Know Your Role

Recently, Debbi (The CornerStone Executive Director) and I had the privilege of walking another faith-based non-profit through a vision-setting process. The process called for a lot of reflection and as part of the exercise we walked them through a “Story” approach to help identify what their “client” needed and what they would have to overcome to successfully move forward in their life. You will recognize the approach. The format is what you likely see in some of your favorite movies or novels—Think Daniel Larusso and Mr. Miyagi in the original Karate Kid:

• The main character wants something

• They have a problem to overcome

• They discover a guide

• The guide presents a solution and calls them to action

• The character avoids a problem or better yet, goes on to become successful.

As a nonprofit it is easy to fall into the assumption that your organization is the hero of the story—A participant finishes a course, meets a goal, pays off debt, or nails an interview…

THAT is gratifying. You know you helped equip them for their success. BUT—

We are not the hero.

At best, we are a guide.

And it is good to know your role.

This round of Faith and Finances we are seeing our students overcome incredible odds to move forward in their version of success. Their courage, grit, and faith have been an inspiration.

THEY are the heroes.

We are sitting in the stands shouting encouragement.

And that is the CornerStone story.

We get a front row seat as heroes do heroic things.

For that we are grateful.