Category Archives: Fear

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God is not afraid so why are you?

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In the life of a leader the prize is on the other side work. And the work is normally in an arena that is higher and more involved than our current experience. Leaders have to consider the prize then overcome the obstacle. There are many things that are given to us because of favor from God and everything else we have to give an honest effort. In my experience favor comes along when I am immersed in work.

What is the number one fear of a leader? Consider not reaching your goal. Now consider not trying to reach your goal. Which is worst? We have an enormously high capacity to achieve greatness on this earth. Look at your next challenge and plan it as if it is your first. We all like to say, “if I could go back again with my current knowledge, I would be awesome!” Guess what? You cannot go back but you can forge forward into new endeavors or finish old visions without fear. There is no fear if we love and trust God.
If someone is in the same position as you and is not afraid why are you? Determine within yourself that you can achieve your goal and nothing is too hard for God.
If two leaders wish to accomplish the same goal but only one can win then the other has to keep going and trying to win without fear.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
2 Timothy 7
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 15:1

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Difficulties Break: You Arise

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“Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.” Nelson Mandela

In life we all encounter difficulties that bring us to the edge of our patience. It is here that we find what our true character consists of. Into every life problems fall, some people scream, some people run away and others just give up. All of these options are viable but will not aide you in accomplishing your life’s dreams. Let nothing break your spirit to win and nothing taint you will to live life to your satisfaction. I would rather be cold and free than warm and entrapped. Free your mind from your troubles and you will find a solution.
The axe of life is sharp and seems that it is designed to bring all humans down. We are made blunt and hard to with stand the difficulties of this world. The axe that cuts at us is designed to drive us closer to our true purpose and the Father who fashioned us.
Why does Mandela choose the word sinner? I believe he chose this word to signify that we all have fallen short of the Glory of God but we can rise above any self-inflicted challenge. Seeing your short side does not define your character it shows you what to work on. Pull yourself together face life head on and never back down.
Arm yourself with Hope
Hope is focusing on something that you do not yet see. Hope is an armor that can deflect the axe of life’s problems. You have to pick up hope and hold it. To pick it up requires positive confessions and a positive mental attitude. Mandela teaches that hope is focused on the fact that you “will rise even in the end”. Have patience and “You shall rise in the End”.

Keep trying, never give up, you shall arise

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Dominate Fear

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I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.    Nelson Mandela

Fear is ever present especially in the life of a leader. Fear has a thousand tongues and no hands. You will hear voices and think thoughts that come to disrupt your confidence. Confidence comes from knowing that you are on the right path and doing the right thing. If you are doing the right thing and on the right path the only other element for success is time. Patience knows that fear is along for the ride but ignores all the chatter.
Courageous people seem to walk in a zone of no fear. One popular saying that was turned into a brand is called “NO Fear”. The only reason that people of courage appear to have conquered fear is that they have accepted the fact that fear accompanies all achievement. Courageous people live out loud and their courage talks more than any fear.

Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “Courage is the first of the human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all the others.”
You can be nothing without first demonstrating courage. It takes courage to learn how to walk and talk when you are an infant. And it takes courage to walk and talk about your vision when you are mature. And it definitely  takes courage to tackle another major project when you are old. Dominate fear and you will dominate life.

Maya Angelou said, “Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without it we can’t practice any other virtue with consistency.”

How will you use courage to dominate fear?

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Trust God: Why worry

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Why worry: trust God. This is the week of big test this week, get your head up. This is the week you should look forward to not be anxious about.

Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine  are still greater.

Albert  Einstein

Remember (in my best Australian accent) “No worries mate”. I wrote a post on “Trust your training” (click here).  Worry has a place but it is not with you.

1 Peter 7 says, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you”

 

This is a great instruction, master this thought pattern and you are well down the path of peace and patience.  Every single anxious thought can be redirected to God and He will handle it.  That test in school, God will handle it. That big client with even bigger demands, God says cast that on me.

So how do we move our problems to God court? There is one more scripture that answers this.

Philippians 4 verse 6:      Be careful for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.

The first statement “Be careful for nothing”, means do not worry stop concerning yourself with the cares of this world.  The way to cast your cares on Him is through prayer and supplication.  God hears your prayers so give Him thanks for meeting your every need.

The final portion of this scripture finishes with a promise we all hope to experience.

