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Best Practices Personal Development Uncategorized

From Ego to Soul

From Ego to Soul

 A Mindful Return to the Loving Self

“When the soul is awake, it shines—a quiet light that pierces the fog of ego and the shadows of distraction, guiding us back to what is real, and what is love.”

A haunting truth lingers behind the veil of modern life: for all our technological marvels, religious institutions, and social revolutions, we remain capable—remarkably and tragically so—of committing and enabling harm. And often, we don’t even recognize it. The institutions we build and participate in—religions, corporations, even family systems—can become theaters of quiet complicity. In this way, evil doesn’t always wear a monster’s mask; it often dresses in the robes of groupthink, justified authority, or personal gain.

This is the soul’s great crisis: not simply the existence of evil, but our mind-numbed awareness of it. And here lies the hidden power of ego, the false self we unknowingly serve.

We live for it.
We protect it.
We build our lives around it.
But the ego is not who we are.

What we believe our ego is who we are is a false concept, but a means of fitting into this world. The “soul child” we were born with gets pushed back in our being, and what we experienced as a child forged the ego that dominates our being. 

The Ego’s Dominion

The ego thrives on comparison, control, and consumption. It needs to be “right,” to be “seen,” to be “secure.” It fears vulnerability because it associates weakness with worthlessness. It seeks recognition over relationships and performance over presence.

Under the ego’s rule, we become unaware that we are serving a smaller self, a counterfeit identity—one that insulates us from discomfort but also disconnects us from love, from one another, and from God.

Even our morality becomes transactional. If it profits us, we comply; if it costs us, we rationalize. Evil often goes unnoticed—not because it is hidden, but because we’ve quietly chosen not to see. The group—the tribe, the system, the institution—validates our blindness with the comfort of belonging and the illusion of righteousness. Over time, this shared denial becomes a kind of spiritual anesthesia, dulling our discernment and numbing our capacity for truth.

We no longer sin with trembling hearts. We sin with executive confidence.
And all the while, our souls quietly starve.

A Return to the Loving Soul

Contemplation is not an escape. It is a return. A sacred rebellion against the ego’s illusion of control.

To live from the loving soul is to recover the truth of our identity in the Divine. It is to drop below our addictions to approval, our reflex to defend, and our habits of distraction. It is to be reintroduced to what is real, what is eternal, and what is truly good.

This return begins in silence—not the silence of apathy, but the silence of awareness. It is here that the ego begins to loosen its grip. In stillness, the inner scaffolding we’ve built to protect our image starts to fall away. And in that sacred collapse, the soul speaks.

This is where Christ meets us—not in the performance of religion, but in the presence of reality.

The path of true and faith-filled contemplation begins in solitude, but it does not remain there. The soul, once awakened, yearns for communion. For deep, honest fellowship. For a community that is not built on agreements to be comfortable but on shared courage to be awake. The ego begins to retreat to the background of our minds. Keeping it in check becomes easier the more we live in love. Therein lies the lifelong challenge, difficult to completely succeed.

Living the Examined Life

Mindfulness is not merely an emotional calmness or psychological technique—it is spiritual warfare against illusion. It is the disciplined act of turning inward not to indulge the self, but to encounter the truth that sets us free.

To live mindfully is to ask ourselves uncomfortable questions:

  • Who benefits from my silence?
  • What have I accepted as normal that is numbing?
  • In what ways am I still living to protect my ego instead of surrendering to love?

These are not questions the ego welcomes. But they are the questions the soul must ask if we are to heal.

Mindfulness becomes a way of living—prayerful, observant, and responsive. We begin to recognize when we are being pulled by the need to impress, dominate, or escape. And we choose instead to return—to the breath, to the moment, to the presence of God within.

Sacred Communities and Spiritual Refuge

We cannot dismantle the ego’s illusion in isolation. Sin is not merely a personal failing—it moves through families, institutions, and generations, hidden beneath layers of normalization and unspoken agreement. It survives because it is rarely questioned and often rewarded. That is why we need one another—not in crowds of performance, but in consecrated circles of presence. These are spaces where truth is spoken tenderly, silence is honored, and suffering is embraced as a teacher, not avoided as an inconvenience.

When even two or three gather in shared intention and soulful awareness, we form lighthouses of presence on the dark sea of distraction. These sacred communities remind us that we are not alone in our longing to wake up. They offer us a place to see the right and good, listen with reverence, speak with honesty, release our burdens without shame, and begin again in grace, so we are lighting the path for others.

The  Practice of Returning

To live from the soul is not a one-time decision. It is a daily reorientation—a thousand quiet returns to God, to love, to truth. It is a lifelong exodus out of egoic exile and back into the promised land of who we truly are.

This path is costly. You may lose your place in the dominant group. You may be called naive, radical, or irrelevant. But you will find your soul. And in finding your soul, you will find God.

Final Thought

The world does not need more cleverness, more noise, or more speed.
It needs more presence.
More soul.
More truth.

