Honor and Sacrifice

Today I led a memorial service for the father of a good friend of mine. I was able to share some memories and hopefully bring some comfort and hope in a difficult time. Personally, I felt the most powerful part of the service happened after I was done speaking. The gentleman we were honoring was an Air Force veteran and had been a POW. Three members of the Air Force were in attendance and played “Taps” before presenting the flag to his widow. The words spoken to her were, "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for faithful and dedicated service."

I was moved deeply by the honor and tradition of this act. It may have been a simple gesture to some, but I appreciated the recognition of years of sacrifice and service in allegiance to one’s country. The ceremony spoke of solemn gratitude for a soldier’s willingness to fight for freedom even if it was many years ago. It reminded me of the incredible commitment of so many men and women and the bond they share of having been in our military. This said to me, “We have not forgotten what you have done for all of us.”

There is great honor in genuine sacrifice and it should be recognized. Failure to appreciate these acts doesn’t negate what has been done, but diminishes our understanding of courage in action.

That Must Be Real

Perception is reality. 

I've often used this phrase to describe the concept of what we see becoming what we believe to be true. Our personal view of current circumstances will shape how we engage with people around us. While it's important to recognize this truth to foster better relationships, it can also present a problem when someone's perception is incorrect. This leads to a false idea of reality that may be completely skewed from what is actually taking place.

Approaching these situations humbly is key to helping people see what is actually taking place without demeaning their viewpoint. We need to show respect for other's perceptions while working to gently correct a wrong path. This can't be done from a position of superiority or an intrinsic desire to be right. It has to be focused on reconciliation and mutual submission to the real truth not just the truth as we choose to see it.

Common Ground(s)

It's fairly obvious to anyone that knows me that I enjoy a good cup of coffee. Hopefully they realize this from the coffee pot and grinder in my office and not from coffee breath (I use mints for that.) I find something soothing in a good cup of java and enjoy a couple of cups each morning and often in the afternoon as well. I find that it helps to put people at ease and creates an easy opportunity to talk.

I don't aim to overvalue what can happen when people are sharing this delightful hot beverage. I do know it tends to put people at ease while providing a social encounter without great pressure. We are able to sit together over this brewed nectar and have a respectful, give-and-take conversation. I don't believe it's magical (maybe a little), but it brings us together on common ground around something we can agree on. That's the first step in sharing honestly with each other and working out the other issues we might share. I've seen it work too many times to discount it.

Perhaps we should start more potentially divisive dialogues over coffee.

Open Dialogue

I am mostly an extrovert (which doesn't surprise those that know me) and enjoy spending time with people. Part of that is tied into my desire for open conversation and the exchange of ideas. I have not always effectively practiced this, but I strive to open myself up to new ways of thinking. I believe that the honest, respectful dialogue provides the opportunity for mutual respect and understanding. It allows us the chance to be in agreement on parts of issues while respecting our individual rights to stand on our differences at the same time. It's a practice that proves that people can honor each other while not being in 100% agreement with every part of their belief system.

Imagine the difference in our communities if we could convince people to sit calmly and find common ground without demeaning each other. This wouldn't just transform leaders, but would bring peace and understanding our neighborhoods. I believe it would reveal that we have more in common with people than we might think. Once we see this foundational truth we'll work harder to maintain the unity we are all clamoring to see.

Old & New

"Never confuse change for a lack of respect for tradition." Buck Showalter

Buck is the manager for professional baseball's Baltimore Orioles and a former major league player. He is a well-respected leader who is extremely intelligent and well-versed in baseball history. While he understands the value of change and progress, he clearly values the foundation that history has built for the present. Buck appreciates what has been done while also working with today's leaders to move forward.

Recognizing the need for growth while honoring tradition is a delicate balance. Too often leaders are passionate about the potential of the future and neglect to pay homage to the past. Even when a cultural shift is necessary there should be some recognition of the traditions that have build a solid foundation. It's the decisions and actions of the past that have allowed this moment in the present to take place.

In case we might forget: the change of today will become the tradition of tomorrow. We'll take it more personally when it's our revolutionary shift that is now being phased out for something new. Treating traditions with respect while continuing to move forward creates momentum that honors the past and the future.

Proper Posture

I remember being a kid and my mom telling me to stand and sit up straight or it would affect my spine for the rest of my life. This must be a standard principle from the Mother's Credo along with not sitting too close to the television or my eyes would be ruined, and the need to stop crying before she gave me something to cry about. In actuality, I'm sure it was something that she carried over from her mother and father-the importance of good posture.

It's obviously something that matters to God as well since He teaches on it often. We are counseled regularly in Scripture on the importance of bowing our heads, kneeling, and taking a reverential stance. It reflects our level of honor for God and our recognition of our position relative to Him. 

What spiritual posture are we maintaining in our prayer life or when we read the Bible? What position do we take when we are desperate for an answer from God? Do we come with a position of humility, honor & respect or do we show up with a sense of entitlement thinking that God owes us something? Maintaining a proper posture reveals our level of understanding of our position relative to God. It's a stance that is developed over time as we recognize our need to rely on His generous greatness.