The Monday Memo from John Stanko

Monday Memo 311: Wake Up!

Last week, we looked at the Jonah Complex and the implications of trying to run from your purpose. This week I want to revisit Jonah and look at the circumstances that caused him to come to his senses and embrace his mission. Perhaps you will be able to identify with where he was, but you won't know whether you do or not until you read on. So don't stop here; read on.

ASLEEP IN THE STORM

When Jonah ran from God's presence, he got on a ship that was heading in the opposite direction from Nineveh. So God decided to get his attention. How? "Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up" (Jonah 1:4). That sounds like a hurricane or monsoon. The sailors on the ship panicked, so it must have been a massive storm. But where was Jonah in all this?

"But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep" (Jonah 1:5).

This tells me that you can become so accustomed to your bad circumstances that you adapt and go on living a normal life. You can learn to live with your unfulfilling work, meager wages or abusive work relationships. The storm can blow, the ship is about to be torn apart but somehow you sleep.

The captain of the ship went below and asked Jonah a question: "How can you sleep?" (Jonah 1:6). After the sailors determined by lot that Jonah was the reason for the storm, the sailors asked Jonah a series of other questions that I think have meaning for you and me today. They asked:

• Who is responsible for making all this trouble for us?
• What do you do?
• Where do you come from?
• Who are your people?

Jonah answered their questions honestly and told them that he was the cause of the storm because he was running from the Lord. If you look at the questions, however, you will notice that the sailors asked Jonah what he did, or his occupation. Jonah responded by telling them who he was, that he was supposed to be on a mission for his God.

My point is that Jonah didn't fully wake up until he admitted who he was and what he was created to do. After that, the men threw him overboard, the storm died down, a big fish swallowed Jonah and he did indeed go to Nineveh to deliver the word of the Lord.

WAKE UP!

Perhaps you need to ask yourself the questions that were posed to Jonah. Here is how I think you should look at them.

1. How can you sleep? Have you grown so accustomed to non-purposeful living that God has sent a storm into your life not to harm you but to re-direct you?

2. Who is responsible for making all this trouble? Are others being affected by your depression, lack of joy or sense of failure or insignificance?

3. What do you do? Is your current occupation God's best for you? What is your purpose? Are you fulfilling it? Do you derive your identity from what you do instead of who you are?

4. Where do you come from? Are you living the dreams you once had, or are they distant memories that resurface every now and then to haunt you, not to inspire you?

5. Who are your people? Are you living up to the fullness of your inheritance in the Lord? Are you working as part of a purpose-led team that is making a difference?

I urge you to take these questions seriously and to meditate on them in the coming weeks. I would also recommend that you record what you hear and see in some kind of journal or notebook. As someone said, the problem with taking mental notes is that they fade so quickly. Don't give up if you don't get any answers right away, just keep seeking and asking. I know that you will eventually get answers that will connect you with your purpose and that your purpose will lead you to happier and less stormy days. In the meantime, happy seeking and have a great week.

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1. It looks like the dates for the 2008 Alaska Cruise will be Friday, July 4 to Friday, July 11. That is prime season and the boat will be Holland America's Amsterdam. I don't have the prices yet, but I wanted to get the dates on your calendar now so you can start making preparations. If you would like for me to communicate with you directly with all the details, just drop me an email and I will be glad to do so.

2. If the Lord lays it on your heart to support me while I am in Africa from now until September 30, I will appreciate your help. You can go to my website and donate using PayPal using your credit card or checking account. Or you can send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA, 15221 USA. Thank you for considering my request.

Monday Memo 310: The Jonah Complex

The famous psychologist, Dr. Abraham Maslov, described a life condition and identified it by using a name from the Bible. What name do you think he used? Moses? Joseph? Jesus? Paul? If you answered any of those, you are wrong. He used the name Jonah and the entire term is called "The Jonah Complex." What did Maslov mean when he referred to "The Jonah Complex?" I'm glad you asked. You will have to read on to find out.

RUNNING AWAY

We know that Jonah was an Old Testament prophet and has a short book that relates part of his life story. Jonah was given an assignment by God to go and deliver a harsh message to a city and people he didn't like. He didn't want to do it, so he ran. He got on a ship and went in the opposite direction from where he was told to go.