So let us sit. Let us breathe. Let us weep for the harm we’ve enabled.
And let us rise—not as performers of righteousness, but as contemplatives of love.

Light the way for others.

Let us live from the soul.

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[PRESS RELEASE] C-SUITE NETWORK™ and Proxy Financial Announce the Launch of C-Suite Financial

New York, NY, Tuesday, February 4, 2025C-SUITE NETWORK™, the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders and Proxy Financial are announcing a groundbreaking partnership with the launch of C-Suite Financial, a premier branded service combining C-SUITE NETWORK’s global influence and Proxy Financial’s expertise. This innovative service is designed to provide unparalleled financial solutions to businesses and professionals worldwide.

C-Suite Financial brings together the strengths of C-SUITE NETWORK’s vast reach and brand equity with Proxy Financial’s six core financial service categories, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of today’s professionals. Services include:

  • Retirement Investments and Planning
  • Tax Optimization
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Support
  • Wealth Management and Estate Planning
  • Individual and Group Healthcare Services
  • Business and Personal Insurance Advisory

 

Through this collaboration, clients gain access to cutting-edge financial expertise coupled with C-SUITE NETWORK’s trusted community, fostering new growth opportunities for businesses across all industries.

“The launch of C-Suite Financial marks an exciting milestone in our mission to connect and empower everyone within the C-Suite community and beyond,” said Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chairman and Founder of C-SUITE NETWORK™. “By partnering with Proxy Financial, we’re bringing unparalleled value to our business leaders and partners alike.”

 

This partnership redefines how financial services are delivered by:

  • Enhancing Connections: Leveraging the power of C-SUITE NETWORK’s trusted ecosystem to connect professionals with Proxy Financial’s industry-leading solutions
  • Empowering Growth: Offering bespoke financial strategies that drive long-term success for businesses and individuals
  • Expanding Opportunities: Opening new doors through the combined reach of C-SUITE NETWORK™ and Proxy Financial

 

“Proxy Financial is thrilled to collaborate with C-SUITE NETWORK™ on this unique initiative,” said CJ Davidson, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Proxy Financial. “Together we’re creating a platform that transforms how professionals access financial expertise and solutions.”

 

C-Suite Financial services will be available across the C-SUITE NETWORK™ platform.

 

“In this age where business moves incredibly fast, it’s critical to find partners that align with our business model and values. Proxy Financial meets that criteria and we couldn’t be more thrilled to combine forces,” said Tricia Benn, Chief Executive Officer of the C-SUITE NETWORK™. “As one of our Hero Club leaders, CJ Davidson lives by a core set of values that sets Proxy Financial apart from the crowd. It’s great to have partners that truly value creating meaningful relationships that deliver success to scale our businesses and increase our impact.”

 

For more information, visit: https://pages.c-suitenetwork.com/c-suite-financial or contact us directly to explore tailored solutions.

 

# # #

 

 

About C-SUITE NETWORK™

C-SUITE NETWORK™ is the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders, with a

focus on providing growth, development, and networking opportunities for business executives with titles of vice president and above. The C-SUITE NETWORK’s mission is to provide a peer community, networking events, relevant content, and services to support c-level executives and other entrepreneurs achieve professional success.

 

C-SUITE NETWORK™ offers invitation-only events as well as custom-tailored content through all its entities: C-SUITE TV™, C-SUITE RADIO™, C-SUITE BOOK CLUB™, and C-SUITE NETWORK ADVISORS™. Learn more at https://c-suitenetwork.com/ or connect on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

 

 

About Proxy Financial

Proxy Financial is a dynamic financial services firm dedicated to helping clients see the world differently, uncover new opportunities, and achieve transformative results. Comprising skilled agents and advisors, Proxy operates as a non-captive agency and fiduciary, offering unbiased advice and access to a wide range of financial products tailored to client needs. Its innovative business model unites professionals from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to thrive while prioritizing client success. Proxy’s expertise spans wealth management, insurance, private investments, and financial planning, empowering clients with personalized solutions that bridge the gap between what is and what can be. For more information: https://www.proxyfinancial.com/

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Health and Wellness Personal Development Uncategorized

Deep Thoughts on Kin-Dom

Deep Thoughts on Kin-Dom

The term “kin-dom” is a reimagined concept often used in theological, social justice, and community-building contexts to reframe the traditional idea of “kingdom.” By replacing “king” with “kin,” it emphasizes a relational and inclusive vision of community that prioritizes interconnectedness, equality, and shared humanity over hierarchical and monarchical structures. Let’s explore its meaning in depth, analyzing its etymology, implications, and applications.

Etymology and Origin

  1. Root of “Kin”: Derived from the Old English cynn, meaning “family” or “race,” the word “kin” is deeply tied to ideas of familial relationships, shared ancestry, and belonging. It connotes closeness, mutuality, and an inherent bond that unites individuals.
  2. “Dom” as Domain: The suffix “dom” traditionally refers to a realm, state, or condition. When coupled with “kin,” it suggests a realm where relationships are central—where the state of being connected as the term family defines the social and spiritual structure.

