A slight breeze blows through our open window in the family room when I sit down on the couch next to H, phone between us. He turns off the television and we watch the numbers change on the digital face of the cable box. We have three minutes.
At 1:00pm he picks up the phone, scans for the number, selects speaker phone and we wait. When a familiar voice answers, Terry Walling, Leader Breakthru, H chants a silly stream of nonsense inciting all of us toward laughter.
Terry is a leadership coach who lives in Chico, California but his presence in our lives is as close as our kitchen. Not only has he been our lifeline through this transition, we serve up some boisterous chatter about the LA Dodgers, their grandkids and dream about the next time we’ll see each other, perhaps walking the streets of London. He and his wife Robin have become our dearest friends.
Calls are prescheduled but every one of them is a divine appointment.
Our relationship with Terry began several years ago on the phone during an interview for a feature story I was writing. His outgoing, generous nature is endearing but I knew God had something more in mind when I hung up. A somersault took place in my spirit.
It was the beginning of a partnership for H working with Terry toward leadership development with people around the country. This is a passion that fuels our ministry.
If we want to be effective for the Kingdom, we cannot be lone rangers. Servants of Jesus need mentors and coaches who help them become successful leaders.
While Terry pours himself into leaders, he mostly pulls out the ways in which God is already at work in the lives of people. And when you are living in isolation, on the cusp of moving into the next season, wise coaching isn’t just gold dust, it is bucket of nuggets that save you.
Lest you think we’ve navigated this move by ourselves, let me squash your idealism. We don’t come to clarity alone is Terry’s mantra.
If you feel stuck in the midst of transition, there is hope. Sometimes it comes through those he has called to be a voice crying out in your wilderness.
Your first step is to ask for help. And then trust God with the outcome.
For helpful guidance regarding transitions, read Terry’s groundbreaking book Stuck! — Navigating the Transitions of Life and Leadership.
I won’t be sharing my posts on social networking channels daily because who wants to see that much of me, really? If you want to follow our adventure to London subscribe to the blog in the side bar and posts will slide quietly into you inbox. Start from the beginning of the series here.
Glad to read about this wonderful mentor and friend.
For sure, we all need both.
God Bless you all.
You know I can’t write this series without posting about my prayer warriors. It feels so sacred, it’s probably going to be the hardest one to write.
What a friend you have in Terry, right Shelly?! How wonderful that this gentleman comes alongside to guide. Yes, we all need mentors. And you mentor me through your beautiful writing! And this picture? Wow! They get better and better. The size of the guard really highlights the size of the building, doesn’t it?
Love
Lynn
PS I’m not sure Terry would wish to speak to me. I’m a Cardinal fan!
You have also been a mentor to me Lynn, I’m so grateful for all your wealth of wisdom in my life. And yes, Terry is a die hard Dodgers fan, no doubt about it.
Leading comes from God, and is most often confirmed in community. So glad there are thoughtful people listening and speaking into your life!
Very true Kelly. It’s an anointing from God and confirmed in community. I love that you pointed that out, so important.
Shelly, I have not missed reading one of these posts. They are speaking to me in ways you cannot imagine. I pray for you and your family daily and I admire the strength and grace with which you are navigating this transition.
And this “If we want to be effective for the Kingdom, we cannot be lone
rangers. Servants of Jesus need mentors and coaches who help them become
successful leaders.” is a nugget of wisdom I am going to treasure.
I was thinking about you, wondering how you are doing. I’m honored to know you are reading the series and that the posts are speaking to you, what a gift Mary. Thank you.
Recovery is a slow process. I feel great one day, then I overdo it and feel not so good or worse the next day. I have to learn to be patient with myself and the healing process. Thank you for your thoughts.
So grateful to read about yours and H’s friendship with Terry. What gems here today and through your whole series. Also…your photos and graphics for this series are so beautiful, Shelly. Such a gift you have. Cheering you on through these 31 days!
You are such a wonderful cheerleader Ashley, thank you so much!
It’s amazing how the Lord intertwines all of our lives in ways that I think we will only fully appreciate far in the future!
When I think about where this all started Anita, with you coaching me in California . . . WOW! I’m so grateful for your influence, not sure I would be doing this if we hadn’t had that time together. You sparked some courage in me, thank you.
Your words are kind. We both enjoyed the Lord’s presence that week. You have been called and can trust Him as you obediently follow – – sometimes not knowing where, but isn’t that the point? Otherwise there is no need for trust. Love to you and H as you boldly step into the dimly lit future with full confidence in His capabilities, not yours.
Thanks for this post! Having a mentor is such a blessing and should be taught so much more in church and discipleship!