Posts

Quick to Speak - Slow to Listen?

Are you quick to speak and slow to listen? I can be. Recently, I've been reflecting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Israel. I have my views—perhaps to be shared in another post—but amidst the deep polarization of the conflict, I've been exploring a need I feel to choose my side, for lack of better words. So, I've been reading extensively, trying to gather evidence about who is right and what is right. It's been exhausting because this conflict is complex. Why are university presidents getting fired? Why are students upset? Why are nations up in arms? What's the spiritual undertone? Who has the right to this land? Is the fighting just? Is just fighting a real thing? Why are so many innocents in harm's way? What is God thinking? What is the Plan? Many big questions. Selfishly, it is stimulating, which is where my personal problem lies. More stimulating academic research for the African American largely removed from the day-to-day unbearable nature of war. N

Work as Play

My wife studied Music Production at Full Sail University and received an excellent education in the field. However, one particular course that resonated with me—and which I've since incorporated into my own life—is called "Work as Play." The premise of the course is straightforward: we work best when we're in a state of "play." Think about the activities you enjoy, whether it's gaming, sports, art, or reading novels. Recall a time when you were so engrossed in an activity that time seemed to fly by. Chances are, you were in a state of play. When we're in this mode, we lose track of time and focus intensely on our tasks, often pushing ourselves without even realizing it—until we notice our sore back or dry throat from intense concentration. For me, music is a key that unlocks this state of play, especially for tasks that require a lighter focus. Different types of music, like classical, jazz, or nature sounds, can even aid in more demanding tasks. Thi

Update - Intentionality

Today, my one goal was simple: When you get home, look her in the eyes. I don't know about you, but for me, each morning feels like my mind is revealing all the ways I could have improved the day before. Certain things stand out more than others. Lately, I've been focused on capturing these thoughts and being intentional about them. Today's revelation dealt with the fact that too often, after work, I come home, attend to myself (workout), and then give very little of that deep, special attention that my wife needs—at least 5 minutes of it. I've been giving her like 1 minute of it, more or less—and it's a shame. Because truthfully, she fits into that very special category of "nothing more important than this" that I feel we all have. So when I got home and she was asleep, I kissed her cheek, and when she awoke, I looked her right in the eye and counted to six (in my head). She smiled and gave me a warm hug. One point for Denny B for the day. Until next time

Warrior Profiles: Abraham

Dear Warriors, We are called to fight for what we believe in, protect our loved ones, and stand up for what is right. The Bible is filled with stories of men who embodied these qualities, one of whom is Abraham, a patriarch of the Christian faith. Abraham was a man of great faith, courage, and leadership. One of his most inspiring moments was when he rescued his nephew Lot from captivity. As Abraham journeyed through the Negev, awaiting the receipt of the promised land that God had assured him, Lot settled in the city of Sodom, notorious for its wickedness. One day, a coalition of kings from neighboring cities attacked Sodom, captured Lot, and took him captive along with the spoils of war. Upon hearing what had occurred, Abraham gathered 318 trained men from his household and pursued the enemy forces. During the night, he divided his forces, launched a surprise attack on the enemy, and rescued Lot along with the spoils of war. Abraham was willing to take action in the face of danger an

Embracing Joy Amidst Life's Trials

Dear Warriors, How have you been? I'll be honest, I had a tough weekend, going through some things, as I'm sure many of you are as well. These challenges made me think about the dichotomy of joy and sorrow. Life can be tough, and we all experience moments of pain, loss, and disappointment. But even in the darkest of times, there is still room for joy. I think back to when my daughter was born. It was a time of major pain for my wife, but it led to one of the greatest moments of my life - holding Navy in my arms for the first time. I also recall when I played college ball and had the worst game of my life in week 4 against a power 5 team. I lost my starting position and my confidence. I didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel until later that year when my focus began to shift from what I could get out of college ball to what I could give to my teammates. Quite honestly, I can think of some things in my life right now that I don't understand at all, and I don't

Lessons in Humility: Admitting Our Mistakes

 Dear Warriors, I hope you are well. How has your week been so far? Any challenges or triumphs? I would love to hear from you and offer my support. I want ed to share a personal anecdote from my own week. Recently, I had a lapse in judgment that caused me to ignore a legiti mate concern brought up by a member of our staff. I let the frustrations of the day cloud my discernment. In retrospect, I realized that my reaction was not helpful, and I should have addressed the issue promptly. I had to go back apologetically and reassure him that I would work on the issue. This experience humbled me and reinforced the fact that we all make mistakes and have moments of weakness. It takes humility and self-awareness to acknowledge our faults and take corrective action. Whether at home or in the workplace, it is crucial to foster a positive and supportive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. Ignoring concerns or dismissing the opinions of others can result in a toxic culture,

The Good Ole Days: Embracing Life's Moments

 Dear Warriors, Life can be busy and overwhelming, but taking a step back to appreciate the present moment is essential. Earlier this week I was at home listening to my wife sing to my daughter. My daughter joined in, her pitch perfect I might add, and all my worries and stresses disappeared. I knew in that moment that I would always cherish it, and it made me realize that these are the good ole days. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of living in the now. Matthew 6:34 reminds us not to worry about tomorrow because it has its own troubles. Psalm 90:12 teaches us to number our days, so we gain wisdom and use our time well. And Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." So my fellow warriors, take a deep breath, relax, and appreciate the present moment. By understanding that our days are numbered, we can appreciate them more. It's wise to live day to day and not constantly look ahead. Let us not be so focused on the futu