Theological Implications

The term “kin-dom” has gained traction within Christian and interfaith dialogues, particularly as an alternative to “kingdom” when discussing the reign or rule of God. This shift has profound theological implications:

  1. Decentering Hierarchy: The traditional “kingdom of God” evokes images of monarchy, power, and subservience. While these terms have biblical roots, they may feel exclusionary or alienating in contemporary contexts. “Kin-dom” removes the emphasis on hierarchical power and instead focuses on relationships built on love, equality, and mutual care.
  2. Inclusion and Justice: By highlighting “kin,” this concept aligns with Jesus’ teachings on radical inclusion and care for the marginalized. It envisions a spiritual and societal order where all are treated as kin—brothers, sisters, and siblings under God—eliminating divisions based on race, class, gender, or status.
  3. Communal Salvation: In the kin-dom, salvation is not seen as an individual endeavor but a collective experience. It reflects the interconnected nature of humanity, where the flourishing of one is tied to the well-being of all, resonating with biblical calls to love one’s neighbor and care for “the least of these.”

Philosophical and Social Perspectives

  1. Relational Ontology: Philosophically, “kin-dom” resonates with relational ontology, which posits that relationships are the fundamental building blocks of existence. Instead of seeing individuals as isolated entities, it underscores the web of connections that define identity and purpose.
  2. Eco-Theology: The term also finds relevance in discussions of ecological justice. By expanding the idea of kinship to include the Earth and all living beings, “kin-dom” advocates for a holistic approach to stewardship, recognizing that humanity is part of a larger, interdependent creation.
  3. Equity and Solidarity: Socially, “kin-dom” envisions a realm of radical equity. It dismantles systems of oppression and replaces them with structures that prioritize mutual support, shared resources, and communal upliftment. This is particularly resonant in movements for social justice, where the focus is on creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.

Practical Applications

  1. Faith Communities: Many progressive faith communities adopt “kin-dom” to create inclusive liturgies, sermons, and practices that reflect their commitment to justice and relational theology. It redefines the church not as a rigid institution but as a family bound by shared values.
  2. Social Justice Movements: Activists often use “kin-dom” to frame their vision for society—a world where solidarity triumphs over division, and the well-being of the vulnerable is prioritized.
  3. Personal Spirituality: On an individual level, the kin-dom calls people to embody kinship in daily life—building bridges, extending compassion, and recognizing the divine image in every person.

Symbolic Power of the Term

The beauty of “kin-dom” lies in its subversive simplicity. It challenges deeply ingrained power dynamics, offering a vision of hope and transformation. By reimagining God’s reign as a kinship-based domain, it calls for:

  • Relational Love: A shift from command-and-control dynamics to relationships rooted in love and reciprocity.
  • Shared Responsibility: Recognizing that every individual plays a role in building the kin-dom, whether through acts of justice, kindness, or advocacy.
  • Hopeful Vision: A future where peace, equity, and belonging are not abstract ideals but lived realities.

The Essence of Kin-dom

At its core, “kin-dom” represents a radical re-envisioning of community. It transcends traditional notions of power and authority, focusing instead on the sacred bonds that unite all creation. It challenges us to see others not as strangers or subjects but as kin—worthy of love, dignity, and justice. By embracing the kin-dom, we participate in the transformative work of building a world that reflects the relational and inclusive heart of God.

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Home for the Holidays

Imagine, if you can, a man in uniform standing on the porch of a house in a snow-covered city, with flakes swirling overhead in multiple directions. His coat, hardly warm enough, was covered with the white stuff.

Imagine that soldier turning the knob on that creaky old front door, the one that groans like it remembers every winter I left it behind. The rush of cinnamon, pine, and apple pie hit me first—a scent that wasn’t just familiar, but sacred. Home. My boots thudded against the worn wooden floor, and before I could drop my bags, Suez, rather Juge as she is known by all,  appeared, flour smudged on her cheek, waving a lopsided gingerbread man at me.

“You’re late,” she teased, her smile wide enough to make me forget the years we’d been apart.

Dad followed, wearing that sweater—the lime green one with the blinking reindeer nose. He didn’t say much, just pulled me into a bear hug that said it all. “Still works,” he muttered, proudly tapping Rudolph’s blinking nose.

And then Mom—quiet, steady—stood in the doorway. She wiped her hands on her apron. Her eyes held a thousand unspoken things. “You’re here,” she whispered, and her arms around me felt like everything I didn’t know I’d been missing.

Dinner was chaos and comfort: the clink of dishes, the laughter of stories half-told through mouthfuls of turkey, and Dad sneaking extra gravy when he thought no one was watching. Juge’s cookies, predictably misshapen, still tasted heavenly. The brightly sparkling Christmas tree stood in all its timeless glory.