A storm arose during the trip and it soon became clear to the sailors that Jonah was the cause of the storm. When they threw him overboard, the storm ceased and a whale swallowed Jonah. Jonah then spent three days and nights in the whale's stomach. After Jonah relented and agreed to go on God's mission, the whale spit him out and Jonah went on his way.

Maslov used "The Jonah Complex" to describe anyone who was running from his or her true life calling. He went on to say, "If you deliberately set out to be less than you are capable of, you will never truly be happy." This complex accurately describes the condition of many people with whom I have come in contact. If someone you know suffers from the Jonah Complex, they are avoiding or running from the greatness and creativity that is in them. They are afraid not of failure, but of success.

So what is it like to be caught in "The Jonah Complex?" According to my experience, these people spend a lot of time trying to weather the storm. They try to stay on the ship where they are instead of jumping into the waves of life. They tell me they are "praying about it," whatever the "it" is for them. Yet day after day and sometimes year after year goes by and they do nothing.

Their prayer can actually be a delay tactic as they wait for God to do something that only they can do. They may not know what to do, but they don’t seek advice from or listen to someone who could help them get started. They just hold on and hope that somehow things will change even if they don’t do anything to help the change along. Or they are waiting for the “it” to happen all at once, instead of taking faith steps today that will lead them to their destiny.

JUMP SHIP

So what about you? Are you suffering from "the Jonah Complex?" Are you running from your purpose or from some significant thing that God has for you to do? Is your ship being tossed by the waves of financial lack, unhappiness, and lack of productivity, yet you stubbornly cling to the ship's mast hoping that things will get better? I’ve found that many know their purpose but are afraid for whatever reason to speak it out. Perhaps it’s time for you to face who you are and what God wants you to do. And perhaps it’s time for you to take steps to get off your sinking ship and into the purpose of God.

It may look more dangerous "out there," but the only danger lies in you avoiding the great things that God has for you to do. The Chinese say that the longest journey begins with the first step. Maybe it’s time for you to take the first steps this week on an exciting journey—your PurposeQuest. I hope you have a great week.

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Next week: Read how the sailors on board helped Jonah overcome the Jonah Complex.

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1. I apologize that I still don't have the dates for my 2008 Alaska cruise. I know it will be in July, but don't have the exact week yet. If you are looking for the ideal holiday with other Christians from around the world, then look no further. An Alaska cruise on a Holland American ship with yours truly is just the ticket. If you have said that you wanted to a cruise one day, then the day has come. What better way to get away from it all or to celebrate a special occasion with family or friends. If you would like information on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, send me an email at [email protected] and let me know if you are interested in cruising with me. I will send you the information the moment it is available. I promise to show you a great time. After all, I've been on eight Alaskan cruises so I know of what I speak!

2. Have you figured out your purpose but are still wondering how to see it fulfilled? Then my new book, Beyond Purpose, is a must-read for you! In this book, I draw on my extensive purpose experience to help you discover the keys to a more productive and creative lifestyle. The book is divided into 52 lessons and covers four topics: creativity, dreams and goals, time management and personal development. You can use the book as a one-year guide to a more creative and satisfying life, or read the lessons at your own pace. Whichever way you use it, you're sure to benefit from my practical insights that will help you embrace your creativity and achieve your dreams. I have designed the lessons so that they can be used for personal study or for youth, family or other small group study.

The cost of the book is $15 US. If you order in August, I'll continue to pay the domestic shipping or give you a $3 US credit toward international shipping. You can use PayPal to pay for your book. Just use my email address, [email protected], and they will notify me when your payment is in my account. Just include your address with the payment and we'll get your book(s) out to you right away.

If you can't use PayPal, then send me an email and we'll work something out, but order today. Don't wait another minute to get started on your journey Beyond Purpose.

Monday Memo 309: A Fat Duck

I was in New York yesterday to celebrate my son's 30th birthday and was nowhere near a computer, so this Monday Memo is the Tuesday version. I trust it will be just as relevant though a day late.

