Ever since I chose my new year's resolution... or more aptly as it feels... it chose me... I have been attuned to the word 'joy'. When I uttered those words... " my resolution is... I choose joy"... My mind like the tide of water in a creek rounding a boulder has been flowing, swirling, and spinning off tide pools of their own.
What is joy?
How does the pursuit of joy affect other dimensions of a Spirit led life?
There are other questions that indeed deserve a blog of all their own, but lately I have been faced by circumstance after circumstance in the lives of those I love and my own of joy burglaries. Friends robbed of their joy. They and myself challenged to pursue joy when it is so easy to feel slighted, targeted, offended, and often times resentful. We may claim these as fruits of justice. That what has happened in our lives or someone else's life isn't right.... The sentiment may follow... "We DESERVE... "
Whether in personal life or professional life, I see instances where the joy burglar has left his sneaky fingerprints. The evidence undoubtedly points to his involvement. The name of this joy burglar? He is one of a bandit of many, but I think he may be the ring leader. His name is Ego.
Let me be the first to raise my hand and admit.... I have been burglarized by the Ego Bandit. Heck,in the past I've just opened the door and let him right in, if we're being honest.
I catch the thought that opens the door and it could sound anything like this...
... If only they knew such and such, they would act differently
... Why am I always the one....
... I must defend such and such from so and so, because such and such way that I know is best...
In so many ways it can sounds harmless or even like a good plight to fight, but when it comes down to it I really think my ego stands to be the victim, and it causes me to act in ways that land in the category of self preservation.
The die of humility must be cast. I think its why so many of us find comfort in the old hymn It is Well with my Soul. When do we come to a point where it's the end of our will? How do we differentiate contentment and humility from just losing our invested interest and disengaging? Its a bigger battle... its a harder battle than the one that wages for my Ego. So often I fall easily into the trap of defending my ego. Its a spirited fight and something that is just so easy to engage. Putting one's ego in check, even if "rightfully so" is a much more strategic and challenging war. Its more than about the battle, its a longer term impact, and thus my use of the word "war". At the reality of it, I have to ask, do I want to fight in the here and now and, or am I willing to defend my joy from being stolen by strategically checking my spirit, embracing humility, seeking and giving grace.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Friday, January 1, 2016
A Resolution | The Journey to Joy
Several months ago my friends and family joined with me and my husband on a fun little endeavor... the naming of our second child. What began as an open call for suggestions took on a life of its own and played out as a four region bracket that should go down in baby naming madness history. Campaigning, sleepless nights, and facebook stalking were all discussed side effects from family and friends who really made the whole experience really fun and quite the ... experience.
What it taught me is that life is more fun when people can join in on the journey.
A couple of days ago I caught GMA and one segment discussed top New Year's resolutions and how to keep them. The best way people could keep them were by making their decisions public.
Badda bing badda boom.... here we are.
The last five years or so I've had the unique experience where a word comes to me. It's not a word I usually use in my every day vernacular, or even particularly a word that is part of my constitution. If anything, its just the opposite, and I'm challenged by it. I can talk more about those experiences at some other time, but all that is to say that in the last month the password is JOY. After the last few years of words like Abiding or Grace, its like rain on a hot Texas day, but my experiences with even these other words cause me to know joy won't likely come in an outright rainbow. Its likely going to be something learned through perseverance of some kind. I like to think I'm finally picking up a little on what God's been laying down after a relationship all these years.
While my resolution comes in the form of a word, I decided I'd phrase it to make it more "resolutiony"... I choose joy.
So here's to the start, here's to the unknown, here's to the year ahead. Here's to the journey to joy.
What it taught me is that life is more fun when people can join in on the journey.
A couple of days ago I caught GMA and one segment discussed top New Year's resolutions and how to keep them. The best way people could keep them were by making their decisions public.
Badda bing badda boom.... here we are.
The last five years or so I've had the unique experience where a word comes to me. It's not a word I usually use in my every day vernacular, or even particularly a word that is part of my constitution. If anything, its just the opposite, and I'm challenged by it. I can talk more about those experiences at some other time, but all that is to say that in the last month the password is JOY. After the last few years of words like Abiding or Grace, its like rain on a hot Texas day, but my experiences with even these other words cause me to know joy won't likely come in an outright rainbow. Its likely going to be something learned through perseverance of some kind. I like to think I'm finally picking up a little on what God's been laying down after a relationship all these years.
While my resolution comes in the form of a word, I decided I'd phrase it to make it more "resolutiony"... I choose joy.
So here's to the start, here's to the unknown, here's to the year ahead. Here's to the journey to joy.
Friday, May 29, 2015
My Hobby
Not long ago, I was asked a question about my hobbies. I went through mentally what were things I had done in the past. It was a reach into the past before I was able to come up with what seemed an acceptable answer, however I wasn't satisfied. Was it just that I'm a mom with a young one that I don't invest in hobbies anymore? Do I waste my time vegging out to the boob tube, rather than investing in something I really like? Or perhaps its that my interests for hiking and the great outdoors aren't just something readily accessible... Or MAYBE I'M BORING! Oh goodness, what if I'm boring? Maybe I've just given up?
I'm laughing at myself now ...
I am pressing myself and trying to explore new things in Hobbyland. I recently purchased a pre-owned table and have engaged in the undertaking of refinishing it and recovering all the seats. I've learned through the process, that I can do it, I'm hoping I can get the job done, but this isn't necessarily my next hobby.
I was reading a little yesterday. It's a book written by the creator of the Dilbert cartoon. He talked about how when he was young there were certain activities he would engage in. One such activity was riding an old motorcycle. There were many times he ended up laying the bike down, or flying off of it in a field that he came to the conclusion, the risk just wasn't worth it.
Another activity was drawing cartoons. He'd find himself drawing all the time... in the dirt, in the snow, in class. He'd oftentimes take great risk in doodles on the teacher or bullies that were bigger than him just to have the chance to draw and make some of his fellow classmates laugh. That;s when it hit him that there has to be something to what you invest your time and interest into and the associated risk that you are willing to take.
This has helped me frame my hobbies in a whole new light.
I recently watched a clip online featuring my friend, Mike. There is a full clip of his presentation, but for a taste, here's the 3 minute link.
It was only a matter of time before my mind hit what I like to call "the playground". Mike talks about uncharted territory. He shares about being solutions focused and the ability to spot patterns. I love uncharted territory and live to breathe that crisp clean air. As Mike was able to state it, I saw a lot of similarities in myself, but if anything in collaboration and connectivity for a solution. There have been times when I saw the benefit for the greater community to launch an endeavor for a solution, and it just comes to me so easy. And risk? What risk? Maybe some of that was undertaken in my younger days and perhaps I was a bit naive to put myself out there like that in public, politically, or never asking what failure could look like. However, this is simply just a rush. It's too much fun to be had to think we can invest our time and labor and the result could be... for example- the development of young professionals in feeding a community's leadership pipeline, or perhaps in charting a new territory, collaboratively, to meet the transportation needs of a county in ways that hadn't been tried before.
I will be the first to admit, the things I do or undertake, the full idea is never owned just by me. That's part of my hobby... I love gathering the players, coming up with something greater than I ever could come up with alone, empowering others to meet their potential while making relentless progress towards whatever problem we are tackling. But the reality is...my hobby isn't just problem solving...it isn't to put my name to some solution... My hobby, as it turns out, is the journey.
I'm laughing at myself now ...
I am pressing myself and trying to explore new things in Hobbyland. I recently purchased a pre-owned table and have engaged in the undertaking of refinishing it and recovering all the seats. I've learned through the process, that I can do it, I'm hoping I can get the job done, but this isn't necessarily my next hobby.
I was reading a little yesterday. It's a book written by the creator of the Dilbert cartoon. He talked about how when he was young there were certain activities he would engage in. One such activity was riding an old motorcycle. There were many times he ended up laying the bike down, or flying off of it in a field that he came to the conclusion, the risk just wasn't worth it.
Another activity was drawing cartoons. He'd find himself drawing all the time... in the dirt, in the snow, in class. He'd oftentimes take great risk in doodles on the teacher or bullies that were bigger than him just to have the chance to draw and make some of his fellow classmates laugh. That;s when it hit him that there has to be something to what you invest your time and interest into and the associated risk that you are willing to take.
This has helped me frame my hobbies in a whole new light.
I recently watched a clip online featuring my friend, Mike. There is a full clip of his presentation, but for a taste, here's the 3 minute link.
It was only a matter of time before my mind hit what I like to call "the playground". Mike talks about uncharted territory. He shares about being solutions focused and the ability to spot patterns. I love uncharted territory and live to breathe that crisp clean air. As Mike was able to state it, I saw a lot of similarities in myself, but if anything in collaboration and connectivity for a solution. There have been times when I saw the benefit for the greater community to launch an endeavor for a solution, and it just comes to me so easy. And risk? What risk? Maybe some of that was undertaken in my younger days and perhaps I was a bit naive to put myself out there like that in public, politically, or never asking what failure could look like. However, this is simply just a rush. It's too much fun to be had to think we can invest our time and labor and the result could be... for example- the development of young professionals in feeding a community's leadership pipeline, or perhaps in charting a new territory, collaboratively, to meet the transportation needs of a county in ways that hadn't been tried before.
I will be the first to admit, the things I do or undertake, the full idea is never owned just by me. That's part of my hobby... I love gathering the players, coming up with something greater than I ever could come up with alone, empowering others to meet their potential while making relentless progress towards whatever problem we are tackling. But the reality is...my hobby isn't just problem solving...it isn't to put my name to some solution... My hobby, as it turns out, is the journey.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
2015 Challenge
This past weekend I had the honor and privilege of hosting seven young ladies in my home for something my church puts on called Disciple Now. Each of these wonderful 7th graders came with such sweet, different, funny, and great dispositions. Though out the weekend, I got to follow these young ladies on their own journey, attending with them different services and engaging them in a local service project. We had times for them to share what's going on in their world and its amazing to me, in what should be such a simple age, how complex life is already for these sweet girls. Some reported dealing with bullying, others said some of their peers are already engaging in alcohol, some are standing for their faith in situations where they are getting called out, and another sweet girl lost her mom to complications from cancer this last year.
