Stupid is as stupid does…
ByThe reason I started blogging was to teach leadership and try to add value to you, my readers. But in today’s post I need to tell you something of a more personal nature.
I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my life. Early in my marriage I would win arguments with my wife, Margaret, and hurt her feelings really badly. I have made business moves that lost tens of thousands of dollars at a time. And I’ve made leadership decisions that led to failures for my organizations. But up until now, none of the dumb things I’ve done has gotten me arrested.
Here’s how this came about. Last Sunday, I was in Birmingham, Alabama, speaking for the Church of the Highlands. It’s a wonderful church with a marvelous leader named Chris Hodges. He is a good friend, the congregation is fantastic, and I had a terrific time.
Most of the time when I have speaking engagements, I fly commercially, especially when the commitments are far from home. But when the engagement is not very far away and it means that I will be able to sleep at home in my own bed, I’ll sometimes fly on a private airplane. That was the case on Sunday.
As I got on the plane, someone from Chris’ congregation gave me a gift: a handgun. “This is for Margaret,” he said, “so she can feel safe when you’re traveling.”
Now, I’m not really a gun person. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people who own guns. I have been hunting a few times with friends, so I’ve shot a gun before, but I’ve never bought one. It’s just not my cup of tea. But I knew this was being given as a gift from the heart, so I accepted it, put it in my carry-on, and got on the private plane and flew home.
And then I forgot about it.
For the next several days, I was focused on preparations for an upcoming speaking engagement in Dallas. There was a moment when I thought to myself, “Oh, I’d better remember to get that gun out of my bag,” but because I was in the middle of writing, I didn’t want to stop. By the time yesterday rolled around, it had completely left my mind.
If you’re my age, you may remember a cartoon character called “Mr. Magoo.” He was a man who seemed to wander from danger to danger without ever getting hurt.
My friends used to call me Mr. Magoo. For those of you a little younger, they have also called me Forrest Gump.
Well, off I went to the airport in full Mr. Magoo mode. In security, I put my carry-on bag on the conveyer belt and didn’t think anything of it. Truly, it’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done.
You can probably guess the rest. I was arrested, handcuffed, and taken to jail, where I was fingerprinted and photographed. Needless to say, it opened my eyes to a world I’d seen only in the movies. I was glad when I posted bail and was able to leave.
I said this post would be of a personal nature, but there is still a leadership lesson to be learned from it. First, take responsibility for your own actions. What I did was wrong, and it was my fault. I certainly didn’t intend to break the law, but I will face up to the consequences.
The second lesson, to use the words of my friend Kevin Myers, is this: “Stupid hurts.” If you’re not paying attention and you do something stupid, it’s going to hurt you.
In the end, I just hope my mistake isn’t going to hurt anybody but me.
Comments are closed on this post.
The same thing happened to Jerry Lewis last July. http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN2938528720080729
John,
Such is life. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes, hopefully the law looks at who and what you do and responds accordingly. Thank you for sharing though, most people wouldn’t admit to it so easily. Kudos my friend! All the best!
Kevin Bungert
John,
Thanks for helping to change the world! Sometimes when you are out changing the world trouble follows. Kinda like a superhero gets in a predicament every now and again!
You are loved and respected. Thanks for sharing this. You are a wonderful inspiration.
God bless you! Here is the scripture that came to my mind:
Numbers 6:24-26
Our God has you covered!
Keep helping to change the world…we love you!!!
Lisa
Hopefully people will understand and extend the grace that they would want extended to them.
Thanks for sharing that story, John! You made my day with your delivery and descriptions! And poor Margaret…did the gun get confiscated for evidence???
Surely — eventually — all will be well and you will have gained an outstanding ice breaker and illustration.
Safe travels and hurry back to CF soon.
Wow John, that is an unreal experience. Definitely one for the books and always makes great speaking material! But it sounds as if everything worked out well… You’re out of jail at least!
