I didn't send a Memo last week. I had some technical problems that weren't sorted out until Wednesday, so I thought a Monday Memo on Thursday just didn't sound right. You have before your eyes issue 300 of the Monday Memo. I started writing in March, 2001 and here it is today, more than six years and 300 issues later. It's been a great experience. Why not take a moment to write a story of how the Memo has impacted you and posting it for others to read on the site where the Memos are posted.
Last week I was in Johannesburg and I was recognized by someone on three separate occasions - twice in the hotel lobby where I was staying and once in the Sandton Mall. Earlier today I was buying lunch at a crowded Nairobi eatery and someone came up and introduced herself to me because she recognized me. Why am I writing this? It is because I love when that happens to me! To learn why this is important, you have to read on.
THE CROWDS WILL CHEER
In some of my seminars, I play the theme song from the Disney movie Hercules. Michael Bolton sings the song and the title is Go The Distance. Here is the verse that, when I hear it, makes me smile.
I have often dreamed of a far-off place,
where a hero's welcome will be waiting for me.
And the crowds will cheer when they see my face.
It may take a lifetime but somehow I'll see it through.
I enjoy being recognized in public. I like posing for pictures and signing autographs. Is that egotistical or vain? It could be, but in my case I think not. It's just part of who I am and I am learning not to oppose who I am. A few years ago, I was in Santiago, Cuba and a man approached me in the airport and asked, "Aren't you John Stanko?" I jokingly responded, "Yes, I am. And I'm glad someone finally recognizes it!" He said he had seen me teach in Los Angeles a few years before and proceeded to tell me what I had taught He still remembered.
Too often I've tried to distance myself from my work. I wanted it to be "the Lord" or my gift. I didn't want it to be me, whatever that means. When I function in my purpose, however, it's me. My personality, quirks, attitudes, strengths and experiences all contribute to make me effective doing what it is that I do.
RIVERS OF LIVING WATER
You are probably familiar with John 7:38:
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
I think there is a flow that is to come out of you and the water from that flow should taste like you. It can't be bitter with anger or unforgiveness, and it can't be salty with lies and deception. And it should not be artificially flavored to taste like someone else's water. Other than that, the water should taste like you. Your flow should have your distinct characteristics as you carry out God's work and you should not apologize for this.
My writing, speaking and consulting has my "flavor," and it flows. How about you? Are you damming up the flow, trying not to be who you are? Or are you filtering the water for impurities and then letting it gush from your life? What's more, the water that flows is not for your benefit; it's for others to drink. So in this case, it's alright for people to drink your flavored water.
Is there anything you enjoy doing or being that you are trying to curtail or even adjust? Well, maybe it's part of your flow and you should stop interfering. Perhaps that characteristic is something God built into you. When you oppose it, you are actually opposing God, telling Him He made a mistake when He put that in you.
So I will continue to smile and shake hands as I go, not worrying about why I enjoy it as much as I do. I just want to be who God made me to be and if anyone has a problem with that,that is their problem and not mine. Have a great week!
Hi John,
After reading the comment on today's memo, i thought to leave a comment. I saw you yesterday evening (sunday) at the addis ababa airport. Recognized you but didn't walk up to say hi... so hi :) hope you're enjoying your stay.
Maureen
Posted by: Maina Olembo | June 11, 2007 at 03:22 AM