Grace. It’s something we all need. Oddly enough, it’s not something that we give very freely. Every single one of us has junk in our lives. Instead of judgment or ridicule, we need to give grace and receive grace.
All too often we kill our wounded. At the very point a family member, friend or co-worker needs our love and grace, we turn our back. We roll our eyes at their failure. We walk away. Why? Maybe it’s our own shame. All the failure and imperfection in our life-being is reflected in that moment. Maybe we’re so overwhelmed with baggage from our past, or problems in the present, that we can’t possibly think about extending help to someone else.
Folks, don’t kill your wounded. It’s very possible that someone on your team or in your family or church desperately needs you to come behind them and offer support. Maybe they did something bad. Hate the sin, not the sinner.
What an important and rewarding reminder: if only us “D” folk would take a breath & think before our (my) initial response pops out ….. it is definitely more rewarding for both parties if you can come alongside and fix as opposed to shooting your team members one by one till nobody is left …. one of our VP’s told me one time “Mark, you have nothing in the bank – every time you criticize a team member, you drain all of their energy” … he was right – it’s correct to steer, to correct, and so on…. but you (I) need to have a history of more than negative correction with team members to be productive….. For me, it will be a life-long battle to control the tongue & impulse and to come alongside to solve and build them up
Very well said Mark! I , as an owner for 8 years, have been learning these lessons and continue to challenge myself to grow throughout this journey .
Ouch!!! My toes hurt! Great reminder and great lesson.
As a high “D” with very low giftedness in grace, I am constantly reminded: “Grace must be intentional.” God’s grace toward us is intentional.
Chris, before you, before EntreLeadership, before Andy Andrews, the person who helped me overcome, retrain my thought process, as a business owner, father, husband, etc was in fact, JOEL OSTEEN! Ppl throw him under the bus, but look at how many he is leading–you want proof of if God is evident, look at the fruits of one’s labor. This was one of your best podcasts to date, I believe. Keep it up Chris!
I have to say it’s from my kids. I can get frustrated and “angry Mom” shows up. I feel so loved and yet undeserving when they say to me “It’s OK Mama, I forgive you. I love you and I like it when you are happy”. Children are a reminder of God’s love for us every second of the day.
Chris…the ICU story hit me man.
How is Chelsea? We pray for her every night (and if we forget, Aracelli reminds us to).
Spot on Chris. Well said brother
In the spirit of the Olympics, this podcast falls under the category of a “Mary Lou Retton / Nadia Comenici – Perfect 10!” Very real, very convicting, makes one think…thanks for the convicting post and for being honest!
The story you include in your podcast about the NICU is very powerful – thanks for including it and what your experience was. WOW!