All weekend I looked for opportunities to put an arm around them- to encourage them, and let them know how happy I was to have them for the weekend. I'm hopeful to continue my relationship with the girls and have the joy of watching them become young ladies, and if possible provide them with encouragement.
The weekend's speaker's name is Austin and he's from the Denton area. I'm so thrilled I was able to go with the girls twice to hear him speak. His stories of passionately living up to the call Jesus has for his life was challenging to say the least. I've really been thinking about the stories he shared about people passionately loving other people and sharing the gospel in parts of the world where they suffer serious consequences for doing so.
I'm so thankful to live in a community that is embracing, but how do I push the envelope? How do I not get comfortable?
In the last two weeks a man committed suicide in his car by parking on the rail road tracks less than a quarter of a mile from my home and on a near by street a three-year-old boy was killed by his mom's 20 year old boyfriend.
My heart is grieved.
These are my neighbors.
I'm not sure what the future holds, but I have been challenged not just to love my community through involvement in the local chamber or in sitting in positions that allow me to speak into the future of the community. These hands, these feet are called to love like Christ. I have to personally love people and at the same time look at the systems of a community that can breathe life into the lives and situations of my neighbors, no matter if they are .5 a mile or 10 miles from me. I also see the importance of empowering others, whether that be through ASCEND, my engagement at church, or hosting a special dinner in a friend's honor. What if we truly love? What if we authentically encourage? Don't we grow into a stronger and more loving community?
That is my hope for 2015. For my friends, for those I come into contact with in the community, and for these precious 7th grade girls. I hope that I can love them all well, and that in the end, we will be there for the child who is bullied, the man who has lost his hope, to encourage the 20-year-old with patience and love, and to support those who have lost.
All weekend I looked for opportunities to put an arm around them- to encourage them, and let them know how happy I was to have them for the weekend. I'm hopeful to continue my relationship with the girls and have the joy of watching them become young ladies, and if possible provide them with encouragement.
The weekend's speaker's name is Austin and he's from the Denton area. I'm so thrilled I was able to go with the girls twice to hear him speak. His stories of passionately living up to the call Jesus has for his life was challenging to say the least. I've really been thinking about the stories he shared about people passionately loving other people and sharing the gospel in parts of the world where they suffer serious consequences for doing so.
I'm so thankful to live in a community that is embracing, but how do I push the envelope? How do I not get comfortable?
In the last two weeks a man committed suicide in his car by parking on the rail road tracks less than a quarter of a mile from my home and on a near by street a three-year-old boy was killed by his mom's 20 year old boyfriend.
My heart is grieved.
These are my neighbors.
I'm not sure what the future holds, but I have been challenged not just to love my community through involvement in the local chamber or in sitting in positions that allow me to speak into the future of the community. These hands, these feet are called to love like Christ. I have to personally love people and at the same time look at the systems of a community that can breathe life into the lives and situations of my neighbors, no matter if they are .5 a mile or 10 miles from me. I also see the importance of empowering others, whether that be through ASCEND, my engagement at church, or hosting a special dinner in a friend's honor. What if we truly love? What if we authentically encourage? Don't we grow into a stronger and more loving community?
That is my hope for 2015. For my friends, for those I come into contact with in the community, and for these precious 7th grade girls. I hope that I can love them all well, and that in the end, we will be there for the child who is bullied, the man who has lost his hope, to encourage the 20-year-old with patience and love, and to support those who have lost.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Diagnosed
I have about 15 minutes to get out what's been swirling in my head, so I apologize if this isn't my most thoughtful or well written post. As a working mom, I find that you have to just seize the moments you've got.
Matt and I got back from Banff a couple weeks ago. It was an incredible trip I had been wanting to take for years. We got to see and do so much in the short amount of time that we were there. What is always apparent to me as we go on these hikes annually is how nature does draw me closer to God.
This trip seemed a bit steeped in worry by a few of the people I was with. Yet time and time again I saw the soft whispers of God's timing and care for us in the everyday. It happened enough times to catch my attention and realize there was so much more than coincidence that I began to sink down into this understanding and peace that in a way that many people say que sera sera, I was ready to hand the next stage, the next adventure over to God and see what he was going to do next.
Monday is giving me the opportunity to put this new found freedom into practice in the everyday. Matt and I several months ago began working with a financial planner, and included the need for life insurance. As Matt received the standard pee in the cup test, the results came back that he failed. We were assured this happened on a semi regular basis and were moved to the two day test, which surprised us a bit when Matt failed again. We again were told this wasn't uncommon and we'd just need to go into a doctor to get a written excuse note for why things seemed a little off.
Course my sweet husband isn't exactly what I'd call procactive, so it wasn't until he had strep throat and began seeing blood in his urine that he scheduled that visit. At that visit, I armed with the results from his previous tests, the doctors saw him and determined through their own tests that this may be more than a bad sore throat. Matt was put on antibiotics but given a slew of symptoms to watch for, and if exhibited, would need to go to the ER.
We scheduled a visit with a kidney specialist. After their first visit, she put Matt through a series of blood work and imaging of his kidneys, and a follow up visit was scheduled.
Monday we had that follow up visit and Matt was casually given the diagnosis of IGA Nephropathy. A common, unfortunately uncurable, kidney disease. She tried making us feel better that most people are able to live decent lives and only a few people go on to a more serious stage. Later in her conversation she clarified that only a few was actually one-third. (A few more than a few in my books). Dr. Google went on to confirm that about 1 in 4 within 20-25 years need a kidney transplant, which led to my innappropriate joking that Matt and I better get started on having more kids so we'd have some viable options for a donor.
So here we are... Thursday, and I'm being given time and time again to recognize the moments in life where God whispers. And the funny thing is, once I'm listening for the whispers, His presence is made known in such clarity. Time and again, things that only God and I share come through in a word someone says, some encouragement given, many times unrelated to one another or from others who don't know our full story yet.
Well, I've got two minutes in my 15 to crank this out, so I'll leave with this. I'm challenged today to pause. I pray. I recite the Lord's prayer in song form that we've done at church and am challenged so much by the words - Your kingdom, come quickly. Your will be done the same, on earth as it is in heaven. Let Heaven come to earth. To fully relinquish my will, my worry, and rest in the arms of God. To pray that as in Heaven, His will be done here, for my family, for those I love. May it be.
Matt and I got back from Banff a couple weeks ago. It was an incredible trip I had been wanting to take for years. We got to see and do so much in the short amount of time that we were there. What is always apparent to me as we go on these hikes annually is how nature does draw me closer to God.
This trip seemed a bit steeped in worry by a few of the people I was with. Yet time and time again I saw the soft whispers of God's timing and care for us in the everyday. It happened enough times to catch my attention and realize there was so much more than coincidence that I began to sink down into this understanding and peace that in a way that many people say que sera sera, I was ready to hand the next stage, the next adventure over to God and see what he was going to do next.
Monday is giving me the opportunity to put this new found freedom into practice in the everyday. Matt and I several months ago began working with a financial planner, and included the need for life insurance. As Matt received the standard pee in the cup test, the results came back that he failed. We were assured this happened on a semi regular basis and were moved to the two day test, which surprised us a bit when Matt failed again. We again were told this wasn't uncommon and we'd just need to go into a doctor to get a written excuse note for why things seemed a little off.
Course my sweet husband isn't exactly what I'd call procactive, so it wasn't until he had strep throat and began seeing blood in his urine that he scheduled that visit. At that visit, I armed with the results from his previous tests, the doctors saw him and determined through their own tests that this may be more than a bad sore throat. Matt was put on antibiotics but given a slew of symptoms to watch for, and if exhibited, would need to go to the ER.
We scheduled a visit with a kidney specialist. After their first visit, she put Matt through a series of blood work and imaging of his kidneys, and a follow up visit was scheduled.
Monday we had that follow up visit and Matt was casually given the diagnosis of IGA Nephropathy. A common, unfortunately uncurable, kidney disease. She tried making us feel better that most people are able to live decent lives and only a few people go on to a more serious stage. Later in her conversation she clarified that only a few was actually one-third. (A few more than a few in my books). Dr. Google went on to confirm that about 1 in 4 within 20-25 years need a kidney transplant, which led to my innappropriate joking that Matt and I better get started on having more kids so we'd have some viable options for a donor.
So here we are... Thursday, and I'm being given time and time again to recognize the moments in life where God whispers. And the funny thing is, once I'm listening for the whispers, His presence is made known in such clarity. Time and again, things that only God and I share come through in a word someone says, some encouragement given, many times unrelated to one another or from others who don't know our full story yet.
Well, I've got two minutes in my 15 to crank this out, so I'll leave with this. I'm challenged today to pause. I pray. I recite the Lord's prayer in song form that we've done at church and am challenged so much by the words - Your kingdom, come quickly. Your will be done the same, on earth as it is in heaven. Let Heaven come to earth. To fully relinquish my will, my worry, and rest in the arms of God. To pray that as in Heaven, His will be done here, for my family, for those I love. May it be.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
In the Making
Today I had a meeting 4 or more years in the making. And I note how if had I sought out to create this meeting four years ago, it would not have been what it was specifically today.
In my own past, I've walked down the path of doctors and illness with family members. When your loved one's life and quality of life swing in the balance, there seems to be a black hole that can suck all your attention, energy, and stamina into it's focus. It takes so much of our own focus, prayer and a sense of community to help keep us from traveling to conclusions about the future.
Today, conversation flowed over coffee, as I reached out to three of my friends. I met each of them in a special way over the last four years, and God has allowed our paths to cross, I feel, very purposefully. Through each of their own journeys, I am seeing a common strand- strong women who are given a challenge. Rather that wallow in self-pity over very serious and some life-threatening diagnoses, they are rising to the top of their game. Not only are they engaging in their respective areas of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or Friedrich's Ataxia, but they are reaching out through advocacy to empower the greater community with knowledge and support.
Four years ago, the stories of the three women I brought together today did not carry, for lack of a better term, the richness that they did this morning. In the last 4 years, we all have had our own mountains and valleys to climb, and although the experiences were shared in an hour and a half's conversation, one could not synthetically create the passion or connection these women share.
Its a constant reminder that the richest experiences in my life, are not the ones I could foresee. They are not the ones I could plan out. Even given the partial picture I can see of what was accomplished this morning, I could not have orchestrated myself, my own experiences or perspective nor those brought to the table by my counterparts.
