Leadership Education and Looking Foolish, part 6

Jackie Robinson 42

I offer my final thoughts today on this series; while fully concluding Friday with none other than my brother.

In a recent conversation, I was encouraging someone who was off the rails with the input of well-meaning family and friends. Sigh.  This can be one of the toughest arenas of all, can’t it? These individuals know us well, therefore often feel a freedom to give input where perhaps it hasn’t always been solicited; making you feel like you’re in the “suicide squeeze” position in baseball.  One of the things so relevant to this particular play, is that it often involves the giving of one’s self so that others can advance.  Think on that one for a moment, in light of our series.  Again, there are few finer in the history of the game, than Jackie Robinson. At the same time, what a beautiful picture of his legacy.  Friday, Tim will expound more, and I hope we will all pause to think again.

Whenever you undertake something new, different, or out of the main stream, you will experience opposition.  It matters not what that particular “something” is. It may cost you dearly to take the road less traveled; but in the end, the reward may outshine any other.  None of us relish being in the position of dealing with an opponent, when it involves beliefs, changing systems, or standing firm.  It’s sad that within our society, there are countless opportunities daily to die on hills that really don’t matter.  Social media has created a stage where people can “speak their mind” without having to practice the discipline of following through, articulating well, and practicing the give and take of respect and healthy compromise.

I want to be a person who communicates with conviction, care, concern, and empathy for others.  I don’t have to always agree in order to do what is right.  And doing what is right, is…well, always right.  I am human, therefore I will make mistakes.  But in doing so, it is also my hope that I learn from them and am willing to admit them; asking for forgiveness when necessary.

I don’t always have to have the last word.  This is something I am consistently working on.  It is honestly okay to allow others to “be wrong” without weighing in.  For in giving that freedom, I am noticing that the margin it creates, allows me the opportunity to evaluate where I need to change; because possibly the individual who is “wrong” is me.

I’ve told you many times here on TommyMom, that my personal involvement in the sports arena, has been as a spectator or a mom providing transportation!  Trust me when I say, I was consistently chosen last for any and all team play.

As the summer season begins, like a fresh clean page full of promise and potential; I was deeply moved by the lessons I learned in reviewing the life of someone who gave all.  Regardless of whether or not I could relate to the venue, the life of Jackie Robinson resonated deeply, on both a physical and spiritual level as a human being.

He not only played the game with excellence, he consistently demonstrated vision and the belief in humanity to exercise change.  Discouragement, well-meaning family and friends, and even those who hated, did not serve to deter him from playing a game he loved with everything he had.  That’s conviction.  And clearly, it is the catalyst for bringing about a legacy that can’t ever be dimmed.

I aspire to this greatness.  Do you?

TeriSig

Leadership Education and Looking Foolish, part 5

Yesterday was a day set aside to honor fathers everywhere.  Here are a few excerpts from ours, along with some insights I hope prove helpful and inspiring.

Ralph (Young)

 

This is my dad.  He’s amazing.  I am very aware that not all individuals can say that about their fathers.

Nevertheless, he has been an incredible example of how and what to prioritize where faith, family and life are concerned.

Here is the card that Sons #4 and #5 gave him.

Father's Day card1

Father's Day card2

Takeaways pertaining to the ongoing discussion here:

Often, we spend a lot of effort and time in search of the WOW!, the great, the defining experience.  More and more, I’m learning in this life, that what appears to be seemingly insignificant, what is mistaken for irrelevant or even tedious…is, in fact, all of those things we seek.  Son #5 wrote “I love watching baseball with you.  It is fun.”  Learning to lead well, means being patient to build precept upon precept and line upon line.  That doesn’t involve a whole lot of recognition.  Ever. Rather, it serves to mold, sculpt and shape true legacy. It defines moments, which influence hours, days and years.

Mariners Spring Training1

Woven into the fabric of my boy’s lives, are memories of times spent with my dad “watching baseball.”  There is a lot of life that is happening between innings, and many unspoken virtues and examples being modeled.  I love and treasure this.

Another principle I was reminded about (brace yourself) is quite relevant to this photo.

Father's Day Ninja boxers1

Behold the Hero Hubby’s gift from Son #5.  I need to clarify, that “HH” is a Ralph Lauren kind of guy.  Conservative dresser, prefers classic and simple lines.  Never trendy.  Ever.

Son #5 spent weeks researching a perfect gift, and his face literally lit up when he found these!  Along with this set of beauties, Hero Hubby was the lucky recipient of two other pairs: “One Fish, Two Fish” by Dr. Seuss, and Superman.

The latter is quite true.

