APODEXI

Christian-inspired abstract art for electronics and home

Decision steps

“Epiphany, epiphany! Oh, how I love thee!” Isn’t it miraculous when you have one that transforms the circumstances surrounding a situation or problem into cohesive understanding? Granted they don’t occur as often as I’d like but when they do, lookout! They’re the most magnificent evidence of God’s awareness of the details in our life.

In his August 22, 2011 Day by Day devotional, titled “From Fugitive to Monarch“, Chuck Swindoll provided a profound observation which initiated my epiphany.

Often we’re better at handling affliction than we are at handling promotions. As Thomas Carlyle, the Scottish essayist and historian, said, “But for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.”

Swindoll focused on the journey of David from boy to king. The most interesting aspect of David’s journey was the time spent hiding from Saul in a cave. Getting out of the cave was a journey but when he emerged, he had learned humility, leadership, and how to rally the masses. It took years of waiting, constantly asking Samuel and God, “Can I go now?” This brings me to my epiphany.

Have you ever watched a child as he or she is learning to walk? It’s one step forward, a look back at mom or dad for the go ahead nod or smile of approval, another accomplished step or two forward before looking back for more approval. Suddenly things are no longer out of reach as mobility moves from knees to feet. The need for independence intensifies and the risk of injury increases as the desire for exploration overcomes the need for guidance. No longer is the child asking, “Can I go now?” When injury occurs, who do they run back to?

It should be obvious this isn’t a story about David’s motor skills development. The point is David remained in that cave until he had learned to look back at God for every decision he had to make. When God determined David was ready, he was allowed to leave as a king and leader. All the agony he endured prepared him for the life God intended for him. It didn’t mean David was perfect, as Swindoll points out. David’s biggest mistakes occurred when he quit asking God for direction and rushed to decision.

I’ve been in the same place for seven long years. Now I know why. God has used that time to teach me a few things about Himself, myself, and others. Apparently it’s time for me to leave my cave.  So as I prepare to begin a new chapter in my life, I acknowledge and accept my propensity for imperfections but I am determined more than ever to ask God, “Can I go now?”

 

 

I beg your pardon!

A conversation posted on Christian Business Leaders Network at LinkedIn, provided a lively thread of comments and reactions. The provocative post titled, A Revival in the Business World, by blogger, Delight in Jesus, contained the quoted question, “What the hell does Christianity have to do with my business?” The question, not the answer, became the problem. One four letter word managed to usurp the conversation thread.

Perhaps the lesson of the day is not to get personally offended until you know what you’re offended at. For me, I’m more concerned about making an impact with my business and life than chastising someone for using a word everyone has most likely uttered at some point, if they’re honest.

Before you accuse me of supporting the use of profanity, allow me to emphasize how living life in Christ changes our perspective. I acknowledge the shortcomings of my humanity and all the accompanying frailties. I choose not to define my relationship with Christ based on an occasional slip up. As a professional and a Christian (yes it’s possible), I’m thankful for posts such as these and the business topics that connect both business and faith. They help me deal in a reality that is sometimes very difficult to navigate.

With that aside, I’d like to share my response to the post.

“Perhaps there are some examples of term “escapist pietism” in the comments and reactions posted here. Being easily offended can often sideline intention or resolution. Dig deeper into the article and you’ll find thought provoking statements that encourage a closer examination of what’s worked and what hasn’t in Christianity. In this case, I find the article and the question extremely relevant today. Allow me to expound.

First, I agree with the article’s premise as Christians we cannot be passive in defending or practicing our faith. But our defense must be actively present in how we live our lives, in other words what we do is more influential that what we say. Do I need to defend this with the names of former evangelists? I believe as individuals we forget our humanity and try to overcome more than we can handle. The result is legalism and judgment. If we follow Christ’s example, He started with a small group of men and allowed that circle of influence to affect many. Perhaps the lesson is start with one person in your own circle of influence and do for them what you could do for many. Watch it grow. By the way, Andy Stanley at North Point Community Church in Atlanta had a great perspective on this.

Secondly, the internet and social media have enlarged the information highway. It’s a global world we live in now. News we didn’t have access to five years ago has blown past us in ways the majority of people never imagined. However you choose to see it, YouTube, Google, Bing, FaceBook and countless others have provided platforms for anyone to post an opinion, good and bad. We now know about corrupt judges, politicians and business people. It seems to compile and grow daily contributing to public cynicism. So do you see this as opportunity to use your circle of influence with your business or personal life? I do. Start a revolution. Let people know what you’re doing to change your own circle and how you can help them. Jesus had 12 disciples and look what happened.

Third, as Christians we are called to obey the law. Unfortunately, labor law is part of this, however, I refer back to my first statement. Actions speak louder than words and allow opportunities to share; however, nothing negates our rights to change the law or vote for those in favor of minimizing restrictions impacting freedom of religion. We also cannot negate the freedoms this provides other religions, too. Perhaps the “actions louder than words” or “if everyone did for one what they wished they could do for many” statements have application here, too? Effective global ministries serve as great examples of actions and words – Samaritans Purse, InTouch, Joyce Meyer, etc.

Lastly, our witness is applicable to both believers and non-believers. Never have I found this to be truer than in the business world I’ve encountered as a startup. The tendency to form our religious cliques prevents effective witness to everyone. I’ve had doors shut completely to me by “Christian” businesses without the courtesy of being heard or follow-up to inquiry. In fact, I’ve been told if you’re not part of the “existing Christian network” it’s hard to break in. Seriously? If my secular career has taught me anything it’s this, business is an evolving environment, totally dependent on new ideas, thoughts, and experiences. As a Christian and professional, I’m open to hearing those things. It will either affirm my strategy and faith or challenge me to think outside the box and seek clarification from the Father.

My walk has not been easy and I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, and I expect to make more in the future. What keeps me grounded is God’s grace, Word, and daily prayer. I am perfected in Christ but balancing my humanity with reality is something faith is for. All I can do is look up and trust God for my horizontal perspective. Only then can I change my circle of influence one person at a time, one day at a time. Thank you for letting me share.”

Being a Christian doesn’t make us better than anyone else; it just should make us more grateful for Who we have access to and why.

Comfortability. Really?

I’m writing with intentionality today and if that moves your comfortability then please accept my apologies but it’s become a necessissity to talk about this. I know, it’s flusterating.

Okay. If you’re like me, you’re still focused on the opening statement. Believe it or not, all of these words have been words used recently by our educated general public. I keep a toolbar link to Merriam Webster online just to check out words I’m not quite sure about.

I first heard the word, comfortability, from the mouth of an University of Texas MBA student at a previous place of employment. The rapid adoption rate beginning the next day by fellow employees simply because this person was deemed more educated was quite amazing. Personally, I’m still trying to pronounce it. Clearly one of these things is not like the other. A quick check today proves comfortability and flusterating are nowhere to be found in the dictionary.

As for improper word innovation, I chalk it up to the creative genius our education system has inspired. I refer to 2 + 2 = 5. The kid gets an “A” for effort. I’ll give the former co-worker an “A+” for imagination and trend setting skills but an “F” to the co-workers who didn’t check it out for themselves.

The right to create your own words is a matter of constitutionality (an actual word)  but is it really in your best interestability to do so? Just curious.

Religion, relationships or service?

I’ve been reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan this week. Normally a speed reader, I just now completed the second chapter. Why? Because I’m awash in realization of the boat I’ve missed. Let me explain.

After several starts and stops in my career over the past five years, I found myself exploring a business concept and product line to help others define their purpose. It’s been quite a ride. During the trip, I discovered how my own propensity to fix processes was really a desire to help people understand why they matter in this big world of ours; to see beyond perceived limitations and seize opportunity; to be aware of the need around them; and ultimately, become a hero to at least one person. It explains my passion for service.

At age 12, I wrote a play and invited as many kids as possible in my class to participate in a practice at my house one afternoon. Honestly, I was surprised at who showed up. The more popular kids, boys and girls, made up the majority. Confidence is fragile at 12, especially where boys are concerned (I don’t think this fact has changed much since that time, either). At some point during rehearsal, a group broke off to sit on the patio. The others left, impatient as the remaining group of four pursued conversations about life, relationships, and struggles. I found myself grabbing a Bible and referring to Scripture in response to questions. Chalk it up to excitement, enthusiasm or passion as a new Christian or just something meant to be. On June 25, 1996, I learned one of the boys in that group died. The announcement was only a mention but someone told me drugs were involved, and it was possibly a suicide.