I read this quote recently from Ralph Waldo Emerson:  "Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be."  That is what I have tried to do with the Monday Memo and purpose teaching:  Inspire you to be who God created you to be, who you know you can be.  I have found, however, that some resemble the duck described by the Christian philosopher Kierkegaard.  I hope you aren't like this duck, but just to make sure you aren't, you had better read on.

GROUNDED

The story has it that there was a duck flying with some other wild ducks when they flew over some tame ducks in a barnyard.  The wild duck decided to stay with these tame ducks for a while.  He stayed for an hour, a day and then several months.  Finally, his wild duck cohorts flew overhead one day and beckoned the wild duck to rejoin them, which he gladly did.

He found, however, that his barnyard living had made him so soft and heavy that he could not fly high enough to join his former mates.  So he dropped back into the barnyard, promising that he would get in shape to join them the next time.  The next time he heard them, he flapped his wings but could not even get off the ground.  Finally, after many attempts, wishful thinking and a lot of broken promises, the wild duck became a domesticated bird that looked good but never went anywhere.

FLYING HIGH OR NOT AT ALL?

Did you dream of flying high at one time?  Better yet, did you actually taste the heights you had determined to reach?  Then where are you now?  Are you still flying high or content with the safety and provision of the barnyard full of chickens and goats? 

I am 57 years of age and last week I began a Doctor of Ministry program here in Pittsburgh.  Last month, I released my seventh book and I am working on two more.  I continue to produce regular Bible studies that are sent to 5,000 people.  Next week I will be back in Africa, then to Israel, Jordan, possibly Mauritius and South Africa.  I want to fly high and refuse to forsake the heights of productivity for the safety of the barnyard, with its regular rations. 

Flying high can be dangerous, but the view is fantastic!  This week, why not ask yourself where you are most comfortable.  Do you talk about flying, or do you really do it?  Are you content with barnyard chatter and routine, or are you ready to flap your wings to see how high and far you can go?  I hope you are ready to fly, and if I can be the someone to inspire you to be who you know you can be, drop me a line and let me know.  Have a great week!

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1. Later this week I should have the dates for my 2008 Alaska cruise. If you are looking for the ideal holiday with other Christians from around the world, then look no further. An Alaska cruise on a Holland American ship with yours truly is just the ticket. If you have said that you wanted to a cruise one day, then the day has come. What better way to get away from it all or to celebrate a special occasion with family or friends. If you would like information on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, send me an email at [email protected] and let me know if you are interested in cruising with me. I will send you the information the moment it is available. I promise to show you a great time. After all, I've been on eight Alaskan cruises so I know of what I speak!

2. Have you figured out your purpose but are still wondering how to see it fulfilled? Then my new book, Beyond Purpose, is a must-read for you! In this book, I draw on my extensive purpose experience to help you discover the keys to a more productive and creative lifestyle. The book is divided into 52 lessons and covers four topics: creativity, dreams and goals, time management and personal development. You can use the book as a one-year guide to a more creative and satisfying life, or read the lessons at your own pace. Whichever way you use it, you're sure to benefit from my practical insights that will help you embrace your creativity and achieve your dreams. I have designed the lessons so that they can be used for personal study or for youth, family or other small group study.

The cost of the book is $15 US. If you order in August, I'll continue to pay the domestic shipping or give you a $3 US credit toward international shipping. You can use PayPal to pay for your book. Just use my email address, [email protected], and they will notify me when your payment is in my account. Just include your address with the payment and we'll get your book(s) out to you right away.

If you can't use PayPal, then send me an email and we'll work something out, but order today. Don't wait another minute to get started on your journey Beyond Purpose.

Monday Memo 308: Pay Attention

Do you know what I admire most about Jesus? He was aware of what was going on around Him! I know that sounds strange, but it's something I keep noticing in the gospel accounts. I woman touched him while the crowd pressed all around Him, and He knew what she had done. He watched the people giving and yet noticed and pointed out a woman who gave two coins. While He was agonizing in the Garden, He knew that the mob had come to seize Him, while His faithful disciples slept just a stone's throw away.

Because Jesus was aware, I want to be aware as well Unfortunately, I have too often been like the snoozing disciples mentioned above. I just finished a three-week trip that took me to Seattle, Alaska, back to Seattle, Indiana, Chicago and Florida. Here is what I learned about myself during those three weeks.