The ornaments were heavy with history: a glittered pinecone missing half its shine, a delicate glass angel Grandma gave us, and my crooked childhood star perched on top—still lopsided, still perfect.

As I climbed into bed that night, under the same quilt that had been on my childhood bed, I whispered a quiet “thank you” to the universe. Being home for the holidays wasn’t just about coming back to a place—it was about coming back to myself.

Imagine that—a door creaks open, and the world outside disappears. What’s left is warmth, belonging, unconditional love, and the quiet magic of home. It turns out that for the first time in a long time, I felt whole.

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Capital Operations Uncategorized

Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act: Filing Requirements and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act: Filing Requirements and Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, aims to enhance transparency in the corporate world and curb illegal financial activities. Effective January 1, 2024, the CTA requires certain businesses to disclose beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This article will delve into who needs to file, what needs to be filed, and the penalties for failing to meet these requirements.

What Is the Corporate Transparency Act?

The CTA was created to prevent bad actors from exploiting anonymous shell companies for illicit activities such as money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. By mandating reporting of beneficial ownership information, the CTA seeks to make corporate ownership more transparent and accountable. FinCEN, the government agency responsible for enforcing this act, will receive and maintain this information in a non-public database accessible to law enforcement and certain other entities.

Who Needs to Report Under the CTA?

The CTA requires “reporting companies” to file BOI with FinCEN. This generally includes most corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other similar entities formed or registered to do business in the United States. However, certain entities are exempt, including:

– Large operating companies with more than 20 full-time employees, over $5 million in annual revenue, and a physical office in the U.S.

– Regulated entities such as banks, insurance companies, and registered investment companies

– Nonprofits and religious organizations

Key Filing Requirements for Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)

Beneficial ownership information is essential to the CTA’s mission. This includes detailed information about individuals who directly or indirectly own or control a substantial interest in a company. The specific information required includes:

  1. Full Legal Name of each beneficial owner
  2. Date of Birth
  3. Residential Address
  4. Identification Document (such as a passport or driver’s license), along with an image of the document

Who qualifies as a beneficial owner? Generally, anyone who exercises significant control over the entity or owns at least 25% of it.

Who qualifies as a “company applicant”? The company applicant is the individual who files to create or register the reporting company.

Deadlines for Filing

For companies formed after January 1, 2024, the BOI report must be filed within 30 days of formation or registration. For existing companies created or registered before January 1, 2024, the deadline to submit BOI is January 1, 2025.

Updates and Amendments

If there is a change in beneficial ownership or other reportable information, companies must file an **updated BOI report within 30 days** of the change. This ensures that the information on file with FinCEN remains current and accurate.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The CTA imposes severe penalties for those who fail to file or provide false information. These penalties include:

  1. Civil Penalties – Companies that fail to file the required BOI information may face civil fines of up to $591 per day until the violation is rectified. This accrual of fines continues as long as the information is not provided.
  2. Criminal Penalties – Willfully failing to file, or knowingly submitting false or fraudulent information, can result in **criminal fines up to $10,000 and/or up to two years of imprisonment**.

The penalties underscore the seriousness of the CTA’s intent. FinCEN and other federal agencies will be vigilant in monitoring compliance to ensure the BOI filing requirements are met.

How Businesses Can Prepare

For companies affected by the CTA, it’s essential to begin preparing well in advance of the deadlines. Here are a few steps to help with compliance:

  1. Identify Beneficial Owners Early – Gather all necessary details for each beneficial owner, including identification documents.
  2. Implement a System for Tracking Changes – Since companies are required to update information within 30 days of any changes, a system should be in place to track ownership changes and ensure timely filings.
  3. Consider Compliance Assistance – For companies unsure of their filing requirements, consulting a compliance expert may help avoid potential fines and penalties.

Final Thoughts

The Corporate Transparency Act represents a shift toward corporate transparency in the United States. Companies must understand their filing requirements and remain compliant, as the penalties for non-compliance can be severe. By preparing now, businesses can avoid unnecessary fines, maintain good standing, and contribute to a more transparent financial ecosystem. Give our office a call at 775-384-8124 and we can help you on your way to financial freedom.

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Other Personal Development Uncategorized

Turning the Tide: The Christian Call to Love in a World Overrun by Darkness

Turning the Tide

The Christian Call to Love in a World Overrun by Darkness

We are undeniably living in tumultuous times. Every day, news of catastrophe dominates the headlines—war ravages nations, hunger gnaws at entire communities, violence leaves deep scars, and a host of other unspeakable evils have become commonplace. It feels as though darkness, fueled by Satan himself, has woven itself into the very fabric of our world. Pain and suffering persist with such force that it often seems as if hope has all but disappeared.

In the face of this seemingly overwhelming darkness, as Christians, we have an urgent responsibility to wake up, stand firm, and turn the tide—not with weapons or politics, but with the one force that can never be extinguished: love. It is only through love that we can bring healing, restore hope, and set a new course for humanity and the planet.

