Scott L. Moore's Blog, page 16

Standing Ovation

“Most people never get a standing ovation.” – Andy Andrews

I received a standing ovation once in my life. A friend of mine and I wrote a song for our high school choir to perform at graduation. He wrote the music and I wrote the lyrics. The first performance of the song was at our Spring Choir Concert. Our director, Mr. Peery, introduced the song and us as the composers. We sang and, in all sincerity, it was beautiful because of the music my friend wrote. My lyrics were fine, but let’s just say that there’s a reason he is now composing music for movies and TV shows in Hollywood – he’s that good. It reminds me a little of my cousin’s experience of being a good high school football wide receiver. My cousin was good, but he was a lot better because he was catching balls thrown by the future Pittsburgh Steeler and Super Bowl champion quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

At the end of our song, the entire audience stood up and cheered for us! Even the other choir members cheered and applauded us. It was, and remains, one of the greatest moments of my life. The memory of moments like that is special. Andy Andrews talked about sharing that experience with others on his “In the Loop” podcast last week (“What’s Your Legacy?”):

“By helping others and adding value to other people we, in a sense, are giving them a ‘standing ovation.’ The ripple effect of your actions will impact others in ways that you may never know.” – Andy Andrews

Listening to Andy, I was reminded of a pastor friend of mine who told me about a ‘standing ovation’ kind of moment he had once (he didn’t call it that, but it fits with Andy’s idea). After church one Sunday, the pastor was greeting people in his congregation, as he did every Sunday. He went up to an elderly widow, put his arm around her shoulder, and asked her how she was doing.  To his surprise, she started weeping immediately. When she managed to calm down enough to speak, she said, “You’re the first person to touch me since my husband died.” That was three years earlier.

Can you imagine? Going years without the slightest affectionate touch from another person? I can’t. I don’t think I’d last that long. I can go the rest of my life without another standing ovation. And, truthfully, I could have lived just fine without the one I got. But I’d wither and die without the loving touch of my wife, my kids, family, and friends. People near us are dying and we don’t even see it sometimes. Now, imagine if my friend hadn’t put his arm around her that day. She may never have identified the cancer that was attacking her soul. One small act of kindness, a smile, or a kind word can make a big difference.

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

I know it’s not likely that we’ll each get a standing ovation in life, but what can you do to give someone a one-person standing ovation today? You never know how big the impact will be.

Heroes

“From now on, we live in a world where man has walked on the moon. And it’s not a miracle, we just decided to go.” – Jim Lovell, played by Tom Hanks in Apollo 13

I can’t remember all the heroes I admired as a boy. Five of the more memorable were:

Elvis Presley
Pele
Evil Knievel
Johnny Bench
Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong was a hero that bridged generations. I wasn’t born until a year after the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, but I remember learning about the astronaut who first walked on the moon when I was still a little boy. Even as the space race passed its zenith, it seemed every boy my age still wanted to be an astronaut. It wasn’t until we saw Star Wars that we considered the possibility that there could be a cooler spaceman than Neil Armstrong. His passing last week has me thinking about a few things.

First, if you’ve ever wondered what is meant by the phrase “American exceptionalism”, Neil Armstrong and the teams at NASA that won the space race are the perfect example. The space race was truly a testament to thinking big and working hard, the essence of American exceptionalism. When President Kennedy said we would put a man on the moon, he threw down the gauntlet for America’s best and brightest to pick up and work their magic. And work they did. Many people poured their best years, their hardest work, and some even their very lives into the quest to put a man on the moon. When Neil Amstrong took his “giant leap for mankind,” it was the quintessence of American exceptionalism. “We just decided to go.” Indeed.

Second, who are our heroes today? Lance Armstrong? Mark Zuckerberg? Michael Phelps? Oscar Pistorius comes to mind (the Olympian called “Blade Runner” because he runs on prosthetic legs shaped like curved blades). Former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell would be on my list as well (Check out his book Lone Survivor, the heart-pounding story of the unbelievable sacrifice of a few of America’s elite fighting forces). They’re out there. I do think that our national character has slipped in the last generation or so, but there are still great people doing great things. Ironically, with the explosion of media in the last 30 years, it seems less likely that you’ll find a hero on a television or movie screen.

