Even in Singapore, as relatively small and contained as it is, I find myself overwhelmed.  There are individuals with endless talent, creativity, and intellect!  They have experiences that I cannot even imagine.  When one thinks of their journey, filled with languages, cultures, and learning, one, at least I, feels very small.  What difference can I make in this mass?  Is it possible to do what seems impossible?

In a recent conversation I used the reference of dye and water.  A small amount changes everything.  A single drop creates something others can see.  For good or worse, we touch the lives of others.  We are the difference, at least the power within us is.

I did not think of the color of the dye when I was talking.  As I close my eyes and remember, I realize that my imagination had recorded a blackish impact.  In that instance, the force was negative.  What would be the color of good?  Pink, red, yellow, greed, purple, or blue?  Perhaps it would be white.

The reason to doubt has been around for centuries.  The reason is simple; life is overwhelming.  The challenges are endless.  The needs and opportunities extend beyond our reach and often our imagination.  Effectiveness will require more than what is within you or I.

David struggled with the question.  In his case, he realized that we are never the power behind the solution; we deliver the solution to those in need.  He rhetorical notes give us the answer; “Is there anyone around to save Israel? Yes. God is around; God turns life around. Turned-around Jacob skips rope, turned-around Israel sings laughter.” (Psalm 14.7)

We have an invitation that asks us to make a choice and engage. It is our opportunity.

As I try to influence a large group of individuals, I recognize a natural preference to motivate and drive.  It is a contemporary variation on command and control.  For a limited time, especially in some groups with motivation mechanisms, you can sustain the aspirations.  It never lasts!  A group is what it is.

David left me with the warning; “Do you think you can mess with the dreams of the poor? You can’t, for God makes their dreams come true.” (Psalm 14.6)  I hear it, I see it, but do I know the meaning of the warning?

I am reminded of a wonderful evening with Aliki at a three-star French restaurant in the Swiss Alps.  The three-portioned crème brulee desert had two flavors in each.  The chef challenged us to guess what they were.  Each bite was a taste of heaven.  The first flavor in each was fairly easy; the second near impossible!  We only got one of the three correct.  I remember not knowing but loving the taste and experience.

Influencers are catalysts that change the outcome.  Imagine a world where you and I were catalysts of compassion and accelerators of mercy.  What if the community reached its aspirations, loving the process and experience, without being able to guess the influencers?  Would we move forward with the lingering memories of a restaurant in a small mountain village that delivered something beyond imagination?

Life offers an opportunity to inject hope and possibilities in everything we do.  There are no limits.  There are no promises that others will know that it was us.  I want this chance.

What would life be like if we saw others and the outside before seeing ourselves?  Life reminds me that others matter.  There is the reality that God always takes care of those in need.  If we, myself included to not care, then “night is coming for them, and nightmares, for God takes the side of victims.” (Psalm 14.5)

We win if we see beyond ourselves.

As easy as it is to write, I can see the difficulties this presents. I need to survive.  The idea that we have equal billing is hard to imagine.  I am jumping to mistaken conclusion that I have embraced repeatedly in my life.  Love never asks us to choose between our own good and that of others.  Love asks us to see others as ourselves.

Imagine a world where we embraced others for who they are.  In this world we forgave them for their past.  We see them in the present, imaging endless positive possibilities.  In our walk together we looked to lighten their load.  We reflect and grow in trust and hope.

Even more impossible, imagine a world where our first gift to the other was a gift to ourselves!  We let go of guilt.  We released our burdens.  We lived in the present, filled with hope, ready to see and act. Dreams become real.

Advocacy for victims starts with embracing the compassion, mercy, and forgiveness offered by others, including God.  In doing so, I can use the freedom within to release myself to look outside.  In seeing others holistically, I have an opportunity to look at myself through the same lens.

I want this world.

As with all change programs, the awareness and understanding of those involved in the journey varies.  Most are engaged.  They are passionate about what they do.  They care.  Whatever their view is, for, against, or challenging, you can feel their energy and desire being channeled into an attempt to be a contributor.  There are a few exceptions.  In these cases, the individuals involved do not seem to want to know or understand.  It is as if they think that they can stop the train by playing dead and dumb.  David’s questions in another context come to mind.  “Don’t they know anything, all these impostors? Don’t they know they can’t get away with this – treating people like a fast-food meal over which they’re too busy to pray?” (Psalm 14.4)  Not caring about others, not taking the steps to engaged with the community’s hopes and dreams, should never be an alternative of choice.  Yet, for some, it seems that it is.

I find myself looking in the mirror and wondering about my past periods of blindness.  Was I, at times, any different than this minority today?  What was I missing then that I should try to hold onto now?

You and I are never alone.  We belong to a community.  We are part of a bigger story.

You and I need others.  We cannot do it by ourselves.  Even with help, we will often fail.  Without it, we are doomed.

We are accountable for our choice.  Conforming is not always required.  Being intentional and accountable is.

Is there a key man risk that exists within leadership roles that captures the community’s exposure if the intent and heart of leadership is not aligned with aspirations?  In blunt terms, what happens when a leader(s) go off the rails?  If her/his agenda is different than the community, is this a risk?  What if s/he fails to live up to the standards?  Does intent and actions matter?

In several recent examples, key man risk has touched my life. The challenge rests in the reality that the individual is still here.  S/he is in the role.  They are in the lead. Whatever one might think, everyone is going to pay some part of the price for an individual’s failure.

I am not the first to come up with this.  Centuries ago a writer noted how an examiner “comes up empty. A string of zeros. Useless, unshepherded sheep, taking turns pretending to be shepherd. The ninety and nine follow their fellow.” (Psalm 14.3)  The risk repeats and repeats, catching each community by surprise.

As I struggle to know how to respond, I realize that God has entrusted us, myself included, with compassion, love, and mercy.  We are on the point.  Divinity can take action however you and I represent key man risk.  God’s response is a model I can use with others around me.

I am accepted. As I am, where I am.  God works with each from the point s/he is at.

The work of change is growth is always forward and upward.  At times, we need to focus.  Getting our attention is the first step in moving towards something better.

God’s work is a series of steps.  The steps repeat and repeat, moving us upwards with each cycle.  The iterative process reflects a belief that we can be more than what we are.

We are keys.

Wearing the lens of their experience and daily life dramatically changed the scene.  The simple and routine process of getting to and from work morphed from something routine to regular activity that requires thought and intent.  Reflecting on the individual and process that conducts one’s performance review added another dimension to the image.  As the process of considering each of the externals changed and influenced the virtual image, I began to wonder about the influencers and drivers in each life that hidden deep within our souls.  Whatever they were, I knew they would change the picture even further.

As I look at the scene, the emotions linked to my reaction are changing.  A sense of empathy has replaced frustration.  A dash of compassion has turned urgency into patience.

In my new view, I am reminded that there are always two parts to change with many different ingredients.  The first part is a call or invitation.  It can come from outside or within.  It occurs in many forms.  They include verbal, written, and quests.

David notes how “God sticks his head out of heaven. He looks around. He’s looking for someone not stupid – one man, even, God-expectant, just one God-ready woman.” (Psalm 14.2)  This documents a Divine quest to let us know we can be more.

The second part of change rests within you and I.  Individually, we decide.  We hold the key.  While I have a view, my actions will tell others as well as myself of my choice.  We have the freedom to make the call.

It’s decision time.

“The world is not perfect.”

“It looks good from our view.  Our clients are telling us that we are B+ or better!”

“Not all of your clients think that way.”

“Sure they do.  They have nothing but positive things to say about us.  Plus, our customer surveys tell us we are good to very good.”

“Are you sure you are listening?  There are some, starting with a vocal minority, that are very unhappy.”

“It cannot be.  If it was, we would have heard it.”

I listened and wondered.  I had witnessed a conversation just days before where two frustrated customers had vocalized their negative views in a room full of people.  Which part of the conversation did they miss?  The conversation was candid and clear.

“I do not trust you.”  The words that followed explained why.

In truth, people say things all the time.  On one side, “Bilious and bloated, they gas, ‘God is gone.’ Their words are poison gas, fouling the air; they poison rivers and skies; thistles are their cash crop.” (Psalm 14.1)  On the other side, one listens to a conversation that is opposite.

