Mike Henderson

Peyton Manning: How to Leave an Organization with Grace

Wow!  The day many thought would never come, came to pass today.  Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks ever in the NFL, is leaving the Colts.

Manning changed the football culture in the state of Indiana and particularly in Indianapolis.  His influence goes way beyond the football team itself.

Here are some thoughts from the press conference.  They are exemplary for anyone who is leaving an organization.

1. Loyalty-Peyton said he will always be a Colt.

2. Gratitude-he said Thank you several times.

3. Smiled-no sign of any anger.  Sad, but many times anger accompanies a departure.

4. Friendship-this event will not change the friendships that Peyton has developed.  Why is it, that firings, separations, and departures  are almost always taken personally?  Just a thought.

5. Respect-it goes both ways.  Both Peyton and the owner deeply respect each other.

6. Memories-neither are going to forget all the good times.

7. Appreciation-beyond a thank you, Peyton was incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to him by the Colts.

8. Humility-"you don't always get what you want." Peyton

9. Unselfishness-The fact is Manning was great.  He could have been selfish and many would have backed him up.  What a class act.

10. Passion-his passion is so great that he can't imagine retiring.  He wants to still be a quarterback.

11. Grace-without a doubt Peyton Manning is leaving the Colts with grace.  There is not even a hint of malice, anger, backbiting, or regret.

12. Legend-Peyton's actions, attitude, words, and time in a Colt uniform will leave forever positive memories for all Colt fans. 

As you can see, there is a right way to leave an organization.  With GRACE.

 

Open Letter to the Next Penn State Football Coach

Without a doubt the hardest job to take on in the near future is the head coaching job for the Penn State football team.  With that said here are my thougths for the next coach.

You are walking into a mess.  The current is against you.  There are few favorable winds at your back.  But you took the job knowing all that, and because you believe your previous experiences, your character, and your success coaching football have prepared you for this undertaking. 

I would add at this point that unless you have ever been broken at some point in your life, my advice is to pass up this job.  You are walking into a broken situation, you will be surrounded by broken people, and you must be able to walk in their shoes.

One of the great stories from the book of Genesis centers around the life of Joseph.  Let me encourage you to read that story multiple times and learn from how he led during a great famine. 

Here are six lessons to begin with:

1. Not all leaders can lead during a famine.  Egypt went through seven years of famine and Joseph led the way.  Part of your job is going to be to lead Penn State through the current crisis.

2. Do not complain.  Everyone knows the circumstances.  Everyone knows there is a famine in the land.  Be proactive and lead.

3. Don't play the blame game.  Yes, people previous to you made some poor decisions. We get all that.  Remember, you took the job knowing all that, and you felt like you measured up to the challenge.  Deal with it, and do not bring up the earlier administration.

4. Set the example.  Avoid spending too much time looking in the rear view mirror or you will wind up in the ditch.

5. Identify some benchmarks or milestones to track your progress along this long journey.  As you travel, you will gain hope as you reach these along the way.

6. Cast a compelling vision for a bright future. Stay positive, encourage those around you, and serve your coaching staff and players well. 

Yes, the sun has gone down on the University of Penn State.  But it will rise again.  And you can be the coach who is at the helm when that happens.

One more thing.

Remember that the country is pulling for you.  Yes, Penn State has that much influence.  And many will be cheering for your success.

Death of Bin Laden and Putting a Man on the Moon

The last few days have been quite wild with the death of Bin Laden.  So I thought I would pose a question to Carol.  Here it is. 

"When you think of America putting a man on the moon who do you think of?"  Her answer, and no doubt the answer of many: President John Kennedy.  Why?

Because it was his vision to put a man on the moon.  Although Richard Nixon was the president when America was finally successful, Kennedy got the credit, and rightly so.  He was the one to pledge that America would put a man on the moon by the end of the 1960's.

I know times have changed and we have politicized everything.  That simply means that we cannot give credit to someone from the other political party. 

But it's hard to forget the words of President George Bush when he said with a bullhorn in NYC, "...the rest of the world can hear you, and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon."  He also talked about using every resource possible to track down those responsible.  He also said he would treat those who harbor those responsible in the same way.  Somehow I doubt that Pakistan's obvious harboring of Bin Laden will be dealt with at all.

