New Job Update

I realize I haven't posted any news about the new job. The basics: I really like the job because of the people. Big surprise there right? The work is better. I am enjoying it more and I can definitely see the potential for it to be more rewarding than my previous job. But I just don't care about any of that. I enjoy people and the people at my new job are cool.

After being here a few weeks I feel like I've learned a little bit about most of the people I work with. There is a fellow Eagle Scout and he serves as my quasi-manager. He is also into some cool jams (he gave me all of Dropkick Murphy's cds.) There are two people, one older and one younger, who are strong believers. Typically that doesn't matter much to me, but somehow there's a level of comfort by having people around who just "get it." My lifestyle often generates a lot of curious questions from people who don't. One my favorite peeps is this super cool/mellow little hippie guy who plays bass in a couple bands. We talk about music, guns, Tuscaloosa, and anything in between. There's a young gentleman who plays WoW and is awaiting the release of StarCraft II, and therefore I immediately formed a friendship with him. I also work with a fellow iPhoner and he has become the funniest guys in the office to me. Whatever he says crack me up, I've left crying a few times...great guy. There is a die-hard Auburn fan who seems to be in denial and though I don't work with him much he seems pretty sure of himself. Finally my boss, who I know the least about but that might be a good thing.

So there you go. No major incidents thus far. I did fall out of my chair once and knock down my white-board which was embarrassing, but I got over it.

Take It Back!

On Friday night we played with Take It Back! It was one of the most enjoyable shows I've had with SZ. I really enjoyed meeting the band and catching up with the guys. They all seemed down to Earth just all around good guys.

During the show they mentioned the reasons the band was formed. TIB was formed because the hardcore scene has lost its love for God. Contrary to what many people believe hardcore is deeply rooted in a punk movement towards God (and other alternative lifestyles). The fact remains that while many punk/hardcore kids were turning towards partying, many were turning to celibate/drug-free/Christian ideals. Some were Christian, some were not, but many were embracing a life of love and clean-living in order to achieve a fulfillment that's not possible with drugs/booze/sex. The scene has definitely walked away from that...at least it has in Birmingham and Fayetville, AR where TIB is from.

It was a just a breathe for fresh air to hear another band speak of that. I know we talk about in our lyrics, but TIB in a subtle way called out a lot of people. I love the music behind hardcore, but the passion and message is more important. Bands have stopped standing for things, and just started acting like Rock Stars...and it is really getting old.

TIB stands for Truth and "reformation" in the scene. I'm on board with them.

Good Leadership

Proverbs 20:28 - "Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity."

For some reason I am really struggling with my leadership role at church. I just assumed it would be an easy transition and my role would not change that much. I was recklessly wrong.

I found this scripture yesterday. There is so much information in the Bible about leadership but for some reason this verse stuck out to me. I feel I should reevaluate my actions in light of these things, starting with love.

Love after all is the most important commandment according to Jesus. I should show my team and students that I love them. Even when I disagree or see a need for correction, my actions should be dictated by the same divine Love that corrects me.

Secondly is Truth. I left Wyoming with such a charisma for honesty, and yet somehow the opportunity to impart that has slipped through my fingers. I believe honesty is key to having a successful team. Yet I find myself holding my tongue or holding back words because it is more difficult to be honest than it is to be civil with one another. Man I need to grow a pair already.

Reckless. Lee was reckless. He was reckless in loving others because he would fight to the death for anyone he led. He was reckless for being true with others because he was a severely honest person. I should have been taking notes.

Grace and Peace, Zane