Urgent read for the timid among us: Courage is part of the “stuff” Genesis people are made of – The right stuff! Courage and conviction are essential to innovation - It takes conviction to say, “No!” and courage to say, “Yes!” resulting in my spin on the word: “InYESvation.”
We have some great historical “Genesis person” role models and I touch on one of them in Chapter 7 of my book in progress over at joenoland.com. Click here and and scroll down to that chapter. Or click on the following for a simultaneous blog.
As you read, ask yourself, “Who are the Genesis thinkers in TSA today?” For prototypical examples to judge them by go to the Gospels and take a fresh look at the courageous leadership model of Jesus (see Chap 6), then jump forward 15 centuries and reexamine the life and courage of Martin Luther.
Now ask yourself the BIG question, “How do I measure up?”
JN
"TO MAKE DEEP CHANGE IN AN ORGANIZATION, WE BEGIN BY MAKING DEEP CHANGE IN OURSELVES!"
Slightly Irregular!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Benediction!
At the conclusion of the Obama inauguration ceremony, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, a civil rights icon, opened his benediction with the first words of the Negro National Anthem:
“God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou, who has brought us thus far along the way, thou, who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand, true to thee, oh God, and true to our native land.”
That was a moving and powerful moment for me with the delivery, deliverer and poignant circumstances making it even more so. Several other parts of that prayer also resonated with me on a deeper spiritual level:
“Our faith does not shrink though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.For we know that, Lord, you are able and you're willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds, and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor, of the least of these, and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.”
I thought the message encased in that play on words, “least of these…elite of these,” was divinely inspired. This was followed by the heart and soul of his benediction:
“And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.”
And finally, his concluding, light-hearted though penetrating capstone on the prayer:
“Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.”
Full text can be found at the following link: Benediction Text. The live delivery can be found on YouTube: Benediction Live.
May our TSA ministry focused hearts be penetrated afresh, likewise, wherever we serve on this planet.
JN
“God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou, who has brought us thus far along the way, thou, who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand, true to thee, oh God, and true to our native land.”
That was a moving and powerful moment for me with the delivery, deliverer and poignant circumstances making it even more so. Several other parts of that prayer also resonated with me on a deeper spiritual level:
“Our faith does not shrink though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.For we know that, Lord, you are able and you're willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds, and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor, of the least of these, and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.”
I thought the message encased in that play on words, “least of these…elite of these,” was divinely inspired. This was followed by the heart and soul of his benediction:
“And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.”
And finally, his concluding, light-hearted though penetrating capstone on the prayer:
“Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.”
Full text can be found at the following link: Benediction Text. The live delivery can be found on YouTube: Benediction Live.
May our TSA ministry focused hearts be penetrated afresh, likewise, wherever we serve on this planet.
JN
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Dignity!
Experiencing the Presidential Inaugural events today was very emotional for me. In fact, I’m still pinching myself, having lived through and experiencing firsthand the trauma of segregation, hatred and all of its accompanying indignities, some of them very close to home. I’ve written about it previously in blogs and books, a subject matter that grips me dearly and passionately.
This theme once more came through clearly in President Obama’s Inaugural Address and I paraphrase: “No matter our differences, politically or otherwise, let us treat one another with love, grace and dignity.” Oh, how we fail so often. I touch upon this in a previous blog titled, Arms Open Wide (May 24). Those posts preceding it are also relevant, with Jesus our quintessential model, of course.
Rev. Joseph Lowery couldn't have delivered a more perfect benediction to it all, saying it all - classic! I'm going to print it here once it becomes available
JN
This theme once more came through clearly in President Obama’s Inaugural Address and I paraphrase: “No matter our differences, politically or otherwise, let us treat one another with love, grace and dignity.” Oh, how we fail so often. I touch upon this in a previous blog titled, Arms Open Wide (May 24). Those posts preceding it are also relevant, with Jesus our quintessential model, of course.
Rev. Joseph Lowery couldn't have delivered a more perfect benediction to it all, saying it all - classic! I'm going to print it here once it becomes available
JN
Monday, January 19, 2009
Opportunity!
Steve Court claims bragging rights to ArmyBarmy (Jan 17) being “the oldest running Salvo Blog in the world and he has every right to make that claim. In fact, I do a little bragging for him in a new blog – LET FREEDOM RING! – appearing periodically over at The Rubicon, newly reorganized, bigger and better! Both these Canadian blog innovations have pioneered TSA way, leaving the rest of us lagging behind in the proverbial dust. More comment can be found in my first post to appear over there shortly. You’ll want to add this site to your list of favorites.
We just returned from a Mexican Riviera Cruise where an elderly couple, on our ship, was found missing: See article. Two comments: First, because no names were given, I wanted to assure all concerned that we arrived home safe and sound. Second, I’m once again struck by those missed “What if?” opportunities for evangelism. I’m not sure if we crossed paths with that couple while on the ship, but what if? The first blog mentioned above is titled, “Opportunity!” I’m again reminded that we must not take things for granted, but rather condition ourselves spiritually to look for opportunity, which abounds round us. This is a church growth principle too often overlooked.