A World in Desperate Need of Love

The chaos surrounding us is undeniable. From widespread hunger to the horrors of war, we see humanity in crisis, and in our hearts, we feel a deep ache for the brokenness we witness. But as followers of Christ, we are called to see this suffering not as an inevitable reality but as a call to action. For in the deepest, darkest moments, God’s love is most desperately needed.

This love we’re called to isn’t passive; it’s powerful and transformative. Jesus demonstrated it in his own life—by touching the untouchable, loving the unlovable, and forgiving the unforgivable. In a world consumed by anger, fear, and hatred, He showed that love was the ultimate antidote, the one unshakable force that could defy even death. Now, it is our turn to embody that same love, to become vessels through which God’s healing power can reach a world in desperate need.

Why We Must Honor, Love, and Fear God

Our response to this broken world must be grounded in three key virtues: honoring everyone, loving our brothers and sisters in faith, and fearing God. These principles don’t just define how we interact with the world; they anchor us in God’s truth, allowing us to be resilient beacons of His love.

  1. Honor – Honoring others means respecting the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their past, their failures, or their beliefs. In a world that dehumanizes and divides, our commitment to honor serves as a testimony to God’s love. It’s a love that sees beyond flaws, beyond labels, and beyond the brokenness of the image of God within each person.
  2. Love – We are called to love not only our fellow believers but everyone we encounter. This love isn’t limited to sentimentality; it’s the selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated. In a world gripped by hatred, our love must be fierce and unwavering, crossing every divide and tearing down every wall.
  3. Fear of God – To fear God is to revere and obey Him with deep humility. This fear grounds us, reminding us that no power, no force, and no evil is greater than God. When we fear God above all else, we find the courage to stand against the tide, knowing that His love will sustain us, even in the darkest times.

Love as the Only Path to True Transformation

Only love can turn the tide. Love is the antidote to the world’s relentless darkness because it flows directly from the heart of God, the ultimate source of all goodness and life. This love compels us to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the prisoner, and to speak hope to the hopeless. It’s a love that restores dignity to the oppressed and forgiveness to the lost. It heals and lifts up, creating beauty where there once was despair.

Christians are uniquely positioned to embody this love, for we know its power personally. We know the forgiveness we have received, the grace that has sustained us, and the redemption that has transformed us. Now, we are called to extend that same love outward—to be hands and feet of Christ in a world that is starving for hope.

Imagine a world where Christians collectively honor, love, and revere God with unshakable resolve. Imagine communities transformed by people who choose compassion over judgment, mercy over vengeance, and service over selfishness. This is the revolution of love that our world desperately needs, and it starts with each of us making the choice to love radically.

The Practical Call: Living Out Love Each Day

So, how do we begin this journey of love? We start by living it out in our daily lives, in ways both big and small:

  • Embrace humility: Honor others by treating them with respect, kindness, and dignity. Refuse to participate in the cycles of hatred, bitterness, and division that so often characterize the world.
  • Forgive freely: Love demands forgiveness, even when it feels impossible. Forgiveness frees us, and it frees others. In forgiving, we demonstrate that God’s love is bigger than any offense.
  • Serve others: Seek out ways to serve, whether in your local church, your community, or even globally. Acts of service bring tangible expressions of God’s love to those who might never see it otherwise.
  • Speak hope: Our words carry power. Choose to speak words of encouragement, grace, and hope in every conversation. Let your words be vessels of God’s love, bringing light to those who hear them.

A New Dawn: Love as the Path Forward

As Christians, we cannot afford to be passive observers of the world’s suffering. We are called to be catalysts for change, lights in the darkness, and bearers of God’s healing love. Yes, the world is chaotic, filled with violence, hatred, and fear. But these forces will not have the final word. We serve a God who has overcome the world, and His love through us has the power to transform even the bleakest circumstances.

Imagine a generation of Christians who choose love over apathy, courage over fear, and unity over division. Imagine the ripple effect of a single act of kindness multiplied a thousand times over. It is possible, but it requires that we each choose, daily, to embody Christ’s love fully and fearlessly.

The responsibility is ours, and the time is now. Let us wake up, filled with the urgency and passion of those who know they are called. Let us honor everyone, love our brothers and sisters fiercely, and fear God, standing as bold witnesses of His love. In doing so, we can turn the tide, shining a light that no darkness can extinguish. Only love can do it, and through God’s grace, we can be the agents of that unstoppable love in our world.