His death saddened me deeply. I asked the obvious “why?” questions. After all, this guy had looks – boy, did he! He was funny and seemed to have it together as well as any other 12-year-old. So what happened? I’ll probably never know, but I still ask when something triggers the memory. What in our conversation could have saved him but didn’t? What could have saved him at all? I don’t know what was done to help him, but how many others like him are out there? That’s what I find myself asking.

You see, service is defined by awareness of surroundings and the individual next to you. Service is providing a smile, a helping hand at the gas pump to an elderly woman, a dollar to the person on the side of the road, or buying $10 worth of groceries for the person at the register who’s $2 short. But more importantly, it’s about providing a message of hope and personal worth so loneliness and despair don’t prevail. You can fix all the processes behind the problem but it’s the heart of the person which needs attention.

This is where I am. We’re faced with a new generation of technologically focused young people connected through Facebook, YouTube, Google search, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and any text messaging phone available. Social networking is overtaking the propensity for conversation, relationships, intimacy, and spirituality. Youth Worker Journal had a great article on technology and youth cultures titled, “Tuned In, Turned Off: The YWJ Culture and Technology Roundtable” in its January/February 2011 edition. Unfortunately it’s subscription-based, but you can pick up the magazine at most Christian bookstores or visit www.youthworker.com. I highly recommend it for everyone.

The article affirmed personal observations of cultural trends. We are a nation of self. Social networking serves only to reinforce this trait. Just read the posts on Facebook or MySpace. Look at the number of self-promoting videos found on YouTube. Observe the number of students entering the workforce without relationship skills.

If we are to save our youth, country, and society, the message of hope and love must be strengthened through a closer look and walk with God. Forget religion, get to know God. When you do, you’ll recognize the sacrifice made for each of us. His was the ultimate act of service.

As this adventure begins, I hope you are inspired to connect, ask, answer and relate to someone in need. You may find yourself a hero in the moment.

It really is a BIG deal

In August I launched the online store site, Artverseity. The store and its purpose are a topic for another time but I wanted to talk about the company I partnered with to make my business a reality. If you don’t know who Big Commerce is then maybe it’s time to meet them.

After surfing the wave of eCommerce site hosts, I started out with Volusion, the self-titled 800 lb marketplace gorilla. That relationship lasted less than 30 days. King Kong had a longer life than those guys. It was typical of the software sales versus business analyst relationship at most software companies. You know what I mean. Sales oversells the capabilities and business analysts are overwhelmed training customers around the lack of capabilities.

I went back to research, found Big Commerce, and began a great partnership. Here are a few tidbits based upon my experience so far:

  • Technical support is actually helpful, friendly, and available during the hours I need them. The company is on CST but they recently expanded hours to accommodate the growing number of client businesses. Humor is a good thing to have, too. These guys know how to diffuse an unhappy situation.
  • Releases and code updates work and if by chance they don’t, they’re quick to note and correct.
  • Online forums are open and they don’t try to hide all the comments – good and bad. You’ll always have the people you can’t satisfy.
  • Flexibility is good and BC knows how to adjust. Tickets track issues, service surveys are actually read, and social media integration tools provide networking with other business owners and provide online store enhancement for clients.
  • BC offers weekly newsletters to help maximize your store with video tutorials and relevant topics.
  • Improved (and improving) inventory management and product upload tools.

Is the Big Commerce solution perfect? No, but they’ve been the most responsive company I’ve dealt with for my company’s online store, and frankly, in the software industry. In the end, the really big deal is they’re a company I can see growing my business with.

 

Faith renewed

I just had to share something Charles Stanley, pastor, First Baptist Church in Atlanta, wrote in the May InTouch Magazine.

Our momentary shortcomings do not make us spiritual failures.

The article discusses Christ-like character. If you haven’t read it, I strongly recommend it. Daily renewal. I thank Jesus for the strength to admit mistakes, accept His forgiveness, and get up the next day stronger and more thankful than the day before it!