JN
We just returned from a Mexican Riviera Cruise where an elderly couple, on our ship, was found missing: See article. Two comments: First, because no names were given, I wanted to assure all concerned that we arrived home safe and sound. Second, I’m once again struck by those missed “What if?” opportunities for evangelism. I’m not sure if we crossed paths with that couple while on the ship, but what if? The first blog mentioned above is titled, “Opportunity!” I’m again reminded that we must not take things for granted, but rather condition ourselves spiritually to look for opportunity, which abounds round us. This is a church growth principle too often overlooked.
JN
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Little Drip!
Posting today from the Carnival Paradise Cruise ship, one of those last minute things on our part. Sitting in Catalina Harbor right now, temp in the 80’s, absolutely beautiful. It's not quite the same as our little retreat place in Hawaii. If you’re interested in a virtual tour of that retreat (along with an invitation to a BBQ there), it can be found by clicking here: Noland’s Paradise. I feel led to share a few random thoughts while in this relaxed state-of-mind.
In follow up to my Jan 5 post below, “Stop Hoping, Start Expecting,” I came across this quote from Desmond Tutu: “Each one of us can make a contribution. Too frequently we think we have to do spectacular things. Yet if we remember that the sea is actually made up of drops of water and each drop counts, each one of us can do our little bit where we are. Those little bits can come together and almost overwhelm the world. Each one of us can be an oasis of peace.”
I saw Bill Cosby interviewed on Meet the Press yesterday. He said that when he went in the polling booth to vote, he took photos of his mom, dad and older brother, all now deceased, with him and laid them out on the counter. He said, “Mom, Dad, Bro., we’re going to vote now, and with that put an X next to Barrack Obama’s name. I must confess his telling of that story moved me deeply.
Cosby, Tutu and Obama have done some spectacular things, but that vote was but one single drop of water joining with all of the others to hopefully (or perhaps I should say “expectantly”) overwhelm the world. I liken that vote to the little things accomplished, each essential to achieve the spectacular. Barrack needed all of those votes. Tutu needed all of those like-minded followers. And Cosby needed all of those laughs, which eventually led to his spectacular success.
I really resonate with Tutu’s metaphor, “Oasis of Peace.” There can be no oasis without the accumulation of many drops of water. It takes a drop to make a ripple. Think about it this way, Jesus only had a meager following at the conclusion of his physical presence on this planet. It seems a bit irreverent to think of Jesus and his twelve as a bunch of little drips, but metaphorically speaking, that’s what they were. And what a ripple they stirred!
So as I sit rocking on the surface of this grandiose, Pacific Ocean, made up of trillions of little drips, might I encourage you likewise toward a similar attainment? And please forgive me if, while in the process, I refer to you as “a little drip!” Dripping together we can overwhelm (overcome) the world.
JN
In follow up to my Jan 5 post below, “Stop Hoping, Start Expecting,” I came across this quote from Desmond Tutu: “Each one of us can make a contribution. Too frequently we think we have to do spectacular things. Yet if we remember that the sea is actually made up of drops of water and each drop counts, each one of us can do our little bit where we are. Those little bits can come together and almost overwhelm the world. Each one of us can be an oasis of peace.”
I saw Bill Cosby interviewed on Meet the Press yesterday. He said that when he went in the polling booth to vote, he took photos of his mom, dad and older brother, all now deceased, with him and laid them out on the counter. He said, “Mom, Dad, Bro., we’re going to vote now, and with that put an X next to Barrack Obama’s name. I must confess his telling of that story moved me deeply.
Cosby, Tutu and Obama have done some spectacular things, but that vote was but one single drop of water joining with all of the others to hopefully (or perhaps I should say “expectantly”) overwhelm the world. I liken that vote to the little things accomplished, each essential to achieve the spectacular. Barrack needed all of those votes. Tutu needed all of those like-minded followers. And Cosby needed all of those laughs, which eventually led to his spectacular success.
I really resonate with Tutu’s metaphor, “Oasis of Peace.” There can be no oasis without the accumulation of many drops of water. It takes a drop to make a ripple. Think about it this way, Jesus only had a meager following at the conclusion of his physical presence on this planet. It seems a bit irreverent to think of Jesus and his twelve as a bunch of little drips, but metaphorically speaking, that’s what they were. And what a ripple they stirred!
So as I sit rocking on the surface of this grandiose, Pacific Ocean, made up of trillions of little drips, might I encourage you likewise toward a similar attainment? And please forgive me if, while in the process, I refer to you as “a little drip!” Dripping together we can overwhelm (overcome) the world.
JN
Thursday, January 08, 2009
6. Free!
I have been called a “free spirit” upon occasion, sometimes disapprovingly, other times admiringly. Free spirits don’t thrive so well in a status quo culture, for all of the obvious reasons. Lucky for me, non-status quo leaders have always materialized at just the right time. Not so for Jesus, however, His life ending prematurely by man’s standard.