This morning's conversation reminded me also what it means to truly be. To quit talking through the politics or hypotheticals of community building. I want to partake in this morning's kinds of earth moving dialogues. To bring people together who will be better for having known one another. To build stronger and faster from eachother's stories to help more people. To participate in this kind of "community building" I feel something substantial has been set in motion. I hope to live each day like this- feeling that I am truly completing the work the Lord has laid out for me. I am reminded that my future is in the making, entrusted to God for the valleys and mountains I must go through to have the most fully lived experience. By investing fully in this granted moment, I live a fulfilled life.
In my own past, I've walked down the path of doctors and illness with family members. When your loved one's life and quality of life swing in the balance, there seems to be a black hole that can suck all your attention, energy, and stamina into it's focus. It takes so much of our own focus, prayer and a sense of community to help keep us from traveling to conclusions about the future.
Today, conversation flowed over coffee, as I reached out to three of my friends. I met each of them in a special way over the last four years, and God has allowed our paths to cross, I feel, very purposefully. Through each of their own journeys, I am seeing a common strand- strong women who are given a challenge. Rather that wallow in self-pity over very serious and some life-threatening diagnoses, they are rising to the top of their game. Not only are they engaging in their respective areas of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or Friedrich's Ataxia, but they are reaching out through advocacy to empower the greater community with knowledge and support.
Four years ago, the stories of the three women I brought together today did not carry, for lack of a better term, the richness that they did this morning. In the last 4 years, we all have had our own mountains and valleys to climb, and although the experiences were shared in an hour and a half's conversation, one could not synthetically create the passion or connection these women share.
Its a constant reminder that the richest experiences in my life, are not the ones I could foresee. They are not the ones I could plan out. Even given the partial picture I can see of what was accomplished this morning, I could not have orchestrated myself, my own experiences or perspective nor those brought to the table by my counterparts.
This morning's conversation reminded me also what it means to truly be. To quit talking through the politics or hypotheticals of community building. I want to partake in this morning's kinds of earth moving dialogues. To bring people together who will be better for having known one another. To build stronger and faster from eachother's stories to help more people. To participate in this kind of "community building" I feel something substantial has been set in motion. I hope to live each day like this- feeling that I am truly completing the work the Lord has laid out for me. I am reminded that my future is in the making, entrusted to God for the valleys and mountains I must go through to have the most fully lived experience. By investing fully in this granted moment, I live a fulfilled life.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
April showers, brings what for May?
April has been a little of an anomaly and really great at providing opportunities and challenges. I was the guest speaker to a great group of students in Texas Lutheran University's Intro. to Social Entrepreneurship. This was a great challenge and reminded me of when Rebecca Powers came and spoke to my own leadership class not too many years ago. I remembered how her personal testimony became so powerful to our class, so I led off with my own story and then shared about Children At Heart. The students asked engaging questions for most of the hour and 45 minutes that we had together, and I appreciate the graciousness of the professor who I think is pretty cool- she has a law practice focused on nonprofits- cool right?
I also had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker for the Professional Women of Williamson County's luncheon. It was their year-ending culmination luncheon in which this year they presented over $10,000 in scholarships. It might have been the shortest keynote ever given- I was scheduled only 10 minutes to speak, as they wanted to highlight each of the young women also receiving scholarships. I focused my time on talking about how we each in every word and deed are writing our own stories. These stories will serve as reference points for some, and for Wesley, and maybe others, the story serves as his identity and heritage. I encouraged each person in the room to live their own best story. After hearing a little of each of the young women's bios I was so impressed and thrilled to have shared a common thread with them, as a former recipient. If this is what home grown in our community means, then I know we are doing something right.
I also may have been pursued for a leadership position for another nonprofit in our community, and the prospect was really an educating experience. I was able to ask myself questions I haven't asked in a while. Questions that also push norms of what can it mean to be an engaged mom and invested in your career...
Whats funny is when you consider career advancement as a newish mom is something I didn't really expect. What I mean is the liberty in which acquaintances feel the freedom to remind you that motherhood should come first, or even some who would suggest now as an ok time to "slack", because you'll not get this time back and no one would notice (I WOULD). I won't argue with that. I make a very concerted effort that between the time I have from getting home until my son goes to sleep- he has 100% of my attention. I just think what is weird is that people feel pretty free to tell me this stuff, but I'm pretty sure no one has ever approached my husband to remind him how fleeting childhood is. It's not a real complaint... just weird stuff people do.
And that's April... looking forward to seeing what May brings!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Innovation in Philanthropy
This morning was the local Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. We had a guest presenter come in and speak on the topics of legislative and educational affairs that affect the district and region. Specifically at the tail end of the summary, weight was given to children in poverty and graduation rates. The message was to continue making strides in closing the gap for college preparedness, which opened the floor for conversation about alternative tracks and trade industries.
What I thought was interesting was the baseline for success. That the only measure was contingent upon moving the needle in one specific area of percentage of attainment. I made a few comments to point out that in the suburbs of the Austin area, the poor population has grown by 162%. How over the last 20 years, those considered as "poor" were centralized in Austin, and the population has expanded over much of the Austin MSA. Specifically, and what I didn't have in front of me, was that the rate for children in poverty has grown 142% in the region. So my question becomes, in the case where the bottom drops out from under you for what used to be considered "baseline" you have to account for that in what success truly looks like.
What was increasingly interesting was this guest presenter's response to my questions- he points to the social sector and accountability in reporting metrics.
(Enter the zone of ambiguity).
So to clarify, I'm asking who is this "external agent" who will drive consistency in effort for nonprofit collaborations (in this case specifically speaking the example was in the schools). He commented that he had once seen a United Way attempt to play that role, but something happened and scared them off of driving forward.
I can see why. The United Way, while maintaining the label of funder, often times is still considered familial in the world of nonprofits. Whoever wants their brother or sister setting the tone for house rules?
So I pushed the guest speaker, and he said what I already knew- so I'll put it here succinctly- the funders have to drive innovation.
I currently work for a foundation. We're a complex model if there ever was one, building in a family of agencies and more political sensitivities to carefully navigate in honoring the intent of each board that resides in our nonprofit corporate structure.
Yesterday, I was able to work through some of our own strategic planning processes to encourage our board to look at the allocation of funding they currently provide and consider usage. The current practice is largely general operations. Working in the nonprofit sector, and knowing the true value of the funded general operation dollar, what I did next may seem to some as if I'm shooting myself in the foot, but I encouraged our board to look at best practice, be willing to recommend a percentage of operations based on budget that they would be willing to fund, but then also set aside funding for R&D. Specifically for opportunities that provide innovation or expansion. We'll see what makes it actually into the written plan, but it's pushing the philanthropic envelope to not only fund, but engage innovative philanthropy.
This mornings board meeting was held in the offices of a local multi billion dollar company. We as board members were escorted on a tour of their newest office addition. As the company shared about their current operations, I had about a dozen light bulb moments, flashing with every key word that casually rolled out of his mouth about their day to day operations.
I approached them afterwards, knowing their want for community engagement, their want for partnership in meaningful ways, and ways that could use their skills in another setting. I proposed that they could provide business accumen for nonprofits as a way of giving back. To do something strategic, that in the long run, may make more help than a momentary monetary gift.
Course, the money has to be the carrot. Most nonprofits are too busy killing the snake that's closest to them to take time to invest in business philosophy. But if foundations, and specifically corporate foundations took the time to be as strategic with their philanthropy as they are with their business models, I think we'd see real change.
My contact at this business asked me to gather a team, and he would gather his leadership to talk about the idea further. So I guess you'll just have to stay tuned to see how all that turns out...
That, and I have to run to the next thing...
What I thought was interesting was the baseline for success. That the only measure was contingent upon moving the needle in one specific area of percentage of attainment. I made a few comments to point out that in the suburbs of the Austin area, the poor population has grown by 162%. How over the last 20 years, those considered as "poor" were centralized in Austin, and the population has expanded over much of the Austin MSA. Specifically, and what I didn't have in front of me, was that the rate for children in poverty has grown 142% in the region. So my question becomes, in the case where the bottom drops out from under you for what used to be considered "baseline" you have to account for that in what success truly looks like.
What was increasingly interesting was this guest presenter's response to my questions- he points to the social sector and accountability in reporting metrics.
(Enter the zone of ambiguity).
So to clarify, I'm asking who is this "external agent" who will drive consistency in effort for nonprofit collaborations (in this case specifically speaking the example was in the schools). He commented that he had once seen a United Way attempt to play that role, but something happened and scared them off of driving forward.
I can see why. The United Way, while maintaining the label of funder, often times is still considered familial in the world of nonprofits. Whoever wants their brother or sister setting the tone for house rules?
So I pushed the guest speaker, and he said what I already knew- so I'll put it here succinctly- the funders have to drive innovation.
I currently work for a foundation. We're a complex model if there ever was one, building in a family of agencies and more political sensitivities to carefully navigate in honoring the intent of each board that resides in our nonprofit corporate structure.
Yesterday, I was able to work through some of our own strategic planning processes to encourage our board to look at the allocation of funding they currently provide and consider usage. The current practice is largely general operations. Working in the nonprofit sector, and knowing the true value of the funded general operation dollar, what I did next may seem to some as if I'm shooting myself in the foot, but I encouraged our board to look at best practice, be willing to recommend a percentage of operations based on budget that they would be willing to fund, but then also set aside funding for R&D. Specifically for opportunities that provide innovation or expansion. We'll see what makes it actually into the written plan, but it's pushing the philanthropic envelope to not only fund, but engage innovative philanthropy.
This mornings board meeting was held in the offices of a local multi billion dollar company. We as board members were escorted on a tour of their newest office addition. As the company shared about their current operations, I had about a dozen light bulb moments, flashing with every key word that casually rolled out of his mouth about their day to day operations.
I approached them afterwards, knowing their want for community engagement, their want for partnership in meaningful ways, and ways that could use their skills in another setting. I proposed that they could provide business accumen for nonprofits as a way of giving back. To do something strategic, that in the long run, may make more help than a momentary monetary gift.
Course, the money has to be the carrot. Most nonprofits are too busy killing the snake that's closest to them to take time to invest in business philosophy. But if foundations, and specifically corporate foundations took the time to be as strategic with their philanthropy as they are with their business models, I think we'd see real change.
