The right thing

Years and years ago I was part of a sports department in Jackson, Miss., thought to be one of the best in the nation for the size and resources of the newspaper. We covered the state of Mississippi quite unlike other newspapers did in their states. We were quite innovative. We were well written and well edited. I was deputy sports editor in charge of running the show while my boss was (and is to this day) the writer most readers identified with.

We had two lead writers among 21 on the staff. Then one day in a cost-cutting measure, they took our lead writers and put one on news and one in the features department.

From that day forward, I was looking for a way out. I interviewed in Atlanta and didn't get the offer. I interviewed in New Orleans and they bumped me to executive sports editor in Jackson and I took that offer for a day till the New Orleans paper called back and offered even more. I took the New Orleans job. For years afterwards I wondered if I did the right thing. But every step along the way has led me to this computer right now writing this that might be read by the one person who needs to read it and it might stop them from making a rash decision that proves to be the wrong one.

Today, 24 years later, I've left all that behind. All those corporate decisions, decisions about hires and fires and such are just so difficult.

But ...

Here's where it gets dicey. I watched a television show last night that talked about the power of coincidences. It simply said that science has no control over them. They exist as anomalies. Every decision, every hire, every fire, every choice, every job offer rejected or taken, every moment in every life exists, breathes, touches others.

What we do, what we think, what we say has consequences.

So, how do we make these decisions? What is the governing body, as it were?

I believe there is strength in simply doing the right thing. Not the easiest thing. Not the immediate thing. Not the pleasing thing, either. But the right thing, ah, that's the correct answer for $1,000 Alex.

The Bible says it this way: "Now the God who helps you not to give up and gives you strength will help you think so you can please each other as Christ Jesus did. Then all of you together can thank the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I have been on occasion part and parcel of bad decisions. I have made them myself, with great assurance that I was doing the right thing. I have been part of a team that made them, and they proved to be the wrong decision. But I have never been part of a team in which I know we might be making a bad decision and seen it happen anyway, completely unable to stop it.

I guess those things happen, too.

But the God who strengthens me will help me think so that I can be part of a team that pleases each other as Christ Jesus did.

I believe that, too.

At the end of the day, I believe we are tasked with not just being leaders in our own way and our own style, but it seems we are to be Jesus' hands and feet in this world. We are to do all things in love, and with that comes respect. Each decision we make, no matter our status in life, needs to be made prayerfully and slowly.

The great news this morning is God is perfectly willing to help. Oh, I'm not saying you ask and there's a burning bush in your morning. I am saying that you ask and peace about the decision will let you know if you've made the correct one. If we've made the right decision.

In the end, that's all we have. We turn it over to God, and we give Him the leeway to let us know what step to take next.

God will help you to not give up, and he will give you strength. That's the answer...each and every time.

Decisions today might not reflect that, but that's all we have. Any of us. The great thing is that none of the decisions made have to be the be all end all. God still forgives. One can come back from any of them. I'll tell you about my 10 months in Reno, Nev. sometime.

Now, that was a mistake...