Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone; empathy seeks to understand them. Sympathy feels bad when you are in a dark deep hole, but empathy crawls down in the hole with you and may eventually help you out. My mother died when she was 54, so whenever I hear of someone losing their mother atContinue reading “The empathetic leader”
Tag Archives: learn
Learning From Failure
I remember the first time I heard the phrase “free to fail.” I was in a Bible study with Bob Warren, former west Kentucky pro basketball player who came to know Jesus in his late 20s and spent the remainder of his life teaching God’s Word. Warren was communicating to believers that we are lovedContinue reading “Learning From Failure”
Do It Now
I worked in sales when I was in my 20s, and the vice resident of our company bought me a little book to help me in professional development. The title of the book says it all, “Do It Now.” The book addressed a topic that impacts every leader: procrastination. Leaders procrastinate for a variety ofContinue reading “Do It Now”
Working “On” It, Not Just “At” It
I can remember stores and businesses that served our community and nearby town where I grew up that are no longer in existence today. There are many reasons why these businesses sadly did not make it. In some cases, they may have spent so much time working “at” their business that they forgot to workContinue reading “Working “On” It, Not Just “At” It”
5 Ways to Get Helpful Feedback
At a small leadership gathering, I heard Ed Stetzer tell of reaching a milestone birthday and requesting feedback from a few close friends. One thing he discovered was that his friends did not think he was a very good listener. Shocked by this revelation, he told his wife what they said. She looked at himContinue reading “5 Ways to Get Helpful Feedback”
New Year, New Opportunities
I’ve always loved “new” things. Whether it’s a project, idea, calendar or book, starting something new stirs up energy and creativity within me. January 2023 can be this “new” start we all need. Lots of folks will make resolutions and set goals, while others will move into it like it’s nothing more than the nextContinue reading “New Year, New Opportunities”
Finding Hope in Depression
Years ago, I found myself in a tunnel of depression. I call it a tunnel because I came into it suddenly, but walked through it for a long time—several months in fact—before seeing signs of light on the other end. There were several factors that likely contributed to me being in a depressed stateContinue reading “Finding Hope in Depression”
Is God Calling You?
Dr. Tim Searcy, former KBC president and Kentucky Baptist pastor, often tells the story of his call into the Christian ministry. He was 12 years old, attending the church where his father was the pastor. The church had scheduled a revival and one of the older deacons did some research on the last timeContinue reading “Is God Calling You?”
Ministry Runs at the Speed of Trust
“Ministry runs at the speed of trust.” I am not sure where I heard the statement or if I coined it myself. Either way, I know it is true. When trust is diminished in a church, association or a convention of churches, then ministry is greatly hindered. But when trust abounds, much good gospel workContinue reading “Ministry Runs at the Speed of Trust”
Give Thanks Anyway?
One verse changed my perspective of hard times: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I came across these words during a particularly challenging time in my life, and they brought great comfort. I was hearing God say through His word that itContinue reading “Give Thanks Anyway?”
Dr. Todd Gray 