Which is true?  How does one know how to tell the difference between right and wrong?

I remind myself of the following mantras.

There is value in a community that is seeking to know compassion, love, and trust.  Trust those who are worthy of trust.

The God of Truth is greater than self.  Truth is never about an individual exploiting another.  Truth cannot be found when one wins at the expense of the other.  Truth does rest on the seeds of revenge, hatred, or violence.

Truth lifts us up to something better.  We find ourselves closer to beauty, love, and wonder.  We find ourselves closer to peace, hope, and a sense of belonging.

In truth there is room to grow, blossom, and make a positive difference.  Truth is all around us, especially when we are willing to see, hear, and experience it.  Today will bring unique opportunities; seize them.

As I walk around taking an informal poll, it was interesting to see that the chefs might not know but anyone willing to listen would!  Dish “c” was the clear choice!  Second place was up for grabs, however vocally everyone was going for the 3^rd option.  When the announcement was made, while the results were closer than one anticipated, the outcome was consistent with the crowd’s voice.  Pops had triumphed, again.

I watched he face, anticipating that he was going to be the winner.  The emotions that passed were of thankfulness, surprise, relief, and a warning sign that it was time to strut!  I could imagine the conversation in his head.  “I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.” (Psalm 13.6)  What everyone saw was a mature man in his late seventies grow a little bit taller and step forward with a spring in his step.  He shared a smile that would not leave and is still with me.

It was good to see someone win that deserved the win and wanted it as well.  The losers were gracious in their praise, though I never heard anyone admit that he had the better dish!  I am left with the memories of the smile and the sense of satisfaction.  He had put himself on the line and had been rewarded.  He had made himself vulnerable.  With the winner’s t-shirt on, everything made sense.

I often forget that living engaged is a lot like winning.  The process includes putting one’s heart and sweat into it.  Others may seem to be winning but the judgment is not final.  Compassion and community are great ingredients.  With our touch, we have a sure winner.

Fear is not a word to be recognized unless it is of the strangers your parents told you to ignore.  In case of the latter, hiding with face into the corner or in mom’s skirts is the best place in a crowded elevator.

If I am talking as I enter an elevator, everyone should understand what I am talking about.  There are no exceptions!  I am the center of the world.  Everything revolves around me, especially when it comes to something I have to say.

Elevators are places to play, celebrate, and even pout or throw a tantrum.  Just because there is not much room, there is no reason to wait!  Besides, the one’s voice seems to echo in a small place.

Answers are answers.  No matter how obvious the question may seem to be to the person asking, I will answer it the way I think it makes sense.  After all, I am the authority.

Great times need to continue!  If we were playing outside, we should continue inside!  If there was a party, we should have a party.  If someone has been saved (anyone including pets will do), then “I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms – I’m celebrating your rescue.” (Psalm 13.5)

I like the elevators in Metropolitan.  I never know what I am going to find.  It could be nothing.  On the other hand, it could be a young child willing to share her/his life with me for a minute or so.  Great lessons, funny adventures, and sad moments are shared with abandoned.  It is a unique community that comes together for a time then parts.  I know many of their lessons are not transferrable.  I also know that some are.  I can use at least two today.

Now that he was here, you could see him moving from pride to need, confidence to uncertainty.  The attitude of confidence looked liked a veneer that was all bluff.  I could imagine his prayer; “Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, so no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face.” (Psalm 13.3, 4)  Even as the words died, the harsh reality of time, place, and change relentlessly and silently thrashed his soul.

There is part of me that wants to take it all away.  There are very few, if any, that one wants to experience pain and uncertainty.  In this case, I do not think it is all of his doing.  Yet, he will pay the price.  His life will pivot in this moment in ways that he cannot imagine.  The choices of today will linger long after he has moved on.  At the moment, I am the face of the enemy.  It has nothing to do with me.  Another was there just weeks ago.  I also know that someone will take my place shortly.

Life gives each a mixed bag.  The outcome is not always of our choosing.  Whatever the case, the key is what we do with it.  The answer is incomplete.