Blog Posts

Mano’s ABC’s of Perseverance

Mano (4-2015)

This weekend, Cody and I visited my Dad’s 90 year-old mom, Margarete Pyle (pictured above here with Cody, me, Katy, Tanner, and Dad last April). I’m told that when we were growing up, my brother differentiated our grandmothers by “one who has hair in the back”, so when I tried to say, “Margarete” and it came out “Mano”, that name stuck!

Mano has lived in her current nursing home for a year and a half. Throughout that time, they’ve taken good care of her. But two weeks ago, one of the nurses dropped her…which led to several days in ICU with a slight break in her lower neck. I can’t imagine her pain…  Today, she’s back in the nursing home and was very talkative and positive. In fact, you can’t be around Mano long without being encouraged or smiling. Many of her caregivers appreciate her sweet spirit.

Earlier this week, she was diagnosed with pneumonia, and they were discussing hospice care…but Mano continues to fight and persevere.

I like the promise of James 1:12, which says, “Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial, for when she has stood the test she will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.”

Click here for Mano’s ABC’s of Perseverance.

Cal Ripken, Jr.’s 8 Elements of Perseverance

Ripken Get in the Game

During this fifth month of the year, I focus on my 5th Leadership Tip – “Enjoy the Journey.”  This tip is aligned with the Fruit of the Spirit of Faithfulness.  Part of Faithfulness is Perseverance—or a “steady hand” in the face of peer pressure, disrespect or contempt, distractions, busy-ness, or weariness.  Earlier this week, I wrote our 3rd Grader, Tanner, a note of encouragement as he prepared for State Testing.  I encouraged him to persevere, using 1 Peter 5:7’s admonishment to “Cast all your anxieties on God because He cares for you.”

As part of this Leadership Tip, I encourage people shooting for the stars to “Get a Mentor.”  In fact, I like to point out that you should have a Mount Rushmore of Mentors, just as I blogged about mine a couple of years back.

One hero or mentor of mine growing up was Cal Ripken, Jr.  I appreciated the way he played the game.  More than seven years after he retired, he wrote Get in the Game: 8 Elements of Perseverance That Make the Difference.

Click here to learn from the Hall of Famer.