Finally, as we say goodbye to one hero, I wonder, who will be the new heroes?

The Power Of A Leader

“What do all men with power want? More power.” – The Oracle, in The Matrix: Reloaded

It has been said that the original sin is pride, that all other sins stem from it. Perhaps to define it more narrowly, I suggest that a lust for power (which is rooted in pride) is the root of much evil. It’s why some men scream at their children (or even beat them). It is why some people can never admit that they’re wrong. It’s why nations rise and fall.

Yet, occasionally, we meet someone who seems unfazed by power. Someone who is honest and truly humble, so much so that it makes the people around this person go one of two directions – better or worse. Some people are inspired to be better because of the example of the one. Others feel shame, but they don’t want to feel shame, so they turn their feeling inside out and try to tear down the humble one however they can. It’s sad to watch. It’s worse to join in.

It’s rare that one of these inspiring people seeks a position of leadership. Yet, they are often the ones that others follow instinctively. We need more people like this: people who do not grasp at power, like it’s a drug, to get a fix. Genuinely good people who choose to do the hard things because they are the right things. When trained up, mature and wise, they are ready and willing to lead.

Are you one of these people? Could you become such a person, such a leader? What will it take?

Do it.

“Power in the hands of a good person is like a cool drink of water on a hot summer day. It refreshes everyone with whom it comes in contact.” Andy Andrews, as Abraham Lincoln in The Traveler’s Gift

 

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – Lord Acton

Dreaming Big

My sons and I went to an old car show the other night. I don’t know much about building or repairing cars, but I (like many men) am a sucker for a cool hotrod. One of my dream cars would be a Shelby similar to the Ford Cobra model pictured here. My ultimate would probably be a ’31 Model A Ford hotrod. Of course, I could handle a Ferrari, an Aston Martin, a Porsche, or any number of other fine automobiles. Lately though, the Shelby has been my favorite dream car. I like the new Shelby Mustang models, also. I just replaced my Honda Civic with a used Honda Accord, so I’m still a long way from the Ferrari or the classic Shelby, but I think I’d like to shoot for something like the new Shelby for my next car (or perhaps the one after that).

So, why am I rambling on about cars? Well, for one, it’s what men do sometimes. I’m more likely to ramble on about music, but I can get going on sports cars for a little while, too. But, the reason for my little rant today is that I’m in a dreamy mood. I’m on the cusp of seeing a dream of mine come true. No, it’s not the car dream. I’ve recently started working with a hero of mine, Todd Wilson, aka The Familyman (www.familymanweb.com). So, I’m dreaming big about what we can do together and how I can grow my business through this venture. I’ll tell more about that later.

I used to expect Honda Civics. That was about the level of success I could imagine. Well, I’ve heard it said that if you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time. It stands to reason that aiming for the bulls’ eye might take a lot of practice, but I know I’ll never hit it if I don’t try. The key is to make sure I’m aiming at the right target. Yes, I’ll admit that since the car show, I’ve been dreaming of Shelby Mustangs and Ferraris and such, but that’s not my real target. The mission of the Familyman is “reminding dads of what’s most important,” which just happens to coincide nicely with my efforts here at The Call Of Men. I want to encourage men and their families in living out their God-given calling. I’m not just dreaming of this. I’m doing it.

If I get the Shelby too, I won’t complain, but it’s not my dream, just my dream car. My real dream is much bigger than any car. So, what is your target? What are you dreaming of?

Instruction Manual For Children

“Don’t these things come with a set of instructions?!” Almost every first-time mom or dad has said something like this at some point. In my case, it was several times a day for the first two kids. By kid #4, I was starting to get the hang of it. Now, I just get that perplexed, Bill Cosby ‘dad’ look on my face and say, “Where’s your mother?”

