her life who were so important and meaningful to her. She gave her gratitude to God who has sustained her through some very difficult times, and she listed friends, family, and others for whom she was so grateful. Gratitude is a hallmark of our group ethic.

Members of the group have attended many funerals together for parents, friends, family, and church members. We have visited one another in the hospital, attended weddings of children, prayed for one another- well, you name it. This, I contend, is a way to journey together through life.

One of the markers for a long life is strong social and spiritual connection.

I know this to be true.

Prayer: Lord, we are indeed grateful for friends who are more like family, and become strong together, Amen 

Day is done, Gone the sun, from the hills, from the lake, from the skies. All is well,

Safely rest, God is nigh, Go to sleep, Peaceful sleep, May the soldier, Or sailor, God keep.

On the land, or the deep, Safe in sleep. Love, good night, Must thou go,

When the day, And the night Need thee so?

All is well. Speedeth all, to their rest. Fades the light; and afar goeth day,

And the stars shineth bright, Fare thee well, Day has gone, Night is on. Thanks and praise,

For our days. ‘Neath the sun, ‘Neath the stars, ‘Neath the sky, as we go, this we know,

God is nigh.

(The words to Taps)

I got thinking about this haunting melody, Taps, as I was winding down my day. I then flashed to some funerals over the past years where I had conducted the service for a number of men and women who had served their country in the armed services. Several times, there was a bugler present at the graveside who played Taps, while the small group gathered around the casket being lowered into the ground for the final resting place.

To say that this is a moving experience is to put it mildly. I always found it hard to maintain a dry eye as this scenario unfolds. It is a sacred experience.

I always hoped that people had honored that deceased loved one as well during their life as they did at death. I trust that this was usually the case. But it is a reminder to us. We have the opportunity to honor people while they still live for the service they have given to their country, their family, and their community.

 Let us keep that always in mind.

 Prayer: Lord, help us honor the living and the dead for all they have contributed to us.

So oftentimes it happens that we live our lives in chains
That we never even know we have the key

The Eagles- from “I’m Already Gone” 

I was listening to music while cutting the grass the other day, and I heard the old Eagles song, I’m Already Gone. Those of us from a certain generation remember this song fondly. The Eagles were a transformative group who occupy, deservedly, a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  

When I heard again those famous lyrics, as cited above, I knew that there was a psychological truth there. So oftentimes it happens that we live our lives in chains, that we never even know we have the key.

So often, we hold ourselves in chains not formed by others, but by ourselves. I recall hearing some church recovery service testimonies that essentially said, “I met my problem when I looked into the mirror each morning”.

Recognition that we ourselves hold the keys to overcoming our fears and addictions- that these problems are not outside of us- that is the key to recovery and healing. Submission to this, and the recognition that our Higher Power loves us and can sustain us in the program for healing, is the start to recovery and wellness.

So, the Eagles spoke a real truth to us. Glad we can still hear their songs, and even their wisdom even today.   

Prayer: Lord, thank you for truth that comes to us in many different ways, Amen

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones                    Proverbs 16:24

Look for ways to affirm people.

That was on my some time ago when we traveled and stayed in a bed and breakfast inn. At a B&B, you typically eat breakfast around a table with other guests whom you are meeting for the first time. It is a kind of fun experience, even for a quasi-introvert like me.   

One of the couples at the table explained that they were there (in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) for their 40^th wedding anniversary. By the way, there were four couples around the table, and the couple celebrating their 40^th were the “newlyweds” at the table.

The anniversary couple stated that they were returning to where they had met- at a Lutheran seminary nearby. I asked the husband if he were a pastor, and he laughed and said, no, he works as a consumer advocate for the California public utilities commission. He is a “watchdog” to ensure that public utilities are giving the best service to consumers at the lowest reasonable cost.

I commented to him, “Well, you are a shepherd, just to a different flock”. He smiled and mentioned that he took that as a warm compliment. I meant it as a way to affirm him in his life’s work. Clearly, he was touched a bit, and I hope it made his day a little better.

It did for me.    

Prayer: Lord, help us to look for opportunities to affirm people, Amen