Page 82 - How to Drive the Bottom Line with People

Built to Serve

In 1836, nearly 200 defenders, including William
Travis, James Bowie, and David Crockett, held out for

13 days against Santa Anna’s army. For generations of
Texans, the battle has symbolized heroism, sacrifice,
and servanthood. Eventually, Texans gained their lib-

erty, and the Alamo became hallowed ground—the
undisputed cradle of Texas independence.
Odd as it might seem, asking my two children what
they remember most about waking up and going to
school would prompt the response that most morn-

ings I whispered in their ears, “I love you, and Jesus
loves you, too” and “Remember the Alamo!” Why
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= would I choose such statements?

First, as the leader of my family, I wanted them
both to know, regardless of what might happen that
day, that I loved them and that their Creator loved
them. Second, I wanted them to feel an emotional con-
nection in knowing that, for Texans, the Alamo serves

as a symbol of the extraordinary opportunities that
they have to do something meaningful with their lives.
It was one way of connecting my children to the liv-

ing memory of those brave defenders—a celebration
of their strength and their selflessness.
Servanthood is merely a starting point. A willing-
ness to mentor and help others realize their potential