My contact at this business asked me to gather a team, and he would gather his leadership to talk about the idea further. So I guess you'll just have to stay tuned to see how all that turns out...
That, and I have to run to the next thing...
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
The Future of Philanthropy
In reading Walk Out Walk On, the discussion of efficiencies in nonprofits took a second look at the value of the historical knowledge of how nonprofits do things. While some practice may not seem efficient for today, it sometimes the key to sustainability for the future. The key is knowing the difference in what preserves and sustains and that which could be leveraged in a different way to make a greater social impact. And in all of this, the "soul" of nonprofit work must be preserved.
If you know anything about Austin, you know we host the SXSW festival. This brings in people from all walks of life from music lovers to innovators to music loving innovators. The festival was a great excuse for my childhood friend to come in from out of town. Mike has his own work investing in people's dreams and innovations for tomorrow. (He's kinda a big deal). Its incredible work, not only what he does, but after meeting his team and the entrepreneurs they invest in- I was impressed with the whole chain (read more about what they do here: rothenbergventures.com).
As a personally invited guest, I had the privileged of having some side conversations with some really cool people.
If you know anything about Austin, you know we host the SXSW festival. This brings in people from all walks of life from music lovers to innovators to music loving innovators. The festival was a great excuse for my childhood friend to come in from out of town. Mike has his own work investing in people's dreams and innovations for tomorrow. (He's kinda a big deal). Its incredible work, not only what he does, but after meeting his team and the entrepreneurs they invest in- I was impressed with the whole chain (read more about what they do here: rothenbergventures.com).
As a personally invited guest, I had the privileged of having some side conversations with some really cool people.
There was Rainer who makes wearing shorts fashionable any time of year. There was John who shared his story of passionately pursuing his dream, living in almost every major American city, and now has grown his own business to over 70 people. There was Valerie who has bravely followed her dreams, even when that meant moving to a new city, country and culture. Dylan who has an eye for serving as a catalyst into some very lucky people's ambitions, and joining them on their journey to success. I could go on and on... The party was like reading one of those inspirational books with the compiling of individual's successful stories.
I couldn't help as I drove home, breathing off the excitement of the party for the next few hours, and wondering what my freshly fed innovative spirit would dream for my line of work. This crew is so different from the philanthropic landscape I am so used to walking. It breathed of innovation. I left feeling that just around the corner and for those who are willing to serve as first adopters, a whole new paradigm is just waiting.
I began looking for anything I could get my hands on to look for innovation in philanthropy. Not just in giving, or even in the latest trends of impacting societal change. I searched trends with some of the nation's largest and most engaged community foundations. I scoured for relative TED Talks... wishing Dan Palotta had more to say. They had good info... I'm better for knowing it, but I'm still looking for the disruptive and scaling technology that I feel is right under my nose. I'm researching technology and asking questions about how funders can drive innovation. I'm asking questions like- what's the life span of a fully online service providing nonprofit like? Should established foundations consider using bitcoins? What about the role of R&D and how it can drive innovation in nonprofits? I'm even thrilled to have met at this party people my age, who are looked at as the experts and wondering what impact could result if our worlds collided.
I don't know exactly what this will add up to. I am taking John's advice (from the party). I'm voice memo'ing my thoughts, and at the very least I may create a book that empowers thought leaders in the nonprofit sector.
In the meantime, I have to consider the real needs of my own backyard, and continue using collaboration to challenge us to do better, think bigger. But the work done here has to be scalable. There has to be models that can be replicated in meeting the needs of poverty in other cities. However, because this is the business of subcultures, can community innovation be multiplied? Can it grow beyond the traditional means of meeting the needs? Where do new and fresh ideas take us? How does technology reinvent philanthropic engagement? I do not currently have all the answers. To me, it serves as a challenge to carry the torch of honoring the time old traditions of conveying the human touch to the human heart to tomorrow's future thinking philanthropists.
Monday, March 10, 2014
The Boat
It's been a little over a month that little Naomi Joan was born. She came along at 40 weeks and two days, and while her life was cut short to just that, her story has inspired me, and will continue to live on.
In addition to moments like this where time seems to stand still, I've been doing some reading that produces both challenge and clarity. The book and song encourage me to consider life, and what it means to be like Peter. To be called out of the boat, out of the known, and out upon the waters.
In the days following the loss of Naomi, a song began to play on repeat in my mind. A link is provided here for the curious. The first words of the song are:
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown, where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep, my faith will stand
The great unknown, where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep, my faith will stand
This very picture was beautifully illustrated in the movie Jesus Christ, Son of God. From my theater seat, I was able to experience the tumultuous sea and the small wooden boat. Between two shores, life hung in the balance.
Today, I have to imagine that this is the reality for the parents of Naomi Joan. Gracefully, they have allowed us to peer into their personal life, and serve as witnesses of what it means to boldly face the storm. Not only did they get out of the boat, which should be enough to ask, but then, like Peter, they have begun to walk. (Click here to read more of their story). How can we, some having been spared their particular road to travel, share in their journey?
We must be intentional and bold. Yet, often times in search of greatness, we are blind to the things that surround us- the everyday opportunities to offer peace into the stormy lives that surround around us. To consider what God may be calling us to, when more than likely... or who am I kidding... it absolutely will mean with certainty we must get out of the boat, and walk out our faith.
The point is, between the two shores, we have one life. In our journey across the sea, we may forget the value of the moment, until little lives, like Naomi or Caroline, remind us that the other side is nearly there. So while we are at sea, we must trust that life is bigger than the boat and comforts we illusion ourselves of having. We must have faith that we can walk between the shores. We must practice love, because His love will always call us out of the boat.
This post is dedicated to Naomi Joan.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Straight Paths
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight". Proverbs 3:5-6
A couple of weeks ago, I was driving to work. It was an ordinary day, and as I was driving, I reached out and changed the music station on my radio. A little feeling of relief surprised me, and I quickly realized how I was appreciative that in my own car, the radio stations had not altered from the buttons I had preset them on. It's a little thing, I know.
At work I drive a company car. I used to be the primary driver, however, I now share it more with 3-4 other individuals. Their listening preferences have made their way to what had felt like "my" radio dial. Once I even tried to find my station only to realize that someone had changed 3 of the presets all to the same radio station. I sent an email to two of my coworkers, telling them to "rest assured, radio fan, that you have a button", and that one's enough. They both thought it was funny, but it hasn't stopped the fact that my favorite radio stations keep getting reprogrammed over.
So it was funny when in my little car, I pressed the button and felt the relief of getting what my listening ear had ordered. Then I quickly had to question, as I'm sure you have done by now... what's the big deal?
This little moment of sunshine reflected something a little bigger to me that I hadn't been as aware of. The reason I liked it so much was over a sense of control. Remembering what it was like to be a little kid an not able to listen what you wanted to, unless you had your Walkman, and at that the batteries had to be good, and you'd still have to rewind and replay to hear that favorite song as much as you wanted. Its another one of those moments that remind me of the perks of adulthood- I control my radio.
I was persuaded to consider the topic of control a little more. I think about the political games, why most people want to move up in their careers, why people want to be the boss, why do I feel called to leadership like a bug to a light? I know in so many of these area's its the chance to be the rule maker... the chance to see really how life would work out if everyone had to play by your/my set of rules.
I began to question how much of our identities and self worth we wrap up into this idea of control. What would it look like if I had no control? I began to think of a childhood friend who had a motor-bike accident, leaving him paralyzed. How would I feel about me, if I had to base it off of absolutely nothing that I did, I couldn't make the rules, and I had to just "be".
Over the last few months I feel called to a word that really had no attraction to me before- ABIDE.
I have to know this is one of those "God Calling" moments, because for something to come into your life that you wrestle so much... if it were up to me, I would just make some quick decisions, try something out, and if it worked, great- if not, no big deal. However, I've been called to abide, and I'm not even fully sure what that means. A calling to "just be"? A conscious effort of pulling my weeds of need to control, and remembering God? Remembering who He is, and just because He is that He is, I am in His image, so I am that I am in Him? What does that even mean?
I felt before that God was calling me to be prepared for His work. I got my MBA. Its been a bit of a struggle for me mentally/ spiritually to feel like I'm sitting on it. Yet I know that in my story, God comes. In a world that says career ladders are the way you play and rungs are a sense of your self worth and accomplishment, I struggle. I've been with the same company for five and a half years and was promoted once. That may seem a disappointment only to the short-sighted, but its my generation too... they move, they shake. And I have to know that in abiding, I am not being left behind. That in abiding, I can trust in the Lord with all my heart. I have to abandon my way of understanding. He is the director of what I hope to be an unbeaten path... so I can trust for Him to make the way straight.
I encourage you. Consider what you control. What have you got authority over? Do you let that define you in any way? What would it look like if you weren't in those positions? What would be different?
I don't have the answers...............but I don't have to. And for me to make that statement... well that's simply a big thing. I will continue to wrestle to abide for as long as God is calling me to it. Some my exert their energy to move, to go. The crazy thing about God is that He is a separate being. I feel His calling, and it doesn't always make sense to me... and it doesn't have to. If He wants me to push this kind of energy to wrestle out who I am, I'll consider it my 40 days in the desert, and trust him for the life that is currently happening, and that which is to come.
A couple of weeks ago, I was driving to work. It was an ordinary day, and as I was driving, I reached out and changed the music station on my radio. A little feeling of relief surprised me, and I quickly realized how I was appreciative that in my own car, the radio stations had not altered from the buttons I had preset them on. It's a little thing, I know.
At work I drive a company car. I used to be the primary driver, however, I now share it more with 3-4 other individuals. Their listening preferences have made their way to what had felt like "my" radio dial. Once I even tried to find my station only to realize that someone had changed 3 of the presets all to the same radio station. I sent an email to two of my coworkers, telling them to "rest assured, radio fan, that you have a button", and that one's enough. They both thought it was funny, but it hasn't stopped the fact that my favorite radio stations keep getting reprogrammed over.
So it was funny when in my little car, I pressed the button and felt the relief of getting what my listening ear had ordered. Then I quickly had to question, as I'm sure you have done by now... what's the big deal?
