Compassion & Clean Laundry

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Last night, I joined a group of church friends at a local laundry mat. For 3 hours, we paid for the washing & drying of anyone who came in.

We felt it was a simple & kind way to help a neighborhood in need. We met them, hugged them, listened to their stories, & helped wash their clothes.

To me, it seemed like a small thing. But, to the unemployed construction worker, the single mother of 3, & the lady who was recently living in a tent, this small gift represented light in a dark place.

We loved the experience. We are planning to do it again on the first Thursday of next month. And we are expecting a bigger crowd of people who need clean clothes & a few moments of compassion.

Small actions have the power to make a big impact. Doing good doesn't have to be complicated. Today, please take the time to open your eyes, look around, & spread kindness. 

Give me 7-minutes right now!

This is my friend Scott. We spoke together at the Leaders of Courage event.

He lost his right leg in an accident. By the time help arrived, he had already lost too much blood, & they didn’t have enough of his blood type in the helicopter. It seemed certain that he would not survive the trip.

When the helicopter lifted off, the EMT got right in Scott’s face & said, “It’s going to take 7-minutes to get you to the hospital. You’ve gotta choose to hang on. We can save your life, but you’ve gotta give me 7-minutes right now!”

In his presentation, Scott shared his 7-minute, life-or-death struggle – the thoughts & attitudes that kept him alive. It was powerful. And he continues to inspire as an athlete, CrossFit trainer, mentor, husband, father of 4, & hard-working guy. 

After hearing him speak, when I face a difficulty, I say to myself, “You’ve gotta choose to hang on. Give me 7-minutes right now!”

And I continue to find that I always have the 7-minutes of heroic strength & energy when I need it. And I believe you do too!

It was an honor to share the stage with this extraordinary guy.

Solving the 10,000 problems

"There are no comfortable problems left to be solved. The only problems left are uncomfortable."

I’m making another film. On the fun days, I’m the Director, and I get to use my creative, artistic side. 

But on many days, I’m the Producer. As a guy making a small independent film, Producer is just a fancy title for Problem Solver. I estimate I will need to solve at least 10,000 problems to make & share this movie. And most problems require me to enter uncomfortable spaces, which isn’t easy for me. 

I think uncomfortableness is a primary reason many of us get stuck, in work & in life. To experience personal growth or achieve something extraordinary, we face challenges that are painful. And we usually run from the things that hurt. 

But if you want change, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable. Discomfort is an investment in the potential you see ahead of you. If you can get a clear vision of the dream in front of you – a successful project, a healthy body, a more Spirit-filled life, a stronger marriage, a better job, a happier home life, a more solid financial position – it gives your pain purpose & keeps you motivated. 

So, today I’m going to tackle a few of the 10,000 problems I will need to solve to finish this film. 

The problems make me feel uncomfortable, but I’m in love with the new movie. And I think you will like it too. 

Your Story is a Key for Others

In a recent presentation to a group of young people, I chose to be vulnerable & share a personal story that was painful to me.

I recently received a note from the mother of one of the young people in that room. Her son connected with the story, and it helped him know he wasn’t alone. She said he’s been telling the story to others, and, in the process, making it his own. The story has become a place of strength & freedom for him.

Vulnerability is hard. But it’s how we connect with each other. Authenticity allows us to know & inspire each other real ways.

Don’t be afraid to share your journey with someone else. Your story is the key that can unlock someone else’s prison.

Chase Connection

Judah & I love the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disney World. 

When we started riding it together, I was focused on getting the highest score possible. But, I realized that I was missing the MOST important thing. While I was trying to get a high score, I missed experiencing the ride with my son. And that was the most important thing. 

So, now I don't even touch my laser gun while riding. I help him get the highest score he can. We do it together. And sometimes we totally blow away the scoreboard... like this!

In every aspect of life, don't let chasing the high score get in the way of cherishing the experiences & the people that matter. 

We had a great time riding today. And Judah has a new hat to prove it. 

Choose Grace

Over a decade ago, my friend Christine lost her baby in a car accident. The other car was being driven by a person under the influence.

The other driver was my friend Robin. 

Christine spent 10 years devastated by the accident. Robin spent 10 years in prison. 

