What I Learned Running for Political Office

This past election season I decided to throw my hat in the ring and run for a seat on my county's school board.  What an amazing experience!  This is one item that I can definitely cross off my bucket list!

Throughout this process there were a number of things that I learned - about myself, my faith, politics and leadership.  Here are 10 things that came to mind:

1. The people of my county are diverse and extraordinary!
2. I have a better appreciation for the administrators, faculty and staff of our school system and the challenges they face.
3. Run a campaign for your own reasons and not on someone else's agenda.
4. There are certain legalities to running a political campaign - know what they are and how they affect your career.
5. Running a serious campaign takes money. Seeking political office is not cheap.
6. No matter how clearly you communicate someone will always misunderstand you or twist what you have said.
7. Work the DATA! Understand who your constituents are.
8. Surround yourself with prayer warriors and wise counsel.
9. No matter what - stay true to your convictions; you still have to look at yourself in the mirror each morning.
10. There's nothing that can take the place of a supportive family - especially an encouraging wife!
11. No matter how everything turns out, win or lose, God is still sovereign!

There are probably other lessons that I learned during this campaign but these are the ones that really stood out. If you are thinking about running for office I urge to get alone with God and pray it out. Then get with your spouse and pray some more.  Not matter what office you seek it's a big step!

Update at 9pm, July 22, 2014:
I've been watching the returns and I am humbled by the confidence voters of Barrow County District 4 have expressed in allowing me to serve them as their representative on the Board of Education.  With God's help and their input I hope to be their voice.  I want to thank Mr. Dunn for his service on the board and I look forward to his input in the transition process.  Thank you Barrow County for your vote!!

Articles of Interest

Sorry for not posting much the last few days. I've been reading a lot of blogs lately and have found a few articles that I would like to suggest you take a look at.

1. Criticism 101 It's hard to deal with criticism and I thought Mark Batterson's article was very good.
2. Make Some Money Chris Brogan is a well known social media guru and if you are needing some advice on making money on the web this is a great article.
3. How Much Influence Does MTV Have? Jonathan McKee is a youth specialist and I've used his site for many of my own youth messages. He also takes a good read on the teen culture.
4. Dan Brown's Loss of Faith Do you ever have one of those "what if" moments? What if Christians had a better handle on what we believe? Maybe Dan Brown would be writing good Christian fiction.
5. 11 Quick Tips to Enhance Your Facebook Page I love Facebook!! I'm connected with a lot of old friends from high school and college plus I've made quite a few new friends. I found this article to be very helpful and I hope to use some of the suggestions very soon.
6. Rob Bell Defines 'Evangelical' What does the term "evangelical" mean to you? I believe the term has been hijacked and it's lost the original meaning.

There's a lot more but I thought it might be "information overload" and there's already a lot here. Enjoy the articles and let me know your thoughts.