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How Would You Appeal This Fine?

For all of you who are in leadership positions and have ever wondered if the consequences of our actions was punishment enough...

...because death is not as great a motivator as a hefty fine...

Thanks to Seth Godin for this pic.

Terry Schiavo Died Today

Every once in awhile, there arises an issue that grabs the attention of the American public. That is the case with Terry Schiavo. It is interesting to consider what elevated this case above other cases that deal with right to life and right to die issues. It seems that the debate surrounding the end of Terry Schiavo's life called into question our perspectives on law, ethics, religion, and politics.

This was no ordinary case.

As I have followed the nuances, the debate, surrounding this case, I have wondered where one discovers truth in this situation. Is there a truth that rises above opinion and perspective? Is the truth of this situation not found on either side of the arguments, but somewhere in the tension of them?

Here's what I struggle with:

• Was starving and dehydrating Terry to death the most humane way to allow her passing?


• If her husband had a common law wife, with two children through her, does he not forfeit his claim of legal guardianship?


• Why did this issue seem to be argued on political lines, even though there seemed to be a balance of opposing opinion found in each political party?


• How does one best honor God in the tension of these arguments?

I probably show my own bias by the types of questions that I raise. I personally prayed that they would find a way to re-insert the feeding tube.

Today I am reflecting on my motives and perspective behind that prayer, and offering a prayer that grace and peace would be with the family of Terry Schiavo.

You'd Be Sitting Too...

Look at the size of those horns!!! This is Lurch, an African watusi steer. Read more about his World Record size horns here.

Leading On A Spiritual Level

Jeannette A. Bakke is a spiritual director and faculty associate at Bethel Theological Seminary. She describes the following six "hopeful" possibilities for those who desire to mix spiritual formation with their academic experience.

1. The leaders - faculty, staff, administrators and student leaders - set the tone for a community which models, embodies, and expresses what it means to be people of faith.

2. We seek to be aware of the characteristics of spiritual development and become familiar with how generations naturally facilitate and hinder each other. We want to savor the possibilities in relationships between students and caring adults who are not their parents.

3. We long to describe spiritual formation in terms that are freeing, that demonstrate the principle that one size does not fit all, and that show there are opportunities for everyone to identify their gifts, strengths, and limitations.

4. We seek to facilitate confidential relationships where we listen to each other with prayerful attention, as we frame personal questions, pursue healing and development, and shape meaningful dreams which flow out of prayer and discernment.

5. We continue to show that we value Christian spirituality by offering courses which encourage everyone to learn about spiritual formation and explore practices and possibilities.

6. We want to develop an awareness of and a capacity for an inner life which influences outer choices.

Having read through these six things, which one strikes you as being the most important for your campus community? Which one is lacking in your situation? What is one thing that you can do to "set the tone" in one of these areas?

The Value of a Dollar

College students understand that sometimes you buy food not based on quality but on quantity. That's the beauty of Taco Tuesday at Taco John's!

What does this have to do with student leadership? Everything.

People will follow someone who understands how and where to get a great deal, on some great food, without spending a great deal of money. If you know about Taco Tuesday and you tell someone who doesn't know about Taco Tuesday and then they end up going to Taco Tuesday based on your recommendation...well, you can see how easy it is to change the world one taco at a time.

You Don't Lead

Here is an interesting thought from a book entitled, Summoned to Lead, by Leonard Sweet (he came and spoke on our campus a couple of weeks ago). The premise of the book (at least the first few chapters) is that those who aspire to lead should be better listeners than visionaries. We have to be able to hear all and speak to the variety of nuances going on around us rather than simply being able to see a perceived future. He writes:

You don't lead. No one does. You only exercise leadership. Leadership is not a position or office or appointment. Leadership is a function of voice, a process of discourse and discovery. The worst thing you can do is to take a leadership position. The best thing you can do is to create a leadership experience through a distinguishing personal soundtrack.

How would you describe your personal soundtrack? When have you spoken up in such a way that people were willing to follow?