I love the principle shared within. Thanks for sharing and I pray God gives you favor for any upcoming legal matters as it was obviously a mistake. Thank you so much for your leadership and authenticity.
John, This is the reason you are such a great leader…. Mistakes happen, we all make them.
I love the fact that even through all of this your still teaching us and now that is Failing Forward!
I’ll be praying for you…. Remember that you have the favor of God and Jesus is your Advocate…
Also, I still say that John,your my friend!
Well, I declare! John, at last you have joined cyber world…and to think you had to go and get yourself locked up so I could see it with my own eyes! Hey, this will make for a very good leadership lesson and one more story…we all love you!
They probably took the gun, huh? Besides the embarrassment and humiliation you must have felt the other bummer is that you don’t have the gun anymore. I think your friend is a good guy for giving your wife a gun. I’m not a big fan of guns either, but when the fit hits the shan I’ll be the first one hiding behind my husband who will be holding one or our many that we kept for protection. You just never know in this crazy world. We need to protect ourselves and protect our rights to bear them. Thanks for sharing a personal Mr. Magoo moment. I’m a new reader of yours. You have already taught me so much. Keep up the good work Mr. Maxwell
[...] he posted an incredibly personal and vulnerable story about something that happened to him recently. I was both shocked and encouraged by it. Shocked [...]
Hi, john Maxwell,
i am a student at waianae high school and i am coomenting on one of the quotes that you came up with.”A leader is one who knows the,way and shows the way.” I really like this quote because it really motivates me to become a better leader to my family and my platoon. i am also in ROTC llike a military course for school and your quote has helped me alot in being a good leader. it shows that people like you do such good things to help people like me and cause of you and the faith of GOD i am a changed person now. i am looking forward to reading more of your quotes. just to let you know ahead of time i am going to present your quote to my class on thursday march 19,2009 so my class knows what a good quote writter you are.
thank you: samisoni latukefu
Ouch! I am so sorry you had to grow through that! I forget things all the time. My son is a USMarine and he bought me a gun. I accepted it because of the heart of concern it was given in He taught me how to use it responsibily, took me to the shooting range. I don’t like guns either, and I never imagined owning one or even touching one but I feel like this is a new world. Ask my daughter who lives in Sampson AL, she teaches High School there and now there is an “empty desk” in her 9th grade classroom… and a shattered community. Maybe this happened for a reason, times are changing and we need to know. Do we carry a gun as a Christian Leader? These are questions I thought I would never have to ask! I don’t know what is the right thing to do because these are things we never talk about in the Christian Churches!
John…John…John…inter-cranial flatulence happens to the best of us! Praise God you have such a life of integrity that this will be seen as an honest oversight! We still love you and appreciate you for all you do!
I simply cannot imagine the feeling you had in your heart when this happened! I appreciate the share. You have added value to so many. Keep up God’s work, friend.
John,I’m so incredibly happy that you are my teaching Pastor at my church. Your honesty and integrity is something that inspires me daily.
I’m so sorry you are going through this, but I can’t wait to hear your sermon on this experience. Your church family is waiting to ‘show you some love’.
If the Judge needs any witnesses, I’m sure the Christians of the world will be standing in line!
John-A similiar thing happen to my son who had not knowingly bought a “hot” gun from a close family friend. When he took the gun to resale at the local gun shop, they ran the numbers and arrested him. (He was embarrased beyond belief.) I used a few quotes from your book “Failing Forward” to encourage him. I would quote those to you but tht would seem cruel. My precious brother John your one of a kind-and as always we love you and count your “Magoo” presence on earth a true blessing!! (book ideal-”21 Irrefutable Laws of Airport Securtiy.”
John,
We are friends with Joel & Elisabeth. Prayers for favor going up for you. Joel & Lis have been keeping us in the loop. No one is going to beat you up over this, except maybe you!
We love you! Remember….Hannah, JP, James, Madeline & Ella!!!!!!!
John, no one in their right mind would purposely take a gun on a plane. They should know it was an acident. At the least the media should have mentioned that you had forgot to take it out of your case.