 

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Best Practices Personal Development Uncategorized

The Costly Call of Living the Gospel A Bold Reminder for Christians Today

The Costly Call of Living the Gospel

A Bold Reminder for Christians Today

Today’s American Christians find themselves at a crossroads. Many congregations are wrestling with fear, reluctant to proclaim the unfiltered gospel for fear of alienating their members. Father Richard’s homily reflects an unsettling reality: divisions within churches mirror the broader divisions in society. With honesty and urgency, he challenges believers to ask themselves whether their faith truly reflects the teachings of Christ or whether they are merely going through the motions of church attendance, lost in a cycle of power, wealth, and comfort. I call that to be Christians of the flesh. Don’t get me wrong; I was one of them for most of my life. But no longer. I do my best to live as a Christian of the Spirit. It’s not an easy route, but even Jesus said it would not be easy.

Father Richard’s homily from 2017 serves as a sharp reminder of the radical nature of Christ’s teachings in a world increasingly defined by division. Rooted in Matthew 5:43-48, the call to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” confronts modern believers with a stark choice: Will we embody the radical love that Jesus demands, or will we settle for a superficial faith that aligns with cultural comforts rather than divine truth? Father Richard’s message is not just an observation; it is an urgent plea for personal and societal transformation if Christianity is to retain its power and purpose.

Father Richard Rohr’s criticism is poignant. The ancient commandment to “love your neighbor” was already difficult in practice, yet Christ pushes believers further by demanding love for their enemies. This, according to the homily, is where the gospel becomes uncomfortable. It calls for a higher standard that contrasts sharply with the ethos of self-interest and polarization so prevalent in modern society. Father Richard’s words hold a mirror to the audience, exposing the gap between professed faith and lived reality. Are Christians today willing to risk living the gospel in its entirety, or have they reduced their faith to hollow rituals devoid of transformative power?

At the heart of this homily is an invitation—and a challenge. Richard Rohr insists that Christian life is not passive. Silence, he warns, is complicity. To pretend we lack the power to make a difference is to abdicate responsibility and allow injustice to persist unchecked. For him, living the gospel means stepping into the messiness of the world with courage and love, even when it feels inconvenient or dangerous. It means praying not just for friends and allies but also for political leaders and those with whom we disagree, recognizing that every small act of love, no matter how seemingly insignificant, has the potential to ripple outward and bring about meaningful change.

The homily also raises an uncomfortable but essential truth: Christianity without action is empty. “Thanks be to God,” Father Richard Rohr reminds his audience, must be more than a verbal response; it must be reflected in how believers live their lives. His challenge is direct: If Christians do not embody Christ’s teachings through acts of love, even for their enemies, then the faith they profess becomes meaningless. Without the courage to live differently—to stand against deceit, violence, and self-interest—the church risks becoming indistinguishable from the world it is meant to transform.

This homily serves as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry for Christians to reclaim the radical essence of their faith. The message is clear: the time for complacency is over. Now, more than ever, the world needs Christians to mobilize, convert their hearts, and live the gospel with unwavering conviction. This requires more than grand gestures; it begins with small, deliberate acts of love and prayer, even for those deemed enemies. In a time of moral and spiritual crisis, Father Richard’s homily calls for a return to the core of the Christian mission—a life marked by sacrificial love, transformative prayer, and fearless engagement with the world.

Father Richard’s challenge to believers echoes far beyond the walls of any single church, calling on Christians everywhere to confront the difficult truths of their faith. Will they risk living the gospel, even when it means stepping into uncomfortable spaces and facing opposition? Or will they retreat into silence and inaction, allowing the world to dictate the terms of their faith? His message leaves no room for passivity: the choice is urgent, and the stakes are high. To follow Christ fully means embracing the discomfort of love, even when it feels impossible. Anything less, as Father Richard suggests, is a betrayal of the very gospel Christians claim to uphold.

The cost of living the gospel may be high, but Father Richard’s homily makes it clear that the alternative—a faith without love, courage, or conviction—is far more devastating. The call to action is simple yet profound: Christians must live what they believe, loving even their enemies, and praying for a world in desperate need of transformation. In doing so, they will not only honor Christ’s teachings but also rediscover the power of the gospel to change hearts, communities, and nations.

 

Father Richard Rohr is a Franciscan Priest who is the founder of The Center for Action and Contemplation. This article is a reflection of the 2017 homily that can be found here. There is no such thing as being Non-Political

 

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Comedy Leadership Uncategorized

Follow, Lead, or WhatHaveYou: A Leadership Tango You Never Knew You Needed

Follow, Lead, or WhatHaveYou: A Leadership Tango You Never Knew You Needed

In the high-octane world of leadership, where decisions are made with the swiftness of glaciers and meetings flow like fine molasses, a revolutionary idea has emerged—one so bold, so groundbreaking, that it could only have been conjured during a corporate retreat with too much team-building and not enough coffee.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Leaders Following. Yes, apparently, this is a thing now.

Picture the scene: your CEO, perched high atop their ergonomic throne, gazing out over the sea of subordinates, suddenly says, “You know what? I’ve done enough of this leading thing. I think it’s time I step down—temporarily, of course—and let someone else take the reins.” And just like that, the room gasps. It’s as if Steve Jobs announced he was trading his black turtleneck for a cardigan and joining the IT helpdesk.

