• Sometimes, in order to go forward you have to go backwards.
• Proper communication is vital. Too often we rush communications, and when we do that we create confusion and chaos.
• Leaders will always take the shots. Be prepared, stay humble and move forward.
• If someone is not criticizing you, then you’re not taking enough risks and you’re not creating the necessary change that is needed.
• Criticism is needed, it helps keep us centered. Live in the tension.
• I say it all the time, sideways energy is a death blow to start-ups.
• Systems and procedures can either hurt or help. A leader’s job is to ensure they’re helping!
• Rest and fun are essential and vital. It’s the fuel for great work.
• Not everyone will “get it.” Your vision needs a tribe that “gets it.” Focus on building that tribe and drown out the non-sayers!
• Everything is messy. Just because it looks good on the outside, does not mean it’s perfect on the inside. Life is messy, church is messy and non-profit work is messy. Embrace the mess!

But here’s the problem, I spend most of my time working on issues that are secondary and I’ve failed to focus on where I’m needed most. I’ve squandered my biggest asset I can give to HELP.

Why, because I want everything to be perfect on the back-end, which is fine…But lives are changed and activist are created when I share the story of the orphan and how we can make a difference. I’m a front-end guy, I will get results when I stay in my strength and passion.

What is your most important asset to your organization? Whatever you do, make sure you focus on that asset, make sure you spend the majority of your time and effort on what you do best for your organization.

Andy Stanley shared some priceless thoughts on certainty in his session at Catalyst West. He said, “The more leadership you assume the less certainty and more complexity you’ll experience.” Andy just says it like it is: “I will always be uncertain. I am certain of it.

Man, that was a really helpful thought. These past few months have been complex and filled with uncertainty in my life. This is abnormal for me and I can say its been a unique struggle trying to discern some key decision for my life. I’m certain about my passion for HELP, I’m sure about my passion for the local church, and I’m sure about my passion for orphans. But, I’ve been unsure about my location in-which to engage these issues.

Necole and I have thought about staying put in Austin, or relocating to Socal, Seattle or Raleigh. We’ve struggled to understand what is best for her business, our kids and HELP’s future.

I say that to say this, if you’re struggling to hear God’s voice, if you’re struggling to know God’s will, you are not alone and you don’t have to assume something is wrong. I truly think the struggle is apart of the journey to know God and learn to trust even in the midst of silence.

When I was in corporate sales, whenever I could not close a deal, I would always critique my strategy. I would ask myself if I gave a passionate presentation, did I love my product, was I detailed-oriented, was I too pushy or not pushy enough. The most important critique, “Did I ask for the deal?”  The fact is most people are scared to ask for the deal, but here’s the truth; “people want you to ask.” 

If I’m not willing to ask, why would I expect people to be willing to give? If I don’t have the courage, I can’t expect them to have the courage.

We can’t make excuses, people want you to beleive in your vision more then anyone else. Think about it, even Jesus tell us to “ask..seek and knock.” So when no one supports your vision, when people say no, don’t blame the potential supporter or client. Look in the mirror and find a better way to present your dream, then ask for the support!