Well, one thing we know for sure God has a purpose in every thing that happens.
I see a new book coming out of this, “The Day I was Arrested.” You probably needed a little extra excitement in your life. This can add to the story of Clyde and Benny in your first church.
Thanks for your strong leadership skills you have taught us over the years.
Your friend in Hobe Sound, waiting to be a blessing!
On the brighter side… there “may” be a book out of this somehow!
Hello,
My prayers are with you. The best part of mistakes is learning from them. You have expresed the deepest humility. I believe God is going to honor you even more because you handled this hurdle very, very, very, well!!!
Sincerely,
Gibson Sylvestre,
I was teaching pilates and heard the news. I am a paralegal (retired, thank God) as well as a pilates instructor. I worked for a retired Judge (C. Michael Shalloway) ten years ago and the exact same thing happened to him; however, he was on his way through security at the courthouse and forgot that his handgun was in his briefcase. For some odd reason, he was so intrigued to be on the other side that he couldn’t wait to call me at the office to share the news. He was waiting to post bond at Gun Club. Aside from the fact that your gun was a gift, sorry to tell you John, this is one chapter that you plagiarized (just kidding). Catch up with you and the lovely wife soon. Nancy
John, I have great respect for you and know it was an honest mistake. We all have lapses in judgment at times. As long as we learn from them, which I’m sure you have, it will eventually be OK. Hang in there and keep up the great work. You are loved and accepted at Christ Fellowship!
We know Margaret is the one who packs your bags! John, we all love you! I can’t wait to hear this in a sermon to teaching again! What a story, what’s life without a little excitement. Loving you.
John, I am glad to see your blog up and running and it is truly upsetting to see these events take place, but according to God and his word. Everything happens according to His purpose! I also want to give a little shout out about one of your older books I am reading and loving. It is “Heroes of the Old Testament” I believe you are mentoring my Pastor, Ray Brock. I would love to send a book or two the next time you two meet for you to autograph if you don’t mind! God Bless and keep your eyes on Him, also thanks for all of the great leadership lessons, and sharing what you have learned from this incident.
You will do anything for new material. This is difinitely one for the laminated cards.
Hi John,
I’m praying that you will have favor through this. Hang in there. Thanks for being a great teacher and setting the example of how a leader stands up to mistakes made along the journey.
Your Student,
Ray
Thanks for setting an example of what a good leader does in a miserable situation. I am so sorry you are going to have to face the consequences, but I am know you will doit with grace and dignity.
No experience is wasted with Him! Not the good ones, nor the bad ones. You are a cool man of integrity and God will def. use this, thru you, to help pupils like me.
John, Since I first met you I sensed you were larger than life, caught up in your mission and driven like many of us in the bigger thing. Easy to miss an exit sign or no left turn,one way, dead end, etc. Don’t sweat the small stuff even if it makes national news beacause in the end , as outrageous as it sounds, it is still small stuff. I once had a science teacher Mr. Antonoochi, he always was forgetting his socks and used to wrap paper towels around his ankles. Most of the kid used to laugh at him but I loved him and hung on every word and to this day love science and have become a success in the health care field. So you never know.
Didn’t mean to end on tnat note, you never know that these kind of things really matter to people you have impacted at all and may, in some ways provide new opportunities. So may God put his blessings on this issue and an and all opportunities that may present themselves.
John, We respect you so much and know you are a man of integrity. Our son even wants to go to big church just to hear you. You make a difference in so many people’s lives and are such an inspiration. Be encouraged and know you have a lot of fans out there and prayer warriors on your side!
We will pray God uses this for His glory!
John
Sorry for your misfortune,Thank you for manning up,that’s a lesson in it self in today’s world. God Bless !!
John-
You have truly changed my life and the lives of so many others. Your work is an inspiration to all. I have become a better person and a better leader because of your work. You and Margaret have always told me that things happen for a reason. We may wonder “why” sometimes, but in the end, it all works out. You are still so loved and respected. Tis honest mistake would never change that. Blessings to you and Margaret!
