Posts by Richard Parrish
The Dark Side of Christmas
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2). One evening, several years ago, I had dinner with a friend and realized that I was not alone in how I struggle during the Christmas Season. As I…
Read MoreJoy comes in the morning
Here’s a question for you. Do you open your Christmas gifts before Christmas day? When I was a boy, our Christmas Tree was set up and decorated shortly after Thanksgiving. Although I appreciated the garnished evergreen tree, what I truly envisioned was the joy I would experience come Christmas morning, as I opened the gifts!…
Read MorePutting Shoulders to the Plow Together
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12). People ask me why I go to Eastern Europe. This is my answer: Caring for the souls of our pastors/leaders is…
Read MoreDeceptive Appearances
Things are not always as they appear. There is an area of town where I live with beautiful, expensive homes. People who live in these luxurious surroundings drive expensive cars. By all appearance, they are successful. Many are. However, appearance can be deceptive. It’s known that some people who live in these homes are on…
Read MoreLooking isn’t Seeing
Seeing is not the same as looking. Someone said: “Eyes that look are common; eyes that see are rare.” I think the difference comes down to observation vs. discernment. It’s common for leaders to observe trends and processes and identify what’s working and what’s not. Leadership decisions made through casual observation happen every day. However,…
Read MoreNaming Our Real Problem
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities [sin], O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared [revered].” – Psalm…
Read MoreAdapt of Die
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV) Leading in an ongoing, ever-changing world requires adaptation. Businesses, ministries, churches, or corporations who…
Read MoreTired but Refreshed
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” – Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV) Twenty days ago, I boarded a flight that would take me to Karakalpakstan. I was tired before I left! My plans, which had included time to rest before leaving, were pre-empted by several unplanned and unexpected interruptions.…
Read MoreHow Should We Suffer?
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” – James 1:2-3 (ESV) She was unable to conceal the tear sliding down her cheek. Then, exhaling a deep sigh, she said, “It’s difficult to stay strong when my faith is…
Read MoreCollective Decision-Making
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV) Long-time CEO Jack Welsh, reflecting on the long history of General Electric, commented: “It’s embarrassing to reflect…
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