But here’s where it gets really juicy. They don’t just toss a task at someone like the proverbial hot potato. Oh no. They “craft a temporary task force.” That’s right. Craft. Like it’s a finely-tuned symphony or an artisanal sourdough, kneaded with the expertise of a master baker. And who’s the lucky conductor? Someone else. The leader? Well, they’ll be over there, in the back, wearing a team member’s hat and gasp following.

Now, naturally, the rest of the team is left blinking in confusion. The leader—formerly the omniscient, all-powerful wizard behind the curtain—is now just Phil from accounting, chiming in with suggestions about TPS reports and PowerPoint aesthetics. “Oh, I don’t know, Karen, maybe we could add a few more slides?” whispers your now-demoted leader, in the soft tones of someone who doesn’t remember the last time they used a copier. This is humility, my friends. Textbook.

But let’s not be cynical. This isn’t some leadership midlife crisis or an existential cry for help. No, this is strategy. A masterstroke of genius. Leaders who follow aren’t giving up control—they’re generously allowing someone else to hold the wheel for a bit, while they sip on an iced latte and check their LinkedIn notifications. It’s the leadership equivalent of a trust fall, only they’re the ones lounging on the ground, watching you fall. It’s about showing you they can follow too, in a display of self-sacrifice so immense it could probably earn them sainthood.

What’s even more delightful is the symbolism. This isn’t just about teamwork, oh no. This is about sending a message. It’s as if your leader is saying, “Look at me, humbling myself. Watch as I magnanimously relinquish control, so you plebeians can see how it’s done when someone else leads. But don’t get too comfortable, because I’m coming back—soon.”

Let’s also talk about the concept of “followership”—a word that makes about as much sense as “jumbo shrimp” or “civil war.” Leadership experts assure us it’s an undervalued skill. And you know what? They’re right. If you’ve ever been to a toddler’s birthday party or tried to wrangle a herd of cats, you know that following directions is an art. Now imagine that, but with your boss trying to pretend they’re totally cool with not having the last word on everything. It’s like watching a lion try to blend in at a petting zoo.

And yet, they say, this is how true leadership shines. By stepping aside and letting someone else take the spotlight, leaders apparently transcend mere authority and ascend to some kind of enlightened plane where control is an illusion, but status? Well, they still get that, don’t worry. After all, there’s no way anyone’s forgetting who’s actually in charge. You may be leading today, but don’t forget who’s already got the corner office.

But here’s the real kicker: “Followers will always be more important to leaders than leaders are to followers.” Now, let that sink in. That’s not just leadership philosophy—that’s logic gymnastics. It’s like saying the sidecar is more important than the motorcycle. Sure, without followers, there’s no one to lead, but without leaders, we’d probably all be wandering around aimlessly, forming makeshift task forces out of sheer desperation.

Let’s all applaud this modern leadership wisdom: to lead is to follow, to follow is to lead, and somewhere in between is a vague PowerPoint slide about synergy. If you haven’t yet led by following, well, tomorrow is your chance. But don’t worry, you won’t actually have to give up control. Just give the illusion that you have—your team will thank you, and you can get back to doing what you do best: leading by not leading. Or something like that. Whatever. Just make sure to CC everyone on it.

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Entrepreneurship Leadership Uncategorized

What’s Love Got to Do With It?

What’s Love Got to Do With It?

No, not the smoochy kind; I’m talking about love in the biblical sense. You know, love thy neighbor as ye love thyself.

Recently I’ve been speaking a lot about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, not like the recent Buzz Words but centered around love and kindness. Love, after all, is the key to every thought, word, action, or intention if we want to be good and not evil.

Whether it’s work, play, or in the community, if we’re all by ourselves, we can’t feel love for humanity. Oh, we might have pleasant thoughts and positive emotional feelings toward our fellow people, but there is no chance for reciprocation if we’re cut off from the outside world. A smile in the mirror does not garner a reciprocal smile in return. There must be a living recipient to complete the sequence.

That’s all well and good if you are a recluse, but it’s not exactly a healthy existence. Alone we can certainly feel the love of God surrounding us, even feel God within. But there’s so much more expected of us. We weren’t created to be alone. Adam had Eve, Noah had his wife and family, Abraham had Sarah, and we’ve multiplied ever since.

We’ve not been created by the Almighty to be on our own, but to be raised in family, and then to be joined to a spouse partner in life, thereby creating a family of our own. The Bible is specific about one man and one woman, but that’s a topic for another essay. It’s not for us to judge others lest we judge ourselves.

In bible teachings, love is clearly mentioned in more than 310 passages (KHV) and 348 (NASV), so there must be some serious weight to the concept. The genuine actions of love are for mutual benefit. We were created to flourish in all aspects of our life, family, and community for the sake of each other. We fail at that if we wall ourselves off from the world, even a tiny part of it.

