Greg Stories
A collection of Greg's written stories and teachings
for learning, leadership, and personal growth.
Haggai 1:4: The Silk Sheets Dilemma
Just like Marvin Hagler's struggle with the silk sheets, there's a potent allure to comfort that can grip us all; it's a timeless tale that weaves its way through the very fabric of human existence. This pull between aspiration and comfort, struggle and ease, is seen in the book of Haggai when the Israelites faced a similar dilemma. The amenities and luxuries of life were overshadowing a much grander calling. Let’s turn our attention to the 6th Century B.C., to the land of the Israelites.
Hearing The Glacier Move
In those fleeting moments, as I had the privilege of hearing a glacier move, I realized something deep in my heart. That sound, that unique thud—it wasn't just the ice. It was a reminder, a nudge, telling me that I would have never heard that beautiful sound if I hadn't put myself in a place where I was quiet enough to listen. Isn't that true for our relationship with God, too?
Are you bored with your faith? Feel like God's on mute? Trust me; I've been there. But take it from me, and these wise words from some folks who know a thing or two:
The Suffering Servant - Isaiah 53:11
This promise of salvation is not merely a ticket to get you out from under Nebuchadnezzar's thumb. It's a promise of something more profound: A complete spiritual restoration. God plans to save you, not by flexing His muscles and declaring dominance, but by humble service and bearing our sorrows and sins (53:4-5).
This poetic prophecy offers your frozen despair a warming bonfire of hope. God is still with you, even in the thick of your suffering. And more importantly, He's making a way for you, promising prosperity (52:13; 53:10) and demonstrating a new way to victory, not through might, but through sacrifice and love.
I Cannot Believe He Bit Me!
It was as if a bolt of lightning had hit my right hand; sharp pain shot through my nerves to the tips of my toes and the crown of my head simultaneously. I felt the intense intrusion of his canine teeth puncturing through my palm and thumb, plunging through like nails into softwood. Through the pain, I mustered the focus to utter a single command, "Hagler, Aut." The obedient soul he was, he let go instantaneously.
Fear of the Lord - Proverbs 1:7
Let's dwell on this phrase, the "fear of the Lord." It can seem an odd choice of words, can't it? One might think, "Am I to be scared of God?" However, Solomon is not talking about cowering in fright. No, this is something more profound and far more meaningful.
When HELPING HELPS
He is still using his birth name and male pronouns. He also has no clue as to how he is going to address his bodily discomfort. He is not prepared to make decisions about puberty blockers or hormone treatments. He just knows he doesn’t want the path his body is on to continue.
Building Mental Fortitude by Overcoming Small Fears for Fun
This was only one of four spots in the six-hour climb where I had to battle back fear to make the next move. It began with having to down-climb 4 feet to the traverse route. Down-climbing is the most difficult for me because I can't see footholds, and moving my body weight down the rock face makes it harder to stop my body's momentum.
When helping hurts
Followers of Christ recognize our feelings can often mislead us into self-destructive and relationally destructive behaviors…
For the empathy-based moralist, personal feelings point us to our truth. Our sexual feelings should be explored free from boundaries. Also, we should live as who we feel we are, even if it contradicts physical reality. The empathy-based moralist believes they should always get to do whatever they want, whenever they want (See Romans 1:18-30). And if you oppose their view, it’s social jail for you!
Anxiety - Story, Devotional, Encouragement
It was like my seatmates were prison guards who had hand-cuffed me to my Delta "Comfort" seat. My heart was pounding like a Sunday morning kick drum, and my thoughts were racing. I couldn't for the life of me control the flood of fear washing over me. My seat was a straightjacket. All I wanted was to escape this suffocating window seat nightmare that had become what felt to me like my prison of personal weakness.
Embracing Discomfort: Part 1, Language
Three hours after walking into the immigration office in Copacabana, Bolivia, and a $40 bribe later, I was finally permitted to cross into Peru on foot.
Known Leadership Lessons Mountaineering
The mountains are a powerful reminder of our insignificance in the face of nature. We leaders can learn from this humbling experience by recognizing our stumbles and allowing humility and self-awareness to drive us toward authenticity and growth.