INSPIRING TEAMWORK

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed. - Napoleon Hill

Yesterday was a great ‘teamwork’ day!

Carnegie said this of teamwork,

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.

I was honored to along with Attorney General Morrisey of West Virginia to open a great day of discussion, teamwork, and ACTION with a great group of Pastors and lay-leaders in Fairmont West Virginia.  The topic of course was the opiate epidemic which has RAVAGED that state on a scale much like ours in Ohio, but the day was not lost on the problem rather solutions, community, COLLABORATION, and HOPE drove the agenda!

And that in and of itself is SO encouraging to me.

I love it when folks of faith when presented with a challenge from the enemy himself put down their differences and seek ways to work together for the good and interests of those who are being devastated by this challenge.

There were folks who had solutions for families and children linking arms with those who are serving the addicts themselves.  There were counselors and experts, homeless advocates and ministry leaders making themselves available to group of concerned citizens, Pastors, and leaders to show them HOW THEY CAN HELP and join THE TEAM.

A little transparency this morning.

There are some days when I wonder if we are making a difference at all.  The numbers, the overdoses (in fact on the way from West Virginia to Akron late last night I had a 90-minute conversation with a dear friend who survived his second OD, yet was still hesitant about accepting the help proposed), and the magnitude of this challenge can jade even the most optimistic and hopeful person.

Yet it is days like yesterday when communities and individuals commit to learning and action that inspire and keep me believing that there is FAR MORE GOOD in our world than evil.

I share yesterday’s little experience to say this.

Never underestimate your impact!

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Meade

Just a few people coming together with a willing heart, some good ideas and a desire to work enlivened and invigorated me to get up today and keep going. 

So here is what I am saying:

Perhaps you have a word of inspiration and hope for another that could keep them going. 

Is there a demonstration of your dedication to GOD’S calling that you can engage in today?  

You never know who is watching, who might need that encouragement or that little boost.  

When we look to the interests of others, the “others” aren’t the only ones who benefit.  Often it helps those who are in the “audience” to be inspired to do the same!

So, today’s message is a simple one.

Never underestimate the power of your engagement when helping others.  It has an intense and sometimes unseen ripple effect.  It can serve as energy for other who are weary or on the brink of cashing in!

You could change the trajectory of someone’s day or attitude and you WILL EMULATE Christ HIMSELF!

Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing. Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ… Philippians 2:4-5 (LB)

Be blessed today!

I love you all.

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE