Byron's Babbles

I ended yesterday’s post, “In Love With Justice, Part I”, at Barrelhouse BBQ having a Grilled Cheese Crack Jack. Then I was off to Jack Daniel’s Distillery for a tour. I wanted to see the results of Fawn Weaver’s leadership in telling the story of the relationship of Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniel. I was immediately greeted by a Nearest Green exhibit. Also there is a place on the Jack Daniel’s website dedicated to Nearest Green. Click here to check it out. I was so excited!

The exhibit had a Green family tree, incredible photos, and a great narrative of the Nearest and Jack story. Having read Love & Whiskey I knew this exhibit would have never happened without Fawn’s telling the story. As she says, “May all the stories find the light.” She has got to love the mention of her in the exhibit when it says, “Because of her efforts [Fawn Weaver], we [Jack Daniel’s] now believe Nearest Green to be the first African American master distiller on record.” What a great tribute to all the work Fawn had done for lifting the memory and shining a light on the memory of Uncle Nearest.

It was so exciting to see the cave where the “cave water” that is still used to make Jack Daniel’s products today. Also, we went into Jack’s original office and we were given more information about Nearest’s role in mentoring Jack while an enslaved purpose and being his master distiller. We were shown the photo of Jack with Nearest’s son George (see above), who worked for Jack after Nearest retired. The thing I want to point out is how Jack has George right beside him in the photograph. Fawn points out several times in the book how inclusive Jack was and recognized the contributions of all. You really need to read the book, because there is so much more. I was just excited to have a portion of the tour guides talk in Jack’s original office dedicated to the Green family.

After the tour, I had to stop by Jack Daniel’s grave. I did take a moment to sit in one of the benches they have at his grave. What I really wanted to do, however was find the memorial that Fawn had put in the “colored” cemetery the next hill over. I’m using the term “colored” to give the historical context in the same way Fawn does in the book. Fawn was not able to find the exact resting place of Uncle Nearest, but the Highview Cemetery seems a likely place and there are many Green family members buried there. She made a point of making sure it could be seen from Jack’s grave. And it could. As I stood there I was so ashamed that there was a time where there was a “white” cemetery and a “colored” cemetery. But there they were. Right there – two hilltop cemeteries right next to each other, but separated nonetheless. Again, I was experiencing history first hand and doing some heaving reflecting. Again, so thankful for Fawn Weaver helping shine light on all this and helping us navigate and do better.

I’m not sure we can ever make up for all the atrocities of racism, but we must try. We must continue to seek justice. We must continue to be in love with justice. Most importantly, we need to grow and be better every day, right now. We can do that! I want to close Part II with the inscription on Nearest’s memorial: “Father. Husband. Mentor. The Best Whiskey Maker The World Never Knew.” We know you now, Uncle Nearest!

I finished reading The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter yesterday. I was reading this book as part of my C. S. Lewis research. Baxter was an influence on Lewis’s views on Christianity as well as the inspiration for the “Mere” part of Mere Christianity. I was fascinated by how evergreen Baxter’s work was for having been first published in 1656. I was also amazed at how Baxter used an easy to understand, concise, and relatable voice. He actually talked about how being easy to understand is an important leadership trait. While Baxter’s audience for this work were ministers, this is a very insightful book on leadership for all. One of the references he made toward the end of the book was that of Michelangelo’s meticulous approach to preparing his own materials for artwork. Baxter told us that Michelangelo made his own brushes with his own hands. In my research of this, I found varying accounts of whether this was true or not. Regardless of whether myth or fact, it is still a great metaphor.

Baxter used this example to illustrate the importance of dedication and hands-on involvement in one’s work. Baxter emphasized that Michelangelo took great care and pride in his craft, which reflects a deeper commitment to excellence. By personally crafting his tools, Michelangelo demonstrated a deep commitment to his art. Leaders can benefit from being personally invested in our projects and teams, which can inspire others and foster a culture of dedication. By being involved in the process, Michelangelo could fully understand the challenges and nuances of his artwork. If we take time to engage with those we serve we can build stronger relationships and identify areas for improvement more effectively.

Just as Michelangelo carefully selected and crafted his tools, we should pay close attention to the details of our work environment and processes. This can lead to better quality outcomes and a strong foundation for success. The process of creating his own tools reflects Michelangelo’s continual pursuit of mastery. We should encourage ongoing learning and development for ourselves as well as within our teams, empowering individuals to hone their skills and bring new ideas to the table. This was a huge part of the point of Baxter that we need to continue studying and learning and making sure we are teaching others.

This speaks to the whole point of Baxter writing The Reformed Pastor. He was driving home the fact that true leaders and ministers should take the time to cultivate their skills and be intimately involved in their tasks, much like Michelangelo did. This hands-on approach allows individuals to fully understand their work, connect with it on a personal level, and ultimately serve others more effectively. Baxter highlights that such dedication can inspire those around us and lead to more impactful leadership.

My fascination with Exploring Low Tides started earlier in the week on Tybee Island. I have learned that the land in the tidal range is called the intertidal zone. The intertidal zone here on Tybee has a great many tide pools. I also learned that this intertidal zone is home to some of the ocean’s richest biodiversity. Then within the intertidal zones there are other zones (eg. splash zone, low-tide zone, mid-tide zone, high tide zone, and others). Check out Cause and Effect: Tides to learn a whole lot more.

I became fascinated by the beach streams that are formed by the receding tide. Some of these tidal streams have a pretty strong current and in some parts of the world used to create energy. As I studied these streams on Tybee and realized they are formed a little different with each tide recession I pondered about the metaphor these beach streams created.

The formation of beach streams as water recedes from high tide can be seen as a metaphor for resilience and adaptation. Just as the shifting tides create new paths in the sand, individuals and teams can navigate through life’s challenges and discover new opportunities for growth.

When the water pulls back, it leaves behind streams that carve their own courses, illustrating how change often leads to unforeseen possibilities. This metaphor highlights the importance of being flexible and open-minded; just like the streams that adapt to the landscape, we too can redefine our paths and emerge stronger after setbacks.

Moreover, the ebb and flow of the tides can symbolize the cyclical nature of challenges and successes in leadership. As leaders experience high tides (moments of pressure and intensity) followed by retreats (periods of reflection and learning), we can cultivate a love of learning that allows them to innovate and lead effectively in the future.

The other night I had the amazing view of the moon in my featured photo shining on the Atlantic Ocean. I was amazed by all the light the moon was providing to see by. Also, the mirror the ocean was providing to the moon was breathtaking. The moonlight glistening on the ocean serves as a powerful metaphor for leadership. Just as the moon illuminates the vast waters, guiding sailors towards their destination, a great leader provides clarity and inspiration to their team.

The reflection of the moon on the ocean’s surface symbolizes how a leader’s vision can radiate outwards, creating a ripple effect of motivation and purpose. Like the ocean, which embraces the moon’s glow, a successful team mirrors the values and direction set by their leader, working in harmony to navigate both calm seas and turbulent storms. Together, they create a beautiful partnership, reflecting their collective strength and shared aspirations.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to walk the entire east and south beaches of Tybee Island at the point of lowest tides. I have always been fascinated by the tides and when I am near an ocean I always get a tide chart. Yesterday as I was exploring I thought about low tide as a leadership metaphor! Most times we think of this low in the negative, but yesterday I was seeing so many cool landforms, sandbars, rocks, and ocean wildlife that can never be seen in high tide. This caused me to mentally explore how low tide represents moments of clarity and opportunity in leadership. During these times, leaders can uncover hidden potential and strengths within our teams that might be submerged during busier, “high tide” situations.

Here are some of the thoughts I had while walking on the beach:

1. Visibility of Strengths: Just as sandbars and landforms become visible at low tide, we can see the unique talents and capabilities of our team members when they take a step back and lower the pressure. This visibility allows for better resource allocation and team alignment.
2. Creating Space for Reflection: Low tide provides a moment for introspection and strategic thinking. Effective leaders use these times to reflect on successes and challenges, adjusting our approach to foster growth and resilience.
3. Building Relationships: When the tide is low, there’s often a sense of calm that can foster deeper connections. Because relationships are so important, we should use low tide moments to engage in meaningful conversations, strengthening team bonds and understand individual motivations, needs, and goals.
4. Navigating Challenges: Just as navigating rocky shorelines can be tricky at low tide, effective leaders must carefully assess the current landscape of their organization, identifying both obstacles and opportunities.
5. Preparing for High Tide: We can use low tide to prepare for upcoming challenges or busy periods. By leveraging this time effectively, they ensure that our team is ready to respond to future demands.
6. Skill Development: Using low tide as a time for training and skill-building allows team members to grow professionally. Leaders might organize workshops, online courses, or mentoring sessions, ensuring their teams have the skills needed for future challenges.

During low tide, leaders can take a step back and reassess how everything is going in the organization. Low tide really provides a time for reflection. We need to take the low tide moments and use them to our advantage.

On Monday evening we had the chance to eat at a highly recommended place on Tybee Island, Fannie’s On The Beach. Awesome food, incredible people, and first rate service. The one thing they had that put the customer experience over the top was butcher paper on the table and crayons. Those that have been a part of my gatherings know I love using crayons and creating images. Of course, Monday night was no exception, I began coloring immediately. My subject was a tractor and baler baling hay. Because we use New Holland equipment on our farm I began designing a blue tractor. Then I realized I only had four colors in my cup – red, blue, yellow, and green.