The age range of my children is 2-13. As my children have grown, I’ve started thinking less about having an instruction manual for me to use in figuring them out and more about giving them an instruction manual for how to live. I see them experiencing some of the same struggles I experienced and I want them either to avoid the pain altogether or to learn quickly and well so their pain is not meaningless. There is nothing worse than pointless pain.

So, I’m starting to develop a strategic plan of sorts for my children’s success. As a start, I’m compiling a list of books I want my children to read before they leave the comfort and protection of home and head off into the “real world”. Starting with the Bible, here’s the beginning of a list of books that are essential reading for my children:

The Bible
The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Epic by John Eldredge
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

While the books are a great start (and those make up a small portion of the list), I want to identify the simple core principles that define who we are as individuals and as members of our family. I want my children to be able to recall them from memory with ease. The Golden Rule and Andy Andrews’ Seven Decisions are a great start.

Have you every thought purposefully about what you want your children to do and be? What lessons do you want them to learn? What are the guiding principles you want them to live their lives by? Or, are you just trying to get through each day and hoping they turn out ok?

Already There

“Now it’s dark and I’m alone, but I won’t be afraid in my room, in my room.” – In My Room, The Beach Boys

I stared at the ceiling in my new dorm room. It was a ‘single’, meaning I lived by myself. My parents had helped me move my stuff in and buy a few necessities. I had met a few of the guys in my corridor, but there I was – in my room by myself. 24 hours earlier, I had gone to sleep in the same bed I’d had since I was a little boy. In the same house I’d lived in since I was two years old. The only home I’d known. And now, as I stared at the ceiling and tried to get used to the noises of a new place, I understood that everything had changed. Life as I knew it would never be the same again. I would go home to visit on the occasional weekend, on holidays, and for the summer, but for all intents and purposes, I had left home.

I wasn’t really scared or particularly excited. It was sort of a haunting feeling, coupled with a determined faith. During a moment of nervousness in the days before I left home, my sister reminded me that I had no reason to fear because God was already there. Wherever you go in life, He is already there. It doesn’t hurt to ask Him to go ahead of you and prepare a path for you, but rest assured, if you trust in Him, He will.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me… I am going there to prepare a place for you.” – John 14; 1,2

So, whatever daunting task or overwhelming adventure is headed your way, whatever fearful voice is whispering in your ear, your task is simply this:

Fear not.
Trust God.
Move forward.

He is already there.

Top 10 Podcasts

I listen to a fair amount of podcasts every week. Below are my top ten never-miss podcasts, in no particular order. I’m always looking for good content, so feel free to add your favorites to this list.

In the Loop with Andy Andrews – Unique perspectives on life from America’s Noticer. You simply cannot go wrong with Andy Andrews. Seriously, download this podcast. NOW!
John Eldredge and Ransomed Heart – If you need spiritual content (and who doesn’t), for my money it doesn’t get any better than John Eldredge and the team at Ransomed Heart. Truth and wisdom from a perspective rarely heard in church.
EntreLeadership – I’ve learned more about how to do business right from the short life of Dave Ramsey’s EntreLeadership podcast, hosted by Dave’s right-hand man, Chris LoCurto, than from every “boss” I’ve ever had. With outstanding interviews with successful giants like Tony Dungy and Jim Collins, and proven wisdom from Dave, this show is proving why the Dave Ramsey brand is so much bigger than just the best financial counseling available.
Daily Audio Bible – Brian Hardin hosts this daily walk through the Bible in a year, with great commentary, audience participation, and even some prayer time.
48 Days – Dan Miller, America’s career coach, offers creative and time-tested wisdom for jump-starting or completely re-vamping your career.
Linchpin: The Unofficial Podcast – Based on Seth Godin’s excellent book, Linchpin, Andy Andrews interviews real-life Linchpins whose stories are inspiring and educational.
This Is Your Life – Michael Hyatt shares the wisdom that has helped him build his platform and achieve extraordinary success.
No More Mondays – Based on Dan Miller’s book of the same name, Justin Lukasavige and Andy Traub are living examples of the NMM success principles. They share their experience and Dan’s wisdom as they help entrepreneurs succeed.
TEDTalks – I have just begun to scratch the surface of the TEDTalks. While not every one is for everyone, you’re bound to find some that are inspiring, challenging, and just flat out mind-blowing.
The Familyman Show with Todd Wilson – A giant in the homeschool community, the rest of America is just starting to discover Todd’s engaging personality and fatherly wisdom as he shares his journey as a dad. He has only done a handful of podcasts so far, but I have it on good authority that more are coming soon.