Finger Lickin' Good

Kentucky Fried Chicken has nothing on Wendy's. As reported by CNN.com, somebody discovered that it's hard to mess up chili, unless you decide to add human fingers to the mix...read the article.

It always amazes me that more stories like this don't occur on a regular basis from the Fast Food Chain World. I know that some companies are willing to give an arm and a leg for more business, but a finger? Sounds like somebody back at the warehouse is suffering from something a whole lot worse than carpeltunnel.

Observations Of A Busted NCAA Bracket

The second round of the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament ended tonight, leaving my bracket predictions in shambles.

I'm out of it. Wwwaaayyy out of it.

So now that I no longer have any stake in the Big Dance, I thought I'd wax philosophical. Here's what I've observed so far:

• Never underestimate the underdog. The lower seeds are lower because somebody thought they weren't as good as the higher seeds. But you can't put a #1 or a #16 on heart, passion, intensity, tenacity, desire, will, ferocious perseverance. Sometimes the spoils go to the one who simply wants it more (or the group or team who work together in such a way that they prove that they all want it more).
• Fans are fickle. Everybody loves a winner. At the end of the day, my bracket's in the trash and I'm writing a new ending. Sometimes you have to change midstream because you get new information, new people, new ideas. Upsets have a way of simply pushing momentum in a new direction. If you're able, climb aboard and enjoy the ride with everyone else.
• Don't blame the refs. Sometimes our first reaction to a loss is to blame it on what we consider to be a bad call by the refs (or maybe numerous bad calls). But a game is more than simply being put down by THE MAN. Don't forget the lousy shooting percentage, missed free throws, turnovers, technicals, etc. The proper response to a loss is to take the finger of blame (you know which finger that is!) and point it at your own heart. What did I learn from this? Will I let this make me bitter or better?
• Baseball season starts in a few days. Short-term memory can come in handy. Now that my bracket has been filed away in an empty Domino's pizza box at the local landfill, I'm looking forward to the next thing. That's the beauty of fantasy sports...there's always the next opportunity Don't get stuck. Move on. Try something different(except for fantasy golf...that's just over the top).

Toby The Rabbit's Days Are Numbered

A rabbit's life is in danger. No, it's not your typical Bugs Bunny encounter with the "wabbit-hunter" Elmer Fudd. This is a real dilemma for a "foster care" bunny named Toby.

You have to check it out here.

I first discovered this site when I was reading Bob Parson's blog Hot Points!

You can read his comments about this here.

Bob is the CEO of GoDaddy.com. I have my own website hosted through GoDaddy, so I like to hear what Bob's writing about every now and then. But today my thoughts are with Toby. I'm tempted to get a t-shirt or a mousepad. I'd hate to think that I had an opportunity to be a part of the greater good in Toby's life and missed the chance.

One other point: The guy who set this whole thing up has made over $18,000 through donations and sales at the time of this post. From my perspective, we're all either suckers or this guy's a genius. Either way, I'm wondering what my dog, Blue, can do to earn his keep around here. Food for thought...

What's Your Philosophy?

Anyone who loves basketball will recognize the accomplishments and legacy of John Wooden. Maximum Impact interviewed Coach Wooden in their Leadership Today series. John Wooden continues to offer remarkable guidance to those who strive to get the most out of life. Here is just a taste:

It is crucial to define a cogent philosophy of life, then refer to it constantly.

It is important to have things you believe in that you constantly come back to, regardless of the circumstance or season of life.

The timeless wisdom Coach Wooden received from his father:
° Never lie.
° Never cheat.
° Never steal
° Don’t whine.
° Don’t complain.
° Don’t make excuses.

Coach Wooden’s 7-Point Creed:
° Be true to yourself.
° Help others.
° Make each day your masterpiece.
° Drink deeply from good books – especially the Bible.
° Make friendship a fine art.
° Build shelter against a rainy day (faith in God).
° Pray for guidance and counsel and give thanks for your blessings each day.

What would your own 7-point creed look like? Can you summarize the most important things to you in some simple sentences?

Contact Maximum Impact if you are interested in receiving this monthly tape series.