While searching CNN I was looking for some sort of mention of President George Bush's name.  It just seems that you cannot disassociate him from the killing of Bin Laden. It's fine to give credit to both Presidents.  One started the process with increased funding and focus.  The other President made the final call regarding the incredible covert operation by our Navy Seals who will remain unnamed, but they deserve perhaps 99% of the credit.

Yes, it came true.  Bin Laden did hear face to face that his time was up.  But will people associate his death with the vision of George Bush?  Only time will tell, but at the moment, politics aside, the long journey began while Bush was in the White House.

At the end of the day, when you think of the death of Bin Laden you should think of President George Bush, President Obama, and our military and intelligence which are second to none.

We Can Rationalize Anything

Let me admit right off the top that I may not understand all there is to know about the political processes in Washington D.C.

All the talk this week has centered around the lack of a budget.  Now think about it.  The Democrats controlled the White House, the Senate, and the House.  They could have passed anything they wanted yet didn't.  I certainly can't explain that.  And to date I have not heard a satisfactory explanation from the Democrats. 

But, now they are placing the blame on the GOP!  Go figure.  What is more astounding is that some seem to be buying the line.  Granted it is politics, and crazy statements like the GOP is out to kill women and starve millions of senior citizens are being made.   

The point is people say the strangest things to rationalize their own behavior or perhaps in this case the lack of behavior.

But this is nothing new.

Abraham went into Egypt to get away from a famine.  God didn't buy it.

Moses got angry and lost his temper because of the people.  God didn't buy that either.

My kids have come home late.  I didn't buy it.

I have tried to rationalize losing my temper.  My family didn't buy it.

So is anyone buying all the rhetoric in Washington today?  I'm not.

Are you attemtping to rationalize a sin?  It won't fly.  You may try and convince yourself, but deep down I doubt if you are buying it.  God won't, and yet we continue to try and rationalize just about anything.

It's Truly a Global Economy

Current events in the Middle East are having an impact around the world.  That's the way life often operates.  That's why the Bible says we must be careful about making sure-fire plans about tomorrow.

¹ Do not boast about tomorrow,
   for you do not know what a day may bring.(Proverbs 27:1).

One of the biggest ramifications of unrest in Libya is oil prices.  It just goes to show that we can have our own house in order, but someone eles's house messes with our house.  Libya is not a nation simply unto itself.  What happens there matters worldwide, especially with oil prices spiking due to the unrest.

Another current event revolves around all the food being imported by China.  That is causing higher food prices here in the US.  Beef is going up, corn has doubled in price, and pork is up. 

When the year began you perhaps set up your own personal budget.  Then along comes unexpected unrest in the Middle East and Africa, and an unexpected rise in imports in China.  Now when you go to the store you feel the effects.  And so do your finances and budget. 

Call it the ripple effect.  A foreign country makes a decision, then you and I must adjust to the consequences.  Maybe less trips to town, fewer steaks on the grill, and heaven forbid, cut back on bacon!

Our own personal finances are affected by world events. So in your planning don't overlook the fact that our own economy goes beyond our own borders.

Bringing Honor Back

Recently Auburn fans came to the realization that someone had poisioned some trees that have great traditional significance to the school.  The trees are about 130 years old and mark the site of celebrations after football games.  Apparently an Alabama fan (Alabama is an arch-rival) committed the crime and is now in custody.

So why the lack of honor for another school's tradition?

A lack of honor can be found everywhere.

In fact, a lack of honor and disrespect go all the way back to the beginning in heaven.  It was there that God's worship leader Lucifer, one of His staff members, committed the act of dishonor.  As a result God dismissed Lucifer from his duties and he became known as Satan, the devil.

Dishonor continues to abound.  Kids disrespect their parents.  Husbands disrespect their wives, and vice versa.  Employees disrespect their bosses.

As we look into the Scriptures at least two incidents immediately come to mind. 

First of all, Noah planted a vineyard after the flood and got drunk.  One of his sons,Ham, saw him and totally disrespected him by going to share the news with his brothers in a flippant way.  God was more angry at Ham and the disrespect than He was at the sin of Noah. 

A second instance occurs in the life of David.  Saul was out to kill David, and David had the opportunity to take Saul out on two occasions.  Yet, David honored King Saul and the Bible honors David for honoring Saul.  It's a great story about honor in 1 Samuel 26.

Admittedly, it can be difficult to honor someone who is sinning in a big way.  But in our society we even dishonor those with whom we disagree, as in the case of Auburn and the famous trees.

It's time to bring honor back.  Go out today and honor someone.

 

Pearl Harbor and Spiritual Warfare

Today is December 7, the day President Roosevelt described as, "a date that wil live in infamy."  2,400 Americans were killed as Japan launched a surprise attack on the naval base on Oahu Island, Hawaii. 

The man who planned the attack, Admiral Isoruku Yamanoto, was correct when he said, "I fear we have only succeeded in awakening a sleeping giant."  He had no idea that what he did would ultimately lead to the creation ofthe atomic bomb and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Hundreds of thousands of Japanese lost their lives.

Pearl Harbor repeats itself every day in the invisible war now going on.  Spiritual warfare is a topic most of us never think of as we go about our daily business.  However, Satan is alive and well on planet earth. A war is going on and Christ-followers are the target.  So lets' draw a few lessons on warfare from Pearl Harbor.

1. Life can turn instantly.  When one of the bombs went right down the funnel of the battleship Arizona a thousand soldiers died instantly.

2. America was unaware of the surprise attack, but Christ-followers have been warned (1 Peter 5:8).

3. Sunday morning is still a popular time of attack by the enemy.  Prior to December 7 Sunday morning seemed to be the least likely time one would expect an attack.  That's why Japan attacked at that time. Too many believers wake up every day as if there is no war going on.  For the record, Sunday morning is still a popular time for the enemy to attack.  Kids get sick, kids won't get up, couples argue, or the alarm fails to go off.  Why Sunday morning.  Because that's the day the church gathers as a body to celebrate Christ, receive encouragement, hear the Bible preached (which by the way leads to an increase of faith; Romans 10:17), and be challenged and equipped for another week of warfare. Here's a quick lesson.  If small stuff keeps someone out of church, expect lots of small stuff to keep happening.

4. As Christ-followers we are more vulnerable than we realize.  Who would have thought the airbase at Pearl Harbor would be attacked?  Satan, referred to as a lion, is always on the prowl.

5. The consequences of war, wounds, and death are far reaching.  Think of the spouses, kids, and parents who were affected.  The toll spiritual warfare has taken on families is astronomical.  Just look around.  Divorce, debt, broken relationships, bad attitudes, and anger.

6. You may as well engage the enemy, because you are at war.  On December 7 three NFL games were being played when news came of the attack.  The next day America officially entered World War II.

The bottom line is, if you are breathing, you are at war.  However, take heart, because "greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world." (I John 4:4)

Thoughts on the News

Big dreams take big money- It has been reported that if Mitt Romney wants to run for president it will take $150 million dollars.  Of course, anyone wanting to run will have to raise a ton of cash. 

Black Friday- Speaking of money the retailers are upping the ante this holiday season.  Some are starting on Thursday, others at midnight, some at 3AM, some at 4AM, and the rest at 5AM or perhaps even as late as 6AM.  We live in different economic times and so the rules have changed.

Overconfidence will hurt you and your team- A soccer player from Quatar misses a goal even though he was just a couple of feet from the goal and the goalie was completly out of and away from the goal.  The team lost 1-0.

Politics never takes a rest- We are already talking about the 2012 Presidential election.  At least it will be awhile before we have to worry about all the signs, ads, direct mail pieces, and robo calls.

Full body scanners are taking a hit- The reports here are incredible from internet pictures to allegations of sexual assault.  It seems to me we are scanning the wrong people.  In fact, these scanners would not have prevented 9/11.

God's Will- During the course of the week I have had multiple conversations regarding the fascinating topic of God's will.  I love talking about biblical topics.

Marriage is sacred- Sadly another Hollywood marriage is breaking up.  Eva Longoria and her NBA star husband, Tony Parker, are divorcing due to an affair on his part.  This past year Tiger Woods and Jesse James also cheated on their faithful wives.  All three men had beautiful wives who loved them deeply and they still cheated.  Sad.

Second chances- I am a big fan of second chances.  Perhaps that is one reason I have been a fan of Michael Vicks since he returned to football about aobut eighteen months in prison.  Up to this point he has exceeded everyone's expectations.  On MNF he had an extraordinary game.  We'll see how the rest of the season unfolds, but I hope he makes it all the way to the Super Bowl.

NFL: The New Fantasy Land

Wow!  The NFL seems to be totally clueless when it comes to men and women and testosterone. 