This little moment of sunshine reflected something a little bigger to me that I hadn't been as aware of. The reason I liked it so much was over a sense of control. Remembering what it was like to be a little kid an not able to listen what you wanted to, unless you had your Walkman, and at that the batteries had to be good, and you'd still have to rewind and replay to hear that favorite song as much as you wanted. Its another one of those moments that remind me of the perks of adulthood- I control my radio.
I was persuaded to consider the topic of control a little more. I think about the political games, why most people want to move up in their careers, why people want to be the boss, why do I feel called to leadership like a bug to a light? I know in so many of these area's its the chance to be the rule maker... the chance to see really how life would work out if everyone had to play by your/my set of rules.
I began to question how much of our identities and self worth we wrap up into this idea of control. What would it look like if I had no control? I began to think of a childhood friend who had a motor-bike accident, leaving him paralyzed. How would I feel about me, if I had to base it off of absolutely nothing that I did, I couldn't make the rules, and I had to just "be".
Over the last few months I feel called to a word that really had no attraction to me before- ABIDE.
I have to know this is one of those "God Calling" moments, because for something to come into your life that you wrestle so much... if it were up to me, I would just make some quick decisions, try something out, and if it worked, great- if not, no big deal. However, I've been called to abide, and I'm not even fully sure what that means. A calling to "just be"? A conscious effort of pulling my weeds of need to control, and remembering God? Remembering who He is, and just because He is that He is, I am in His image, so I am that I am in Him? What does that even mean?
I felt before that God was calling me to be prepared for His work. I got my MBA. Its been a bit of a struggle for me mentally/ spiritually to feel like I'm sitting on it. Yet I know that in my story, God comes. In a world that says career ladders are the way you play and rungs are a sense of your self worth and accomplishment, I struggle. I've been with the same company for five and a half years and was promoted once. That may seem a disappointment only to the short-sighted, but its my generation too... they move, they shake. And I have to know that in abiding, I am not being left behind. That in abiding, I can trust in the Lord with all my heart. I have to abandon my way of understanding. He is the director of what I hope to be an unbeaten path... so I can trust for Him to make the way straight.
I encourage you. Consider what you control. What have you got authority over? Do you let that define you in any way? What would it look like if you weren't in those positions? What would be different?
I don't have the answers...............but I don't have to. And for me to make that statement... well that's simply a big thing. I will continue to wrestle to abide for as long as God is calling me to it. Some my exert their energy to move, to go. The crazy thing about God is that He is a separate being. I feel His calling, and it doesn't always make sense to me... and it doesn't have to. If He wants me to push this kind of energy to wrestle out who I am, I'll consider it my 40 days in the desert, and trust him for the life that is currently happening, and that which is to come.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Bingo
Yesterday I spent some time on the phone again. I am reaching out to each of our local cities regarding the transportation issues I've been made aware of in our county. In each call I was asking for someone from that city to serve as point person as I disseminate a flier to nonprofits in our area, and they pass them along to their clients in an effort to raise this conversation to the next level. The city person just needs to be aware of what services their city has, whether that be something they offer, a nonprofit offers or a business, such as a taxi or ride share service provides. They also will have the opportunity to engage the public to learn first hand about their needs, and if the opportunity becomes available to share that with their city councils, they will have first-hand accounts as fodder to fuel the dialogue forward.
In my conversations with so many of the nonprofits here in our county the constant thread is transportation. In order to get to the next level or capitalize on service opportunities they need a way to move their clients in order to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to help them break cycles of crisis.
Some have given up on the transportation issue entirely, stating that they don't want to come back to the dialogue table until people are talking about more than roads or building plans. Maybe I'm naive, but in order for the conversation to be brought up, doesn't there have to be someone who's invested their time, gained credibility, and been the one willing to reintroduce the conversation? How can we have expectations that this issue will speak for itself?
Others have become creative, as some nonprofits are considering campus hubs, which contain satellite offices of providers who show the greatest opportunity of helping assist their clients in getting to that next level. Its a strategic venture, and one I am very interested in. It provides a solution for some client's needs, but there is still the need for single vehicle families- when kids need to go to the doctor. Or what about the single parent family who can't afford a vehicle, and the parent needs to get the kids to care and to a job to etablish independence? What of the senior adult who no longer feels comfortable to drive? Are we saying by lack of action that our communities have no place for these individuals to thrive?
I believe in collaboration. I believe when you bring people to the table the end result will be a much more developed and potentially successful plan.
I've made an effort to reach out to each city's transportation person, and I've been listening to their stories. In yesterday's calls I even had some of them asking me what the others are doing. They are interested in a regional approach to think creatively and strategically about how we best meet this need. And this certainly doesn't and shouldn't fall solely to a city's responsibility. Its a community responsibility. Its where the corporate, private and government sectors can all come together to create a multifaceted response to a complex need.
After yesterday's calls I got an email requesting a meeting specifically with one of of the larger cities in our county. They are "looking to host a round table discussion with service agencies in the area. The purpose is to get people to think outside of the box in coming up with ways to get more public transportation".
BINGO
I'm thrilled. It's dialogue at the next level. I'm hoping dialogues like this one begin in each city, and then cross-city and county-wide.
I'm not exactly sure when it was, but some years ago I decided that I wanted the opportunities that I invest my time and energy into to be accelerators or catalysts that would do the most good. I don't particularly have a love for transportation. I certainly never intended to serve as a community moderator for this issue. Sometimes, you just have to see the need, meet the need. The existence of need in itself is an invitation or call to action. Being a mom now, only encourages me all the more to set a precedence for my son of what I feel it is to love God and love others in action. All I hope to do is lead by example, and hopefully my family, my friends, my neighborhood, my community is better for it.
In my conversations with so many of the nonprofits here in our county the constant thread is transportation. In order to get to the next level or capitalize on service opportunities they need a way to move their clients in order to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to help them break cycles of crisis.
Some have given up on the transportation issue entirely, stating that they don't want to come back to the dialogue table until people are talking about more than roads or building plans. Maybe I'm naive, but in order for the conversation to be brought up, doesn't there have to be someone who's invested their time, gained credibility, and been the one willing to reintroduce the conversation? How can we have expectations that this issue will speak for itself?
Others have become creative, as some nonprofits are considering campus hubs, which contain satellite offices of providers who show the greatest opportunity of helping assist their clients in getting to that next level. Its a strategic venture, and one I am very interested in. It provides a solution for some client's needs, but there is still the need for single vehicle families- when kids need to go to the doctor. Or what about the single parent family who can't afford a vehicle, and the parent needs to get the kids to care and to a job to etablish independence? What of the senior adult who no longer feels comfortable to drive? Are we saying by lack of action that our communities have no place for these individuals to thrive?
I believe in collaboration. I believe when you bring people to the table the end result will be a much more developed and potentially successful plan.
I've made an effort to reach out to each city's transportation person, and I've been listening to their stories. In yesterday's calls I even had some of them asking me what the others are doing. They are interested in a regional approach to think creatively and strategically about how we best meet this need. And this certainly doesn't and shouldn't fall solely to a city's responsibility. Its a community responsibility. Its where the corporate, private and government sectors can all come together to create a multifaceted response to a complex need.
After yesterday's calls I got an email requesting a meeting specifically with one of of the larger cities in our county. They are "looking to host a round table discussion with service agencies in the area. The purpose is to get people to think outside of the box in coming up with ways to get more public transportation".
BINGO
I'm thrilled. It's dialogue at the next level. I'm hoping dialogues like this one begin in each city, and then cross-city and county-wide.
I'm not exactly sure when it was, but some years ago I decided that I wanted the opportunities that I invest my time and energy into to be accelerators or catalysts that would do the most good. I don't particularly have a love for transportation. I certainly never intended to serve as a community moderator for this issue. Sometimes, you just have to see the need, meet the need. The existence of need in itself is an invitation or call to action. Being a mom now, only encourages me all the more to set a precedence for my son of what I feel it is to love God and love others in action. All I hope to do is lead by example, and hopefully my family, my friends, my neighborhood, my community is better for it.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Hinged on Community
Almost a year ago a friend of mine lent me a book from her personal library. I owe her for not having returned it by now, but I owe her more for the insight and challenge its been to me since recently picking it back up and working through the first couple of chapters.
The book is called Quitter, and it's written by Jon Acuff. As I'm reading it, I can see some parallelism with the Leadership coursework of my MBA. The book narrates, rather comically, the notion of following your dreams, but also mitigating risk.
I'm currently in the second chapter, and Acuff talks about "hinge moments", as opportunities to look into your past and see the moments that differentiate your passions and skills. Through the process of discovery, you can uncover, rather than discover, what life's work may look like for you.
In the discovery of his own hing moments, Acuff asks 5 questions-
1. What do I love enough to do for free?
2. What do I do that causes time to feel different?
3. What do I enjoy doing regardless of the opinions of other people?
4. If only your life changed would that be enough?
5. Are there any patterns in the things you like doing?
Amidst these questions he says-
"If you killed yourself for years creating something and at the end of the experience, the only life that had changed was your own, would that be rewarding enough? If the experience was the lesson and the journey itself was the reward, would that be okay with you? If there something that holds that sway for you"?
I do love the idea of intrinsic motivation and the value of each one's journey. I departed from the idea of a destination a long time ago. However, the first question seemed to alienate me a bit, but I think that's driven by my passion for community. Christ calls us to community, and if I'm living a life that only affected my own, to me that seems disjointed from purpose. However, that does highlight the hinge for me is absolutely driven by the sense of community- my life's work is driven by my passion for inclusion, for representation of the "least of these", and doing it in a way that encourages everyone to get involved. Not just the usual suspects of philanthropy. We all have a role to play in developing community and quality of life is an extension of love for one's neighbor.
As I continue to seek God's calling and continue my life's journey, I sense community and leadership will continue to be a prevailing theme. With that comes the weight and responsibilities of leadership, but thankfully, in community that weight is never something one we must bear alone.
The book is called Quitter, and it's written by Jon Acuff. As I'm reading it, I can see some parallelism with the Leadership coursework of my MBA. The book narrates, rather comically, the notion of following your dreams, but also mitigating risk.
I'm currently in the second chapter, and Acuff talks about "hinge moments", as opportunities to look into your past and see the moments that differentiate your passions and skills. Through the process of discovery, you can uncover, rather than discover, what life's work may look like for you.
