WCAGLS: Cory Booker Session Three Takeaways

I became acutely aware of something about myself during Mayor Booker's session.  I have a deeply held suspicion of charismatic leaders.  Perhaps it is simply that I have been described as a charismatic leader from time to time, yet I am well acquainted with my own flaws and the temptation to use charm to distract from them.  Whenever I sense myself being caught up and carried away by the passionate articulations of a well-spoken orator, something deep inside of me presses hard on the brakes and I pull up short.  Mayor Booker gave an excellent address full of many rich sound-bites.  He is a gifted and passionate communicator.  I am grateful having had the opportunity to hear him today, but I had to laugh at myself for how stubbornly my mind refused to fully engage in the energy of the moment.

Soundbite One: You drink deeply from wells of freedom and opportunity that you did not dig.  You have a choice.  Will you grow dumb, fat, and happy consuming what you did not provide for yourself?  Or will you stand up from the banquet table your ancestors prepared and metabolize your blessings to move forward.

So what?  I will make a conscious choice to make the most of what was handed to me.  I am often most proud of the things I've accomplished for myself, but I will practice demonstrating greater awareness of and gratitude for the gifts that are pure graces provided by the work and sacrifice of others who came before me.

Soundbite Two: What you see in the world is less a matter of the facts that are there than a reflection of who you are and the attitude of your heart.


So what?  When I begin to lose sight of hope, I will remember that hope rightly placed in God does not disappoint.  I will strive to cultivate a heart and attitude toward the world that reflects His heart and love for the world.

Soundbite Three: Don't trip over people God has put right in front of you for a purpose. 


So what?  I will pray for God to use me each and every day however He sees fit, and I will not complain when He gives me opportunities to be a blessing, a bodily extension of His hands and feet to others ... even others that don't fit into my schedule or my sensitivities.