In Times Like These

Reflections from the Life and Ministry of Fred Smith
Brenda A Smith
This article provided by the Engstrom Institute

Editor's Note: One of the great mentors and executive coaches of the 20th century was Fred Smith. Like Ted Engstrom, Fred was a wise and caring friend to a generation of Christian leaders now approaching retirement. Recently we asked his daughter Brenda Smith to help us reflect on what her father and our dear friend might have said to this generation of leaders in such different times as these were he still with us. We trust you will find her thoughts on his insights and wisdom timeless, convicting and encouraging.

"If conditions don't change dramatically, many of your ministries will be out of money, talking merger, or disappearing." The faith-based audience responded with nods, stares, and dismay at the words carefully spoken by a major funder. "These are difficult times. Don't hide, and don't assume your supporters are aware of your work—let them know what you are doing." He finished his admonishment with words of hope. "Do the right things in the right way. Your work is needed more than ever."

As President of a faith-based non-profit, I listened to his targeted counsel. Then, I felt a smile creep across my face. What would Dad have to say? More pointedly, what would Dad say to me? Quite an intriguing exercise.

My Dad, Fred Smith, Sr. mentored high achievers as an operation of his giftedness, not as a vocational pursuit. His business career, writing, speaking, and love of stimulating conversations created a strong platform. Men and women sought his thinking for most of his 92 years. His final book, Breakfast with Fred is subtitled, "Mentor to a generation of leaders."

He refused to "give advice." Instead, he asked questions…great, probing questions. Commanding executives cowered as he simply and expertly identified core issues. I still laugh as I think of the time he asked a seemingly benign question and evoked a yelp, "Fred, you dun dug up a snake with that one!"

His genius was distillation. His mind was a vast funnel into which data poured. A punchy "one-liner" flowed from the bottom. He sorted and summed. He always spoke of providing handles for ideas to make them transferable. "Wait to worry" and "Be the pipe, not the pump" are vintage Smith.

With this in mind, I began an abstract conversation with him.

"Dad, times are tough. The economy is in free-fall. Fear is pervasive. How should I be thinking?"

He didn't speak back, of course. But years of working, living, and talking together built a robust collection of Fred-think I could research.

Soon, a series of questions emerged. They were helpful to me in assessing the condition and direction of the BWF Project (www.breakfastwithfred.com). I share them, hoping you will be encouraged.

1) How disciplined is your ego?

Gert Behanna, famed New York socialite, and author of The Late Liz, grew up in the Waldorf-Astoria. Her father was a major industrialist. Sadly, Gert's lifestyle became one of parties and unsatisfying relationships. Episcopal priest and early Alcoholics Anonymous leader, Samuel Shoemaker, introduced Gert to freedom in Christ. At 54, she experienced new life and rebirth. Until her death, she boldly and vibrantly proclaimed, "God is not dead!" She and Dad became fast friends. As they discussed Christian work, she shared one fundamental question: "Is it for Gert or for God?"

She checked for a disciplined ego.

Too often, I guard my dreams for BWF as personal property, not God's. This ministry is entrustment, not entitlement. It is not time for self-protection; it is time for trusted counsel. "Brenda, you don't have all the answers—trust your Board. Their wisdom will protect you from error." As I submit my ego, I discipline my vision, my vitality, and my virtue.

2) How are you handling the finances?

When we started BWF, it was important we have what was necessary, while avoiding all frills. With Dad as Chairman of the Board, we operated frugally. Image and "fake it until you make it" held no appeal in the Smith household.

We can't live in what it used to be, or what we wish it were….we are to live in the current reality. A wise supporter observed, "Everybody talks about trusting God for their funding, and it is easy to do when money is free-flowing. But, it is much harder to understand when donations dry up. I want to see the relationship between available funds and program design clarified."

Obligating our organization because I am optimistic and hopeful is dishonest. Understanding our current reality and creating an appropriate budget is fiduciary responsibility. "Businesses and ministries fail because they are undercapitalized and over extended," Dad instructed.

I am certain he would talk to me about money. "Never forget—it is stewardship, not ownership." Then he would tell me to tighten my belt, prioritize, and with ego in check, listen to the words of good friend Steve Brown of Key Life Network…."hang tough, babe, hang tough."

3) What does walking in faith look like?

We often handle faith carelessly. We toss it around like a child's toy. We determine what we want to do and then wrap it in the language of faith and blessing.

In Dad's last year, he was frequently hospitalized. His body deteriorated, but his spirit continued to flourish. His mobility disappeared, but his mental and spiritual faculties grew ever more vital. In discussing a pressing issue, he looked up from the hospital bed and said, "Brenda, don't do a Sarah." I knew exactly what he meant, but he made sure by continuing, "You have prayed about it; you are walking in faith—don't do a Sarah."