Kim
Oh my dear Lord.
That makes it almost ok to unveil my arrest story.
almost.
You just went up 1500 levels in my book.
Thanks for being so authentic.
And thanks for signing my 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership book when I was 20.
You signed it, “Your friend, John”
I was able to convince no less than 20 friends that you and I were BFF’s.
Los
dear dr. maxwell,
we are wholly by your side!what gracious love of our Father is bathing your heart in this known moment entrusted to you and mrs. maxwell by our Father. we can only imagine the riches that will flow from the stewardship of this trial. thanks for your example of humility to us.
always in our hearts,thoughts, & prayers.
roger & ila
I have to say first of all… WOW! And second, as a high school teacher, I will from now on adopt that saying: stupid hurts
Your humility about this is astounding. Thank you for being so transparent! My husband and I have been greatly impacted by your leadership influence over the years. You’re well respected by this family, despite your forgetfulness! Hope the media goes easy on you, and whatever legal matters you have to deal with will be cleared up soon.
Well, son-of-a-gun
We love you John!!!
wah wah
Hey that guy that gave the pistol away was my dad!!!
I put the story on my blog!!!
Hey Mr.John Maxwell,
I’ve been in ministry for over 14 years (8 as a youth pastor, 6 as a pastor of leadership development). You’ve taught me so much (I know in a long-distance type of way…I hope I don’t sound too weird)and my ministry was changed that day I read Developing the Leader Within. Through your Injoy resources (as well as seeing you in person), I’ve learned that:
1. leadership is influence
2. Equip people to do the work of ministry
3. Listen to people
4. Build relationships with my team.
5. GROW, GROW, GROW (personal growth matters)
6. My attitude counts!
7. Live with passion (inner-fire in the belly).
and now you have modeled (for this 37 year old pastor)to own my mistakes, communicate them immediately, and admit my faults with a sense of humility.
Take care John, (and remember I here to tell you…”my name is Jamey and I am your friend”
Hope things go well! Blessings to you and your wife.
Thanks for sharing John. I just flew in from Hawaii. While there I purchased a new pocket knife. When I got to the airport in Honolulu I emptied my pockets in the bin and donated my new pocket knife to the state of Hawaii. Thank God no jail! I’m glad things turned out well, another great lesson for us all.
Mr. Maxwell -
Thanks a million for your ministry! I’ve personally been moved over the years by reading your books.
My prayer will be that the legal system will recognize this for what it is: an honest mistake by a busy man with a reputation of integrity.
Best wishes!
David
You’re ministry out weighs a stupid moment!! You’re awesome and like many have said hopefully the courts will recognise that.
Maybe you’ll get community service and you’ll serve like you’ve been doing all this time anyways hehe!
God increase you MORE!!!
Terry
shock and horror.
well I guess u can say that it’s a lesson learned.
This is great. Thanks for being honest. Your leadership principles just got even stronger in my mind.
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Real leadership requires Transparency, Integrity and Honesty. You are a shining example of this.
We ALL make mistakes; the problem is most of us try to JUSTIFY and HIDE them. You always inspire and help us to grow by sharing yours so openly.
We’re going to make mistakes; we’re going go fall; sometimes, we’re even going to fail. It’s how you handle them, yourself and others afterward that speaks to true character.
You’re an inspiration and father to millions, and know that each of us is praying for you.
Now I’m really convinced of it…you are one of the greatest leaders I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
No. This is beyond a stupid mistake.
The most important characteristic of a leader is responsibility.
You do not forget you’re responsible for a firearm.
Nick Kruger (South Africa)
Here’s some sympathy from a fellow traveler who has had five Swiss Army knives confiscated by TSA. Now it’s part of the checklist I go through before I fly. We all have our minds elsewhere at airports. Best wishes…and remind me not to go to the airport when you are there.
This will simply be the start of a new book that will help people like me! I love you John. You have impacted my life. I love Church of the Highlands! How did it go?
