A Lifetime Of Servant Leadership

We celebrated the life of my Mother-in-law, Jo, this past weekend. She lived a full and complete life, never one to rest, especially when her love and passions for family, friends, fellowship, faith, food, fun, art, home, music and dance were involved. 

Which meant JoJo (her grandmother name and how all fondly referred to her) was always in motion as she established more than twenty-three amazing homes during her husband's career, raised three children, fed, nurtured and loved numerous friends, extended family (as needed) and produced hundreds of works of art and embroidered items.

JoJo left a significant legacy of love and devotion to be remembered, embraced and kept alive through the significant accomplishments of her husband, children, in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and anyone she met who befriended any of her immediate family.

JoJo's oldest daughter and my wife +Cindy Goldsberry describes JoJo's exceptional traits and characteristics of servant leadership.

• Jo Jo was humble in spirit; there was no hint of pride or privilege despite her abundant talents and blessings. 

• Jo Jo was compassionate about the trials and suffering of others, both in their lives life and at the time of their passing. 

• Jo Jo showed tolerance and humility; she was easily imposed upon and quick to serve. 

• Jo Jo lived a virtuous and admirable life; this is evidenced by her work, her words, and her actions. 

• Jo Jo was quick to forgive and slow to punitive action. 

• Jo Jo saw only the best in people.

• Jo Jo had no time for ongoing discord. She never lamented on an unsettled dispute; she didn't engage in grudges or encourage their practice. 

• Jo Jo had no desire to dwell-upon, or even remember hurtful words and insensitive actions.

• Jo Jo honored God with and in her talents; she left a household of beautiful artwork and memorable meals as a tribute to the gifts He gave her.

Mathew 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Jo loved angels. Now she is one.

Thank you JoJo for modeling the way of genuine, authentic servant leadership where it truly makes a difference for all. JoJo's obituary. 

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

ZFactor blog explores and discusses a variety of techniques, tools and discoveries by successful people that will assist others to achieve greater personal and professional success. ZFactor is a proprietary coaching methodology based upon the premise that successful people think and act differently. The ZFactor methodology is proven to accelerate a person's ability to think and act differently.

Previous blog on JoJo's battle with cancer. A Quick Rant About Cancer

A Quick Rant About Cancer

CANCER SUCKS! Literally, it sucks the life out of good people who do good for others. The many thoughts and emotions make it difficult to put into a single blog all that encompasses the extent of the uncertainty, the waiting, hurt, pain, anger, heartache, hope, faith, compassion, grace, mercy and love constantly in motion around a cancer victim, family, friends, healthcare providers and community.

Over the past few years, the list of those, in my personal life, with cancer gets longer. I'm sure you have a similar list and most likely even longer.

• Wife is a 4+ year survivor;
• Mother-in-Law just passed away from an aggressive cancer;
• 2 cousin-in-laws are survivors;
• Several cousins are survivors and a few deaths (big family);
• 2 uncle-in-laws passed away due to cancer;
• A few close friends are survivors and others have died;
• Numerous friends, business associates, extended family and friends of friends have similar experiences; and,
• The list gets longer by the day with the emails and calls to ask for prayers.

That's Life

It is easy to say, "That's life," and go on about one's day. We all know the death card has already been dealt. It's just a matter of time before it gets played. It's easy to remain above the fray and differentiate one's self from the process. There is the thought and hope this too shall pass. Sure, the game ends for one, but another game begins for someone else.

That's life and death, but who will you be in the midst of the game? Are you a fan, the announcer, facility staff, team, support staff, coach or star player? I've been all but the star player - thank you, God. 

Made Me A Better Man

Early in life, I stayed above the fray. With age and being active in meeting lots of people, illness and death on a chart begins to look like a hockey stick based upon number of people to years.

As this insidious cancer crept ever closer into the lives of close friends, family, then my wife and now Mother-in-Law; I chose to hurl myself into the game in ways I never imagined. 

The hurt, pain, tears and love are like waves approaching the shore. The waves never stop - some are ripples and others are tsunamis. I call these emowaves. Some wash over you from a brief memory and others roll you over and over like a tsunami. Bottom line - like the hockey stick - the people I know with cancer and have died because of cancer have made me a better man.

Not because of the cancer, but truly experiencing the light they are in the world and to those they care for and love. May I continually strive to put into words the greatness of those I have had the opportunity to know. This Mandela quote provides a bit of insight into the life lived by my Mother-in-law.

"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously

give other people permission to do the same." 

                                          ~Nelson Mandela

Dedicated to JoJo, who lived life big and love for all, 

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing