Creating Change In And Through People
When was the last time you stopped to truly think about whose life you’re investing in?
Was it recently or somewhere in the distant past?
Could you even come up with a name?
I was watching the music competition show “The Voice” last night and a surprising thing happened. Blake Shelton, one of the coaches chose to save a contestant on his team who quite honestly is not a favorite to win. While she has a beautiful voice, she is young and inexperienced especially compared to the other other members of her team who were vying for this spot in the next round of the competition.
However, Blake said he chose her because there was more opportunity to create change with her than with the other two competitors. There is no doubt about the fact that this is true. Xenia, the teenage girl he decided to keep is a diamond in the rough. She has talent, but little in the way of confidence or stage presence. She really is a project, if you will.
http://youtu.be/5G3G_cpGLoI
Hmm…interesting thought. Choose the person who requires probably the most time, energy and investment over other contestants who are more polished and professional because there is the potential for change. Change that could ultimately lead to great results.
I thought that was a pretty gutsy move, especially in a competitive setting.
I wonder how often we pass by opportunities to invest in people like this because we are afraid of the time or energy that it will take to help them grow and develop. The time and energy that it will take to help them change.
The truth of the matter is the people that need to experience change the most, are often the people who require the greatest investment.
I guess the question we all need to ask ourselves is are we willing to make those types of investments in people’s lives. And if not, why is that the case?
There are a lot of people that need to experience change and we have the ability to help the process along. But it often requires us to take an unconventional approach. It requires us to go against the grain. We have to choose the hard path over the smoothly paved street.
Is that something you’re willing to do?
Posted on June 15th, 2011 by David | 11 Comments »
If I’m honest, no…I’m not always willing to do that. I just put my three boys down to bed, and I’m absolutely exhausted after spending the whole day with them by myself. As I look back on the day I cringe at all the selfish moments I took – the moments where the boys wanted an engaged dad but got someone who was physically present but nothing more. And I do the same thing with people outside my family. Why? I’m not always sure…but sometimes I think it’s because I believe I won’t be taken care of. If I put everything on the line for other people, how can I be assured that something will be put back into me? This is where faith comes in for me…because I know in my mind that my Father knows my needs and He’ll take care of me…perfectly. But He’s first asking me to lay down my life for others and then I have to trust He’ll be there. Sorry for rambling on
but your post struck a cord in me. I really want my life to be about other people…I just find it hard to live that way sometimes. Thanks for letting me process out loud what’s going on inside!
Ernie, I really appreciate your insights. There is no doubt about that fact that this can be a difficult thing to do and we all must continually fight against being selfish. I also know that when we do allow ourselves to make this kind of investment in another person, it can be life changing for both the person investing time and the person being invested in. Nevertheless, it’s not always easy to do.
I am not watching the video because Greg’s been out of town (taking Shawn down to California for school) and we always watch “The Voice” together – and so it is waiting on my DVR. However I know exactly who you are referring to and I can see why Blake chose to save her. Incredible raw talent. I invest in people all the time – that’s what I do as a teacher – so I do it in a musical way – but also in a relational way. However if I’m honest – I have found myself pulling back from investing in a personal way because of a hurt in a friendship more than 2 years ago now. I invested and became involved – I got burned pretty badly. It happens at one time or another to all of us – I guess that’s why we don’t do it – it’s a risk of the most costly kind – our heart. It’s always worth it though and I do love to get involved – just a little more cautious these days.
Cindy, there is no doubt about the fact that this can be risky business. I have had people who I have invested a lot of time, energy, emotion, etc. into only to have it comes back and bite me. But there are also those times when you invest in someone and the impact is so incredible, that it makes it all worthwhile. You and Greg, definitely do a great job of investing in people.
You’re probably some of the most caring people I know!
I think Xenia’s got the most unique soulful voice. What’s funny is I was DYING to see who would pick her, for those very same reasons.
It brings to mind a quote that lingers on in my head when I see that potential in somebody: “If only you can see in you, what I see in you.”
Ben, Xenia definitely had a soulful voice that is so much fun to listen to and if she can gain some stage presence and confidence, she could be AMAZING!
I think your quote hits the nail on the head. Sometimes as an outsider we can see something that the individual cannot see, and we have the opportunity to enlighten them. That’s a pretty great thing!
If you really think about what you just said, that looks, sounds and smells like discipleship. Isn’t that what it is at its core? Take someone who needs help in a lot of areas and mentor them, help them, encourage them until they walk on their own? Can you imagine the influence and change we would see if this approach was implemented in all churches?
BAM! It’s all about discipleship.
I personally have a strong love for discipleship and perhaps that’s why this stood out to me so profoundly. It’s a great thing when you can invest in the life of another person.
David…I’m glad I didn’t see this post until this afternoon because I just caught up on The Voice this morning. I thought Blake’s choice of Xenia was top notch and showed a lot of character and heart on his part.
Man, I certainly shy away from the people that “need help”. I figure I’m too busy, dont’ want to hang out with someone who has “needs”, and really most relationships begin with “what can this do for me?” I’m really convicted by what you shared here, David. I likey!!
Not sure if you saw this or not, but I wrote a post about The Voice >> http://popparables.com/2011/06/the-voice-three-ingredients-of-christian-growth/ >> last week that touches on this idea of discipleship. I think this show is awesome for all kinds of reasons! Xenia is one of them! Xenia and Dia are def my favs right now.
I loved that Blake did that. I’m a HUGE fan o the Voice! I have to ask myself this question often, “Who am I pouring into? And who needs it most?” Great post man!
Dustin, those are great questions. I personally find very few things more satisfying than intentionally investing in the lives of others. I have some great people who invest in my life and I love being able to pass that on.