Hey man, what a story. You’ve always been such an inspiration to me and my business. I’m glad to hear your “human” and make mistakes like the rest of us. Be encouraged and keep doing great things!!!
John, look for my new book coming out soon . . . The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Airport Security.
Ha. Thanks for your story. Peace.
John, what an amazing man you are . . . not only do you own up to your mistakes, but you share it with others. Even after most people are caught, the first thing out of their mouth. . . “it’s not my fault,” and then of course, we find out later it was their fault! My guess is you were kind to the people who arrested you and behind bars. You never know what lives you may have touched. you have sure touched mine.
Thank you for coming right out and admitting what happened instead trying to cover it up or justify it. This has set an example for me of how to handle mistakes.
-met
I should also tell you I did a similar thing with a large knife I use when working on aesthetics around the church. The only difference being, they didn’t notice it was in my bag. I noticed when I was in the air and reaching in my bag for my laptop. The blade is about 6 inches long. I felt like such a felon.
John my respect and admiration for you deepens in light of this story. As a young up and coming leader I am taught not to shy away from failure but to accept it and learn from it. Thanks for your transparency and your life of pursuit…George
OMGoodness! You must have been mad at yourself, embarrassed at your stupidity and shocked back to reality all in one thundering bolt.
I am not sure if I have ever heard of a woman accidently carrying a weapon in her luggage and forgetting its there. But I do have to say we women juggle and have many spiders in our brains to remind us to do things in order or remember them. You may want to buy some of those little bright color square pieces of paper stuck together called post it notes. When I get overloaded, I use them!
Aren’t you glad the stupid’s before you have paved a way for forgetful men like yourself. *lol*
God Bless your heart
Your honesty and willingness to make this a teachable moment is worthy of much respect. Thank you for your transparency.
I have done the same thing with a pocketknife before; luckily I just got a reprimand but never saw the inside of the clink. I did lose the knife, though–which was a monogrammed wedding gift.
Yours seems like an honest mistake. Thanks for being transparent!
Your story is great. It’s the best post I’ve ever read on leadership.
I feel like I am in good company. No less dumb as dumb does, but somehow my Mrs. Magoo antics now seem okay. If John Maxwell can make mistakes and get arrested, I’m free to go and do likewise. Make mistakes that is. I’ve visited jail before and don’t want to reside there.
Thanks for blogging!!
Brilliant pre-emptive strike John. I love your style.
Pastor,
Thank you for your honesty and transparency. Even in your mistakes you are an inspiration and a leader to look up to.
We will continue to keep you in our prayers,
Perry
John, you didn’t do anything wrong. The words “wrong” and “illegal” do not mean the same thing. Please do not apologize for the stupidity of our government. They infringe upon your rights, you were just absentminded. I pray all charges are dropped, as they should be.
John,
I certainly understand how this happened. I know how forgetful you can be. I love that you shared this with us. I really needed this. I know the Lord lead me to the blog. I can now accept how my day with knowing at least I did not get handcuffed or arrested.
You are the great encourager and great example to us. Thank you Dee
[...] Read the full blog post here [...]
Dr. Maxwell,
I am doing a paper on ethical leadership, and I want to thank you for modeling to us how to accept responsibility. I love reading your books, and now I know you really are real.
Prime example of “don’t put off for tomorrow what you could be doing today”
hey john
didnt paul spend time in jail? and do some of his best writtings….is God speaking to you??
Dear Mr. Maxwell:
I was working out this morning at the Gym, when I saw the news on T.V. My first thought was, Oh Lord let this not to be any sin of sexual nature. Thank God it wasn’t. I read your blog page and I was at peace. I saw you for the first time in the Stuart Campus around Christmas, and I was inspired by your message and the story about the heart problem that you had in Atlanta. May the good Lord keep you from evil. God bless you! and thank you for sharing your story.
Love, Olga (Stuart Campus)
To: John Voelz says:
Re: Post # 2
“John, look for my new book coming out soon . . . The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Airport Security.”
