I’m not sure I saw it this way at first, but I found that the obstacles I faced really opened the door for new opportunities and beginnings. In many ways, the changes associated with the challenges kept my life from returning to the same place it had been before. The challenges pushed me to think about life in different ways. Things could never quite go back to the same spot once I had faced the biggest physical, mental, career, and life hurdles.

These last few years have been filled with struggles, challenges, near-death experiences, and constant change. Yet, I can sit on this side of all of it and give thanks for all the places that God worked, intervened, and carried us.

The overly critical, mean, and demeaning church and or pastor is not the best place to be. There are good places and good people. Choose one that works best for you.

So how do you get people to care about the things you care about? That was the question posed to me several weeks ago.

Understanding your mission (purpose), vision (passion), and values allows you to turn your focus toward things that really matter to you and carry the impact you desire.

You remember the old statement, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” That still holds true today. Developing relationships is one of the most important things we do.

Let’s be clear, there were 1.9 million new cancer cases in 2022 alone. That doesn’t include spouses, kids, family, and friends who make the journey with those who fight the battle. We spent $208.9 billion on cancer in 2020 and that doesn’t even touch the impact emotionally, relationally, or spiritually. Everyone it seems is dealing with cancer at some level.

The best thing you can do is find the people who believe in you. The people who recognize your gifts and talents. Listen to the people pointing you towards something great. Those are the voices that matter.

The world tells us that leadership can’t be kind, gracious, compassionate, caring, and empathetic, but what if the world is wrong.

Most folks don’t make the needed or desired change because they lack the courage to change or are unwilling to take the risk. And you can be courageous in your change, but if your attitude stinks during it, the journey will be awful.

This past week I spent time talking with 7 different friends regarding professional transitions. I know there are those who find their career and/or calling and never change, but it seems most folks are looking for something new.

Don’t miss your chance to chase your dream and live the big adventure.

Leadership is taught (explicit). Very seldom is great leadership caught (implicit).

As some of you know, my father passed away very peacefully in hospice Thursday morning July 27th at 2:15am.

Lead with kindness, humility, and service, and you’ll lead well.

Those of you who know history, know that politics has never been kind.

Several weeks ago, I had a friend ask me what I learned most about my faith and my relationship with God in the midst of my cancer journey. It caused me to reflect a little differently than I did before.

A few weeks ago, our niece stayed with us for a couple of days while her parents were out of town. We had fun! We ate pizza, ice cream, went on a walk and watched Madeline (I believe that’s right) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. One of the mornings, I dropped her off at school and watched her walk in for another day with teachers and friends.

Over the last two years, my priorities have shifted and I’ve found myself not wanting the same things I did before, and even being uncomfortable staying there. I strive for meaning and connection to what matters most.

This past year has changed me, no doubt. I’m more reflective and conscious of how fragile life is.