Not Sexy

In his book The Advantage, Patrick Lencioni peers into the media’s soul when he writes . . .

First, organizational health just isn’t very sexy, so journalists aren’t terribly excited to talk or write about it.  No magazine or newspaper wants to run a story about a humble leader who continues to run her medium-sized company with discipline, common sense, and consistency.  They would rather tell you about how a brash young entrepreneur is trying to set the world on fire -- and maybe himself -- with a disruptive new piece of technology or a revolutionary new service.  And that makes sense given that they’re trying to sell magazines and lure more advertisers.  But it certainly doesn’t mean their eye-catching stories are more instructive or practical.  (11-12)

Lencioni’s words relate well to our focus on living the Ordinary.  In his next paragraph he proceeds to explain that one of the difficulties of covering the less-than-sexy stories lies in the fact the their impact is difficult to measure.  Relate?

Perhaps your tape measure bent or your yard stick broke and you no longer know how to measure success, achievement, or even happiness in your life. 

You think that someone is a better mom than you. 
You are convinced by your son’s friend that his dad really is stronger and faster than you, and that he can beat you up.
You didn’t make Varsity.
You hold your violin in third chair.

(Side note: I am the youngest of three and my mom kindly, yet unsuccessfully, tried to convince my sisters, when racing me on foot to the family car to tell me that I placed “third” not “last”.  Loryn and Lisa, I love you and have long since forgiven you for the several “you’re lasts."  ☺)

Your story made section D, back page, if at all - clearly missing section A, page one. 

Or

You assure yourself that your “mom skills” are great.
You can bench press way more than that other dad.
You play every game and score the most points, goals, etc.
You play Mozart (or “Fiona” Joy Hawkins – listen to her 3rd Movement.  Beautiful!) like an angel.

(Next side note:  Maybe the real angels play cello or even drums instead?)

Your article made it to the Washington Post.

Content?  Measuring up? Feel like you count?

I assure you that sexy or not, your story matters. 

I’ve read the Bible – all of it - for many years.  Yet, when I read through Luke’s Acts recently, I said (out loud),
                “Jason.  I don’t remember him” (see Acts 17). 

He receives mention in Romans 16; but other than that, his story is limited to five verses of the over than 31,000 verses in the Bible.   Yet, his faith and trust in Christ cost him physically and financially.  The angry crowd dragged him through the streets.  He was arrested and had to post bail.  Not a great day!  Or was it?  The officials and crowds tested his faith and he earned an A+. 

I, one who preaches God’s word for a living, forgot about Jason.

My apologies to Jason.  His story, as brief as it is, matters. 

Your story matters, whether or not anyone remembers it.