My wife, Connie, received a call last night from a friend of hers named Mary (not her real name). Listening to Connie’s end of the conversation I could tell she was excited for Mary. You see, Mary has been battling a drug issue and she was just returning from a weekend AA gathering in Columbus where she was instructed in ways to more easily walk through each of the 12 steps to becoming clean.

During the call, Mary mentioned to Connie that this was very beneficial to her in at least a couple of ways. Not only was the weekend helpful for her own healing, but she now sees herself as being able to help others who struggle with these same addictions. This is huge, because Mary is now looking beyond herself. Once she begins to help others, this will raise the bar for Mary and will probably help her because her actions will impact more than her and her family. She will have a responsibility to others and will be held to a higher standard (James 3:1). All good for Mary (and all of us!).

Also, who better to help someone who is battling addiction than someone who has faced that same struggle? It is another great reminder that there is purpose in our pain and that our misery will be our greatest ministry.

I recently received this letter that my dad received from a friend of his:

Jane and I have just returned from a short trip to Disney in Orlando to decompress from the Thanksgiving holiday. Our plan was to see the holiday decorations at Disney and while Jane shopped, I would play a little golf.

On Monday, I played the Disney, Lake Buena Vista course. As usual the starters matched me with three other players. After a few holes we began to get to know each other a bit. One fellow was rather young and had his wife riding along in the golf cart with him. I noticed that his golf bag had his name on it and after closer inspection, I also noticed it said “wounded war veterans.”

When I had my first chance to chat with him I asked him about the bag. His response was simply that it was a gift. I then asked if he was wounded and he said yes. When I asked more about his injury, his response was “I’d rather not talk about it, sir.”

Over a few holes I learned that he had spent the last 15 months in an army rehabilitation hospital in San Antonio, Texas . His wife moved there to be with him and he was released from the hospital in September. He was a rather quiet fellow; however, he did say that he wanted to get good at golf.

We had a nice round and as we became a bit more familiar I asked him about the brand new set of Ping woods and irons he was playing. Some looked like they had never been hit. His response was simple. He said that this round was the first full round he had played with these clubs.

Later in the round he told me the following. As part of the discharge process from the rehabilitation hospital, Ping comes in and provides three days of golf instruction, followed by club fitting. Upon discharge from the hospital, Ping gives each of the discharged veterans, generally about 40 soldiers, a brand new set of custom fitted clubs along with the impressive golf bags.

The fellow I met was named Ben Woods and he looked me in the eye and said that being fitted for those clubs was one of the best things that ever happened to him and he was determined to learn to play golf well enough to deserve the gift Ping had given him. Ben is now out of the service, medically discharged just a month ago. He is as fine a young man as you would ever want to meet.

Ping has the good judgment not to advertise this program. God Bless America and the game of golf!

I think this is an incredibly cool thing that Ping does. However, I am much more impressed that they have not widely publicized this. Very cool stuff!

Sometimes we wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?” or “Why did God have to do this to me?” Here is a wonderful explanation.

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she’s failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, “Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.”

“Here, have some cooking oil,”  her Mother offers.

“Yuck!” says her daughter.

“How about a couple raw eggs?”

“Gross, Mom!”

“Would you like some flour then?”

“Or maybe baking soda?”

“Mom, those are all yucky!”

To which the mother replies: “Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!”

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Yesterday at church, Dean, our pastor, shared with us about taking the next step that God has for each us, which typically requires us to change in some way. He said in order to make true, permanent change we actually need to do something which sounds counter-intuitive. We need to release control.

Most of us think that in order to change something, we must manage it or control it. However, with God, the opposite is true. In fact, it is our desire to control which keeps us far from God and His will for our lives. Dean mentioned that Colossians 2:6-7 shows us what we need to do to change, or grow in our faith:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Did you catch that? We are instructed to grow by doing just as we did when we received Jesus into our lives. So what did we actually do when we received Jesus? Nothing, other than receive Him. And that is exactly what we need to do to grow in Him too. We need to position our souls to receive what He wants to do in us. This requires us to have complete humility and admit that we can’t do it on our own. It also requires us to something which is so difficult for many of us, and that is to release control, which releases Him to do His thing in us. The bottom line is that we must let go of everything that stands between us and God.

When we get out of the way, God will oftentimes prompt us to do something that is outside of our comfort zone. It could be anything from making a phone call to changing careers. No matter, God wants us to be obedient. Even though it is uncomfortable and possibly even scary, God promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He always has our best interests at heart so we can trust Him. It is in taking these steps that real growth takes place.

So do you want to change and grow? If so, here are a couple of great questions to ask yourself: What’s the one thing I need to let go of? What’s the one thing God wants me to start doing?

I recently received some revelation about what my purpose in life is. It all began by when I watched a video featuring Patrick Lencioni (pictured at right) discussing “Silos, Politics  & Turf Wars.” It was part of the Willow Creek Leadership Summit from 2006. Lencioni mentioned that in order to eliminate “silos” in an organization, the organization must have a thematic goal which ties the company together. To determine your thematic goal, you need to ask yourself this question, “If our organization only did one thing this year, and nothing else, what is that one thing we could do and still be a success?”

That question really got me thinking, what is Jim Lange’s thematic goal? I spent some considerable time pondering this and all of a sudden I had it…Growing People. In other words, my purpose (or thematic goal) is to help people to be all that God created them to be. Doing this gets me jazzed. When in the midst of it, it seems like time stands still.

I share this with you for two reasons. One, to get you thinking about your thematic goal or purpose. What is the one thing—if it’s the only thing you got done this next year—that would make you a success? I encourage you to take some time wrestling with this question. It can truly be a life-changing exercise.

The second reason was to let  you know that is what 5feet20 is all about. My mission here is to help you, and everyone who visits here, to be the best you that you can be…to be all that God designed you to be. So please come back often to see what is going on. And, please give me your suggestions for how I can better serve you. I would love to hear from you.

When a difficult situation arises, where is the first place you turn? If I’m honest I would have to tell you that, most times, my first gut-level inclination is to immediately go into problem-solving mode and try to handle it on my own…you know, to try to work my way out of the situation. Most people I know are wired this way. I could say I’m just self-sufficient. I could also say I don’t want to bother anyone else with my problems. But what it really is, is pride.

I heard an interesting quote this week: “Problems are situations engineered by God to bring us face to face with our deficiencies so that we view His sufficiencies as our only alternative.” I don’t know who originally said it but I like it. Many times, our difficult circumstances are brought about solely so we can begin to seek God…so that we turn toward Him. He wants us going to Him first in everything, even our tough circumstances.

I recently read the book “Fresh Faith” by Jim Cymbala. He shares this about what he oftentimes suggests to those in a difficult spot…something we can all learn from:

When people come to my office overloaded with problems, not knowing where to turn, I sometimes say, “Here is what I want you to do: Go sit with the Prayer Band upstairs in their special room this Friday night from midnight to two in the morning.”

They often react with shock on their faces. “Oh, Pastor Cymbala–I’m so discouraged I can’t believe that the sun will come up tomorrow. I could never pray for two hours!”

“I didn’t ask you to pray,” I reply. “I just asked you to go sit there. The Prayer Band will pray for you. And God will operate on your heart as you just wait in his presence.”

How many times have I heard back from these people that while they were sitting in that atmosphere, God brought alive his Word and his promises and lifted up their spirits to believe. Thanksgiving began to flow. They began to remember the good things God had done in their past. Faith began to spring anew as they waited on the One who can so easily turn everything around in life.”

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Excerpted from her book, Burdens Do a Body Good: Meeting Life’s Challenges with Strength (and Soul)

“…According to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice.” ~ Hippocrates

What type of client, customer or patient are you? When you walk through the waiting room door does the person on the other side flinch, tense, or otherwise prepare for attack? Do you disappoint, discourage, or offer a disgruntled impression? Is every statement or question voiced one punctuated by an undergirding of subtle disrespect, disinterest or distrust? What exactly is your attitude saying about you, your words notwithstanding?

