Leadership does solve problems - not at the expense of your identity, but because of your identity.

So what's your story?

Maybe that question excites you. Maybe you like talking about yourself. Maybe you have a story that would make the observance of Forrest Gump's life seem like watching paint dry. 

Maybe that question frightens you. Maybe you have too much pain in your past. Maybe your path is littered with broken memories, crushed dreams, and potholes of disappointment. Maybe the idea of recalling your past triggers pain, anxiety, depression, or isolation. 

I guess something is not lost if you know where it is. But, when I read the famous story Jesus told about a lost son, I know where he is in the story; I know where he is living and what he is doing. I also know where he is in relation to his family. So, why is he lost?

The grace and compassion necessary to fulfill our assignment (purpose) is in our alignment (practicing the truth of our God given identity). Simply put - alignment before assignment.

Today, this dual reality hit me with a heavy fist when I was reading a great song from the prayer book - Song 37 verse 3 (Psalms 37:3), "Trust in the Lord and do good..." [1]  On the surface, this verse seemed tame and polite. But when sitting with Holy Spirit and with a heart postured in humility and hunger before God, those tame and polite words morphed into flaming swords, penetrated my soul and exposed my motives and character.

A friend who is 20+ years my elder, when asked, "If you had to live your life over what would you different to avoid the mistakes" said, "I don't live in the past."  I understood the answer, but here's what I heard him say, that he didn't literally say, One can't afford to live with regret. It costs too much and takes you where you don't want to go. Regret always makes it about you.  

One can't afford to live with regret. It costs too much and takes you where you don't want to go. Regret always makes it about you.