After this realization I got up and walked to a couple of other tables to see if I could find a black crayon for the tires. I quickly realized that there were only the same four colors on every table – red, blue, yellow, and green. What to do? Improvise and create with the colors I had. Are you beginning to see the leadership lessons coming through? Bottom line: my art was a hit with everyone at Fannie’s. Here is my creation:

We can learn several valuable lessons from working with a limited palette of red, blue, yellow, and green crayons to create a picture:

1. Resourcefulness: With only a few colors, we must think creatively and find ways to effectively use what we have. This mirrors the need to make the most out of limited resources in real-world scenarios.
2. Collaboration: Just like blending colors can create new shades, leaders can discover the importance of collaboration. Working with others’ strengths can bring out more vibrant results than going it alone.
3. Simplicity: Sometimes, limitations can drive simplicity in decision-making. Focusing on a few key elements allows leaders to prioritize our goals and strategies without becoming overwhelmed by options. I’ve got to tell you I believe my drawing was better because of the simplicity of only having four colors. This really made me reflect on the importance of both conciseness and limiting the number of options.
4. Innovation: Constraints often inspire innovation. Leaders can learn to think outside the box and experiment with different combinations and techniques to achieve a desired outcome.
5. Perspective: Using only a few colors can help us appreciate the beauty in simplicity and uniqueness. It teaches us to value diverse perspectives and approaches within our teams.
6. Patience and Practice: Creating a beautiful picture with limited crayons may require trial and error, teaching leaders that mastery takes time and effort.

By embracing these lessons, we can enhance our own skills and foster creativity within our teams, even when faced with limitations.

I blogged about shadows before in Our True Essence. That post was inspired by George MacDonald, who in Phatastes, used the metaphor of Anodos’ shadow to represent his inner and negative emotions. In that blog entry I said, “He (Anodos) was glad to lose his shadow because it symbolized letting go of his past traumas and struggles, allowing him to move forward with a sense of lightness and freedom. Losing his shadow enabled Anodos to embrace personal growth and transformation. In Phantastes we learned the importance of embracing all aspects of ourselves, even the parts we may want to hide or ignore. It serves as a reminder to always stay connected to our inner selves and not let external influences cloud our true essence.” Yesterday, as I was taking a walk on the beach, I noticed my shadow – because of the angle of the sun, it was really tall (see featured photo).

While standing there on the beach studying my shadow, I pondered the idea of the metaphor of a shadow indeed having positive connotations. While George MacDonald may have depicted the shadow as a representation of negative aspects or unresolved issues, it could also symbolize protection, depth, and the complexities of our existence. Just as a shadow adds dimension to a landscape, our shadows can represent the depth of our experiences. They remind us that our past, both light and dark, contributes to who we are today.

Shadows are a natural byproduct of light. In this sense, they can symbolize growth and the interplay of challenges and successes in our lives. The darkness can motivate us to seek the light and strive for improvement. Acknowledging our shadows—our flaws, fears, and vulnerabilities—can foster empathy towards others. Shadows remind us that light and dark coexist. Embracing all parts of ourselves leads to a more balanced, authentic life. It encourages acceptance of our imperfections and the understanding that they contribute to our humanity.

The shadow we cast can also refer to the impact we have on others—our influence, values, and teachings. A positive legacy can inspire and guide future generations. By reframing our shadow in a positive light, we can appreciate it as a complex aspect of the human experience that reflects our journeys, relationships, and contributions.

Please allow me to have a third post in a row inspired by Richard Baxter and The Reformed Pastor (1656). Baxter’s spending a great deal of time on necessities versus superfluities has caused me to pause and do a great deal of thinking. Baxter emphasized the importance of discerning between necessities and superfluities in various areas of life, particularly highlighting how this understanding can guide us as individuals and leaders in our pursuits and service of others. We should prioritize the activities that align with our values and goals over those that simply fill time but lack meaningful value.

Baxter also stressed committing to lifelong learning and self-improvement as essentials, instead of chasing after status or accolades that may not contribute to true personal development. Gregory Nazianzen said, “Necessaries are common and obvious; it is superfluities that we waste our time for, and labour for, and complain that we attain them not” (p. 47). Baxter gave us this quote to emphasize the idea that basic needs and necessities in life are typically clear and universally recognized, while it is often the pursuit of excess and non-essential things that consumes our time and energy.

Nazianzen suggested that people tend to focus too much on superfluous desires, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction when they don’t achieve them. The point he makes encourages individuals to prioritize what truly matters in life—the essentials—rather than getting caught up in the endless chase for more or superficial gains. It’s a reflection on the importance of wisdom and contentment in one’s pursuits.

These superfluities can be related to many areas of our lives and leadership; even our reading. Baxter even gave us an example in choosing the books we learn from when he said, “If you are to choose what authors to read yourselves, will you not rather take those that tell you what you know not, and that speak the most necessary truths in the clearest manner, though it be in barbarous or unhandsome language, than those that will most learnedly and elegantly tell you that which is false or vain, and ‘by a great effort say nothing’” (p. 58). We must commit to lifelong learning and self-improvement as essentials, instead of chasing after status or accolades that may not contribute to true personal development.