Rebuilding Your foundation of Faith

They say that the most important part of building a house, is it’s foundation.  The walls just don’t have the same strength without something to stand upon.  You and I have been building on the basics of education from elementary school to post graduate degrees.

In his new book, “Rebuilding Your Foundation of Faith,” Pastor Dean A. Brown takes us back to the basics of faith in God.  He helps us become reacquainted with what it means to believe and trust God to the point of acting on what we believe.

I found the book to be provocative and very encouraging!  Smith Wiggelsworth once said, “Great faith is seeing things from Heaven’s point of view.” Dean Brown helps us to see the heavenly view of walking by faith and not by sight.  “A person of faith is one who is in agreement with God and His word.  That agreement governs what you think, what you believe, what you say, and what you do.”

Leadership is the ability to influence others by inspiring them to soar far above what their natural minds can dream.  By rebuilding our foundation of faith, you and I will be able to tap into the unseen force of God’s purpose and presence in our lives. It  means, influencing our generation with the power of God and obtaining strategies to achieve the fulfillment of God’s promises.

“Your faith plus God’s faithfulness, equals fulfillment.”  It was Thomas Kempis who once said, “The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid.” Your spiritual foundation must be a solid, word based foundation.

I want to encourage you to keep building your financial foundation, emotional foundation, your domestic foundation, and your self development foundation. But your greatest foundation is your faith foundation. Rebuilding it will forever ensure a lifetime of unparalleled Journey’s with your Heavenly Father guiding your steps for His glory.

From a fresh writer with a passion to help people grow, Dean Brown always says, “Faith makes all things possible, it doesn’t make all things easy.”

Rebuilding your foundation of Faith will help you get here in 2019. Pick up a copy of Dean Brown’s new book, and, Keep standing on the Rock!

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The Pursuit of Happyness

Several years ago Will and  Jaden Smith starred in a movie called, “The Pursuit of Happyness.” In this powerful movie, Smith, plays the real life character Chris Gardener,  a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to make ends meet, Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them.

It’s a compelling bio-graphic tale of a man on a mission to pursue his life’s dream of being successful. One of my favorite movies that captures the essence of the human spirit and determination to soar above expectations.

I believe that the “pursuit of happyness” is an inside job. Many people spend their lives searching for the true meaning of happiness. They’ve concluded that happiness can be found in money, material things, fame, or noteriety.

The Book of Life reminds us of the true key to being happy in Hebrews 13:20 (amp) “Now may the God of peace, [Who is the Author and Giver of peace], strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out his will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight;”

God’s power working in our lives is the fountain of life worth living. My experience has taught me that you and I cannot find value, worth, acceptance, or self-worth, in the fragile relationships around us. The peace that flows from within and that transcends from our Creator, is the bedrock for the satisfaction that envelopes the life surrendered to God.

The Top Ten Intimacy needs that people have: 1. Attention, 2. Acceptance, 3. Appreciation, 4. Support, 5. Encouragement, 6. Affection, 7. Approval, 8. Security, 9. Comfort, and 10. Respect  -Can all be found in the person of Christ. The connection to your source of purpose, meaning, and true peace, was his purpose in dying on the cross.

The pursuit of happyness dead ends in the arms of Jesus. So, you and I can keep standing on the Rock!

 

The Black Wall Street Part 3

As of May 1st, 2018, the movie Black Panther has grossed $1.345 billion dollars to date. It is the world’s ninth highest grossing film of all time. Behind, 1. Avatar 2. Titanic 3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens 4. Jurassic World 5. Avengers: Infinity War 6. The Avengers 7. Furious 7 and 8. Avengers: Age of Ultron.

After the death of his father, T’challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, returns to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as King. When a powerful enemy abruptly appears to challenge his mettle as the new leader. When faced with conflict, the young King must engage the help of his collaborators and release the power of the Black Panther to save Wakanda and the world.

This sounds like a story line from real life. The Power of the Black Wall Street. It is the story of releasing our dormant ability and resurrecting in the hearts and minds of Tulsans, the socio-economic and spiritual forces that once made our city great. A belief and culture, where we were not limited by the mentality of self-afflicted standards, or the repressed anger of what could have been.

The push to free the mind to think outside the regular pop-culture. This revolutionary milestone is not a “re-imagination of something Black Americans have cherished for centuries”, but what they lived out and manifested in a city called Wa-Tulsa.

The Black Wall Street was our prolific moment. A time of fruitful endeavors, black professionalism, and business acrumen, that cast a large vision of the future. If only we could change the gray matter beneath our hair styles, lyrics, and rhythmic dance, to embrace the possible in the possibilities and tap into the power of the Black Wall Street.

The book of life reminds us to be changed by the renewal of our minds, (Romans 12:2), or get back to the business of challenging social chains and labels and stand in the ancestoral power of our greatness. “It’s easy for a good man to be King!”

