huricane_matthew

Unfortunately, even hurricanes can be resilient.  Hurricane Matthew devastated the Caribbean this past week leaving deadly destruction in Haiti and unleashing extensive damage in The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba.  Instead of losing steam, the Category 5 Hurricane maintained its ferocity and slammed into the Southeastern coast of the United States a day later.  Over two million people were forced to evacuate their homes and over a million people were left without electricity.   Entire communities were plunged into chaos as homeowners and businesses prayed for the destruction to end.  Residents went several days searching for light amidst the darkness brought on by Hurricane Matthew.  And don’t many of us search for that same light in our own lives?  And how many of us provide that source of light and hope to others?

In our work lives, there can be constant swirl and chaos in our environment.  We buy another business and have to absorb new employees into the fold.  Our company sells to new management and we have to deal with the fallout.    Our sales team has to step up and accelerate growth in order to hit aggressive Q-4 numbers.  We have a new boss who is struggling to garner morale within the company.  Our stock price is declining and employees are feeling the pressure.   Storm clouds descend upon the office and impact every part of the business.     Where do we turn for our source of light and hope?  We turn inward.  True leaders emerge in times of chaos.  We must remain calm.  We must instill confidence in our teammates. We must be a voice of reason and drown out the naysayers and pessimists.  It doesn’t take much.  Simple words of encouragement.  A positive outlook.  An expression of concern and care during the down times.  A little reassurance will go a long way in stormy weather.  Do not add to the massive cloud cover.  We must be a shining light of hope when the hurricane makes landfall.

The same is true when dark clouds gather in our personal lives.  Perhaps a friend is going through a difficult struggle.  Perhaps our spouse or family member needs unwavering support.  Perhaps it’s late in the game and our team needs a leader to step forward.  Now is the time to spring into action!  We were not put on this earth to be a lone wolf.  Our family, friends, and teammates need us to be strong!  Visit a friend in need and lend a sympathetic ear or word of encouragement.  Demonstrate with action, not words, how we will always be there to help our spouse and family.  Step up and make a play for our teammates when defeat seems certain.  People are counting on us.  Shine a light and offer hope in troubled times.  That light will shine brightest when the sky is the darkest.

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.– Book of Mathew, 5:15

But what happens when our own world is cast in darkness.  Sometimes, we will face a stray, dark cloud.  Sometimes, we will face a full Category 5 hurricane! How can we be strong for others when we are the ones in the path of the storm?  Resiliency cuts both ways.  If we spend our life shining the light on others, it can never be extinguished.  Our office mates will help us through a difficult sales cycle. Our spouse will provide loyal support when we are struggling.  Our teammates will be inspired by our play and help us when we stumble or get injured.  But we can’t rely solely on our loved ones and teammates in troubled times.   We must keep our own internal light burning bright.  We can’t lose faith.  We must realize that we are never alone.  There is no setback we can’t handle.  There is no tragedy we can’t overcome.

We must be a ray of positive hope and light in the dark times.  Our family needs us.  Our office needs us.  Our teammates need us.  It is not always going to be easy.  We all face a hurricane at some point our lives. We must be strong.  Stay positive.  Stay engaged.  Stay resilient.  The skies are about to clear.  Sunny days are on the horizon!

Until next week, keep smiling!