Spring Cleaning: The Power of Exposure!

“The illiterate of the 21st century are not those that cannot read or write but those that cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” -Alvin Toffler 

Wow!

This has been an explosive season of learning, growing and stretching for me. Ever since I was a little boy, I made the commitment to be a life long student. Growing up, my grandfather would tell me, “Your life is a university. Every day, take a class.” As a result, I’ve always started each year with a few attainable goals that challenge me spiritually, financially and socially. 

One of my goals for 2016 was to invest in personal development. As a pastor, I prepare content weekly to preach to a growing congregation. In addition, I teach two classes during in The Equipping Center (TEC) ministry school, as well as countless private messages for insights, problem solving and ideas. This is taxing and I find that the more I feed, the more I must be fed! With this in mind, I specifically looked up events and conferences that I’ve never been to and don’t know anyone. This forced me to meet new people, learn new ways of doing things and to find out what else is out there. 

Although it’s only the first quarter of the year, my heart is racing and my vision has been reinvigorated. I wanted to share a few highlights from some of the public and private events I’ve attended recently. These 10 nuggets have made a tremendous impact on my life!

Project Gideon – Dallas, TX 

A mentoring program by Bishop T. D. Jakes 

1. “In ministry, there will be fluctuations. Your ability to understand fluctuations determines the depth of your leadership.” -TDJ

2. “Every idea needs a strategy. If there is no strategy, there is no stream.” -TDJ

3. “Always be interested and not just interesting.” -Sundra Ryce

4. “I coach the masses, I mentor the few. I can coach a person that I don’t see. Mentoring is when I take a portion of my life and invest into that particular person.” -Holton Buggs 

5. “The power is in the WHY. Teaching tells you the WHAT. Mentoring tells you the WHY.” -TDJ

6. “Mentoring is MEN TOURING each other’s lives.” -TDJ

Q Commons – New York City 

A faith and culture event hosted by Gabe Lyons. 

7. “It’s not an easy to be a leader and it’s not an easy time to find a leader you can trust.”

8. “A leader increases others flourishing by their own vulnerability. The challenge of leadership is the proper stewarding of vulnerability.” -Andy Crouch, Strong & Weak

CAP Retool – Atlanta, GA 

An association of pastors hosted by Bishop Dale Bronner. 

9. “Let the changes you make be evolutionary and not revolutionary. Know your pace.” -Bishop Dale C. Bronner

10. “There are three types of people you need in your life to accomplish your mission. Doers, Donors and Door openers. Doers have time but no resources. Donors have resources but no time. Door openers have the ability to take you to the next level. Evaluate your life and see who is who.” -Bishop Dale C. Bronner

Does Black History Still Matter?

A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill:
Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage
To do my Master’s will!

Back to the Basics

Hey guys!

It’s been awhile but I really feel like putting the hard work in of blogging regularly. It’s a long term investment with one major caveat. Any good writer knows that writing is easy. However, it’s the discipline to sit down that’s hard. Our lives are conditioned to be extremely fast paced. As a result, we consider it normal to always be “ON”, and never turn, “OFF.”

My Grandfather recently passed away and every single day I’m reminded of one of his nuggets of wisdom. This weekend was Fathers Day and I was doing some book shopping at Union Square. I saw an old business colleague of mines and we exchanged contacts. He informed me that he recently became a Christian, and I was excited to hear it. While our conversation was closing, he said to me, “I never had a father or a mentor. But to see you and how you carry yourself lets me know what a real father looks like.” I stood there stunned, not knowing whether I should cry or comment, being very sensitive to the moment.

I am fully convinced that although our loved ones leave us, their impact is embedded in our DNA. Our vision, values and ethics are all shaped by those closest to us. One of my mentors used to say, “If you want to go fast, go by yourself. But if you want to go far, take someone with you!”

So I’m determined to take you with me as I grow on my journey. I’m not perfect, but I’m striving to be productive.

One day, ill be able to smile as we embark upon the Promised Land together.

Until then, make today your masterpiece.

Expect Greater!