You’ve got to get your Orrin! What an incredible time I have gained these past few months around a gentleman by the name of Orrin Woodward. This is a gentleman that I have known for over 17 years, but so much was gained recently that I feel like I really know him now. His accomplishments are many including: author, entrepreneur, mentor, life coach, father, husband, and friend. More details you ask: co-author of Launching a Leadership Revolution – New York Times Best-seller; Co-Founder and Chairman of the Life Company – personal and professional development App; mentored Chris Brady ( Co-Founder of the Life Company and Best Selling author) into the Top 50 Leadership and Management Gurus list); an amazing 25+yr relationship with his lovely wife, Laurie. And so much more could be said about him, but my prayer is that you gain some of the wisdom and experience I gained this summer that will be the seeds to a greater future for you and those around you.
To start, I must throw out on the table the rule of “freedom isn’t free”. You may be tuning out right about now because this phrase gets used so much to justify sacrifice. There is truth in that definition. Many have died or been in bondage for our privileges. Whether by fighting on domestic or foreign lands, by faith preached or acted out, or by strongholds erected or destroyed, our freedoms come at a price. There is not doubt that our forefathers of all races have had to endure for the future we are part of. But what I gained of this statement from Orrin was his voluntary giving of so much of his wisdom to me. Wisdom of this world and how it works comes at a high cost. Every time Orrin pointed to Scripture, pointed to a book, pointed to an experience in his past, or acted in a particular way, I realized that each deposit of wisdom was gained through much sacrifice of time and sometimes pain. And he gave it to me so freely!. I just had to be in his presence. There is an old saying that states that people spell ‘Love’, T-I-M-E. Maybe a strange concept for you “tough guys” to admit, but I realized how much this man loved me by his sacrifice. To put it more in my terms: my free dumb ( costing me nothing and my ignorance to the truth) cost Orrin significantly but he gave it at no charge. In a society focused on self, this type of attitude changed me.
I recently finished an incredible book by Gus Lee, “with Schwarzkopf — Life Lessons of The Bear“. This book carries over the thoughts, insights, and character-building that Lee received from General Schwarzkopf over the course of 47 years. The General took a failing Cadet from West Point and helped him see and strive for his greatness. I believe Orrin Woodward started this process in me this summer. I was a man staring at goals and dreams knowing that I needed “a different”. As God would have it, Orrin stepped in to be that difference for me and my family. I may not get to all the life lessons that I gained this summer but I am going to attempt to share a few that impacted me the most.
Here is a brief summary of life lessons to come:
- the power of Financial Freedom
- the encouragement of a Father
- being truly lead by God
- the critical need for Critical Conversations
- the value and pain of Pride
- it is okay to be Real
- the value of Hungering and Thirsting for Justice
- finding Joy in all things
I pray that my next few articles will inspire and encourage you to find an “Orrin” so you can do what the best selling author and my friend, Chris Brady says ” Take [you] to the horizon” of your future.
God Bless, Aron
Steel the Mind and Tender the Heart
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