Recently a female reporter, named Ines Sainz, was doing some work with the New York Jets.  Apparently some have suggested she was harassed.  But that topic is beyond my interest.

Here's what got my attention.  Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins was 'forced' to apologize for saying the following:

"You put a woman and you give her a choice of 53 athletes, somebody got to be appealing to her."  Essentially he was saying that eyes wander when you mix the sexes.  He went on to say, "I think you put women reporters in the locker room in position to see guys walking around naked, and you sit in the locker room, with 53 guys, and all of the sudden you see a nice woman in the locker room, I think men are going to tend to turn and look and want to say something to that woman."

Uh, yea.  That's pretty much a given.  Guys can't not notice a good looking woman!  It's the way guys are wired.  According to the NFL that's sexism.  No that's some word made up in the late 60's and used by the NFL to justify female reporters in a locker room full of naked men.  Wonder if football players are allowed in the dressing room of the cheerleaders?

Oh, the good news.  Portis will not be disciplined or fined for his comments.

So here comes a female reporter who considers herself to be the 'hottest' reporter in Mexico.  She shows up wearing tight jeans, high heels, and a low-cut blouse.  Currently her pictures are in high demand on the internet.

Guys will look, stare, take multiple looks, and would love to get into a conversation.  If I said I knew our puppy would chew up the shoe, would that be "puppyism?"  Shame on me for pointing out the obvious.

But it gets even more ridiculous.  The Jets are arranging an educational session with the team.   My guess is the team will try and learn not to be so visually oriented.  Tomorrow our puppy will begin learning not to chew things.  That should go over real well.

Plus the NFL "requires teams to show players a video regarding proper decorum in dealing with the media" (USA Today).  53 naked football players and female reporters in the same room and we are going to talk about "proper" decorum?  Who's kidding who?

The NFL has now become the New Fantasy Land.

Is Obama a Christian?

Over the last few days a lot of discussion has centered around that very topic.  In fact, the White House is astounded that many now considered the President Muslim.  Now it is not my intent to lean one way or the other.  I know President Obama has made claims to be a Christian.

Be that as it may, let's not water down what it means to be a Christ-follower.  Actions truly do speak louder than words.

If I were to tell you that I was a football fan, yet never watched a game or went to a game would you still call me a football fan.  I doubt it.

I suppose the reason I am shocked that the White House is surprised by the rumors that the president is Muslim is that they seem to forget this very simple principle.

Think about it.

The National Day of Prayer was skipped by the President.  Now that alone does not mean you are not a Christian, but Christians do pray and are commanded to pray for their country.  Just seems odd that a president would claim to be Christian and then publicly not want to attend what has traditionally been attended by former presidents.

Church attendance.  I realize there are logistical things to work out for the President to attend church, but when you never go and opt for say a round of golf, people do begin to wonder.

The cross.  About a year ago when the president spoke at Georgetown University the cross was covered up.  With Georgetown being a Catholic school obviously the cross is going to be seen.  However, prior to the speech the cross(es) were covered up.  Strange.  Now I have no idea if President Obama was aware of the cross being covered up.  But once again, it's all about appearances.  It came across that the President was ashamed of the cross.  The cross is an absolute necessity in the Christian faith (Matthew 16:21).  So why cover it up?

Endorsing the Mosque in New York City.  This has become a contentious issue and is not popular on either side of the political spectrum.  Once again this alone does not make President Obama a Muslim.  But he seems to be favoring Muslim over Christianity.  The key word here is "seems."  And this is becoming a very emotional issue across the country due to 9/11.  And in case we are forgetting, people make decisions based on emotions. 

Once again, none of the four things makes one anything.  But the perception obviously among many is due to the actions, and as they say perception is reality.  Fair?  No.  But everything communicates.

At the end of the day one should ask, "What do I want the people to believe?"  Then you act that way.  Not rocket science. 

Do you want people to believe you love your job?  Show up on time and smile.

Do you want people to believe you love your spouse?  Spend time with him or her.

Do you want people to believe you are a Christian?  Read your Bible, pray, attend church, and share your faith.

Here's the bottom line.  It's not for me to decide whether or not President Obama is a Christian.  He says he is.  But as one standing on the sidelines it has become apparent that actions speak louder than words, and if we want others to believe what we say we must act accordingly.