When Robin was released, they decided to meet. Robin wanted the opportunity to apologize. And in that meeting, these two brave women both realized how much they needed each other. 

In a video Christine posted, she says: "Forgiving Robin is the best thing I could have done for myself. It was a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. It was like I was free again. It's what God wants us to do."

Over the past few months, they have become friends, helping each other through difficult times. And they have been freely sharing their story of forgiveness. I am inspired by Christine & Robin. 

In life, terrible things can happen. Bitterness can destroy us. But grace can heal us.

Choose grace.

Honored by Beads of Courage

I'm crying again.

Beads of Courage supports children facing serious illness by giving them a special glass bead at each landmark moment in their journey. 

And there is now an official Legends of the KnightBead of Courage! It has already raised $1,000 to support these young warriors.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of my new friends Jamie, Cynthia, & Sydney's Coins for Courage, brave young people will receive these Batman beads along with a limited-edition certificate of authenticity. 

I generally don't get too excited about physical items, but I'm pretty much in-love with the bead they gave me. And I'm the only grown-up who gets one! 

I'm kind of beside myself about this. Three years ago, I would never have imagined that this project would bless people in these ways. I am honored by everyone who has supported our work & found new ways of sharing the film's message. 

Our Words Matter

I recently read an interview with Carroll Spinney, the man who has brought Big Bird to life on Sesame Street since 1969. He told a story about speaking on the phone in his Big Bird voice with a 5-year-old who was in the hospital with cancer. 

Carroll said: 
"His father wrote to me right away, and said 'Thank you, thank you'... When the phone was hung up, my son said 'Big Bird called me! He's my friend.'
And he closed his eyes. And he passed away.
His father said 'We haven't seen our little boy smile in MONTHS. He smiled, as he passed away. It was a gift to us. Thank you.'
And I could see that what I say to children can be very important." 

With our words, we have the power to spread love, grace, & hope. What we say to each other is very important.

False Idols

In the recent Hollywood Reporter interview with Natalie Portman, here's what she said about winning the Academy Award for Black Swan:

"I was reading the story of Abraham to my child and talking about, like, not worshiping false idols. And this is literally like gold men. This is lit­er­ally worshiping gold idols — if you worship it. That's why [the Oscar is] not displayed on the wall. It's a false idol."

Awards can be wonderful for spreading the word about great work & inspiring the best in us. But when they become more important than "real" things... when they become a way to feed ego... when they define our identity, chasing awards & achievement can be destructive. 

I continue to find that doing meaningful work & giving your best to make the world a kinder, more beautiful place is the most fulfilling reward.

Here's the full interview with Natalie here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/natalie-portman-sounds-israel-netanyahu-793425

Breaking Barriers

My youngest son posted his 1st video on YouTube.

Here's why this is extraordinary:

4 years ago, Judah was diagnosed as being on the Autism spectrum. An expert told us a list of things he would NEVER be able to do.

In this video, he does at least 4 things the expert said he "couldn't" do.

This video was his idea, & he insisted it be uploaded & shared. He decided on the topic & content without any feedback from us. 

The message has 4 points, plus an intro & closing. There was no written script -- he organized it in his head.  We recorded this 3-min clip in the first take without a single cut. He was clear, focused, & articulate.

Life is full of things you "can't' do. But, by the grace of God, the love of others, and commitment & hard work, all of us have the potential to break through the barriers others place on us.

To all who have supported our journey with Judah... THANK YOU. To my wife Tricia... you are amazing. To my son Judah... you are a hero.

A Song of Hope

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After being kidnapped, 10-year-old Willie Myrick sang a gospel song for 3 hours. The kidnapper repeatedly told Myrick to shut up, but he wouldn’t. In frustration, the kidnapper let him out of the car.

When you are feeling alone or in despair, sing a song of HOPE! Let light drive out darkness. 

You can watch a VIDEO of the boy singing the song on Arsenio Hall's show, along with the writer of the song. Skip to 4:00 in the video:
http://on.aol.com/video/hezekiah-walker-and-willie-myrick-share-the-life-saving-power-of-gospel-518217110

Life Is Tough For Everyone

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I am blessed to post lots of fabulous stuff. But - for all of us - there's a lot of messy, frustrating, unglamorous stuff that fills in the spaces between our posts.

I will keep cheering on your successes. And I hope you will cheer me on. But, you can always assume that there are plenty of difficulties, challenges, & uncomfortable things you don't see. 

So, please don't compare your journey to what you see here. Let's just enjoy sharing our adventures with each other & pursuing our own dreams.

You are doing great! Keep going!

Speaking in Nashville

What an amazing day in Nashville!

Honored to speak to an incredible group of heroes. Although it was a work event for them, they still brought costumes to show their inner superhero. And attendees could stand inside a life-size action figure box for photos!

What a joyful experience for me! And an incredible blessing to share our journey with "Legends of the Knight" & inspire hope in others. 

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Saying "I'm Sorry"

I say "I'm sorry" a lot. Often, it's for things that I wasn't involved in. People typically respond with: "It's not your fault. You don't need to apologize for a problem that isn't yours."

In his recent blog post, Seth Godin explains why I will keep saying "I'm sorry", even when people don't always understand why: There are two kinds of, "I'm sorry." The first kind is the apology of responsibility, of blame and of litigation. It is the four-year old saying to his brother, "I'm sorry I hit you in the face." And it is the apology of the surgeon who forgot to insert sterile dressings and almost killed you.

The other kind of sorry is an expression of humanity. It says, "I SEE YOU and I SEE YOUR PAIN." This is the sorry we utter at a funeral, or when we hear that someone has stumbled. You don't have to be in charge to say you're sorry. You don't even have to be responsible. All you need to do is care. In this case, "I'm sorry," is precisely the opposite of, "I'm sorry you feel that way," which of course pushes the other person away, often forever.

As we've been busy commercializing, industrializing and lawyering the world, countless bureaucrats have forgotten what it means to be human, and have forgotten how much it means to us to hear someone say it, and mean it. "I'm sorry you missed your flight, and I can only imagine how screwed up the rest of your trip is going to be because of it."

"I SEE YOU," is what we crave.

Read Seth's blog post at: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2015/03/sorry-confusion.html

Artwork for a True Superhero

My friend Monica created the beautiful piece of art that is featured throughout Legends of the Knight.  You might assume that this artwork is at my house. But it isn't. 

The art was given to the film's production partner POP Kollaborative, who generously supported our efforts. One of their team members is Charlene Roth-Diddams. When our Trailer was released, Charlene's grandson Alex had just been born, but he had a medical challenge that required 3 surgeries in his first few months. 

When Charlene showed our Trailer to her son during this difficult time, he said: "This movie is about Alex - Alex is Batman & he is going to be OK."

Our friends at POP decided that it was only appropriate for Alex & his family to have the art. And it's a joy to me to know that this piece now lives in the home of a true superhero. 

Today is Tricia’s birthday

Some people seek their own identity, then look for love. We did the opposite… we fell in love 18 years ago & built our identity together. 

If I know something, she probably knows it within a few hours. If I make a decision, she has already analyzed, critiqued, & improved it before I made it. If I accept a project, she has approved it. And no film is finished until she likes it. 

I do not chase dreams without her. If we don’t accomplish it together, it’s not worth pursuing. The relationship has become more important than the achievement. And the dreams we realize together are always better. 

To see my heart is to see Tricia’s heart. To know our children is to experience our love expressed. 

So, Happy Birthday to my one true love, my dream girl, my partner in all things, my help, my guide, my muse, and my beloved. 

If the world falls apart tomorrow - and it’s just You & Me - that will be enough. 

I love you.

You are Loved

On Valentine's Day, please know this: YOU ARE LOVED. Completely. Fully. Deeply. Even in the places you keep secret. In the parts of yourself that you think are unlovable.

Even if you can't feel it in this moment. You are held safe in an embrace of affection that will never let you go. You are never alone.

You. Are. Loved.

Use Words

In a Wedding Film I recently completed, the Father of the Bride said this during the toast at the reception:

“Some of you knew my Dad. He was a great man. He helped support and raise 8 kids, but had difficulty expressing his feelings to his children. We knew he loved us, but the words just weren’t there. 
So, to my daughter, on your day, I want you to hear my words:
I love you, and I am so proud of you.”

If you love someone, make sure they know it. Use words.

 
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