Losing my Christianity?

Nothing makes me forget who I am in Christ faster than traffic, poor customer service and politics. You know what I mean if you’ve driven from north Atlanta to south Atlanta on a Friday afternoon or been behind a few drivers in Knoxville on a rainy day or missing an item from a drive-thru order. I find myself muttering irritable comments and a few other things about the driver in front of me while listening to my favorite Christian CD. And don’t get me started on politics.

What, you say? Aren’t Christians above this behavior? If I’m being honest with you, the reply is “no”; but I don’t have a free ticket to behave recklessly whenever I want either. Realistically, it’s a lot easier to point out another person’s faults than to focus on my own. Like most people, helping others find the way takes the burden of change off me.

Every day is a struggle to match what scripture says to what I’m supposed to do. What about letting the Spirit do it for you? I know He is with me. I know what God’s Word says but in moments of high intensity, it’s hard to remember He’s there. It’s so much easier to react and satisfy self in the moment. Dealing with guilt comes painfully later. All I know is that I must be renewed daily. Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 4:16.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. (NASB)

I have to remember this when I’m choosing business partners or listening to a renowned author or pastor. They are human, too. Their experiences may be extensive but in Christ we are all saved equally. For all the “mature” Christians who believe they have the lock on living and walking the walk, you really don’t. And if you think that, then you’re not being honest with yourself. If it was just a matter of maturity, why did Christ have to die?

I can say with certainty I get up every day renewed and refreshed in the knowledge what is behind me is forgiven. But I’m wiser, more experienced, and certain the next lesson is coming.

Mood mastery

I must be in an alternate universe this morning because the side of bed I woke up on wasn’t the one I expected. Maybe I’ve been watching too many episodes of Fringe or had more carbs than protein for dinner. Yeah, I like the justified sound of that. Too much metabolized sugar makes for a fitful morning. Now that I have a reason, I should feel better but I don’t, not quite yet.

Let’s put things in perspective. Tennessee had rough weather but nothing like the people in Mississippi and Alabama – at least I had a bed to wake up in. The weekend was spent visiting family and attending the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Northbound traffic on Interstate 75 was good for a change and the dogs behaved for our pet sitter.

Yep, I should be feeling fine and dandy but I’m not so what’s the problem? I don’t know but given my “fixer” traits, I figured it was time to start on my own attitude this morning. The InTouch daily devotional for today discusses praise and thanks. Check out Psalm 150. I think that’s a good place to begin.

Just one more thing

Why is it I expect a lesson to follow when articles on placing our confidence and security in Christ not finances keep popping up? Shall I start with the new dual heat pump system or car repairs?

Is it a compliment or complement?

One of my YaYa sisters sent a text yesterday stating she wanted to be like me when she grew up. Her compliment brightened my day and I found myself smiling as I hummed to a Casting Crowns song on CD. But then it occurred to me that perhaps I was enjoying the compliment a little too much. Could it be I was feeling a little proud about being an example to another person? And so began the banter between mind and spirit.


Mind – “A compliment is okay when I’m using talents and gifts inherently God-given.” 

Spirit – “Wait, that sounds a bit pompous. How exactly is it you know first of all, He’s set those aside for you; and secondly, you’re using them correctly?”

In reality that’s not how it worked at all. Jesus didn’t sit me down me and said, “Ka, here’s the talent and gift list I’ve given you and here’s how I want you to use them.” Have you seen the movie, Major Payne? All I can think of is Damon Wayans line, “Tomorrow we’re gonna start the hard stuff, boys.” That line pretty much sums up what Jesus meant. It could have been easier if I’d cooperated but I’ve always had a twinge of “know better” which means my on-time departure stats are worse than the airlines.

Honestly, there isn’t a day that passes where it’s easy to fully accept what Paul meant when he talked about suffering as gain not loss. Discovery’s journey revealed my strengths and weaknesses, a little late for some decisions, but never too late for God to use.  So as I reveled in the compliment, I realized it was more a testament to God’s work in me – a complement to what He is using me for. That’s what Paul meant in my opinion. Right now, I’m thankful instead of proud. Keeping it real keeps me humble. I somehow believe that was His intention all along.