 

Philippians 4 verse 7:  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Have a great week and “Don’t worry, BE Happy”

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Patience has no fear

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  • Fear and faith cannot exist together
  • Children of God must act on the will of their Father

 

 

Patience has no fear because it knows the outcome will be delightful.  Fear comes to move you off of your path of great accomplishment.  Once I was afraid to commit to working out because, I thought the time would take away from my family. Then I questioned if an unhealthy lifestyle would take away years at the end of my life or cause countless days at the doctor’s office.  Fear has an unstable foundation and will crumble with careful consideration.  A person can live with fear so long, that it becomes comfortable to them.  We let fear speak to us in daily activities, so much that we think fear is our unconscious mind attempting to protect us. We must use our faith, our abilities and the Almighty to combat this enemy.  In the canvas of the mind fear and faith cannot co-exist, one will dominate.  Faith requires action, fear promotes inaction.  When decisions arise today ask for wisdom to recognize when you are bowing down to the calamitous reports of fear.

 

Strive to be a faith giant.  Faith giants move to different states to pursue dreams. Faith giants call businesses with ideas to sell and have no prior experience.  Faith giants claim debt freedom while possessing a horrid debt to income ratio.  God helps faith giants and those of little faith but the more your faith is evident the more He has to work with.  The Bible says,

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”  1 John 4:18

 

So love yourself, love people and love the Creator who continually supports you.  Repel fear and be patient for your dreams.

How have you overcome fear recently?

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What is Consistency?

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What’s the most consistent thing that you experience?

 

Consistency:  steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.:

I know I need work in this area, so I decided to do a bit of research. The first word of the definition is steadfast? If I use steadfast I think of never letting go.  Imagine a baby kangaroo holding on to its mother or a stream that flows forever constantly providing life. To be steadfast is to be strong and mortally committed to achieving your goals.

What do we admire about the character of Consistency?  Who is consistent and how did they get that way.  Consistent people do not allow outside influences to disrupt their thought pattern. If you are committed to an idea, that causes you to have a short sided view of the world, this is powerful.  Those that think short sided, ignite innovation.  Rebel against the trend, if it causes destruction.

Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian duties.
Charlotte Bronte

Three Actions that will increase your consistency

Forgiveness

You have to forgive your inconsistencies. Forgiveness allows for patience to stick, it acts as the glue on the tape of life.  Forgiving yourself opens your heart to explore the world.

 

Reflect on your core values

What legacy do you want to leave? Make your feelings a reality.  If you are true to what keeps you centered then you will not go astray.  Copy your goals and say them more often than you think you is necessary.

Change your routine to enhance your dreams

Let go and develop a consistent routine that includes the pursuit for your dreams and goals.  If your routine is not working alter your approach, but keep the same dream.  Expect greatness and use wisdom to consistently achieve your dream life.

 

Tina Turner’s song “Let’s Stay Together” strikes a tone for steadfastness.  If you can keep your commitments to relationships and values; you are counted among the consistent. Hang on to those things that are dear to you. As long as your hands don’t move you are consistent. Patience will support your consistent nature.

What traits do you possess that show your consistency?

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Failure is an option, do not choose it

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulobrandao/I am not failure, Patient Leadership uses failure as another opportunity to achieve greatness.

If you fall, fall on your back. If you can look up, you can get up.
Les Brown

The other night I could not sleep and it was entirely my fault. It was the night after the Toastmasters Table Topics contest, where I came in second to better competition. I believe if I would have done my best, I still would have been challenged to succeed…. BUT, I stunk, my words were garbled, my eye contact was weak and my sentences were tangled. Worst of all I conveyed the personality of a sad toad. Maybe, this a little harsh but I believe I rank with the best speakers God put on this earth. Granted I am still evolving, I believed this was a step towards my achievable dreams. All that being aside, I went home with my head hanging down. And lost sleep thinking of how many; many times I have captivated the crowd in these situations. Truth is, I failed and I needed to figure out how to right the ship and right my mind. Oh, this was my first contest of this sort, so how could a person who teaches on patience be upset.

Upset I was so I called the Magic City Toastmasters, President, Alex Bumpers and he gave me his philosophy on how I should handle this situation.

Steps to take after a failure.

State of Reflection
Allow your mind to go over the details of the events. Give yourself some time to digest and process all the events. No judgment, just contemplation

Strategic Phase
New Vision is necessary to proceed. You had a vision of what success looked like and now you have to decide if you have the same desires. Queen Janetta said,”
You have to decide if you even want to play that game anymore.” Some goals are worth going for again and others are just proving grounds for the better life.

Action Plan
“Roles and Goals”. Define who’s going to do what and when. Make decisions that will propel you to the next level. My one reason for joining
Toastmasters was to improve my skills as an inspirational speaker. After my last performance, I can see there is aspects of my craft that need enhancement.

Implementation
Alex Bumpers says, “You can’t be successful from 40,000 feet in the air, you have to get down in the trenches.” Hands on enactment are vital to the success of any
venture. Put your dreams into action. All babies need milk to grow. See and do it. The future belongs to those who are about their business.