Takeways:

Our perspective, traits, and preferences make us unique.  In many ways, they are a gift from God.  Being stuck in some of them, without ever entertaining the thought of exploring other perspectives and options, is no gift at all.  In fact, it is detrimental: to others, to society at large, and mostly, to ourselves.  Valuing people, with no preconceived notions, prejudices, or ideologies, is a trait worth cultivating.  In fact, all great leaders, worthy of emulation have practiced it.  Seeing what others value and, in turn, prioritizing it yourself, will only insure that you have a greater influence and impact; along with the hearts of those you are influencing.  I’m not talking about compromise where core beliefs and values are concerned.  Rather, I am encouraging that you take the time to understand and esteem others.  Learn where they are coming from.  Be open to listening well, re-thinking some of your own paradigms, and perhaps eliminating those that don’t serve you.  In 42, the culmination showed examples of many, who chose change.  Today, the National Baseball League, honors Jackie Robinson annually by having every team wear his number for a day.  Change is good.  And it often costs us personally. In the end, it produces

Finally, there is a verse in the Bible that says this: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” ~ Proverbs 11:25.  Doesn’t that make you smile? 

Generosity equals prosperity.  A lot of times, that can seem upside down.  But trust me, it’s true.  Yesterday, Hero Hubby and my father both experienced it, when Son #1 and my future Darling Daughter, drove 2 1/2 hours to surprise them for dinner.

Here’s to change that produces greatness, values others, and creates intentional, world changing legacy…even when at times, it makes us look foolish.
TeriSig

 

42, Leadership Education, and Looking Foolish, part 4

I want to take a turn, albeit a relevant one, here for today; and highlight the Hero Hubby. ( Die-hard Dodger Fan since the age of 5.)

During 42, I leaned over to him and whispered, “Whether in Brooklyn or Los Angeles, this has to make you even more proud of the Dodgers.”  He smiled, and responded with one word: “Absolutely!”

My husband understands a sense of Community almost better than anyone I personally know.  He ignores societal and social barriers, and I have never witnessed him being a respecter of persons in an inappropriate or self-serving manner.  He treats everyone the same.

He has served tirelessly within our community over the years, whether with children or adults.

He particularly loves youth; wanting them to know that they matter, can achieve greatness no matter what the odds, and that he is someone who will always believe in them.

One year in particular, within our church’s community kids club, he decided to offer an opportunity of a lifetime.

He announced to the 3-5 graders, that if they finished their workbooks, which involved scripture memorization, community service and practical knowledge; he would take them into Los Angeles to a Dodger game.

I have never before, or since, personally witnessed such an excitement and frenzy!

One girl, notorious for never finishing; was doing 11-14 sections per evening.  While hard to understand within reference, trust me when I say, this was beyond difficult!

From a broken home, and showing little promise; she couldn’t believe the opportunity that was being presented.

So many of those kids had never been invited to, or given the opportunity to attend a major league baseball game.

Two weeks prior to the anticipated day, the Los Angeles riots occurred, making nationwide news!

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles phoned our house; all wanting an answer to the same question.  “Are you going to make good on this promise?”

I could’ve saved every one of them the effort.

“My word is my bond, and a promise is a promise.”

That bright, sunny day in Los Angeles, California, a tired, old bus, chock full with 56 kids and a few chaperones, pulled into Dodger stadium.

We sat with countless troops from Operation Desert Storm seated amongst us; commissioned by the City of Los Angeles to be present for safety purposes.

Those kids paid no attention.

Rather, they were listening with rapt attention to Vin Scully, an organ blaring, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch, and a man focused on keeping his word.

In fact, to this day, there are many who can recollect every moment with astounding clarity.  For some, it is the only professional baseball game experience they have ever had.

I believe that bells and whistles aren’t reserved for a few.  Rather, extraordinary experiences are created by ordinary, faithful people. That will never have anything to do with a curriculum written on paper and bound in workbook or textbook form.

Your influence, regardless of how broad or narrow, matters to humanity.

And the legacy you leave, is based on faith, consistency, and doing what is right no matter what the circumstance.

How are you doing where it matters most?

TeriSig

 

42, Leadership Education, and Looking Foolish, part 3

I have talked about qualified mentors being an integral piece in the pursuit of excellence in leadership.

Is every mentor we have in life a “qualified” individual?  Most certainly not. However, it is my belief that they all serve a very important purpose in shaping our lives for the good.

I am often asked, not only how home education “looks”, but also how Leadership Education works.  I could spend several days responding to both; for each home is varied in its approach.