I wonder, do you think Jesus would have fared well in the mainline church culture today? No question about His freeness of spirit is there? The Gospels make clear His displeasure and impatience with the status quo. Jesus was unquestioningly the quintessential, Genesis (inyesvative) thinker.
I try to capture the importance of this “freeness,” as essential to Genesis thinking, in Chapter 6 of my “book in progress” over at Inyesvation. Click on the newborn twins pic and scroll down to the appropriate chapter. Or you can find it on my Inyesvation blog as well. And don't miss that Steve Harvey introduction!
As you read, consider the “free spirit” challenge laid down by Paul in Philippians 2:5: “Let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
JN
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Tribute!
Please humor a proud grandfather and listen for a moment to our granddaughter, Riley (8) as she sings a solo during the Christmas Candlelight Service in the Waioli Chapel, Honolulu, Hawaii - taking after her grandmother, fortunately: Away in a Manger.
Speaking of her grandmother, and as a companion piece to my last post, here's a tribute I wrote in the "Orange Blossom," while C.O. at Santa Ana:
Is she called Mrs. Major Joe Noland, Mrs. Major Doris Noland, or Major Doris Noland? She doesn’t really care! She’s more concerned about what the Lord has called her to do, which is to serve in tandem with her husband.
She understands that God created all things in balance, including the delicate balance between man and woman. They were created equal, but different. She recognizes that she is as strong as her husband, even if those strengths may differ. In some areas she’s stronger. In the strength of her wisdom and love, she weaves an intricate web of support that contributes equally to the success of their ministry.
She is consolate in his desolation,
Likewise resolute in her dedication,
To him and to Him.
She is a tower of strength in every decision,
And a power of stability in prayerful submission,
To him and to Him.
Man given titles and rank are superfluous,
Knowing that they by themselves have no usefulness,
To him and to Him.
This little verse proves the fact of the matter,
Without her help you quickly would gather,
These utterings would be but ambiguous patter.
The term “Commanding Officer” is plural you see,
It consists of myself, the Holy Spirit and she.
You’ve inherited great DNA, Riley.
JN
Speaking of her grandmother, and as a companion piece to my last post, here's a tribute I wrote in the "Orange Blossom," while C.O. at Santa Ana:
Is she called Mrs. Major Joe Noland, Mrs. Major Doris Noland, or Major Doris Noland? She doesn’t really care! She’s more concerned about what the Lord has called her to do, which is to serve in tandem with her husband.
She understands that God created all things in balance, including the delicate balance between man and woman. They were created equal, but different. She recognizes that she is as strong as her husband, even if those strengths may differ. In some areas she’s stronger. In the strength of her wisdom and love, she weaves an intricate web of support that contributes equally to the success of their ministry.
She is consolate in his desolation,
Likewise resolute in her dedication,
To him and to Him.
She is a tower of strength in every decision,
And a power of stability in prayerful submission,
To him and to Him.
Man given titles and rank are superfluous,
Knowing that they by themselves have no usefulness,
To him and to Him.
This little verse proves the fact of the matter,
Without her help you quickly would gather,
These utterings would be but ambiguous patter.
The term “Commanding Officer” is plural you see,
It consists of myself, the Holy Spirit and she.
You’ve inherited great DNA, Riley.
JN
Monday, January 05, 2009
Start Expecting!
A 2009 “Hope List” has been blogged over at ArmyBarmy.com, large and forward thinking, you’ll get no argument from me there. Good stuff! For what it’s worth though, here’s my slightly irregular take on the matter. Enough of this hope stuff. Let’s STOP HOPING and START EXPECTING!
“Hope” is passive; “expecting” is active. The Genesis Thinker makes “Hope Happen!” Here’s a truism I discovered early on: Make it happen at your level and those at the top will start thinking it was their idea, even take credit for it, but that’s OK. Remember, revival is always a “bottoms up” experience!
At my level, I can’t even begin to get my head around a married woman T.C. A married woman C.O. is a bit easier to grasp, however. The Army work expanding into 120 countries is beyond my scope; planting another corps in my community is within realm. 1500 cadets is incomprehensible from where I’m seated; new conversions, from whence those cadets will come, much more sensical (a Dr. Seuss word).
Stop hoping. Start expecting! Remember, “To God Be the Glory!” And great things He will do...from the bottom up. Perhaps even a married woman General!
JN
“Hope” is passive; “expecting” is active. The Genesis Thinker makes “Hope Happen!” Here’s a truism I discovered early on: Make it happen at your level and those at the top will start thinking it was their idea, even take credit for it, but that’s OK. Remember, revival is always a “bottoms up” experience!
At my level, I can’t even begin to get my head around a married woman T.C. A married woman C.O. is a bit easier to grasp, however. The Army work expanding into 120 countries is beyond my scope; planting another corps in my community is within realm. 1500 cadets is incomprehensible from where I’m seated; new conversions, from whence those cadets will come, much more sensical (a Dr. Seuss word).
Stop hoping. Start expecting! Remember, “To God Be the Glory!” And great things He will do...from the bottom up. Perhaps even a married woman General!
JN
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