It used to be that physicians had to memorize the Hippocratic oath, the most memorable line laypeople remember being, First, do not harm.” Nowadays, this pledge has been updated to make more practical sense in our modern high-tech society. Still, the underlying message remains the same. That is, one individual is making a promise to do his or her level best to help another person in need. Honestly now, aren’t we thankful that the majority of doctors and other professionals from whom we seek aid do abide by this long-standing motto? If we didn’t trust that person sitting on the other side of the desk (or across the room) to make a positive difference in our lives, we wouldn’t waste time seeking out their expertise, right?

Unfortunately, though we continue to seek out expert help from these professionals we’ve similarly begun to tote along with us an attitude of consumer elitism. Truth to tell, we’re ever-ready to assert our rights even when they’re not being compromised. We get angry when our appointment is pushed back. We feel frustrated when a promised contract doesn’t materialize. We complain and fret and moan about every little inconvenience without taking time to consider that our minor grievance could very well transform into another’s good. How so?

Consider this; the next time you’re left waiting for an hour because of an unexpected emergency and your friendly neighborhood professional begs your pardon upon greeting you…give it. Think about how you feel when your best-laid plans go wrong. We’ve all had those days when we started out on time armed with a solid plan of great intent and then we were interrupted, stalled, and thwarted. How did we feel? We were discouraged, weary, and wanted to give up. In the coming days, do yourself and everyone else a favor, hone that memory of yours that never forgets an offense against you for the good of someone else and take the “oath” to keep others from harm. Purpose to never rattle someone’s already fragile emotional cage with your unrelenting demands or unrealistic expectations. Rather, tell them you understand. Tell them you appreciate their diligent service. Tell them, thank you. Guaranteed, you’ll begin to see the person behind the professional façade and we all know how terrific it feels to have someone see the “us” behind what we “do.” It can’t do any harm.

Takeaway Action Thought:  Never view waiting as wasted time, these are simply opportune moments allotted for the purpose of regaining some inner stillness, calm and clarity.

Weight Bearing Exercises for Body and Soul Health

There are only two ways to wait. We either choose to wait well or we wait poorly. If we give in to impatient thoughts and words, then we risk jeopardizing both our health and those with whom we come into contact. In a society where there is only stop and go, waiting offers a welcome in-between space to purposefully hit the pause button and to rest and reflect.  It doesn’t matter what we’re waiting for, an appointment, an apology, or an answer. It’s the conduct of our heart and minds that will make all the difference.

Waiting well –

• Lowers blood pressure; when we accept the uncontrollable as necessarily part of daily life our physical bodies take note and respond accordingly.
• Reduces inner-stress; from headaches to body aches…we just feel better when we realize we are not in control of others’ behaviors or responses, only our own.
• Makes one more productive; being forced to wait in one area allows more time and energy to invest in countless others, there is no wasted time if we use each day to its fullest.
• Allows for better decision making; rather than reacting with anger and impulsivity, we thoughtfully consider, decide, and determine taking into account all possible repercussions of our choices.
• Expands our understanding of another’s perspective; removing ourselves from the emotional intensity of the moment enables us to see a situation more accurately as time passes.
• Gives opportunity to love sacrificially; we deepen, grow, and change every time we put someone’s needs above our own, personal discomfort and all.

Waiting poorly –

• Raises blood pressure; as our mind thinks, our emotions flare, and from head to toe our bodies respond to the stress. What and how we process our thoughts and experiences does matter.
• Produces anxiety; we fret, worry, and stew…and completely forfeit the inner peace for which we so long.
• Inhibits productivity; when we focus exclusively on what we can’t have, we become completely immobilized and paralyzed, unable to be of any good to anyone or anything else in our lives.
• Increases chances of reacting impulsively; stand back, don’t react. The more frequently a person acts or speaks before thinking, the greater the potential for negative and long-lasting fallout.
• Shrinks one’s sense of proportion; when we only see our side of a situation, we’re not really viewing life as it really is. Whenever there are two people, there are two sides to every story, always.
• Robs one’s ability to grow by enduring difficulties; when we respond self-protectively or solely with self-interest, we are the ones who are short-changed most.

