In two days I will graduate from  Liberty University with a Bachelors of Science in Religion with a Minor in Biblical Studies and Business.  I began taking my degree in 2010 all the while working a full time job, and serving in the church.  In the short period of time that I have been attending school there have been many changes in my live, personally, spiritually, and relationally;  some difficult, some easy, and some unexpected.  While there is a lot of work that goes into earning a degree, I cannot take all the credit for being a successful student.  Without my wife, Sara, I am not certain that I would have had the stamina and tenacity to accomplish this endeavor.  She has pushed me when I need pushed, encouraged me when I needed encouragement, and shared valuable insight and wisdom into my academic struggles.

I am so grateful for the simple ways that she would review my work; bring me meals while I was lost in work; remind me to take a break; and be my best friend.  She has been the most gracious and understanding person when I was behind on my workload and had to stay up late to complete my assignments.

All the while she has been helping me accomplish my goals, she has simultaneously navigated the murky waters of a stay at home motherhood; raising children who make both of us proud.  In addition, she is the best friend that anyone could ask for (I am fortunate that she is mine for life).  She has single handily given hope to several women who were without.

Sara, I am graduating because of you.  In the words of the great theologian Blake Shelton, “God gave me you” and I am so grateful for your love and support.  I am so proud of you and all of the ways that you give out of the depths of your heart.  If only I could learn to be as compassionate, considerate, and giving as you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, this accomplishment is as much yours as it is mine!

Critics deny God’s calling on your life, and seek to validate only themselves. They throw spears at you because of their own insecurities.

Catalysts see your potential, speak to it and reveal opportunities to develop it. These people love you, understand your struggle, and walk with your through it.

I am reminded of David and the calling God has placed on his life: to be King. Saul, was his biggest critic. Despite Saul’s “support” and love for David, we read that he became jealous of David, and threw spears at him. This was a direct criticism of the calling that God had placed on David’s life; and one that God was in the process of fulfilling. Saul wanted David out of the picture because it would make his life easier.

Fast forward to David’s darkest hour: David and Bathsheba. Nathan is what I would label as a catalyst. He saw David’s potential and wanted to ensure that it was protected it all cost. Even to the point of proverbially sucker punching David. Nathan exposed the reality of David’s actions and how they effected his realtionship with God (catalysts are Christ centered) and his ability to lead, love, and care for his family. He wanted David to be restored.

Sometimes critics and catalysts look the same and sound the same. You need to determine who’s who in your life.  The way you perceive someone determines how you can receive them and that ultimately determines how we respond to them.

When Sara and I first got married; the woman who was supposed to be my biggest supporter; I felt, became my biggest critic.

There was a time when I would be hurt deeply by some things she would say to me.   They felt harsh, rude and disrespectfull. Even unloving sometimes. And when she said those things, my feelings of rejection would make me bitter towards her and towards God.

I had to determine if she was a critic or a catalyst.

Enter my pain management system.

In case you were wondering… She is a catalyst.

I have been learning some valuable leadership lessons lately. Rather, unlearning self reliance and dependence on Christ the King. I was moved by Philip’s (Acts 8:26-40) uncanny passion and drive to respond to God’s call.

God spoke it – Philip Did it – and God blessed it!!

So many times my heart can be so deceitful and when God speaks, I convince myself that he isn’t.

God commands generosity – But you’ll run it through my check book.
God calls you to change direction – But you’ll do a risk assessment.
God wants you to develop new friendships – I’ll right out the pros and cons.

Ultimately I try and talk my self out of God’s purpose. Because I fear hurting myself, letting people down, stepping on people’s toes or disappointing God.

Not this time. If you’ve got it.. Give it…

Sometimes the only way out of the rut is push people harder.
Sometimes the only way to grow is to cut things out.

As a Christian leader we cannot afford to wield influence however, apart from the direction of the Holy Spirit. The role of scripture and the ministry of the Holy Spirit can never be overestimated.

If you’ve got it. Give it