Mr. Voelz, you, sir, caused coffee to come perilously close to shooting out of my nose. You almost owe me a new computer keyboard!
Mr. Maxwell, that was great. Thank you for sharing… now I have a personal template for “what to do when presented with a handgun as a gift”.
Priceless.
the comments keep building. I would say this is going to be a bigger story yet. I pray it’s because of the positive influence the upfront, honest way you are approaching it.
Hey John,
Thanks so much for your story. I (very) recently had a similar experience involving a video shoot and a fake hand gun on our church premises. It was humiliating on a number of levels, but you are so right with the points you make. I appreciate your candor in admitting your own stupidity in this situation and in taking full responsibility. I share that sentiment, and it’s good to know that I’m not alone-even John Maxwell has run-ins with the police!
Thanks Again,
Josh
this highlights to me the importance of listeing to the still small voice speaking to our hearts…thank you for living transparently
WOW too bad that happened. Ill pray & have faith that the Lord will intervene. Similar situation happened to me. My city slicker husband & I flew to visit my redneck gun packing, hunting family where everyone has a few guns & he shot a gun for the first time & kept the spent amunition shells for a souvenir. LOL I stuck it in his luggage & forgot it. Few days later going through airport security 10 cops swarmed my (Arab) husband & I, & we wouldve been arrested, but our necks were saved by my govt. security clearance(employed by US Airways @ the time)
just a thought
1st for takeing ownership of your failures and not passing the buck… i wanted to ask, your a man of God,and you recieve a gift for your wife…dont you have a security system? and im not just refering to some alarm company at your home.i’m refering to Gods words,his promises…trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…..
God disciplins those he loves….
My heart stopped when I saw the teaser for local pastor arrested. Although I always look to my God, I did not want another dissapointmet from someone I consider a spiritual leader. When I saw it was only a gun at the airport, I almot burst out in song! Sorry Dr. Maxwell for your trouble… perhaps it is simply a lesson in slowing down!
When it comes to teaching leadership, John Maxwell is unparalleled. But John is more than a teacher; he is a leader in his own right and his demeanor in this serves as an example to the rest of us in how to respond to our own mistakes.
John immediately acknowledged the mistake and oversight and is taking responsibility for his actions, just as he has advised millions of people to do.
It was a simple mistake and should not have any negative effect on how people view John. And frankly, it’s not all that uncommon: see Dennis Farina, Barry Switzer, Jerry Lewis, Mike Huckabee’s son, the list goes on.
I’m not excusing it, but as someone who also travels a great deal, I know the feeling of just trying to get from one place to the next in time for the next appointment and sometimes waking up not remembering immediately what city you’re in.
As someone who has worked with John in the past, I certainly stand behind him and will continue to recommend and engage him to help teach the rest of us what it means to be a leader. I look forward to our presentation in West Virginia later this year and other engagements in the future.
Paul
OK – I don’t think there is anything wrong with owning a gun, and I can certainly relate to forgetting about it in the briefcase. But I do have one question. Why do Christians feel the need to carry a weapon. What about all those scriptures we here about where God is our protection or does that only work in the OT. I can understand law enforcement or armed forces people using one, but Christians? If you want to feel safe, how about an alarm or guard dog, but a gun? Again, you have an incredible testimony and I have visited your excellent church. But Sir! I think you embarrassed yourself, your church and the gospel. Jesus didn’t run around with any weapons, instead he gave his life. Be more careful the next time and God continue to bless you.
John
I’m still learning from you. Thanks for being a transparent leader that cares enough to help us grow.
The next book you write are you going to sign it John Maxwell or 83457654 (your jail number)
God knows all about it. He knows your heart. I still love you in the Lord. No problems here brother. For all you have done for me……thank God. In Christ, Don Peterson
My wife Rachael and I are part of the Christ Fellowhip (Gardens) family and I would just like to say how we love you and always enjoy when you are speaking. The 1st message I ever heard from you was about THE CHAIRS. We have never forgotten it. You are in our prayers. We think no less of you because of this incident. We still wish to learn from you.
