We Can Build It

Hands lifting a globeListening to the string of speeches during the Republican National Convention, what caught my attention was the frequent use of the phrase “We Built It” – a fairly obvious emphasis of the perceived differences between Republicans and Democrats. However, being who I am, instead of meditating on contrasting policies and political positions, I thought of you. When I see or hear the phrase “we built it,” I think of our investors and donors. Why?

Indeed you have built many important “its” in your lifetime. You built families, businesses, values, and your legacy. Every donor has a story not just about what was “built,” but also about the continual restoration, rebuilding, and remodeling that was critical to build, grow and safeguard your important “it” in its present state. So ask yourself, whom would you entrust to build up your family? Who do you trust to guide and manage your business? Who must develop your personal and family values and safeguard your legacy?
No one will work as hard or as passionately to protect and defend what you have built in your lifetime.

At the Stewardship Foundation, we understand your passion and that is why we continue to partner with you as you continue to build the legacy you and your family deserve. As always, never hesitate to contact us at the Stewardship Foundation so we can help you “Build It.”

Gold Medal Anticipation

The opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics is only hours away. Those on the planning committee have been preparing the host city of London over the past four years. If you have read or seen interviews of those in charge you get the sense that the city is ready – ready to host the world.

Olympic SwimmerWe will be treated to a magnificent display of talent and pageantry. While watching the extravaganza we may fail to appreciate all the hard work that led up to this moment. The performers want you to enjoy their efforts without analyzing or adding up the hours spent by the performers. However, they know and we know their proficiency was developed and executed over time.

After the opening ceremonies we eagerly await the competitions. We will cheer for our home athletes and we will marvel at their skill. We will be treated to many stories that will trace the journey of these athletes and their families. A common theme that will emerge is that many, many hours of practice and preparation were necessary to give these athletes the opportunity to compete for the gold medal. Parents and families sacrificed much to assist their athletes in their quest for gold. No doubt we too will shed some tears of joy when our athletes successfully achieve the medal for which they dreamed. They and their families may never be able to fully express their feelings while standing on that podium. All they might be able to appreciate, as they gaze out from the podium, is that the journey is worth it. They will not feel the need to explain to us how difficult the journey was or how many times they fell, or almost failed. They will just want us to enjoy this success with them.

The legacy planning the Stewardship Foundation invites you to explore parallels the Olympic journey of those hosting the events and the athletes competing in them. Legacy planning requires that you plan for future success and the “gold” you wish to leave your family and the charitable causes you support. The decisions you make now, and the plans you implement, can have a positive affect those important to you. And like the gold medal athlete basking on the podium, you too can rejoice in the fruit of your legacy that you started today. You will not have to explain the sacrifices you made to your family or the benefitting charity; you will rejoice knowing those you love and support will benefit from your gold medal foresight.

Contact the Stewardship Foundation to start your legacy today.

 

Why the Manhattan Declaration…

Although the Stewardship Foundation has been in existence since 1990, (You can read about our history: www.stewardshipworks.org), Joe Finneran and I decided to shift the foundation’s focus because we were inspired by the Manhattan Declaration. read the Manhattan Declaration This declaration is a statement of belief of course, but is also a challenge issued by Roman Catholic and Protestant pastors to embrace what we share; oppose what we know that violates our Judeo-Christian heritage; and put at God’s disposal what He has given to his people.

Too often people focus on what divides us and too often people embrace relativism and inaction.  Consequently ministries are dying on the vine because they are not replenished with the necessary resources even though those resources are available through existing and future donations.

The SF is an ecumenical, Christian-based foundation that works with all faiths that promote respect for human life from conception to natural death, honor traditional families that encourage the full development of men, women, and children who are created in God’s image; and that safe guard religious freedom as a means to embrace our Creator God, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we understand them.

Jesus said “For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40) We believe the Manhattan Declaration enables us to see that there are more people for us and our cause than are against us.  We at the Stewardship Foundation seek to be inclusive and unite those who are not against us.  Our challenge is to build on that which we share and encourage those who share our mission to financially support those ministries in the trenches furthering the kingdom of God here on earth.