For Such a Time As This

Queen Esther is one of my heroes of faith. Her example proves my point about being motive-driven. I love her story. She risked death by her boldness as she spoke out for her people Israel. I often quote from her story when I, or my friends, are having to make some really tough life decisions like who we are aligning ourselves with, who we are helping and serving, and making sure we are doing and saying the right things in particular life-altering situations. I want my daily decisions to be royalty-conscious, like Esther: “I may have come to a royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14.

What Kind of Influencer Are You?

A few days ago my daughter told me about an unfortunate incident at the tennis courts in their community. A young man was "hogging" one of the courts and refused to allow other residents in the area to play. Typically, there is a one-hour game play, and when others are waiting for the court, the players let others take their place after an hour. Not in the case of this young man. He was adamant that he didn't have to quit, and his nasty attitude was seen by many people wanting to play. Before long, the father of that young man showed up and, likewise, his attitude was even more offensive than the son's. Obviously, the young man was influenced by his disagreeable father. Like father -- like son.

Let's think about what kind of an INFLUENCER we are to those around us. Do we influence others to be better, act better and live better lives by the way they see us living ours?

Here's a way we can measure: We go throughout our day and people get to know us and they see how we treat those around us....from our children, to our spouse, to our co-workers, to the cashier at a store -- we're being watched in how we act (and react) in situations of calm, as well as those of stress. Do we act entitled or are we kind, generous and compassionate, whether we focus on THEM and give them our undivided attention (put down those cell phones!), or not. And also....if we're meeting someone for a lunch or appointment, are we showing up on time? Do we respect the time of others? All of that life example matters.....and it speaks volumes.
.
Abraham Lincoln noted that "actions speak louder than words." Even his words, among the most eloquent in political history, would not have been effective if his life had contradicted his words. We don't have to be high profile, in the spotlight, or in a noteworthy position, but we do have to live in such a way that our life illustrates our faith. And our faith is best spoken by our actions.

Excellence is a biblical imperative: "And you, yourself, must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (Titus 2:7)

Little and big eyes are watching us daily. Our lives represent a BOOK of manners, courtesy, honor, integrity and character that others need to see and become. What does your book look like?

What Makes a Champion?

I guess it was my 13-year old grandson’s love for baseball, that drew me into watching the Little League World Series on TV a few weeks ago. The team from Lufkin, TX won the National games and went on to the World Series.

All teams, at that level, were great, but I was particularly impressed at the excellence and respect displayed by the Tokyo, Japan team. In the finals, they beat Lufkin 12-2. It was the 4th year for the Tokyo team to win the World Series. Here was what set them apart from the U.S. teams. They practice more than any other team -- 11 months out of the year. They play only one sport – baseball. On game day, they practice 4 hours before the game. As reported, “They have the marathon versus sprint mindset. Everyone else HOPES and DREAMS to get to the World Series. The Japanese kids EXPECT to get there." When the Japanese coach was asked if his kids were genius, he replied “No – they and their families just single-heartedly give everything they’ve got to get here.” I watched with amazement as they had such great respect for the umpires, opponents, elders and when they came onto the field, they stood in a line and bowed to the American fans. There was so much attention to detail, even after the win. They ran to stand in line, left to right, from the shortest player to the tallest. They bowed to the American team and fans. You could tell they had rehearsed the win, because they knew exactly what to do when they won.

I don’t profess to know it all about the Tokyo players or their game, but I must have been impressed enough to take notes about what I saw to share with you. An attitude of “expecting” to win so much so that they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure it happens. That was a lesson for me, for sure – getting my "expector" up on whatever I’m attempting to conquer and win at. But, more than their excellent game play, I was taken with their team spirit, their manners and respect. I’ll admit it gave me pause to think how wonderful it would be to see such behavior by our U.S. teams that extends to their homes and lives, In fact I started thinking how we could ALL step it up in respect with each other.

I remember being “coached” by my parents to say “please” and “thank you”, “yes, sir” and yes, m’am” and I think it stuck, because, unconsciously, I’ll say those words even at my ripe age today. We are the best role models for our children. When they see us respectful and honorable, they'll pick up on it.
When they see us slamming” and “degrading” others, it carries over to our children and their respect for others deteriorates. By our modelling respect, our our children gain the confidence that comes from knowing the right thing to do. That respect for others isn’t just the right way to act, but respect and good manners will set our children up for a lifetime of success with others.

