I’m not a self-made man

I grew up on a farm with an ag business…a true work culture! Now, my three older brothers would all confess to having a stronger work ethic than me as a kid, but I learned that you had to put in the work to make it…things are not handed to you!!

Yet I sit today and reflect back on the privilege of being invited into various leadership roles over 40 years. And I’m here to confess, “I’m not a self-made man.” I am indebted to numerous men and women who poured into me – encouraged me, challenged me, trusted me, invested in me from a young age – all along the journey

Calling out my Abilities

Dad:

Sent me to market to sell produce as an eight year-old because he knew I liked interacting with people. He found/created ways to guide me to my strengths.

Sharon:

A Sunday School teacher who asked me to take leadership roles as a young boy

Robert:

A pastor who invited me to lead a church committee at age 18 with members all 30+ years my senior

Opportunity

Walter:

Offered me two jobs as a 20-year-old that were both beyond my developed abilities; then he mentored me in one of the roles. He said he saw something in me.

Dale:

Invited us to start a church from scratch in one of the most affluent towns in Canada. The experience shaped my adult life

Mac:

As Founder, invited me to New York City to serve in a leadership role with a growing global nonprofit…life expanding.

Generosity

Bonnie and Gary:

A neighborhood couple who financially supported us as we moved countries to head off to graduate school

Martha:

A single church lady who spontaneously sent us cash when we were in graduate school.

John and Susan:

Dear friends who have encouraged us, cheered us on, and financially supported us in ministry endeavors

Feedback

Dad:

Numerous times!! Always with an eye to making me better. “You don’t get to harvest time without all the hard work”; “If it’s your project, it’s your responsibility”

Harvey:

He had the courage to tell me, “listen more than you talk”. It was 1:1 with the only intent to make me better.

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When is the last time you reflected on those who positively shaped your life?

If they’re still living, how about a call, text/email, visit.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.