Need to know basis only

When I used to lead teams on international trips I would tell them they are on a "need to know basis." To me that meant, I would tell them what they needed to know just before they needed the information - usually the morning of.

I think God is doing that to me now. There was a time when I used to have a clear end destination - a defined calling: international work with women and children affected by HIV and AIDS. This calling followed a predictable path; I caught a vision, worked toward it for a period of years, knowing this would be my future and I wanted to be ready when the opportunity presented itself; the opportunity presented itself and I was ALL in, loving every minute of the adventure and the people I was serving with.

Then God asked me to give it up for the unknown. That was in 2009. I have tried to make other things that interest me fit - that didn't work. I have tried to settle in to normal and forget there was ever anything more - that didn't work either. Instead, I am more like the Israelites wandering in the dessert; following a cloud and unsure where the final destination will be, or when I might get there.

Apparently, I have been put on a "need to know" basis. I get marching orders for the day and then it is up to me to carry them out. I much prefer a clearly defined destination, but I trust the One who is higher than I to lead me.

just Sheri, wandering in the dessert

Stop Hatin'

When I was young (starting around 10 years old) I became mesmerized by politics and the political process. I read about it. I watched it. Even before I could vote I participated in the process through political rallies or protests. Today, I find so much of the system detestable.

Virginia, where we currently reside, was deemed a "battleground" state in the recent Presidential election. That means the final count of the vote can go to either party. Apparently, that turns in to month after month after month of political ads...everywhere! If you live in the U.S., I don't have to tell you how negative political ads have become. I can't think of a single ad that was uplifting, heartwarming or inspiring - instead, it was constant criticism of words, speculation about actions, and what can best be defined as fear mongering. I thought the negativity would end after the election.


During election day, I was so impressed. It was surprising to me how orderly and civil the process was - even though folks disagree and stood in line for hours. No violence erupted  No one died. Then the contender graciously concedes - even before all of the votes have been counted. This is not a guarantee. Peaceful elections are not a given around the globe. This is a gift that should not be taken for granted.

My contentment with the political process didn't last long. Soon the concession speech is being torn apart, along with the speaker. Soon fingers are pointing and tongues wagging about what went wrong, who did what. I think political pundits have mistaken criticism for analysis. I am just so tired of the negativity. I am so tired of the divisiveness. I don't think this hatin' is good for our nation. I long for civility, a dialogue of ideals, and a sense of we are all in this together.

just Sheri, tired of the negativity

Oprah-nized

The Hubs and I were recently having a conversation about influential people. People who are influential on a grand scale usually have a few things in common - but, of those we could name a common denominator was wealth (mostly earned through expertise in a field). Of the super wealthy and influential people on our list, one stood out above all others. Oprah.

Photo by Alan Light via Creative Commons

We put Oprah in a category by herself because of how she shares her influence. When Oprah promotes someone, they usually become a superstar in their own right - we call this being "Oprah-nized." Here is just a small sampling of Oprah's protege's:

• Suze Orman - used to be a special feature on Oprah's show and now a leading voice in finance and investment
• Dr. Phil - also a guest feature on her talk show, now the star of a long standing talk show of his own
• Dr. Oz - same as above
• Rachel Ray - Oprah helped produce her show and now she is a common household name
• Nate Berkus - a leading name in interior design, also hit it big with an Oprah stamp of approval
• every author chosen for the book club became a best seller

I am sure the list is longer - these were just the folks I could name off the top of my head.

In 2010, Oprah was honored at the Kennedy Center. Chris Rock was one of the presenters. He started his monologue by acknowledging important people in the room, in the balcony sat the two honorees (Oprah and Paul McCartney) and President Barack Obama with his wife Michelle. Chris Rock says, "it's an amazing feeling to look up and see the most powerful person in the world...and right next to her, Barack Obama. He didn't get her a job, she got him a job." It was funny, but true. Oprah's endorsement of Obama helped him win the presidential nomination over other candidates like Hillary Clinton.

I mention this, not to promote Oprah specifically, nor any of her protege's; but to promote a character quality worth replicating. I do not have the level of influence of any of these, but in my sphere of influence - what am I doing to promote others? to set them on a course of success? to invest in their dream? to bring out their unique talents? It is a good way to be and a good thing to do.

just Sheri, wanting to use my influence to benefit others

Global Leadership Summit: Condoleeza Rice

"Today's headlines and history's judgement are rarely the same."

culture shock: voluntary prison

I went on a road trip recently with a couple of ladies from Africa. One is visiting for a few months since her daughter just had a third child. I asked how her visit has been, this led to an interesting conversation about American cultural norms.

In America, we exit the car in our driveway and immediately head inside our home, rarely greeting our neighbors. Once inside, we generally close and lock the door behind us. Most homes have large windows to let in light or frame a view, but the windows are usually shut and covered with closed blinds or curtains drawn. I suppose this is for privacy and security. My friend had an interesting perspective on this - she called it "voluntary prison."

Photo by Stefano Costanzo via Fotopedia

We shut ourselves in and keep others out. We rarely engage with those in close proximity to us. We do this while living in the land of freedom and prosperity.  The majority of outings are to go to work, shops, or regularly scheduled meetings (like church). We started calling our road trip her "Prison Break."

I hadn't thought of this as a voluntary prison, but I noticed this myself since returning to America.

In our neighborhood, I make a point of talking to neighbors. When I see them outside, I wave enthusiastically and say, "Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening!" The looks I get are usually surprise and uncertainty.

I am sure there have been times folks thought, "Who is this crazy lady waving at me? She must think she knows me." Some people pretend not to see me, which only encourages me further. Some folks wave back hesitantly. What I've noticed is the more I do it, some folks now expect it and participate willingly.

There is an older gentleman who is often on his front stoop. I see him as I walk the neighborhood in the afternoons. He used to be reluctant to respond to my greetings. Now I get a smile, a wave, and a "how are you doing?"

When we lock ourselves up in voluntary prison - we miss out on relationship building opportunities. I am okay with being the crazy lady in the neighborhood. Why? Because people matter to God and therefore they matter to me. Though the culture of my origin tells me to isolate myself, distrust my neighbors and "act normal." I choose a different path.

Romans 12:2 (The Message)
"Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking..."

Are there cultural norms you have chosen to reject? Is there something you value more than "fitting in?"

just Sheri, defined by Christ rather than my culture