In the discovery of his own hing moments, Acuff asks 5 questions-
1. What do I love enough to do for free?
2. What do I do that causes time to feel different?
3. What do I enjoy doing regardless of the opinions of other people?
4. If only your life changed would that be enough?
5. Are there any patterns in the things you like doing?
Amidst these questions he says-
"If you killed yourself for years creating something and at the end of the experience, the only life that had changed was your own, would that be rewarding enough? If the experience was the lesson and the journey itself was the reward, would that be okay with you? If there something that holds that sway for you"?
I do love the idea of intrinsic motivation and the value of each one's journey. I departed from the idea of a destination a long time ago. However, the first question seemed to alienate me a bit, but I think that's driven by my passion for community. Christ calls us to community, and if I'm living a life that only affected my own, to me that seems disjointed from purpose. However, that does highlight the hinge for me is absolutely driven by the sense of community- my life's work is driven by my passion for inclusion, for representation of the "least of these", and doing it in a way that encourages everyone to get involved. Not just the usual suspects of philanthropy. We all have a role to play in developing community and quality of life is an extension of love for one's neighbor.
As I continue to seek God's calling and continue my life's journey, I sense community and leadership will continue to be a prevailing theme. With that comes the weight and responsibilities of leadership, but thankfully, in community that weight is never something one we must bear alone.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
My Christian Leadership
The least of these. Community. Quality of living. These are all words that hold importance to me and to many in our community. But when the rubber hits the road, sometimes the politics of putting these into action can be ... shall I say... tricky?
Lately, I find myself centered in a dialogue about transportation. I had been invited into several community conversations about transportation, but no other nonprofits were in the room, and the conversations centered on subtopics like community design (eat, work, sleep, play all within a walkable space), or roads or traffic. Yet no one was in the room and nothing was said about our fellow community members who aren't even on the roads. As a result, elderly can't get out at night or to the doctor. There are families participating in programs like Capital Idea or Family Care at Texas Baptist Children's Home and seeking better lives. The result can be a break generational cycles that have kept them down, and yet they can't land that new job or travel to other parts of the city or county for other services that help them get back on their feet. We also have youth who are considered "couch surfers" or homeless. There are after school activities that are designed to move them into being productive citizens, like at the Boys and Girls Club, The Nest or YMCA, but when the programs are over, the doors are shut, and how do they get to shelter or somewhere safe?
By default, I'm someone who can't stand by, so I began meeting with city and county officials to learn more about what's been done in our cities' pasts so we can make a plan for the future. I have now hosted two forums seeking the involvement of my fellow nonprofits to begin to label and quantify the need. Meanwhile, I'm a new mom, with a whole different set of job expectations to balance.
I begin to wonder- if I don't stay involved, will the momentum from these forums and discussions really go anywhere? I wonder how we paint a picture of quality of life for all in our communities while also remaining aware that some people in our community think that if we provide transportation services, we will begin to harbor more of "those people", and their definition of quality of life is threatened.
Even in my own sector, you find those individuals who you can tell have been there, done that, and now would like to rain on any parade of progress. I got this email just today regarding the forum I hosted last Friday:
Amanda
I appreciate the time you have invested in this but the event was hardly a dialog but rather an infomercial for mass transit. The information presented has little if anything to do with the transportation issues faced by the clients we serve and I suspect most of the clients served by nonprofits here in X. I saw or heard nothing that caused me to be optimistic about any meaningful intra city transportation here in X in the foreseeable future.
Mass transit will certainly help those middle and upper middle class workers in X who need to commute to their jobs and that will certainly be a good thing but it will not change the day to day reality for our clients.
In my opinion I also think the concept that any significant numbers of nonprofit clients will continue to call time after time following repeated denials to assist in data gathering seems quite unrealistic. There needs to be a better way to gather that data.
The speaker at the next event (name) makes a living from contracting with government entities re: transportation so I have a hard time imagining that the needs of nonprofit clients will be a focus of that event either. The agenda of all of these presentations is to gain voter acceptance for these mass transit projects and I have no delusion that it's about what's best our nonprofit clients so I have decided that it's not an effective use of my time.
Respectfully ,
(Name)
So putting together what I learned from my class "Leadership: Community" I reached out to this person with the following email:
So here I am, considering Christian Leadership... considering my community, and considering what my calling is to it? Jesus knew politics of his time, and maintained his integrity of service and caring for "the least of these". Here we are nealry 2000 years from the peak of his ministry, and still the objective remains to reflect him... and build comunity like He did.
Lately, I find myself centered in a dialogue about transportation. I had been invited into several community conversations about transportation, but no other nonprofits were in the room, and the conversations centered on subtopics like community design (eat, work, sleep, play all within a walkable space), or roads or traffic. Yet no one was in the room and nothing was said about our fellow community members who aren't even on the roads. As a result, elderly can't get out at night or to the doctor. There are families participating in programs like Capital Idea or Family Care at Texas Baptist Children's Home and seeking better lives. The result can be a break generational cycles that have kept them down, and yet they can't land that new job or travel to other parts of the city or county for other services that help them get back on their feet. We also have youth who are considered "couch surfers" or homeless. There are after school activities that are designed to move them into being productive citizens, like at the Boys and Girls Club, The Nest or YMCA, but when the programs are over, the doors are shut, and how do they get to shelter or somewhere safe?
By default, I'm someone who can't stand by, so I began meeting with city and county officials to learn more about what's been done in our cities' pasts so we can make a plan for the future. I have now hosted two forums seeking the involvement of my fellow nonprofits to begin to label and quantify the need. Meanwhile, I'm a new mom, with a whole different set of job expectations to balance.
I begin to wonder- if I don't stay involved, will the momentum from these forums and discussions really go anywhere? I wonder how we paint a picture of quality of life for all in our communities while also remaining aware that some people in our community think that if we provide transportation services, we will begin to harbor more of "those people", and their definition of quality of life is threatened.
Even in my own sector, you find those individuals who you can tell have been there, done that, and now would like to rain on any parade of progress. I got this email just today regarding the forum I hosted last Friday:
Amanda
I appreciate the time you have invested in this but the event was hardly a dialog but rather an infomercial for mass transit. The information presented has little if anything to do with the transportation issues faced by the clients we serve and I suspect most of the clients served by nonprofits here in X. I saw or heard nothing that caused me to be optimistic about any meaningful intra city transportation here in X in the foreseeable future.
Mass transit will certainly help those middle and upper middle class workers in X who need to commute to their jobs and that will certainly be a good thing but it will not change the day to day reality for our clients.
In my opinion I also think the concept that any significant numbers of nonprofit clients will continue to call time after time following repeated denials to assist in data gathering seems quite unrealistic. There needs to be a better way to gather that data.
The speaker at the next event (name) makes a living from contracting with government entities re: transportation so I have a hard time imagining that the needs of nonprofit clients will be a focus of that event either. The agenda of all of these presentations is to gain voter acceptance for these mass transit projects and I have no delusion that it's about what's best our nonprofit clients so I have decided that it's not an effective use of my time.
Respectfully ,
(Name)
So putting together what I learned from my class "Leadership: Community" I reached out to this person with the following email:
(Name),
Thank you for your feedback. I hear you. Friday did not fully follow the script that I intended and (name)took more time providing an update, and the wrong update, regarding mass transit. (Mass Transit Rep) came to the first forum, in which he received great feedback from our fellow nonprofit partners. Much of which he said he had never heard before, and would implement in future renderings of their plans . He was invited back on the basis of providing a 10-15 minute max update from the dialogue we had had with him last October or so. As you mentioned and witnessed, this is not what we got.
I am not a proponent specifically of Mass Transit. I just happen to be included in several regional meetings about transportation, and no other nonprofits were even represented, and I quickly realized that the conversations focused on Mass Transit or on road projects or on traffic congestion. No one in the room was bringing up the people who can’t even get on the road. So I’ve attempted to resurrect the banner. It’s my understanding that many people from our sector have tried to engage in the past, but found that the dialogue was, just as I described before, not all encompassing, and thus I believe many have decided not to invest further time. My fear is that our clients then go unrepresented, and then there isn’t a voice in the room to say that we, as a community, want to shift the dialogue.
The only starting place I saw for real change was to educate the public on what the city has done in the past (the panel), and educate the community on the real need for accessibility (LaLena and Leslie). Could it have been done better? I’m sure. My agenda was not to come in with guns blazing and making any assumptions about what the solution is. I understand that we need to have everyone at the table to be able to have buy in from all parties and be able to understand more so why the cities haven’t assumed certain responsibilities. In the same, after meeting with key city officials, I saw that we needed to help the cities to understand the limiting parameters as to why the nonprofit community hasn’t “owned it”.
I respect that you feel like this wasn’t an effective use of time. I will say that since these two forums, two local foundations have approached me, letting me know that it has brought the matter to their attention and they are considering putting more funding out there for it. I heard today from two people in the business community who came Friday that he didn’t even know this was an issue and was surprised by how many nonprofits were represented in the room. Our forum was brought up twice today in a chamber transportation meeting by another business man in the financial industry, and he specifically shared about what was “eye opening” to him.
It sounds like you’ve been a part of the seasoned crew who have seen this dialogue pretty much go in circles with no real traction. I’d ask you to reconsider your stance of disengaging from the effort, and rather, would you be willing to teach me what you know? I have tons of questions, and feel we can only learn and move forward by fully knowing our history- which is why there was such a focus this last Friday on the past efforts- so we all have a foundation to move forward from. I respect the decision you make, but feel you could bring value to what is sure to be an uphill battle- but somebody’s got to do it.
Respectfully yours,
Amanda
So here I am, considering Christian Leadership... considering my community, and considering what my calling is to it? Jesus knew politics of his time, and maintained his integrity of service and caring for "the least of these". Here we are nealry 2000 years from the peak of his ministry, and still the objective remains to reflect him... and build comunity like He did.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Trail blazing
It's 6 months post-graduation, and I recently had the honor of serving as a guest alumni on a panel to Concordia's Board of Regents and Board of Trustees. Being on campus felt like it was only yesterday that I was driving away after presenting my Capstone, and wondering as I looked in my rear view mirror when the next time I would be back. And at the same time, since that moment in the rear view mirror, my world's been turned upside down by a sweet little boy named Wesley, who turned 2 months old today. As I spoke to the crowd, I talked about the value I found in my journey at Concordia through the MBA program. My journey was what I made of it, but what happened for me was a true paradigm shift.