I firmly believe that Leadership Education exists in both the public and private sectors, but for our family; we decided it would executed in an optimal fashion within our home.

Immediately, there are those who are prejudice.  Pre-conceived notions, stereotypes, and “a weirdo they personally knew in 1994″ all play in to responses.

Guess what?  There are “weirdos” everywhere, and I am convinced that we all prejudge and respond poorly to something. Moving on…

For the rest of today’s visit, I’m going to give you a small but typical glimpse into our educational style.

Let me begin by stating that for us, life is school.

You are the owner of your educational experience, and it is my job to provide inspiration, materials and supplies needed; coupled with sources of information, to help you achieve the best experience possible.

Please allow me to be perfectly clear:  I educate no one but myself.  I can only be an example and hopefully, inspiration for others.

Another factor involves passion.  I try to tap into it and work with it as much as is humanely possible.  Oh, and I milk it, too!  An unashamed confession there on my part.

The youngest individual pursuing said educational experience in our home, is 11.

He has slowly, but surely, become rabid about baseball.  I mean, he is all-out-committed!

My dad is quite pleased with this development.

The Jackie Robinson story has served to fuel not only a greater passion, but has been the foundation for many discussions.

More on that later.

Son #5, is particularly fond of the Mariners.  Being from Seattle, this pleases his mother.  His father is extremely supportive, but has been a Dodger fan since the age of 5.

More to come later on that as well.

His father, however, is committed to leading with virtue and excellence, and capitalizing on passion right along with me.  Love, love, love that man and the support and guidance he gives!

Recently, he took Sons #4 and #5, along with my father, to the Phoenix area to attend the Mariners Spring Training.

#5 was in heaven, #4 was doubtful about going, and reminded everyone that ‘baseball for him, really wasn’t a passion.”

#5 couldn’t have disagreed more, but he was too speechless to engage.

Here are my points for today, when both evaluating as well as measuring how I am doing:

When we talk about socialization, in order for it be accurate and real life; it is not exclusive to an age or peer group.  As an adult, I am called to speak intelligently and effectively with every age group, all walks of life, and a diverse group of people within the society in which we live.  For me, socialization means making certain that my children are equipped with the skill sets to do the same.  Therefore, I surround them with opportunities to do just that.  Speak and interact with all ages!

I love that my dad is an available mentor to my kids.  Age has a wisdom regarding life that simply can’t be duplicated elsewhere.  And youth, keeps age engaged and challenged.

Whether or not you are completely, 100% interested in the passions of others, you can still be present.  This is another point I want all of my children to own.  As seen above by the presence of #4, so far so good!

Life isn’t lived in a specific classroom, governed by specific schedules and time constraints and a bell.  Rather, it is lived in millions of moments, that when added up; if lived well, count for a legacy of significance.

That, dear friends, isn’t something that money can buy, nor is it defined by a specific curriculum.
TeriSig

 

42, Leadership Education, and Looking Foolish, part 2

Summer brings its own forms of change, coupled with introspection.

The schedule is more relaxed for most; offering time to reflect and evaluate.

That class you didn’t do well in?  What went wrong?

Things you can change?  Ways to better apply yourself for the fall season? Different directions and emphases you should consider?

In the home education world, summer can involve curriculum; complete with previews, evaluations and ultimately, choices.

Regardless of your personal methodologies and educational preferences in this life; it is easy for all of us to get derailed through the venues of comparison, over-analyzing, and doubt.

I have found it best, to stick to my basic foundational principles and objectives when seriously evaluating anything new.  This also goes for considering change.

Counting the cost is something that often, in this day and age, gets lost in the shuffle of preparation, anticipation and execution.

Staying the course, once things get tough, can be even more challenging.

For me, writing and asking questions at the end of each piece, is helpful when examining my own progress and performance.

I hope it benefits you as well.

In 42, one of the best performances was on the part of Harrison Ford.

Portraying Branch Rickey, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, he was an enigma right along with Jackie Robinson.

The man’s vision, character, integrity and moxie, coupled with bravery; fascinated and inspired me, and reminded me to ask myself these important questions:

To whom do I look for advice, inspiration, and direction?  To what am I listening to, in regards to the life I desire to lead?

If you aren’t familiar with the life of Branch Rickey, I challenge you to educate yourself, even if on a minimal level.  I promise you will be enriched.

He was an incredible example of what it means to be a successful mentor.

He was humble.  He could take the heat.  He possessed and inspired vision.

He was a wealth of knowledge and personal life experience in each of the above traits.

He walked the walk and handled threats, stress, pressure and prejudice with integrity.