So, that’s it. Now you know what I’m listening to on a regular basis. What are you listening to?

The Gizzard Test

“I’m going to love you no matter what.”

That is the essence of being a good dad. Our kids need to know that we are going to love them no matter what, because they are going to go through some tough stuff in their lives. Friends will turn on them, bullies will pick on them, their hearts will be broken, and that’s all before they get out of diapers! It’s easy as adults to forget the massive changes that children go through from birth to adulthood and the crazy feelings that accompany all those changes.

I’m in the midst of this with my kids right now. And, you know, I love them to the core of my being. But I worry that they don’t always know that. Kids can be insecure. It’s not enough to tell them once and leave it at that. They need to know – They need to feel it, as my friend Evan says, in their gizzard - in their heart of hearts. They need to feel our love from the tops of their gel-spiked hair to the tips of their toes. If they don’t feel it in their gizzard, they will feel like they are in a leaky rowboat on a stormy sea. I don’t want my kids to feel like that. I want them to feel like they are in a world-class sailing ship with lots of sails all pointing the same direction and carrying them to their destiny. To feel like that, they need to feel it in their gizzard that they are loved.

You know that they test us, right? They are always testing us to see if we still love them, no matter what. So, tell them. Hug them. Kiss them. Snuggle them. Listen to them. Talk to them. Ask forgiveness when you screw up. Look at them. Play with them. Discipline them. Guide them. Is this starting to feel like a big job yet? Good, because it is. And it’s critically important.

It’s also worth it. Does your love pass the gizzard test?

Happy Anniversary!

“You make me want to be a better man.” – Jack Nicholson as Melvin in As Good As It Gets

 

My lovely bride and I have been married 18 years as of today. I can honestly say every year has been better than the one before. There have been bumps in the road, but the constant choice, on both our parts, to keep working, keep talking, keep loving, has kept us growing stronger. I can’t wait to see what the next 18 brings us.

 

So, men, have you told her how special she is to you lately?

EAT MOR CRISTIANS

Quick! It’s a national crisis! Call the mayor! Call the media! Get the army! Call up the National Guard!!!

Why?

Because a crazy mob is beating up people as they leave the Wisconsin State Fair? No.

Because men with bats are threatening citizens who are simply trying to vote? No.

Because the federal government is giving guns to drug dealers and murderers? No.

Why, then?

Because a private citizen expressed an opinion.

Think about that for a minute. A private citizen expressed an opinion. He exercised his right to free speech, so he must be stopped. The mayor of Chicago is apparently fine with gangs shooting up the city as long as they stay away from the kids, but Chick-Fil-A is not welcome! Why? Because the CEO of Chick-Fil-A is a Christian who actually believes in traditional marriage. What a scandal! By the way, President Obama held the same opinion until he needed money from the gay community a few months ago, so he changed his opinion, but you probably didn’t want to know that. Frankly, I don’t care what you think about traditional marriage. This kind of behavior from a government official ought to scare the daylights out of all of us.

I remember, years ago, a controversy about the KKK marching in downtown Cincinnati. On more than one occasion, I heard people say, “I may not agree with what they say, but I’ll defend to the death their right to say it.” I don’t hear people saying that today.

Instead and incredibly, I’m hearing people (including other Christians) criticizing the Chik-Fil-A supporters for – what exactly? They went out to lunch to show their support for a restaurant that is under attack by the government and the media because its CEO expressed an opinion. How dare they.

Look out! He’s got a chicken sandwich! Stay away from the kids!!!