I read a story yesterday about how a chaplain was fired for including the word “Jesus” in a prayer for the North Carolina State Legislature. Some hyper-sensitive soul was afraid that “Jesus” would offend those hearing the prayer.
In the midst of such craziness, I suppose I should place a disclaimer on the cover of “How to Lead by THE BOOK: Proverbs, Parables & Principles for Tackling Your Toughest Business Challenges” that “Jesus” is mentioned repeatedly throughout the book and to not make the purchase if you find His name offensive or dangerous. These are strange times we live in. It appears that those who find the name of “Jesus” offensive have gained veto power over those who are offended when His name is omitted.
I’ve started making my list of potential cover quote contributors. Publishers like to see how many influential cover quotes an author can secure to adorn the cover or opening pages of the book. Over the years, I’ve had many kind and generous men and women contribute quotes to promote my book: Zig Ziglar, John Maxwell, etc. However, it’s a bit of a pain to put this part of the project together. It is time-consuming and intrusive. You must contact each person, ask them to take the time out of their busy schedule to read your book, and then to offer a quote in support of it, all before a specific deadline. My list of potential contributors now stands at thirteen and includes business leaders, authors and entrepreneurs. I’ll contact them soon to get their commitment to review the book, and then send them a “draft copy” known as a galley proof to review at the appropriate time. If I can secure six strong quotes from the thirteen prospects I currently have, I’ll be very pleased.
I’ve decided to use the Eric Liddell story mentioned in yesterday’s blog post as a supporting principle in the strategy I present explaining that when faced with decisions to please either men or God, you must choose the latter. 1 Samuel 2:30 says it best: “…for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” I wonder if the now-lightly-esteemed employee in the North Carolina Legislature who objected to the name of Jesus is aware of this verse?
It’s Saturday. Time to enjoy leisure and put away the computer. Ironically, it’s during the times of “doing nothing” that the best ideas often emerge. I’ll keep the computer within reach, just in case.