When things got tough, he knew how to ask the right questions and say the right things so that Jackie not only didn’t quit, but moved ahead as a conqueror in their war against prejudice.

In the end, despite going their separate ways physically where the team was concerned, they remained close for life.

Who mentors you?

This is an important question, for you will become what you listen to.

Do you mentor anyone?  If so, how are you doing?

Do you ask engaging and challenging questions?  Can you speak into the lives of others well; knowing what to say when, and how to say it well?

Do you listen to peer pressure or follow conviction regardless of the social climate?

These, and more, are questions we are asking in this new season.
TeriSig

 

42, Leadership Education, and Looking Foolish, part 1

On Sunday, the Hero Hubby and I, took our two youngest boys, along with my folks; to see the movie 42.

Most of you know, I have a love/hate relationship with the movies.  It’s got to be good, or I sit there in the dark, lamenting the 3, 012 other things I could be doing instead.

Perhaps you are the same way.

I can assure you, that this movie is one of the best you will ever see.

I laughed, I cringed, and yes, I cried.

The Jackie Robinson story is profoundly inspiring.

In fact, we have been discussing it off and on since Sunday; looking at it through new eyes and diverse angles.

Recently, I was asked to chime in on a blog post; where someone was questioning (with genuine curiosity), home education, thinking outside of the box, and all that it entails.

I think all of these things; including my passion for Leadership Education, go together.

Standing on the brink of summer, with baseball season in full swing; I am excited to use all of this inspiration in a few posts; that hopefully, will challenge all of us to be greater individuals.

In the meantime, if you haven’t seen this movie you simply must!  Know that it will definitely be amongst the classics in my house. It is easy to see classics as merely books; some of which tragically become relegated to collecting dust on a shelf somewhere.  Classics aren’t just books!  They are works of art, masterpieces comprised of notes in music, sculpture, games and traditions within cultures…you get the idea.

I am so saddened when people say,” I would love to lead; but I am simply not a leader.”  Hogwash.  Everyone can lead.  The circle of influence may vary, the style most certainly will; and the end result?  Well, done correctly, it produces legacy.

In a class I once took with Dr Shanon Brooks, he pointed out three types of legacy:

A vacant one, in which you die and no one knows it

a detrimental one, where you pass away and everyone is happy

and a foundational one, that upon your absence, is built upon by others.

Jackie Robinson’s is definitely the latter; and will continue forever.

True Leadership Education, regardless of where and when it is taking place,  is always asking certain questions.

Some examples would be…

“What does it take for an individual to truly change the world?”

“What sets them apart?”

“Who are their mentors?”

Inquiries such as these are catalysts for epiphanies; and epiphanies inspire.  Connecting people to ideas, movements and worthwhile causes; can only produce even greater inspiration to lead well.

It’s something I never get tired of both pursuing and experiencing.

I hope the same is true for you; and that through Jackie Robinson’s legacy, and the game he dearly loved, we can all become better at leading with excellence.
TeriSig

 

 

 

Wise Advice

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” ~ Socrates

Summer stretches before us, full of possibilities and opportunities! Anything you are looking to tweak, alter, or flat out change; before fall comes rushing in with responsibilities and action packed schedules?

Me?

I’ve been actively involved in the changing of many things for quite awhile. It is always a process, certainly a journey, and never goes exactly as planned!

And that’s okay. For with the journey come opportunities to evaluate both personal progress and methods; which always opens up the possibility of further change!

What about you? Anything offering itself on your horizon?

Hopefully, our energy is in the right place!

Happy, Happy Soon-to-be-Summer!
TeriSig

Community

I was scheduled to be in Oklahoma today for business.

My friends there, got into their car 10 minutes ahead of the rush and began the long night ahead, eluding a second tornado’s touch down.

An account I received from them was chilling.

” The entire time we were driving, the rear view mirror was black, with nothing but a sliver of light on either side.  We were watching the tornado follow us.”

They never did find a vacancy at any hotels, and after hours and hours, returned home; once it was safe.

Most of you know that I am married to the Salvation Army; as Hero Hubby grew up within the structure of this incredible organization.

Just a few facts to remind:

The Salvation Army uses all donations during times of disaster to feed, clothe, house and care for victims, and go a surprisingly long way:

A $10 donation feeds a disaster survivor for one day.

– A $30 donation provides one food box, containing staple foods for a family of four, or one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies.

– A $100 donation can serve snacks and drinks for 125 survivors and emergency personnel at the scene of a disaster.

– A $250 donation can provide one hot meal to 100 people or keep a hydration station operational for 24 hours.