WHAT I LEARNED

1. I am a good tour guide. I know how to travel and don't mind taking people with me. I can explain where we are and the significance of the places I visit. I have a great sense of direction and seldom get lost or disoriented.
2. I enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves. I even like watching game shows to see the people win prizes and get excited. I was with hundreds of people on my Alaska cruise and I was with eight Zimbabwean friends for the last two weeks, some of whom enjoyed their first visit to the States. I had as much fun as they did.
3. Life on the road is crazy, and I love it! You are constantly improvising when you are on the road. Flights are delayed, people run out of soap, people need to do laundry, and they have trouble using their international calling cards. I love solving problems and thinking up quick solutions to problems as they arise. If I could figure a way to have my wife on the road with me, I don't think I would ever come home.
4. I love learning new things. On this trip, I attended two training sessions and grew from both of them. I have a goal to attend one new learning experience every year. I have exceeded that goal this year already.
5. Don't take anything on the road that you won't mind losing. On this trip, I lost my Bluetooth headset, then lost the replacement's power cord, mangled my cell phone car charger, left a CD in a rental car, lost my pocket pen, and now can't find a piece of paper with important information on it. What's more, my new computer malfunctioned and I had to get it fixed in Chicago. I have learned that all of it can be replaced or repaired and not to fret too much over it all.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

In Memo 293, I talked about taking a joy inventory that would help you identify what gives you joy. I urged you to pay attention to their heart, for out of it flow the springs of life. The five points I listed above are an inventory or review of my last few weeks and I wrote those things in my journal as I reflected on my trip.

So now it's your turn. You may not have paid attention over the last three weeks, but you certainly can this coming week. Why not keep a journal of the activities in which you engage in the next seven days. Keep track of your feelings. What did you enjoy and why? When were you happiest? Most sad? Depressed? Discouraged? When did you procrastinate? Why?

At the end of the week, read back over your joy inventory and see what your impressions are. As you can see from my five points, I was reminded of one thing: I love to travel and it shows. The question then remains as to how to use this love to serve God and fulfill my purpose. Furthermore, I have found that when I pay attention to how I feel, it helps me empathize with how others are feeling. That is my ultimate goal in this entire exercise, for I want to be a better purpose coach for others. That starts with being in touch with my heart so I can help them be in touch with theirs.

So have a good time this week paying attention to you and the things around you. As you do, I know that you will have a great week and that your joy inventory will help you have even better weeks as you learn to pay attention.

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1. I don't have the dates for my 2008 Alaska cruise but they will be finalized soon. If you are looking for the ideal holiday with other Christians from around the world, then look no further. An Alaska cruise on a Holland American ship with yours truly is just the ticket. If you have said that you wanted to a cruise one day, then the day has come. What better way to get away from it all or to celebrate a special occasion with family or friends. If you would like information on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, send me an email at [email protected] and let me know if you are interested in cruising with me. I will send you the information the moment it is available. I promise to show you a great time. After all, I've been on eight Alaskan cruises so I know of what I speak!

2. Have you figured out your purpose but are still wondering how to see it fulfilled? Then my new book, Beyond Purpose, is a must-read for you! In this book, I draw on my extensive purpose experience to help you discover the keys to a more productive and creative lifestyle. The book is divided into 52 lessons and covers four topics: creativity, dreams and goals, time management and personal development. You can use the book as a one-year guide to a more creative and satisfying life, or read the lessons at your own pace. Whichever way you use it, you're sure to benefit from my practical insights that will help you embrace your creativity and achieve your dreams. I have designed the lessons so that they can be used for personal study or for youth, family or other small group study.

The cost of the book is $15 US. If you order in August, I'll continue to pay the domestic shipping or give you a $3 US credit toward international shipping. You can use PayPal to pay for your book. Just use my email address, [email protected], and they will notify me when your payment is in my account. Just include your address with the payment and we'll get your book(s) out to you right away.

If you can't use PayPal, then send me an email and we'll work something out, but order today. Don't wait another minute to get started on your journey Beyond Purpose.