Maybe I'm "old school", but I admire seeing a child, when introduced to someone, reach out his/her hand and say, “It’s nice to meet you!” I appreciate it when a man, woman or child, opens the door for me. It wasn't that long ago that men respected a woman enough to get up from the table and pull out her chair for her. If a woman was standing on a bus or event, a man or even a boy would give her their seat. I realize we live in a much more casual society today than when I was growing up, but, it seems we need to revive the spirit of respect, honor, dignity and appreciation for our fellow man and woman.

I think those Japanese kids had learned the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That means, for all of us, to treat others as we would like to be treated, to be a good sport, to say "please and thank you", to ask before taking, to not talk with food in our mouths, to not take bites that make us look like we’re stashing away for the winter, to not make fun of others, to be compassionate, helpful, and when we say “sorry”, we really, really mean it. In no way am I suggesting that we "Bring back the good old days!" I love these days, but I think it's time to step up our "game" in being the best WE that we can possibly be.

THE END of this Nana’s “The Making of a Champ” post, but I hope and pray it’s the beginning of a “Once upon a time” a champion was created. That champion isn't only our children -- it's the making of a champion in you and me!

Bless Your Heart

I’m a Southern girl -- born and raised by a Southern girl. My expression of "Southern girl" isn't exclusive to Southern girls. I'm quite sure what I learned from my Mama, is still impressive and important for all of us girls -- Southern or not. Manners matter and chivalry and respect shouldn't be dead. I love it when a man offers to put my carry on suitcase in the upper bin of the airplane for me or gives up his seat so I can sit down (or a very pregnant woman to sit down) or when one of my grandsons (or any other man) opens the car door for me. In return, those guys will know this sweet, polite Southern belle that her momma raised her to be. You’ll for sure hear me say “Bless your heart, Darlin'! Keeping my word, and you keeping your word is key and I really pay attention to honesty and integrity…..and especially kindness. I think if I had to sum it all up in one word…..it would be KINDNESS. Kindness goes a long way in showing the caliber of GENTLE-man that you are.

I’m sure just about everyone gets all kinds of "Friend Requests" on social media. I sure do and I really do want to welcome anyone to be my FB “friend”, because I want them to be encouraged by my positive posts that, hopefully, their day will be brighter and off to a better start when they read what I believe God directed me to post. But I have some fail-proof ways to know if those asking hold up to my measure of rule (The Southern Girl’s Rule). Before I “Accept” them as my friend, I’ll check their language and lifestyle and, above all, I’ll check their posts to see if they reflect kindness.

Yesterday, I received a Friend Request and went to the individual’s FB page and saw several hate-filled and hurtful comments. I am shocked at how mean people can be. I mean really shocked. Words so heartbreaking, they can bring tears to your eyes. I get that name-calling and blaming and judging abound from the sense of security they feel behind their computer screens and phones.

Where is the kindness? Where is the compassion? The truth is we all have stuff to deal with. We all have challenges and struggles. We all make mistakes. The fact is, we are all in the same boat. We are all on a journey that will take us through good times as well as loss and difficulties. But, where is the kindness? Where is the compassion? The truth is we all have stuff to deal with. We all have challenges and struggles. We all make mistakes. The fact is, we are all in the same boat. We are all on a journey that will take us through good times as well as loss and difficulties.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
There’s that word again: kindness. Someone may have just lost their job and they don’t know how they will pay the rent. Someone’s loved one may have just been diagnosed with cancer. Someone may have just lost a child. We don’t know. So just be kind. Be compassionate. We should be freely sharing kind words, love, and encouragement, being quick to uplift and encourage, rather than judge.

I sincerely want to be the person who encourages. I want to be acutely aware of the needs of others. I know what it is to witness so many levels of suffering that I didn’t know or even relate to before I walked alongside my sweetheart in his battle against cancer, and eventually his graduation to heaven. As I reflect back, I am reminded of kind words spoken to me and how God used them as healing ointment for my soul. I consistently clung to God for strength, but it was the encouraging words, the delicious home-cooked meals, the calls, the support and offers to help us, was like a shelter in the midst of our raging storm. Today, seven years later, those kind words still comfort me and bring me solace.

I am forever grateful for those who have spoken grace and encouragement into me. My mind is flooded with examples as I am sure you can reflect on encounters in your own life when a kind word ministered more deeply than the speaker could have ever imagined. Those kind words from others have caused me to realize that every day I have the opportunity to let kindness pour out from me. So, I end this post with my favorite Southern belle words “Bless your heart, Darlin'!”