– A $500 donation keeps a Salvation Army canteen fully operational for one day.

One can donate by doing any of the following:

To make a financial donation, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Or:

Text STORM to 80888
and donate $10 to
Oklahoma May Tornado relief.

After the last tornado, classified as an F-5, the Salvation Army was on the ground with response teams within 15 minutes.

If you can, would you please join me in supporting the work of this amazing organization?  It would mean the world to me.

I know first hand that they do tremendous good.  Some of the best, actually.

The reason you see very little about their efforts on television, is because they won’t pay for advertising.  They believe it detracts from the funds that need to be available to help.

A strong sense of community is a definite part of statesmanship.

It is important.

It matters.

Service makes us better people.

At times when we aren’t perhaps qualified to do the actual legwork, we can still help; by simply supporting those who can.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And please, pray for Oklahoma.  They are facing another incredibly rough week; as more storms are looming on the horizon.
TeriSig

 

A Great Opportunity!

In many parts of the country, those who home educate are in the throes of choosing their curriculum for next year.

“Being TommyMom” has afforded me many awesome opportunities and blessings; not the least of which was being asked to contribute to a book.

For a limited time, that book in the e-version is only 99 cents!

If you click here, and scroll down to the sponsors and affiliates section (clicking on the first box upper left with the graphic below in it), and you will be directed to a site that allows you to benefit from this excellent offer.

 

Whether you educate at home, or at a private or public school; you may want to check it out, if you love to read what other people are doing, and enjoy considering different approaches to a common end result.

Happy Monday!
TeriSig

 

Kudos to You, Dear Mother!

Son #1 (remember him?!) is traveling back East on business for two weeks.  I’m so excited for him, for the historical roots of our nation’s birth he is experiencing, for the sights he is seeing, and the opportunities his career and life are affording him.  This picture, posted to his Facebook wall, made my heart sing, and my eyes tear up!

It is the “Make Way for Ducklings” statue located in Boston, Massachusetts.

In honor of Mother’s Day…here are some reflections.

May you be encouraged, refreshed, and have your faith restored in what is undoubtedly the toughest, and often most strident career on earth.

1. Faithfully focusing and concentrating on attributes you desire to cultivate in your children , can often be like standing in an arcade with every game going at once! Everyone has priorities, opinions, and desires.  Trust yours.

2. God gave you your kids to raise, therefore, you have the greatest vote there is making you the “expert.”

3.  It isn’t your job to raise children that are tough, hardened and calloused to the issues and events of this world.  Rather, it is better to encourage them to become people who greatly impact what is currently here, in order to leave it better.

4.  Regardless of which educational model you choose, understand that you educate no one but yourself.  Strive to be inspirational, encouraging and a person who offers both challenging and inspiring opportunities within the context of home.

5. Remember those years that seemed unproductive, in which you could quantify nothing but laundry, messes made, and dirty hands and faces cleaned?  They were inclusive of  countless hours reading, re-reading, and reading yet again, from picture books and readers from the early years. Have faith if you are still there!  They are the gateway and foundation to a life of learning and doing so with enthusiasm and excitement, if you persist!

6. Any classic worth reading at 5, is worth re-reading at 50.  C. S. Lewis here, paraphrased somewhat by me.  The truth is, modeling and teaching a love for great literature and an appreciation for those who write it, promises a life-long learner and reader; who approaches both with joy.

7.  All of those crusts to the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches you ate mindlessly, while hoping and praying you were making an impact through a skill set faithfully modeled?  They pale in comparison to the JOY that is sandwiched between other seemingly mundane responsibilities, when a mom is privileged to see the proof of her efforts!

8.  Readers are leaders.  Cultivation, as well as faithful modeling of this skill , along with the rich content the classics provide; produces individuals who can think critically and deeply; while resonating with life and the opportunities it affords.

9.  Don’t give up!  It is easy to succomb to the relentless onslaught of “experts”, trends, and peer pressure.  And make no mistake:  That pressure isn’t just coming from your kid’s friends!  You have influencers in your life as well.  Choose them carefully and wisely.

10. Faithfulness coupled with humility, goes a long way to creating a culture that lasts, is yearned for, and is replicated by the next generation.

Today, I am grateful.  Grateful for moms (and dads) who read to, invest in, and nuture kids; often, while eating their 5,473rd PB and J! This simple, often ill-perceived act of selflessness produces individuals who grow up to change the world.

Along the way, they value classics, the authors who birthed them, and invest time to honor them.

Sometimes even if it involves stopping by a park in Boston to pet a duck.

Happy Mother’s Day.

XOXO,
TeriSig

 

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