Diversity – What it Really Means

When it comes to True Diversity, variety is the spice of life. I don’t mean just in an employment sense; I mean your community is a precursor to our life after we graduate to a higher state of being.

We’re all God’s children, so we all have an equal stake in our combined future. Sure skills, ethnicity, age, economic background, and life experiences impact diversity, but that’s just the beginning.

Drawing from the Book of Matthew 28:19, “make disciples of all nations” translates to – God’s intention is for people from all nations to participate in the Body of Christ together. After all, eternal life transcends our earthly being to one of holy and unblemished status in unified service to our Lord. God has foretold this in the ancient writings.

Equity – It’s more than Economic

Equity is another buzzword that is often limiting in nature. The secular society defines equity as equal opportunity, a level playing field for economic wealth redistribution, and fairness and impartiality.

In the biblical definition – The main Hebrew word for equity (mê·šā·rîm) conveys ideas like uprightness, straightness, levelness, fairness, truth, order, and integrity. Note the words uprightness, truth, and integrity. Our daily vernacular doesn’t even come close to highlighting these aspects of equity.

It’s been proven that diverse communities/workforces/organizations/congregations all benefit from the most diversity imaginable. Our souls aren’t measured by skin color, gender, age, ethnicity, or any other worldly measurement of prejudice.

There has only been One who was without prejudice. We all suffer some form of prejudice, whether it be people, animals, insects, or seasons of the year. It’s our responsibility to remove all prejudice from our lives because love commands it.

So how do we ensure total equity on a one-to-one level? Whether at work or in our personal lives, it begins with the right intentions. Intentionally choosing to look upon them as God sees them. Purposefully electing to embrace the differences rather than pre-judge, and understanding each other; I mean really understanding. It’s not necessary for you to agree, but perhaps accepting them for who they are, and for what their opinion or position on an issue might be. Take the time to get to know them, listen to what they have to say, and even offer a hand in need. That’s real equity. There is so much more to humanity than our individual perspective. Grow your understanding of humanity.

Inclusion- Thoughts, Words, Deeds

What does it really mean? Inclusion is so much more than working toward making sure all facets of humanity get a chance at fulfilling their God-given gifts. It’s more than speaking about not limiting others who are differently-abled, marginalized, or mentally pigeon-holing others because they don’t conform to your view of the world. It means that your actions are verified by removing all roadblocks, pitfalls, or limitations to your work environment, services, products, or any other form of inaccessibility.

Here’s a real-life example of my point. I have a friend who happens to be a lawyer. He also happens to be legally blind. What happens when he goes to the doctor or dentist for the first time and is handed a clipboard with a stack of forms to fill out? Because he is blind, is he, therefore, required to bring along someone to complete the intake documents? Does the doctor or dentist need someone to assist him in completing the forms? Or is there a process of accessibility via technology that can be instituted? If there is a computer that is available for the task of intake, is it ADA-compliant? Does it meet all of the laws that have been in place?

Computer compliance was further added to the original act in 1990 as the Digital Accessibility Act—Microsoft built some aspects into their operating system in 1995. Yet approximately 26% of the American population has some form of disability, and only 3% of all websites worldwide are compliant. Does your website allow deaf people or blind people to experience satisfactory results from using your website? Lawsuits are occurring daily in amounts exceeding $50,000 for non-compliance. Where do you stand?

My friend has never sued anyone or any business for not complying with the ADA. He offers a service to bring sites into compliance by consulting and servicing the issues that block accessibility to the differently abled.

Feel free to contact me, and I’ll hook you up.

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Uncategorized

Training in the New World of Business

One of the clear blessings of the past pandemic is people have become much more computer friendly, less nervous about technology, and much more willing to do online or virtual training. And that is a clear benefit to businesses.

From an economic point of view, virtual training is significantly less expensive than flying everybody in to do live training in a central location. And if done well, virtual training can be equally effective. And companies that use e-learning effectively enjoy other benefits too, including:

  • The ability to train personnel to deliver more consistent and more effective training.
  • A chance to strengthen the brand.
  • The option to send out focused training programs that address new products, new priorities, and training employees who have been recently hired, even in new territories and regions of the country.
  • The ability to adapt and fine-tune training to different people . . . and we know that different people learn in different ways.
  • A chance to repeat critical lessons as needed, at no additional training cost . . . and repetition is sometimes an effective way to get people to learn.
  • The opportunity to deliver focused Just In Time (JIT) service and other training to employees right where they are, not in a company training center.
  • A chance to develop blended training – a mixture of live and virtual training that can be highly customized and effective.

And That Is Only the Beginning

It is very important for you to create a training path for all new hires, and a training path for your current people so everyone can keep growing and becoming better at what they do.

But your overall training success – and therefore, the overall success of your company – hinges today on virtual training. As Covid-19 begins to fade into memory, your people are ready to embrace virtual training. Our abilities to improve and expand our companies have never been better.