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Many decades ago, I spent some time writing down some personal mantras that I wanted to live by as a leader.    It was sort of a “leadership affirmations” list, but it meant more to me than a daily confession; I wanted to think through what would guide my life and behaviors as a leader.   I limited myself to five .   Why five? No reason.   I just find that I like to force arbitrary parameters that constrain me to consider what the  most important  items are in whatever I’m wr

The recent news of Christian author Philip Yancey’s affair hit me hard.    For decades, I’ve loved and appreciated his writing.   Nearly thirty years ago, I remember reading What’s So Amazing About Grace?  and being struck by Yancey’s honesty and helpful reevaluation of why grace seemed supplanted by the much easier operation of legalism. In elegant, simple prose, he questioned why Christians were known more for what they were against rather than the beauty and power of undes

Say goodbye to 2025—thank you.   What a seismic year of cultural, political, and spiritual shifts.   Regardless, I find myself at the end of each year feeling a tension between reflection and visioning.   That is, thinking about the past year: What was challenging? Where did I see God move? When did I miss something important? What brought a moment of playfulness? Of resolution?   And then I wonder about the future: What changes do I want? Where do I see my heart leaning? How

As quickly as it came, it even more quickly left.   The phrase became a cryptic puzzle for all those older than a tweener: “6/7”. Middle school teachers were perplexed by what caused snickers when it was uttered inadvertently. While everyone beyond fifteen was trying to decipher its meaning, the fact that something actually meant nothing was part of the joke. Or as one young girl put it, “No offense to adults, but I think they always want to know what’s going on.”   In nation

I wrestled with writing this post—for two reasons.    First, it’s kind of a downer.   Sorry.   After all, this is the start of a new year with fresh possibilities and resolutions.   Second, in our politically polarized culture, I try to avoid any political inference. With our 24/7 news cycle and suffocating socials, we get enough negativity.   But these posts are also leader-centric, exploring every aspect of healthy, integrous leadership. And this is an honest example of a f

It’s that time of year again.    As of the date this is posted, there are only fifteen shopping days left until Christmas.   Sorry. I feel your pain.   Last night my wife and I were chowing down on Torchy’s tacos and talking about leadership. She said, “At this time of year, you should write something about ‘The Best Gift a Leader Can Give’.”   Dang. I loved the idea because it also reminded me of a question I posted on the socials years ago.   I once asked, “If you ever had