Quote of the Month, Year, Decade....

As you may have noticed, (oh yeah, nobody reads this so no one noticed!) the "Quote of the Week" has become a permanant fixture. I had some other quotes at various times but I have decided this one is here to stay. In fact, I moved it to the top of the screen recently so that if anyone did read the blog it would be one of the first things they see. It is important to me for two reasons: first, if you have not read the Art of War by Sun Tzu you are missing out on some great literature. It should be a must read for all who want to conquer the world in their own unique way. Secondly, I have noticed that this quote has some deep personal application lately.

As I have started on this ministry journey, I have taken my share of lumps. I have planned events and no one showed up. I have tried to break down the barriers that keep people from being engaged and involved and the walls have just been rebuilt. Frankly, I have alternately put forward a tremendous effort to build relationships and put forth absolutely zero effort. Neither approach in the short run has worked.

But I fall back on my 'ol baseball days and remember a very important lesson. If you are going to win the biggest games, you can't be afraid to lose. Fear of losing is what seperates the elite teams at the highest levels. (Just ask by Indians after their collapse, even though no one would openly admit to it.) In some twisted way, I believe that losing in spiritual battles is what builds faith. Sooner or later, the losses have mounted up so high that all you can do is cry out to God and admit that you have no idea what you are doing but you need a whole lot of help. (Like Paul when he said, "through my weakness, Christ's strength is made all the more evident")