He knew his daughter well. Often, in my eagerness to do good work, I get a bit jumpy. I jump ahead to make sure good things happen. I see needs, opportunities, and open doors. I want to see them as "God's will." Sarah thought she could help God's program by pushing Hagar into Abraham's tent.

When we try to manipulate the situation, move ahead without funding, operate from sheer energy and enthusiasm, we are "doing a Sarah." Faith isn't frantic, or frenetic. Faith makes sense.

4) How are you leading with integrity?

As the son of a Southern Baptist preacher, Dad understood the importance of character in Christian work. His book, Leading with Integrity, challenged men and women to think clearly about reality in ministry. "We read, study, and pray to maintain spiritual vitality, not only to serve, but to be—with integrity."

Dad often repeated his desire to be "profitable to the Master." He appreciated well-run organizations and disdained sloppiness in the use of the Lord's resources. But, he questioned the value of solely applying business models to works of the Spirit . He regularly reminded me to avoid "doing God's work in man's way."

Dad thought a great deal about character. "I have never seen someone come to me and say he failed because of poor character. There was not enough funding, not enough training, not a good-enough board, not enough visibility, but, I believe 80% of all failures are due to character faults."

In my striving for financial viability, am I tempted to use techniques that smack more of Madison Avenue than Garden of Gethsemane? As I seek visibility for BWF, am I tempted to substitute strategic planning for seasons of prayer?

5) Are you content with who you are becoming?

Direction was always a key measurement with Dad. "You may not be where you want to be, but I like the direction you are moving." Those words of encouragement helped me in difficult times. In today's environment, our organizations may be hitting the wall more often than hitting the goal. That can be temporary. A young leader once came to Dad to thank him for "re-vectoring" his life. Just a degree or two makes a vast difference in outcomes. The sirens of Greek mythology attempted to lure sailors off course and into ultimate destruction by their seductive calls. I am convinced my direction is more important now than ever. The decisions we make deeply affect who we, and our ministries, are becoming.

The old hymn states, "I am satisfied with Jesus. But the question comes to mind as I think of Calvary, is Jesus satisfied with me?"

6) Where is your joy in the journey?

Mom and Dad lived their last years with me. I wrote about the lessons I learned in Divine Confinement: Facing Seasons of Confinement. "Living with you has taught me much, but one thing for sure—you are a control freak!" Dad's observation was most apt. Most leaders like to control. No, most leaders have to control. But, control can cancel out joy.

James urged believers who were scattered and shattered to count it all joy when they encountered various trials. Dad believed humor was life's lubricant. When I lose my sense of humor, my gears crunch noisily together, damaging BWF and those around me. "Laugh or have high blood pressure" is a constant reminder to lighten up.

7) What makes God's word real?

His allergy to "proof texting" was well-known among Dad's friends. Even though he knew much scripture, he avoided punctuating every thought with chapter and verse. But, he knew the reality of faith in Jesus Christ and the potency of the Word. For the last 18 months of his life, I read to him for an hour each day. We read widely, but always concluded with two chapters of the Bible. As we came to the dramatic climax of Genesis, "I am Joseph, your brother" choked in my throat. I looked at Dad and tears were wetting his face. We just stopped and marveled at the goodness of God in the most horrible of circumstances. There is power in the blood and the Word.

His Mother was one of his life-long heroes. He often told of seeing her in broken health, lining up chairs around their kitchen. She grasped one chair and then another to complete her tasks. Even years later, he recalled her favorite verse, "Grow not weary in well-doing."

And finally, I know he would say, "Brenda—never lose the good of a bad situation." Dad saw difficulties as opportunities, not threats, and so should I. He loved to smile, reminding me we have a living God who is ever in control. During the 1980s, a business merger shut down Dad's food packaging brokerage. I wrote to encourage him. He responded with a letter that concluded, "Remember, He hasn't given us the spirit of fear, but love, power, and a sound mind." We are eagles….the thorny times push us out of the nest. We soar when we are most sore."

Wisdom is timely; principles are timeless. I am grateful for an earthly father whose thinking strengthens me in the rough places, and a heavenly Father who promises His everlasting presence in times like these.

Application:

Righteous leadership begins with right thinking. A trusted friend or mentor can strengthen you by sharpening your mind and heart. Consider these questions:

1. How disciplined is my ego?
2. What plan do I have to maintain fiscal responsibility?
3. How well does my faith translate into action and influence?
4. Who best understands my true motives?
5. How pleased am I with the road I am on?
6. How am I keeping my personal relationship with God alive?

About the Author:

Brenda A. Smith, President and CEO of BWF Project, Inc. directs the archiving of her father's work, as well as the development of the Fred Smith, Sr. Leadership Symposiums. She is the author of Divine Confinement: Facing Seasons of Limitation (Executive Books, 2005), speaks to Christian audiences, and blogs at www.brendaasmith.blogspot.com. She can be contacted at Brenda@breakfastwithfred.com