Dorothy Burton - My Take

Unscripted observations from a black conservative Christian on racism, the election, Donald Trump and the historical roots of racism in the church. The thing that causes a thing can't possibly change the thing when it still perpetuates the thing. The thing? The need by many whites for superiority and separation in all things - including their churches.

How Satan stops us from living out our God-given purpose.  Abortion and racism - what's the difference?  And the callous audacity of the President of the United States to equate the taking of a life by a rogue cop as nothing more than a golfer taking a bad shot on the fairway. Bad golfers "choke," bad cops kill.

This episode lays out with precision, timeless leadership principles left standing after the Twitter dust settled.  Politicians and political operatives will do what politicians and political operatives do in an election year - use the Goodyear incident to score political points. But for leaders, particularly leaders of faith, what they can score by listening to this, are incredible leadership principles that will give them the edge. Leadership matters and this episode should be on every leader's playlist to listen to again and again - especially if a leader in public service. 

The unsettling and shocking rift between President Trump, White House Staff and Dr. Anthony Fauci is shocking but not surprising. It is well-known that President Trump insists upon being the final and leading authority on every major issue garnering media attention. No issue, since being elected president, has been as magnanimous, garnering more major news coverage from around the world than has the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Fauci, with a long, storied career and a leading authority in infectious diseases, serving under four presidents (even being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush for his work) had become the popular go-to guy for the media and most trusted source for a large portion of America. Highly regarded among his peers and earning the trust, confidence and accolades of citizens and colleagues, it was only a matter of time before the respect and praises heaped upon Dr. Fauci would get underneath the skin of President Trump.  Though the situation is quite different and so are the characters, we who are Christians have seen this scene played out in the lives of King Saul and David - the shepherd boy who would be King. This episode draws a parallel between a powerful but insecure King Saul and David, who was gifted and skilled at his craft -- and President Trump and Dr. Fauci - also gifted and skilled at his craft.  How do we handle those in authority over us who are egotistical and envious of attention and accolades we don't seek and because of it, we become the target of the very person we must serve? This episode teaches lessons learned from a snapshot in time in the life of King Saul and David as we learn from them how to handle the envy and insecurity of those for whom we work. 

This Episode analyzes from biblical and leadership worldviews, recent events relating to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's stunning reversal of his executive order to facilitate the release of salon owner Shelley Luther. Luther was jailed for contempt of court in defiance of the Governor's order and court orders by keeping open her salon in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Garnering national attention, the events of this case, when viewed through the lenses of leadership development adds value to every leader, regardless of political party affiliation or no party affiliation; and, if a public or private sector servant leader of faith. Listen to this short 20-minute value-packed episode to encourage and empower you as you lead.

As we all live through this unprecedented, stressful time, what we say to ourselves is crucial and how we view the current crisis and any crisis are keys to not only making it through them but thriving in spite of them. Learn how to turn crisis into opportunity. 

Don't let what you did yesterday keep you from doing all you can do today. When God allows failure it is always to either teach us or elevate us; or, to break us down to raise us up to a higher calling and/or purpose. Never fail to act on your ideas no matter how far-fetched they may seem to anyone else. Our ideas are clues to our future and if we don't act on them, someone else will!

We may never tell A SOUL -- but the enemy of our soul knows the desires of our soul. Sex somehow is always better when you're sneaking. Why be broke when you're in a position to cut a deal or take a little bit off the top; or, use a city or county public credit card for private shopping sprees and vacations? You're honorable Mayor or honorable DA or have the big chair in the corner office and deserve recognition and admiration, and people giving you free passes and calling your name .... right?  It's a trap, people! This episode speaks to everyone in authority. EVERY ONE--- every elected and appointed leader needs to take the time to listen to this. It will change your perspective, change your life and make you aware of how the devil uses temptation to take us down and take us out. Listen and share it with every leader you know... THIS is real talk about the number one weapon the enemy uses against us --- TEMPTATION.

"In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there..." - Mark 1:35

As Christ-followers, we must follow the lead of Christ. As busy as He was and as busy as He knew His day would be, He nevertheless got up early before dawn to spend time with the Father. Why? To gain His perspective on every aspect of the day and no doubt for guidance so that He would do only for that day, what the Father assigned Him to do. As Christians, many things throughout our day will be good things to do - but may not be our assignment to do. How can we know? Give a listen. 

If we claim to be Christian, our life should reflect what God is like.  Does yours?