Going forward I've looked for opportunities to use my developed skills. Many times it has appeared as though I'm trying to identify existing opportunities to insert myself. I'm looking for a fit. But just as a key won't open a lock it doesn't belong to, I have come to a crossroads. To continue seeking to fit a new mold, or perhaps, and what challenges me, is to destroy the mold altogether.
Perhaps my path isn't one modeled from current opportunities, or to be replicated from a compilation of paths that have gone before me. Perhaps- that's not who I ever was, and perhaps... just perhaps it's time to fully embrace the unknown trail.
Trailblazing is a word I feel that's loosely used. It stands for a woman who went into a "man's world", and did "surprisingly well." It's used for someone who hit some cultural standard- one that hadn't been hit in their family's lineage. Yet in all these circumstances, and those like them, there is already a forged path, and it is the kind of journeyer who breaks some chain of tradition.
What if we become true trail blazers? What if we pursue the "original thought", even if Freud would disagree? What does that mean for our jobs, our families, the story to which we pour our lives?
I'm enamoured with administration. I have a thought that for nonprofits, Development is the cover of the book, and in addition to a well done cover, the content- the organization and the strategies have got to be page turning.
My pages just keep turning... and with a baby and return to work, the plot continues to thicken. I'm excited at what lies ahead, knowing irony, surprise, and trail blazing will all be sure to come.
Going forward I've looked for opportunities to use my developed skills. Many times it has appeared as though I'm trying to identify existing opportunities to insert myself. I'm looking for a fit. But just as a key won't open a lock it doesn't belong to, I have come to a crossroads. To continue seeking to fit a new mold, or perhaps, and what challenges me, is to destroy the mold altogether.
Perhaps my path isn't one modeled from current opportunities, or to be replicated from a compilation of paths that have gone before me. Perhaps- that's not who I ever was, and perhaps... just perhaps it's time to fully embrace the unknown trail.
Trailblazing is a word I feel that's loosely used. It stands for a woman who went into a "man's world", and did "surprisingly well." It's used for someone who hit some cultural standard- one that hadn't been hit in their family's lineage. Yet in all these circumstances, and those like them, there is already a forged path, and it is the kind of journeyer who breaks some chain of tradition.
What if we become true trail blazers? What if we pursue the "original thought", even if Freud would disagree? What does that mean for our jobs, our families, the story to which we pour our lives?
I'm enamoured with administration. I have a thought that for nonprofits, Development is the cover of the book, and in addition to a well done cover, the content- the organization and the strategies have got to be page turning.
My pages just keep turning... and with a baby and return to work, the plot continues to thicken. I'm excited at what lies ahead, knowing irony, surprise, and trail blazing will all be sure to come.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Change
This week I got to see my friend who is in the cohort that is next up for graduation. I've shared many of my text books with her, and this week I owed her my Moon text. I was really happy to see her, and in many ways its been a fun part of my MBA getting together with her and another friend who is in the cohort behind her. We swap stories on professors and share how the program is molding and changing with each class that comes through. If I were to start the program now, I know it would be a very different experience than having been the first class to come through. I'm sure that it is a stronger program now, but I wouldn't change the opportunity I had to help shape that first year of the program, and really... how it shaped me.
It wasn't long before we both identified that common thought after such a rigorous plight- What now, or What's next? My "what's next" should be fairly obvious...
That's what 6.5 months of baby will do to ya...
Anywho... I have a hard time with "the same". Up until today I called it a problem with contentment, but really I don't think that's what it is... Life is dynamic... to think we can keep some sense of the same, to me feels like a dillusion... a static process to something that is ever shaping. Having a baby is a handful, and I know I don't know to full story of what I am getting myself into. At the same time I have all these skills and abilities and passions that I've acquired over the last two years, and largely I've thrown myself into community involvment to feel challenged and growth in the areas that I'm most interested in.
The answer is not there yet, but seasons change... I'm changed and continue to change... and I know life as I know it is about to change.
It wasn't long before we both identified that common thought after such a rigorous plight- What now, or What's next? My "what's next" should be fairly obvious...
Anywho... I have a hard time with "the same". Up until today I called it a problem with contentment, but really I don't think that's what it is... Life is dynamic... to think we can keep some sense of the same, to me feels like a dillusion... a static process to something that is ever shaping. Having a baby is a handful, and I know I don't know to full story of what I am getting myself into. At the same time I have all these skills and abilities and passions that I've acquired over the last two years, and largely I've thrown myself into community involvment to feel challenged and growth in the areas that I'm most interested in.
The answer is not there yet, but seasons change... I'm changed and continue to change... and I know life as I know it is about to change.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Reflections on the lazy CEO
About a year ago I was sitting in LAX. We had just finished our annual national park hiking trip in Yosemite. While my husband and I were waiting for our flight I had a chance to gaze at the planes, the different people, and consider the concept of going places, and where am I going? For the literalist, Austin, TX, but for the bit more creative, I knew my MBA graduation was now under a year away. Where was I going to go?
I decided on the fly (insert ba-da-bum-ching for my pun) that someday I'll be a CEO, and so I better begin preparing myself as if that's really the track I am on.
My friend, Ben Haley, a fellow student in my cohort told me about an article his prior CEO had written. I asked for the link in May, and have waited to read it for a time that I could really sit down and READ it. So here I am in August, post graduation, and I finally have had a chance to read it for the first time. The article is titled: The Lazy CEO. (For your convenience, I've provided the link here: http://texasceomagazine.com/tag/joel-trammel/).
Last Sunday, after leaving church, I contemplated Christian leadership. There's the running joke in many churches that the right answer in Sunday School is always the first person to say "Jesus". Through the school years and into adulthood I find this concept prevails. In Sunday School you still find the people with the "right answers", and there's this obligation to "help out" the teacher by providing an answer, a fix, to the questions they pose to the class. We're taught to be problem solvers, in a pretty direct, non facilitative way. Silence is awkwardness, and to the outgoing helpful student, you think you do a favor to all to close the silence with a nice pretty bow. And the answer is "Jesus".
But Jesus and his leadership wasn't a pretty bow. I loved how in the story about the Pharisees and writing in the sand that Jesus could have just called all of them out on the crap they've pulled as they attempted to stone a woman for her infidelity. Yet he was directly subtle. His response was empowering to dialogue. He didn't GIVE the answer. By how he engaged in dialogue (writing in the sand), he empowered each one to turn, drop the stone, and be a bit less knee jerk reactive. It wasn't a pretty bow, a flat fix it answer... but talk about effective to the core.
And let's flash sideways (a LOST reference to any fellow fans) back to Joel Trammel's article on the "Lazy CEO". There's again this idea of empowerment... of direct subtlety. Joel does a great job of showing engagement beyond the fix it mentality prevalent in so many organizations today. We're all taught to be problem solvers. To focus on what I bring to the table. We want to shine. We want to be the one with all the answers.
For many Christian leaders, having all the answers means embodying the answers. Joel focuses on employing the right answers, and then as CEO utilizing vision and proper context to fashion the proactive response. This may come through a direct answer, but more often then not, there's an empowerment undertone that's directing the tide of culture and innovation.
There's still room for me to grow. Sometimes more than I'd like to admit. My MBA has done more for me than to feel equipped with pat answers. I know there's a whole orchestrating to leadership that I'm much more aware of now.
I look forward to the day and opportunity to serve as CEO, but for now, the best practice is subtle leadership directly from the position God has currently equipped me with. Rather than fault find with systems or co-workers or be the one who has to shine or seek approval... there's a way to continue to challenge myself and my organization for better without the office usual suspects of gossip or complaint. There are opportunities to encourage and empower those around me to achieve their best and gain a vision for what that means in each of their specialties. I don't have to feel insecure or threatened by those that shine. To have subtly played a role in their success is the greater achievement.
I decided on the fly (insert ba-da-bum-ching for my pun) that someday I'll be a CEO, and so I better begin preparing myself as if that's really the track I am on.
My friend, Ben Haley, a fellow student in my cohort told me about an article his prior CEO had written. I asked for the link in May, and have waited to read it for a time that I could really sit down and READ it. So here I am in August, post graduation, and I finally have had a chance to read it for the first time. The article is titled: The Lazy CEO. (For your convenience, I've provided the link here: http://texasceomagazine.com/tag/joel-trammel/).
Last Sunday, after leaving church, I contemplated Christian leadership. There's the running joke in many churches that the right answer in Sunday School is always the first person to say "Jesus". Through the school years and into adulthood I find this concept prevails. In Sunday School you still find the people with the "right answers", and there's this obligation to "help out" the teacher by providing an answer, a fix, to the questions they pose to the class. We're taught to be problem solvers, in a pretty direct, non facilitative way. Silence is awkwardness, and to the outgoing helpful student, you think you do a favor to all to close the silence with a nice pretty bow. And the answer is "Jesus".
But Jesus and his leadership wasn't a pretty bow. I loved how in the story about the Pharisees and writing in the sand that Jesus could have just called all of them out on the crap they've pulled as they attempted to stone a woman for her infidelity. Yet he was directly subtle. His response was empowering to dialogue. He didn't GIVE the answer. By how he engaged in dialogue (writing in the sand), he empowered each one to turn, drop the stone, and be a bit less knee jerk reactive. It wasn't a pretty bow, a flat fix it answer... but talk about effective to the core.
And let's flash sideways (a LOST reference to any fellow fans) back to Joel Trammel's article on the "Lazy CEO". There's again this idea of empowerment... of direct subtlety. Joel does a great job of showing engagement beyond the fix it mentality prevalent in so many organizations today. We're all taught to be problem solvers. To focus on what I bring to the table. We want to shine. We want to be the one with all the answers.
For many Christian leaders, having all the answers means embodying the answers. Joel focuses on employing the right answers, and then as CEO utilizing vision and proper context to fashion the proactive response. This may come through a direct answer, but more often then not, there's an empowerment undertone that's directing the tide of culture and innovation.