Success or Failure
After following these steps you will either have success or failure and in both events you should go back to the Reflection phase to gather more intelligence.
By continuously repeating this process you will eliminate failures and multiply success.

Anytime you suffer a setback or disappointment, put your head down and plow ahead.
Les Brown

What process do you use after a failure or success?

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You shall Win

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“You will Win” is a paraphrase from the bible verses in Luke 21:18-19 (amplified)

However not a hair on your head shall perish. By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win the true life of your souls.

This scripture holds a promise that is universal and a truth that applies to any profession or enterprize. First you should not fear for your life or that any harm can come to you.

Fear breeds unbelief.

For believers the scripture opens up avenues to a great life on earth and in the afterlife because it addresses your soul. Since your soul is eternal, patient endurance causes you to be a winner forever. God is the God of the living , so we will focus on the present. The words “by your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win” are so powerful in the walk of patience. You shall win because you outlast the enemy and the competition. On this path there will be times where you will ask the questions ” why me , why now? ” The Patience to Dominate is the answer and this scripture embodies this sentiment. God is seeking examples of faithful people to spread His message. True life is life defined by God not by man. “You shall win the true life of your soul” is a goal all humans desire to achieve.

What do you consider to be true life?

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What to do when the enemy has eaten you up.

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My wife, Queen Janetta came up with this title when she saw what happened to the Georgia Hybrid Collard Greens that we planted in the garden. This was our first year planting this vegetable, so our only experiences with Greens were faint memories from childhood. As the plants grew we were very proud and we daily watered them and removed weeds. One evening we noticed that bugs had attacked one plant and I said that I would get some spray the next day. Well, by the next morning all of my plants had holes in them. It was too late but I went out before work and purchased the spray. We thought this mishap was an indicator of many scenarios in life. Below are three quick observations that we took away from this experience.

1. Do not fret over the problem.
You cannot cry over losses that have already occurred. To complain was our first response. We even asked a crazy question, “where did theses bugs come from?” Do not lose time in remorse. For a while when something challenging happens the normal human response is to be upset and brood over the issue. The pouting or whining over the problem only takes you down a long path of destruction.

2. Immediately spend the resources to alleviate the problem.

First do all the things that do not cost much money. In our case we first removed some of the damaged leaves. When money is necessary do not fear to promptly produce your investment. We were not excited about going to the Lowe’s in Bessemer and paying for more gardening supplies but either we were committed to growth or we were pretending.

3. Make the adjustment and continue to apply the things necessary for growth.
You are aware of the loss so now you must adjust your expectation for yield. We planted a lot of greens and we even talked about having them throughout the entire winter but now our expectation had to be altered. This is what you must do in life sometimes. Make the adjustment and enjoy the fruit that makes it through the antics of life. Now, we had to apply faith by continuing to water damaged plants. If watering and fertilizing is necessary don’t be afraid to be patient and work through a mess.
I am proud to report that we harvested a batch of those Georgia Hybrid Collard Greens and it appears that the garden will yield another batch really soon.

What are you going to do when the enemy has eaten you up??

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Don’t point a finger, Make a solution

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Have you ever seen a troubling situation and said, “They really should do something about…” There is always someone to blame when there is a problem. Most of the time there is a clear cut person or circumstance that has initiated the trouble. Well here is a question, who is the “they that you are speaking about? If the situation has come to your attention maybe you are the “they”. Maybe no one else sees the problem or you are the one with the simple solution. What if everyone else continues to complain without acting? I created some techniques to be a better solution driven leader.

1. Ask for help from the complainers
A direct request for help acknowledges the problem and confronts the other people who recognize it. It asserts your position as a leader and points everyone in a positive direction. Complainers become comrades in the fight to right the ship.

2. Make a solution 
Positive people who can really get stuff done will immediately join your cause and carry some of the motivation burden. Allow these people to influence the complainers but do not burden them with more people who complain than they can handle. A little yeast will cause the entire ball of dough to rise. Let the positive people also encourage you because iron sharpens iron.

3. Do not fear failure
Many good causes have never been attempted due to fear of failure or rejection, especially past rejection which can hamper you for life. When fear arises began to act on the solution. No amount of positive vibes can overcome inaction. The problem or situation exists because someone was afraid to deal with it directly. Since you are a leader flee fear and run to the solution.

Creativity is the answer. I always prefer the creative solution to an expensive solution.
Keenen Ivory Wayans

Now that you have more wisdom, it is time to stop pointing the finger. Make a plan, speak to others and get moving.
Tell me about you a solution you made and acted on it in your life?