With over 600 businesses owned and operated in the Greenwood district, our trade and prosperity were self-contained. The next generation of businesses will be marked by advanced technological studies, bio-medical advancements, solar energy, computer analytics, genetic engineering, global gentrification, and urban development. “Tulsa will no longer watch from the shadows. We cannot. We must not.”

I believe the future is bright! So, we cannot allow the success of our predecessors to die, to do so, would be to deny their very existence. We must embrace the future, while remembering the past.  A past, that is still relevant today. I am suggesting that our city should once again, be home to the nation’s wealthiest African Americans per capital and use those resources to impact the world globally. Because “What we bequeath to the future is ourselves, our best self!” Wa-Tulsa Forever!

Keep standing on the Rock!

 

Shaquem The Dream

This weekend we witnessed the 82nd NFL Draft. I have personally been a witness to many of these over the years, being that I have been a fan for many years. But what precipitated this Gladiator event, complete with personalities, speed, and finesse?

It was the 1935 bidding war for a popular player named, Stan Kostka, a running back, who led the Minnesota Gophers to an undefeated season and became the salivation of every NFL team. After holding out for the most lucrative offer, the team from Brooklyn New York signed Stan for $5,000 dollars. The Draft was created to cut down on the creative ways of landing players the following year.

There have been a plethora of players, Hall of famers, MVP’s, skilled, and talented players drafted in the 82 years of the draft. This week, Shaquem “the dream” Griffin, proved to all of us, “It’s never too late to be what you might have become.” The 141st pick by the Seattle Seahawks, helped me rekindle my passion for the game that I enjoy so much.

Shaquem’s 20 reps on the 225 pound bench press and 40 yard dash in 4.38 seconds, the fastest by a Linebacker in 15 years, became the best draft choice of our generation. Our draft choice, who with one hand, taught us that determination, desire, and passion, are not defined by physical makeup but by heart. Chuck Swindoll, said it best, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, 90% of how I respond to it.”

Born just less than two-minutes after his twin brother, Shaquem has proven that not even Amniotic Band Syndrome could impact the heart and soul of a man determined to rise. My favorite pick in the 2018 NFL Draft at number 141, Shaquem Griffin! No protest, no arrest, no domestic violence, no drugs, no drama, just a great kid, with a great heart.

The inspirational story of the year is Shaquem The Dream Griffin. You inspire us all to be better! Keep standing on the Rock!!

 

Coaching Tips 101

In the world of coaching, a one size fits all mentality is not always correct. Every player or student has perhaps a unique way to be coached that is not common to everyone else. Seeing yourself as a resource for other people’s success, is part of the strategical purpose of coaching. It’s helping others to come into their own.

The legendary Bruins coach John Wooden, was known for reciting a seven-point creed for life, he said he received from his  father:

1. Be true to yourself; 2. Make each day your masterpiece; 3. Help others; 4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible; 5. Make friendship a fine art; 6. Build a shelter against rainy days; 7. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

If you work with people, you’ve probably come to realize that not all people are the same. Because their not, you coach to bring out the best in that person as someone unique. Remember this, “Greatness starts somewhere but it doesn’t start great.”

My coaching business is designed to bring the best you to the path of your destiny. The power for life change is not found in the coach, but in the person who desires to take control of their life and to be accountable. This life transforming power comes from the individual who wants a life change, which is an inside job.

The word “coach” derives from the horse drawn coaches that were developed in the town of Kocs during the 15th century. The vehicles were originally used to transport royalty, but in time they also carried valuables, mail, and common passengers.

A Coach remains something or someone, who carries a valued person from where they are to where they want to be.

Here’s my tips: 1. We’re better together; 2. “Nobody is a whole chain, each one is a link.” 3. Nobody is a whole team; 4. Nobody is a whole Orchestra.

To help people win is a great mission in life. Zig Ziglar inspired us to remember, “We can have anything in life we want, if we’ll help enough people get what they want.” My Coach and Mentor, John C. Maxwell, instilled in us all, “We’re people of value, who value people.”

You have within you the power to win!

So, Keep standing on the Rock and winning!

 

Fake It Tell You Make It

Your familiar with the saying, “fake it tell you make it?, you probably are. Many people in life had to push through the torrential rains of discouragement and self-doubt, before they landed feet first into their destiny.

Faking it until you make it means:  Standing there in the right place, at the right time, even if the odds are against you. The famous line from the Hunger Games, where Katniss Everdeen, sets out to win a series of extreme battles that are designed to stop her. “May the odds ever be in your favor!”

I want to encourage you to remember, that the odds are always in your favor, if you won’t give up. Brian Tracy once wrote: “Persistence is the iron quality of success. If you will persist long enough, you will eventually succeed.”