There's still room for me to grow. Sometimes more than I'd like to admit. My MBA has done more for me than to feel equipped with pat answers. I know there's a whole orchestrating to leadership that I'm much more aware of now.
I look forward to the day and opportunity to serve as CEO, but for now, the best practice is subtle leadership directly from the position God has currently equipped me with. Rather than fault find with systems or co-workers or be the one who has to shine or seek approval... there's a way to continue to challenge myself and my organization for better without the office usual suspects of gossip or complaint. There are opportunities to encourage and empower those around me to achieve their best and gain a vision for what that means in each of their specialties. I don't have to feel insecure or threatened by those that shine. To have subtly played a role in their success is the greater achievement.
Monday, August 6, 2012
And the Post We've All Been Waiting for...
Graduation Day 8.4.2012
After two intensive years, the day has finally come- Graduation.
It's like after typing that sentence, I just feel done... like there's nothing more to say, or perhaps I just want to sit there, staring at those words to really soak it in.
Of course it hasn't fully sunk in... after all we do have two more weeks of class to finish out our capstone presentations. And, hearing from my other classmates we all still have guests in town, and I'll be the first to say between graduation parties and guests and other commitments, I haven't stopped running for 3 days straight.
That too, after determining to take a weeks vacation right before graduation. Matt and I called it our Babymoon, and we enjoyed 7 days in beautiful Mexico. It has always been important to me to find that work-life balance, and it was a great time to spend together away from the pressures of work, presentations and deadlines. We swam with sea turtles, laid out in the sun, kayaked, rappelled, and he even zip lined. All this to celebrate our monumental year where he graduated from Texas State as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and we found out we were pregnant and now my graduation.
We also celebrated with a party at our house. Nearly 50 people packed into our 1600 sq ft house, and we had a desserts bar catered by my friend Paige Morgan of Paige's Bakehouse. Since I missed the pinning ceremony at Concordia while I was in Mexico, I dedicated my pins at my party. Pins went to my wonderful husband, to those who provided me scholarships and then to my mentors, Teri Hill, Dr. Edna Rehbein and Scott Alarcon. We then passed around cake pops to everyone, counted to three and everyone bit in to display a blue center- We're having a boy!!!
In a few closing posts I hope to evaluate more about what my MBA means to me, and even update how our capstone presentations go. For now, I'm just going to focus on finishing strong, and trying to keep my 4.0 in these last two weeks, when my mind is thinking about preparing for our little one, and trying to not fully check out... seeing as how I've already walked and all. Guess all that's left to do is as the title of one our texts said- to Walk Out and Walk On.
Friday, July 13, 2012
An MBA that is Music to my Ears
This week we had special guest, Dr. Matt Hinsley, Founder and Executive Director, Austin Classical Guitar Society visit our Entrepreneurship and Innovation class. Matt began the class with what had to be one of the best starts we ever had... a personal concert in classical guitar fashion.
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I really appreciated the perspective that Dr. Hinsley had to share, especially regarding his background. When Dr. Hinsley was in undergraduate school he talked about the many times that people encouraged him to major in something other than classical guitar. People were talking about how there isn't a viable future in the arts. Dr. Hinsley then set out to do a dissertation focused on the disconnect between the sustainability of the arts and our culture. He even pursued an accredited mentor to guide him through the dissertation, who was in full support, but surprised Matt when before he graduated. This man pleaded that he not continue a career in the arts, and instead put his mind into law school.
After discussing his background, Dr. Hinsley shared about the connectivity of nonprofits in the arts and the value of connecting with community, youth, patrons, and donors. Each of his perspectives embodied the heart of passion he shared for his service, and he did so in such a polished manner. One can tell this man is well thought out, as he discussed even the nuances he instructs his staff to never begin an email without a salutation to ensure the value of the message is upheld.
What I took from the night is a glimpse, hopefully, down the road from my own journey. I believe in pursuing life and the passions you are gifted with. It would be easier in life to find a viable and sustainable career. To go with what seems safest in the long term of building a resume and what is guaranteed to provide a sustainable financial future. This is smart, and has its own rewards, but it's not what holds me. I didn't pursue my MBA so I could just find the next bigger or better thing. I did it so I would be well equipped to push the limits.
Dr. Hinsley is a great example of what goals I am aspiring to. He's not just all heart and following his passions. He's pursuing the best with smart and calculated moves. He's strategically embracing and moving his passions forward and to a place where it betters the lives of youth, patrons, donors and the community. So often it seems that the nonprofit world can contain great people with a passion to do something. But how they do that something is everything. We must be calculated. We must be founded, well rooted, and smart about how we advance the mission of the disenfranchised.
Business school and theory are all great. It's important to know. What I appreciate about my experience here, is I'm learning how that all works within the systems we have. These systems are flawed, often unpredictable. They are within the confines of human socialization. I'm thankful to have the educational experience that provides this balanced perspective.
I really appreciated the perspective that Dr. Hinsley had to share, especially regarding his background. When Dr. Hinsley was in undergraduate school he talked about the many times that people encouraged him to major in something other than classical guitar. People were talking about how there isn't a viable future in the arts. Dr. Hinsley then set out to do a dissertation focused on the disconnect between the sustainability of the arts and our culture. He even pursued an accredited mentor to guide him through the dissertation, who was in full support, but surprised Matt when before he graduated. This man pleaded that he not continue a career in the arts, and instead put his mind into law school.
After discussing his background, Dr. Hinsley shared about the connectivity of nonprofits in the arts and the value of connecting with community, youth, patrons, and donors. Each of his perspectives embodied the heart of passion he shared for his service, and he did so in such a polished manner. One can tell this man is well thought out, as he discussed even the nuances he instructs his staff to never begin an email without a salutation to ensure the value of the message is upheld.
What I took from the night is a glimpse, hopefully, down the road from my own journey. I believe in pursuing life and the passions you are gifted with. It would be easier in life to find a viable and sustainable career. To go with what seems safest in the long term of building a resume and what is guaranteed to provide a sustainable financial future. This is smart, and has its own rewards, but it's not what holds me. I didn't pursue my MBA so I could just find the next bigger or better thing. I did it so I would be well equipped to push the limits.
Dr. Hinsley is a great example of what goals I am aspiring to. He's not just all heart and following his passions. He's pursuing the best with smart and calculated moves. He's strategically embracing and moving his passions forward and to a place where it betters the lives of youth, patrons, donors and the community. So often it seems that the nonprofit world can contain great people with a passion to do something. But how they do that something is everything. We must be calculated. We must be founded, well rooted, and smart about how we advance the mission of the disenfranchised.
Business school and theory are all great. It's important to know. What I appreciate about my experience here, is I'm learning how that all works within the systems we have. These systems are flawed, often unpredictable. They are within the confines of human socialization. I'm thankful to have the educational experience that provides this balanced perspective.
Friday, July 6, 2012
The end is just the beginning
Graduation is now more than a light at the end of a long dark tunnel. It's technically a month away from two days ago. Now technically we have two weeks of class required after that, so there's 6 more weeks of MBA as we know it.
This has been a tremendous experience for me, and I am so thankful I decided to take on this additional challenge the last two years. I've gained remarkable friends through the program, learned far beyond what I ever would have gained in the work place, and have the confidence to know what I can specifically bring to a team. I've identified my strengths both personally and professionally, and I am eagerly looking for opportunities within my work and volunteering to utilize these skills.
I'm so glad for the experience, but also eager for it to come to a close. I've been putting together agendas for my capstone team's meetings, and on this last one, I outlined what projects remained that we didn't have completed yet. There were only like 4 projects left. We put together a suggested timeline, and I'm hopeful that we will have absolutely everything ready to go and completed by Aug.3rd.
August 3rd is a special date for me... as I've mentioned in a prior post, there's a new development on the way for the Keeter's, due Christmas Day. I've been very conscious about mentally finishing school out before I really dive into anything baby related. We've not talked names, we haven't picked out nursery themes, we've been holding for Aug 3rd. August 3rd is our second sonogram, and supposedly when we find out if we're having a son or daughter. For me the 4th will not only mark graduation, and the following celebration, but it's when we will share with our families the sex of the baby. For me this will be such a celebration. It will be the marker of completing the race. Of working to put both my husband and me through school, of finalizing a chapter of a successful run at an MBA (currently, still holding onto that 4.0), and the real marker of the beginning of Matt and my next chapter with starting a family. I'll be learning how to balance who I am as an advocate for community and some one's momma. I'll get to balance thoughts from innovation and entrepreneurship to names and nurseries. Really, as I finish out school, I get that feeling after you've finished packing and are just about to head out on a big trip. The tools are there. Everything's prepared- now it's time to go. The journey's just beginning.
This has been a tremendous experience for me, and I am so thankful I decided to take on this additional challenge the last two years. I've gained remarkable friends through the program, learned far beyond what I ever would have gained in the work place, and have the confidence to know what I can specifically bring to a team. I've identified my strengths both personally and professionally, and I am eagerly looking for opportunities within my work and volunteering to utilize these skills.
I'm so glad for the experience, but also eager for it to come to a close. I've been putting together agendas for my capstone team's meetings, and on this last one, I outlined what projects remained that we didn't have completed yet. There were only like 4 projects left. We put together a suggested timeline, and I'm hopeful that we will have absolutely everything ready to go and completed by Aug.3rd.
August 3rd is a special date for me... as I've mentioned in a prior post, there's a new development on the way for the Keeter's, due Christmas Day. I've been very conscious about mentally finishing school out before I really dive into anything baby related. We've not talked names, we haven't picked out nursery themes, we've been holding for Aug 3rd. August 3rd is our second sonogram, and supposedly when we find out if we're having a son or daughter. For me the 4th will not only mark graduation, and the following celebration, but it's when we will share with our families the sex of the baby. For me this will be such a celebration. It will be the marker of completing the race. Of working to put both my husband and me through school, of finalizing a chapter of a successful run at an MBA (currently, still holding onto that 4.0), and the real marker of the beginning of Matt and my next chapter with starting a family. I'll be learning how to balance who I am as an advocate for community and some one's momma. I'll get to balance thoughts from innovation and entrepreneurship to names and nurseries. Really, as I finish out school, I get that feeling after you've finished packing and are just about to head out on a big trip. The tools are there. Everything's prepared- now it's time to go. The journey's just beginning.
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