While not necessarily life changing inspiration, there is something to be said about the creativity that comes out in commercials during the Super Bowl. In recent years, the million dollars a minute campaigns have drawn just as much attention as the actual games. These ads range from the good, bad, and the ugly. My favorite is the ‘human bridge’ beer commercial. What was yours?
This is an amazing speech from Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, at the Stanford 2008 graduation. Leading the fourth most powerful technology company in the world at a value of $162 billion, Jobs is the last person you would think of as a failure. However, in this speech he shares three stories of failures that were pivotal in his success. Like his Apple products, I was amazed by the simplicity of his message and resonated with his conclusions on life, love, and purpose.
As much as I think Billboards are a dead medium, these prove that with a little creativity, they can still make an impact.
This past weekend, I had the privilege to go out with a local relief initiative of Newsong Church called The Burrito Project. The purpose of this ministry is simple; make burritos and deliver them by bike to the homeless of Orange County. Earlier in the afternoon, volunteers assembled sack lunches composed of rice/bean burritos, chips, granola bar, napkins, and bottle water. The team then gathered for a word or encouragement, simple instructions, and a brief prayer. The team of riders varied from bicyclist enthusiast to leisure rider, but all had compassionate hearts to serve the disenfranchised of our community. Armed with nothing but backpacks of burritos, the convoy set out for local parks populated by the hungry. Some of the bikes were retro-fitted as ‘burrito bikes’ as seen below:
The burrito team has been faithfully hitting the same parks for over a year, evident by the masses gathered upon our arrival. As I helped hand out these meals, I was humbled by the plight of our fellow brothers and sisters within our own backyard. It was amazing how a meal that was just pennies to make was so valuable to those in search of sustenance. 100 dinners went out in mere moments. We were also able to distribute hats, medicine, and other supplies. I was touched by a conversation with an older, african american woman named Janice. She shared how she has saved money all year (about $1000) to get herself into an apartment. After a string of abusive men, she was determined not to spend her money on drugs and to get herself off the streets. Despite her circumstance, she was strong, determined, and focused. She also shared how the recent rainstorms had ruined her possessions and she had to throw much of it away. With a smile, she was pressing forward to improve her future.
I was reminded how the easily ignored part of our society have a name and story- more importantly, they have a future. The homeless need justice not our judgment. They need relationships not criticism. The problem of homelessness will not go away anytime soon, however our attitudes towards this special needs group can. We are all a part of the same community and need each other to succeed. I was inspired by the volunteers of Burrito Project. They loved unconditionally and gave with all of their heart. I am grateful to know people like them.
I am privileged to witness many miraculous and inspirational moments in a given week. However, seeing the power of an ordinary person, packed with burritos, with a bike, has to top it all.
To learn more about Burrito Project and how to donate to the cause, check the Unleashing Beauty website.
Once he was the most photographed athlete in the world and he now nowhere to be found. Gone in hiding since his extra marital affairs became public, current photos of Tiger Woods are worth up to a half a million dollars! The latest reports have spotted him in sex rehab and the airwaves are in a frenzy speculating about if/when he will return to the world of golf.
I’m continually amazed with our fascination of the private lives of high-profile people. More interestingly is how we hold these idols to certain level of moral accountability. Beyond just the endorsements and representation, the world expects a certain level of character and moral centeredness for those that are at the Tiger Woods level of celebrity-ism. While there are many layers to his situation and even more layers of speculation, I will leave that to the media to sort out.
We live in an age where we know and are connected to more people than ever largely due to the introduction of the web and social media. Finding out about the personal lives of another has never been easier. Tiger’s situation is a strong and sobering reminder that it is harder and harder to keep up a life of integrity- meaning that your inner life matches your outer life. It’s difficult to hide the secret things we do when no one is looking. This is not a Tiger Woods thing but every person’s battle. How do you live when no one is looking? I know I struggle with this.
Tiger is just a man. Despite his gargantuan success and ridiculous talents, he can not escape the temptations that are common to every man. His skills my be extraordinary but the demons of his private life are nothing but ordinary. No amount of accolades can help him make the right moral choice when facing temptation in the eyes. Character is everything for a leader. Our goal as creative leaders is to find alignment with our private and personal worlds. It will take a life time to achieve and there is no short cuts around it. Tiger can probably look back and see a time/place when he should have said ‘no’ instead of ‘yes’. For those of us that live in relative obscurity, we face those same dilemmas daily. How and what we choose in private, good or bad will eventually catch up to us publically. Especially in the age where privacy is disappearing. Everything you do is now recorded somewhere so be careful.
With some help and some contrition, I have no doubt Tiger will bounce back. He is the prototypical overachiever and he will inevitably climb his way back into hearts and love of the public. The more compelling question is how important is character and integrity to you? What kind of person are you like when no one is looking? It’s easy to watch all the publicity of Tiger’s situation and shake our collective heads. But the truth is that we are all a step away from discrediting ourselves.
My goal in light of all this is to simply win more battles than I lose- especially in provate. It won’t be easy but the ulitmate prize is worth it. My prayer for us all is to be humble, be honest, and quick to ask for forgiveness.
As a long time fan of Conan O’Brien, I was sadden by the news that he is being bumped off of the NBC late night line up. With network’s committment to Jay Leno, there was no room for the ‘Coco’ in late night after the schedule reshuffle. After only a 7 month run, Conan had to say goodbye on January 22nd and in the final few moments was allowed to say anything with no restrictions. I was so moved and impressed with Conan’s maturity and leadership through this transition. Besides being thankful to his supporters, he ended his final words with an inspirational challenge. These few serious moments with this comedian converted me from fan to ‘true believer’ of him. I have no doubt that with his perspective and attitude, success will be looking for him once again.
I went to an event this past weekend that celebrated the artistic talent of handicapped artists. There were various singers, dancers, painters, and illustrators with physical or mental disabilities. The photo above was a paraplegic artist who painted by using only her mouth. I was amazed with her committment to her craft and resolve to overcome obstacles. We limit ourselves based on much smaller and trivial obstacles in like lack of money, stress, time, or worst- lack of inspiration. She inspired me to appreciate the physical freedoms I take for granted every day. Her simple painting was a challenge to me to make the most of every creative chance I have.
There are no excuses only opportunities.
What happened in Vegas, shouldn’t stay in Vegas…
I just got back from a retreat in ’sin city’ last week. It was a gathering of about 25 national creative leaders hosted by the Willow Creek Association and led by one of my mentors, Nancy Beach. The goal was to not only to encourage each other as artist leaders but to share what is happening in the arts movement nationally. This was my second time to join this team and like the first, found it inspiring and refreshing. Here are a few observations from our few days together:
Overall, I had a great time connecting with these artist leaders. I am continually thankful for Nancy Beach and the team who tirelessly champion the arts and artists. My hope and prayer is that I would do the same as I attempt to lead and inspire in my community.