You can fake it until you make it but never stay stuck on fake. Remain genuine, sincere, and passionate about the dream you have in your heart. Leadership is about self-discovery and living out your purpose. Paul writing to the Roman Believers said this: “And we know (With great confidence) that God, who is deeply concerned about us, causes all things to work together, as a plan, for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

I strengthen you to carry out the plan and leave behind everything that is not real and a part of God’s purpose for your life. “It’s hard to be a diamond in a world of rhinestones.”

Keep standing on the Rock!

 

Bass Reeves US Marshal

Being the sort of history buff that I am, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to the first black Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Bass Reeves.  Mr. Reeves’ story is absolutely astounding. During his long career, he was credited with arresting more than 3,000 felons and bringing them to justice. He is also credited with killing 14 outlaws in self-defense.

Born into slavery in July of 1838, Bass Reeves is better known as the original “Lone Ranger.” There were no sidekicks named, Tonto, and his stellar career must be kept in the annals of time and history. Freed by the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865, Reeves settled in Arkansas, had 11 children, and farmed near Van Buren.

But law enforcement was his real passion. There are a plethora of things that can be said about the life of Bass Reeves. I’d like to add my voice to the legacy of a man that many have never read about or considered in the Real West.

Marshal Bass Reeves lives in the hearts of every rugged man that will “boldly go where no man has gone before”, and sometimes, alone. The characteristics of courage, grit, honor, fearlessness, and a bold appreciation for what’s right, helped to define this modern day Apostle of Justice.

And if we must have hero’s, why not consider a freedom fighter and lawman who carried a six shooter and towered over his enemies with a profound intelligence and keen marksmanship. Leadership has been defined as: “The ability to influence others to follow through inspiration.” Marshal Reeves encouraged people to follow through the confidence of his good shooting finger.

The real steering wheel inside of Bass Reeves, was his gargantuan heart that beat inside his chest when at rest, 144 times a minute. The human average is 72. Myth.

When Jim Crow laws prohibited Bass Reeves from continuing as a US Marshal, he joined the Muskogee, Oklahoma Police Department and served faithfully there until his passing.

In 2011, the US 62 bridge, which spans the Arkansas River between Muskogee and Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, was named as the Bass Reeves Memorial Bridge. How fitting for a man who’s life bridged the gap between notorious outlaws and the calm backdrop of the wild, wild west.  “Bad News for Outlaws,” that Bass Reeves was born. The good news for the pop culture generation, is that he will never be forgotten.

Keep standing on the Rock!

For more information, visit the Bass Reeves Western History Conference July 21st and 22nd, 2017 – The Three Rivers Museum 220 Elgin Avenue, Muskogee, Oklahoma

 

The Fourth of July

Independence Day in the United States of America commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of 1776.  The day that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as thirteen newly independent sovereign states, no long under British rule.

The Declaration explained why Congress had voted to declare independence from great Britain.  One of the greatest documents ever written, the essence of it’s meaning is found in line two of the draft:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

This would include the “unalienable” right to freedom.  When the scriptures say that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, that includes poverty, sickness, and death, I think of the purchased price of our redemption.

In America today, we are divided among many racial, political, and social-economic lines. I believe for us to function as a community, we must realize that unity is essential. You wouldn’t find this in Webster’s Dictionary, but UNITY is spelled, “You and I Tie.” What a powerful definition.

The Great Northern Geese give us a powerful example of working together: they fly in the “V” formation because flying in this formation is 70% more efficient than flying alone. The birds honk from behind to encourage the other birds to keep flying and keep up the pace. What a great lesson in working together.

We must continue to work together; to live together; and to stand together; And, to keep honking for our fellowman. The power to encourage others and to embrace what is different, sets us apart as God’s creation.

I dedicate this Independence Day to the families of all of our fallen First Responders, and to the families of Mr. Martin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Gray, Mr. Crutcher, and Mr. Castile. May we continue to remember our Unalienable right to freedom, life, liberty, and happiness. And oh yes, the freedom to take a simple walk down the street.

Happy fourth of July and Keep standing on the Rock!!

 

 

Bringing out the best in people

One of my all-time favorite books is “Learning to Lead” by Fred Smith. The subtitle of the book is, Bringing out the best in people. I believe that explains a great deal about our leadership.

Someone once said “the true test of inspiration is action.” what we say as leaders, shouldn’t just motivate people, but inspire them to action. To make a life change and to ultimately make a difference.

Helping others to achieve success, is part of the formula of ones own personal success. How many people am I willing to help be great? Is a question every leader must ask.

The Apostle Paul understood the process of helping to shape believers into the image of Christ and to inspire them to mature in their devotion to him.

This is what leadership is all about: raising people’s level of maturity. (page 156) “We raise it first by bringing knowledge, then understanding, and eventually wisdom.” (How to apply that knowledge)

As Pastors, Coaches, and Leaders, people should be our primary focus. Not just leading them, but loving them. And we should not want to lead them
More than we love them and keep bringing out the best in them as our Godly assignment.