What possesses a man to ascend a summit that he may not ever reach or may die in the pursuit of? While many a passion is driven by selfish motive there are those driven by an even greater passion, whose fruit continues long past the person’s temporary life. Such were the sentiments of Teddy Roosevelt in his famous lines of “Doing Greatly”. Leaders by H.E.A.R.T while embarking on an upward climb, is setting its hopes against all odds on having a rippling effect across our culture. This will come through bringing back the values of responsible relationships and leading with integrity in the workplace, on the playing field, in the school grounds, and in churches, and in our home.
Still, no matter how great our passion and how developed the disciplines and how thorough the preparations, every one needs to see sign posts of encouragement along the way. The purpose of this blog is to reflect some of those positive sign posts that Leaders by H.E.A.R.T is indeed scratching the itch for a relational model of servant leadership. Though there is much need for further development and support in that work, indeed we feel cheered on by the affirmation, transparent response, and healthy results. Thus it is our hope to encourage you with the same feedback that we experience.
Dan Arnold
May 20th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Lew,
Uh huh, and in this culture of undefined boundaries, moral decay and corrupt leadership there has NEVER been a greater need for the truth. We tend to value perception over substance, appearance over integrity and good “spin” over the unvarnished truth. Leaders By Heart addresses the core issues in an effective, engaging and non-judgemental way that is remarkably appealing and applicable in every aspect of leadership. This is not a typical workshop or seminar that leaves you wondering why you wasted your time on it. This program challenges our thinking and suggests effective and practical ways to improve our performance and that of those over whom we have influence. Leaders By Heart is like salt and light, effective for battling the effects of corruption and darkness.
Carl Williams
May 20th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Amen. I encourage you to keep up the good work that Jesus has given you.
John Dewey
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Congratulations on your new site! My prayers are with your entire organization! God bless you all!
Mark Rodenhauser
June 5th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Lew,
I could not agree with you more. As a retired professional athlete, I have seen first hand the detrimental effect of people living their lives apart from the truth. In my 12 seasons in the NFL, I saw young men, with everything to live for, fall apart and in some cases, even die far too young because of a belief system that was not based on the truth of their identity. Their identity is not defined by the whims and fancy of changing societal views, but on the immutable truths that come from the one who created us.
I too pursued after the things in this world I thought would be pleasing to me, the things I thought would validate me both as a person and more importantly as a man. My prowess in athletics seemed to be the best avenue to gain favor of people I thought I wanted acceptance from. Unfortunately, I found that no level of performance was ever quite enough to meet their standards. Why? Because what I have come to understand is that the standard I had set was impossible, not because of them, but because of me. I expected to be perfect in everything so I could then be acceptable to myself.
Lew, the key truth I have come to understand is that until I can understand who I am in Christ, I can never accomplish anything that will measure up. I can’t love others, I can’t do enough good things, I can’t accept anyone else for who they are until I fully understand that God accepts me just as I am. Until I can accept the truth of my identity in Him, I will always be living my life based on external influences and internal lies and mis-truths about myself, God and others. I will always be driven from the wrong motives. To be pleasing I must perform. The Truth is the opposite. I do not perform to be acceptable, I perform out of the acceptance I already have. Take it from a life-long performer. There are never enough awards or accolades to validate me from the external.
I will also never perform to the best of my ability if I doubt who and what I am, knowing the truth of who I am and where my ability comes from. I do because I am - not -I am because I do.
Susan Goers
June 13th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Lew and Donnie,
The news site is awesome and so is the work that God is doing through you. Our prayers are with you for constant filling of the Holy Spirit and the Lord to be in the center of all you do. We are excited to see what God will be doing in the near future with the ranch, Sermon on the Mount and Leaders by Heart. Keep on keeping on for Jesus!
April Watson
August 25th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I was at the Indiana Fair Grounds where u had a presentation of the work you and your team does and I loved it! It was very interesting! I love to work with horses and my Pastor and his wife have 11-12 horses and I love to help them work with them and I really love to ride them! Thanks for a great show! You were awesome!