Cloud of Witnesses

Being a part of a Leadership Development Organization has allowed me the privilege of associating with men & women who have seriously determined to change the course of our nation.  Without haughty delusions of grandeur, this journey of change begins within each individual. Listening to their stories defining where they were, are, & will be has transformed my life.  These aren’t people who motivate simply for monetary gain, but allow us to walk with them on their daily execution of incremental, slight-edge transformations.  Through their transparency, I have learned character, integrity, perseverance, acceptance, conflict resolution, financial wisdom, how to think for myself & how to read.  This is actually a minuscule list of how I’ve grown in the past 6 years.  I can’t even imagine how anyone liked me before applying the principles learned!  I was a good person, but we all know that good is the enemy of great.

Through various outlets, our assimilation into the social networking age has afforded us access to embrace leaders thoughts & practices on a daily basis.  Instead of reading negative media content, thousands of people nation(s) wide are becoming educated in areas of commerce, finances, culture, economical forecasts, leadership, relational communication, politics, & faith.  In accepting the quest of changing our nation, it’s imperative for us to learn all of those .  You know what I like the most about all of this?  I’ve had a front row seat in observing the maturation & increase of leaders just popping up.  Leaders who are not on any lists of fame yet, but  have applied the knowledge gleaned daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly who are hands down making a difference. We all know overnight success is a lifelong journey.  I think of this scripture concerning wisdom & applied knowledge.

Prov. 1:2-7 ~for attaining wisdom and discipline;for understanding words of insight;3for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,doing what is right and just and fair;4for giving prudence to the simple,knowledge and discretion to the young—5let the wise listen and add to their learning,and let the discerning get guidance—6for understanding proverbs and parables,the sayings and riddles of the wise.7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Common people are doing the uncommon & disciplining themselves to learn, grow & change on a daily basis. Such growth is seen as they become debt free, communicate better with their spouses, develop relationships with their children, become active in the community & even commit to a higher calling, acknowledging Jesus as Lord.  But wait??? I thought we were talking about a business, right?  We are. Man, a triune being, is a spirit, has a soul & lives in a body.  Through  integration of principle based character development, every area is examined & people are amazed at what they discover about themselves. It is truly my favorite aspect.

In reading posts this morning, I had an epiphany of one of my favorite scriptures!

Hebrews 12: 1-Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge cloud of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Whales 2006
David Lavery Photography-Cork, Ireland

While this scripture primarily speaks of those saints of old who have gone before, now cheering us on, it also quickened me to think of how modern-day technology uses the “cloud” to store & maintain information.  We have a purpose & a destiny to fulfill, but most of all we have been commissioned to leave a legacy for the next generation.  We have amazing leaders, both seasoned, new & emerging who are  committed to change & impact nations.  Take advantage of this wonderful  “cloud” of available media.   Glean from their life lessons.  Impart to others what you have discovered because after all, the highest form of edification is duplication.   The information we have available will quickly obliterate the garbage in – garbage out mentality & this should be a quest of everyone.

Enjoy the journey because after all…..the journey is the destination.

Blessings,

g