Jonathan Andersen

A young pastor in an old denomination

Politics

Decision Points: Leadership Lessons from George W. Bush

“September 11 redefined sacrifice. It redefined duty. And it redefined my job. The story of that week is the key to understanding my presidency.” – George W. Bush

Every leader has a story. George W. Bush does an excellent job telling his story in his memoir Decision Points. This book had been on my reading list for a while but it wasn’t until last summer when I lived in Central America that I finally got around to reading it. There, in a concrete block room with a single light over head, I read Bush’s account of his presidency as the daily rainstorms prevented me from going outside.

Simply hearing the name George W. Bush provokes a wide range of sentiments in the hearts of Americans — particularly in the hearts of Central Americans whom I was surrounded by as I read the book.

Even so, love him or hate him, we can all learn from him.

Commencement

If you follow me on twitter, you know that I love quotes. And I know that people would get tired of me tweeting out Bush quotes four years after his presidency is over. So, below, I’ve shared some of the quotes I highlighted throughout the book as I read it. The chapter titles the quotes come from are in bold.

They offer unique insights into what I would argue is the most difficult job in the world. The ones I’ve included here largely center around leadership, but I’ve also included some that stuck out to me as a lover of political science and as a pastor. After all, George W. Bush is one of the most famous members of the United Methodist Church in the world today.

If these quotes spark your interest, I’d highly recommend this book. For as my friend Kate Hofler writes in her review of the book, “It will offer incredible insight into what the leader of our country was thinking for eight years of your life.”

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A Prayer for South Carolina

I’ve never blogged a prayer before but I sometimes journal them.  After following the UMC’s 40 Days of Prayer effort online and a heartfelt desire to respond in a productive way to the latest news involving Governor Mark Sanford I thought I’d try my first blogged prayer.

Almighty God,

We come to you disappointed, confused, sad, angry, and speechless.

Through the tears of the Governor we are reminded of times in our own lives when we have disappointed, hurt, and admitted failure to you and others.  We come to you as broken individuals that have sinned against you by what we have done and left undone.

Forgive us for mocking the sin of others.
Forgive us for rejoicing at others moral shortcomings.
Forgive us for constantly justifying sin in our lives and in the lives of others.
Forgive us for going about our daily routines and not loving as you love us.

We are uncapable of fully living the truths that we proclaim.
We are dependent on your grace.
Thank you for bestowing it upon us.

As the father whose love is never failing, pour out your extravagant love on the Sanford family in these difficult times.  Remind Mark that nothing can separate him from your love and forgiveness.  Lead him to sincere repentance.  Give his family hope for a brighter future that is lit by your love, mercy, and kindness

As the author of relationships, comfort the staff and friends of the Sanfords.  Provide friends, mentors, and spiritual leaders for all who are in need.

As the reconciler of the world, continue the work of restoring trust and relationships among all of us and with you.

And may the redemption we know through your son spread and conquer all selfishness,
Amen.

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Final Countdown

I meant to make a post regarding this a long time ago, but now it seems even more timely.

After religiously following election news for the past few months and watching all of the debates and forums, I believe that the best interviews with the candidates occurred at Saddleback Church.

If you missed Saddleback Church’s Civil Forum I recommend that you watch it in full. Both candidates had an hour of one-on-one questioning by Pastor Warren and it painted a telling picture of each candidate, their world view, and how they would approach the presidency.

To watch the Forum go here:
Saddleback Civil Forum in full

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Race42008

Check out this news/information aggregation website that I put together for the new freshmen seminar “Race to the White House.” Be sure and click on each of the tabs for more pages. Warning, this may be information overload for some.

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