A friend of mine, Larry Vriezelaar, is pastor at First Congregational Church in Toledo. He sends out a devotion each Monday via email and they are always good. I felt led to share his from this week:

Have you found the story of the homeless man from Columbus, named Ted Williams, fascinating. The guy is literally living in a whirlwind of offers for jobs etc. They say that he has this magical voice.

The story goes that before his addictions to drugs and alcohol he was a disk jockey in radio. Many facts of his former life are now coming out. He appeared with his mother (whom he had not seen for 10 years) on the Today Show. When they met the day before the airing of the show the first words she said to her son was “Ted, don’t disappoint me again.” Obviously…words from a mother whose heart has been broken several times.

Here’s a cool by-line to this story. The Sunday before all of this happened Ted Williams’ ex-wife was in church with her current husband enjoying worship. Her Pastor began his message entitled “The God of a Second Chance.” In the middle of his message he said… “I think we should pause and pray for the first person that comes to your mind who needs a second chance.” She looked at her husband and they both said to each other “Ted.”

We, like Ted’s mother, are concerned that Ted will not relapse into his addictions. I’m praying for a wonderful end to this story.

Do you know of anyone who needs a second chance? God is in the redeeming business. All things are possible to him who believes.

I love this verse of hope…Though your sins (failures) be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow. I’m cheering for Ted Williams…I believe in miracles.

There is hope for anyone…no matter how bad or good they may be….because as the Psalmist says…You formed my inward parts: You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. God knows and loves everyone of us…I pray that you will return that love to the Creator God.

We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it. God specializes in giving people a fresh start.

Never stop believing!

A sad day for me. The college football season is officially over, after what seemed like 400 bowl games. Anyway, during the bowl season, before a game I can’t remember,  former coach Lou Holtz said this is what he would tell his team before taking the field in the game, “You have 60 minutes to play and a lifetime to remember it.” He’s basically saying that in a football game, there will be adversity. There will be pain. You will get tired. But, it will only last 60 minutes. You can rest and enjoy the memories afterward.

This not only applies to a football game but to the game of life as well. Let’s face it, life is hard. Jesus even promised as much when He said, “In this life you will have trouble” (see John 16:33). Our lives are also short. The Bible says our lives are but a mist that soon vanishes (see James 4:14).

There are times when we face things that just seem impossible. There are times when we hurt like never before. There are times when we don’t think we can take another step. However, we must remember, that right after Jesus told us we would have trouble, he followed it by saying, “But take heart! I have overcome the world!”

To use Holtz-speak, this is what could be said to a Christ-follower who is facing difficult challenges, “I know this is difficult, but you have this moment to give it your all unto the glory of God and before you know it, it will be over. And you know what, when you look at the big picture, your life doesn’t last long either, so you might as well make the most of it. You might as well leave it all on the field! Then you can rest in the presence of Jesus forever.”

You see, even if you are facing difficult challenges, they will soon pass. In fact, this life will pass by very soon. So why not honor God in all we do, during good times and bad?

This morning on ESPN’s SportsCenter, retired Florida Gator football coach, Urban Meyer, was discussing tonight’s National Championship showdown between the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers. He said something in regard to each of the teams and their preparation for the game that I thought was very timely for each of us as we enter this new year, “I have never seen a great team or a great player who didn’t follow a routine.” Meyer is not talking about the routines we can just fall into, he’s describing a routine involving discipline and effort.

Some may counter by saying, “But a routine is so boring, so vanilla.” There is some truth to that statement, but a routine is necessary for success. All the great athletes have a routine. Watch LeBron at the free throw line or Tiger over a putt. Routine. Discipline. Boring. Success. I’ll bet Billy Graham has a routine he follows daily also. We all have routines. The question to ask yourself is, “Are my routines God-honoring?”

Those who scoff at this notion of a routine are more than likely the ones who don’t want to be held accountable, don’t want to truly get better and run as far away from pain as possible. That’s because a routine oftentimes requires hard work , discipline, pain and maybe even getting out of bed earlier each day which is not fun.

However, without discipline, you cannot have true success. Without discipline, you cannot be truly happy. Though discipline is not fun, it is necessary if you are going to be the person God designed you to be. So, what do you say…are you in?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1