Faith that we will endure AND facing the brutal facts

I am returning again and again to a blog by Nadia Bolz-Weber these days.  She draws on a story from “Good to Great” by Jim Collins, which I read years ago but had forgotten, about the Stockdale Paradox.  In these days of Coronavirus, as we begin loosening up restrictions from stay-at-home orders, I find this story and paradox to be powerful and timely.  As leaders, we need to face the brutal facts of a long-term economic recovery and the fact that large in-person events might still be months away.  The Stockdale Paradox reminds us that being an optimist is not what will save us.  Those who survive, according to the Stockdale Paradox, are those who:  1.) have faith that they will endure in the end and 2.) face the brutal facts of reality head on.  Here’s the 7 minute video blog or the written blog.  May it generate meaningful conversations in the days ahead.

Edith Yoder
Chief Executive Officer