May God Bless you John Maxwell.
Arnie & Rachael
Surely I can not be the only person who finds this to be disturbing. How exactly does one forget they have a handgun in their bag? My prayers go out to Christ Fellowship and hope their church and beloved ministry will not be negatively impacted because of Mr. Maxwell’s careless and improper actions. There is obviously more to this story than Mr. Maxwell would have us believe. Sorry but the “Mr. Magoo” theory just doesn’t hold water. I notice you aren’t posting any comments that don’t show you in a positive light. Why is that John Maxwell?
John,
Nothing happens by accident. God has taken you through this experience, so you can create a new story to tell the world in your next books, perhaps a sequel to Today Matters.
You are blessed abundantly, continue to help change the world one person at a time.
Ghaghhhh!!!
What a fluke and a nightmarish freak incident. John, our hearts go out to you. And for those who would like to seize the opportunity to assassinate the character of a man of God I would caution you, not to hop on the “let’s all kill a great leader” piranha fest that is so common in the church world, by silly church people, as such silly church people have probably done stupider things that no one knows about (yet anyway…)
No doubt this was an absent minded mistake as any reasonable person would know that a gun will not by pass security; especially now days. To even insinuate even for one moment that John Maxwell “attempted to commit a crime” as this one and think that he could “get away with it” is nothing short or foolishness and ignorance.
Definitely embarrassing, but a freak absent minded incident nonetheless. Stuff like this happens and that does not diminish the credibility of a great, God fearing leader of excellence as is Dr. John Maxwell. Our prayers are with John and appreciate him very, very, much. Just brush off the dirt, and move on to greater things! Leadership happens.
Down from my soapbox
Mark Ellis M.B.A., Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor of Business
Management and Leadership
Father God,
You are our King, our Father, our Jehovah Jirah. I praise your Holy Name and thank you for loving us. Father, you know Dr Maxwell better than anyone. You live inside him, guide him, protect and provide his every need. Father, I thank you for delivering and honoring our friend, your child John Maxwell. “”Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16
You are mighty God and I praise you, Father and thank you for going before John and lighting his way. Father I thank you for having favor for John and pray, Father, that you bless the court as he deals with this incident. I love you and thank you, in Jesus’ precious and holy name I pray, Amen.
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Thanks!
Dr. Maxwell,
Sitting in church this evening, I heard the shocking news, as your fellow brothers and sisters prayed for you. You are a man of God and one of high regard in our community. Your uplifting sermons and charismatic teachings have encouraged my growth in Christ. My life has been blessed because of your caring words. Thank you for your integrity. Your honesty. For being the man of God you are. My prayers are with you and your family.
In His Holy Name,
Kay
Dear Mr. Maxwell,
I really don’t think that was stupid. It was just a mistake. We all make mistakes like that. It had worse consequences than other mistakes, because of the times we live in, but it was still just a simple mistake.
While I understand and admire your desire to take responsibility with humility for your actions, I would encourage you to give yourself some grace on this.
The enemy prowls about like a roaring lion you know…and he would love nothing more than to heap condemnation on you with words like “stupid”.
And also keep in mind my dear brother:
“…mercy triumphs over judgment.”
-James 2:13
“The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord.”
-Psalm 37:23
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”
-Romans 8:1
Praying for you to walk in His grace and mercy through this.
Blessings,
Melissa
Hello Dr. Maxwell,
I am fairly new on the staff at CF, but had the AWESOME priviledge of setting in on your teaching at the beginning of the new year, as well as the taping of a video piece for your new book. I’ve also read or listened to so many of your books and they have helped me in so many ways. Seeing you in your “humanness” gives me so much hope that my humanness is okay and natural! You have made a HUGE impact and added so much value to so many, it’s really cool to read these comments and see so many of those adding value to you! God will use this to use you in some unusual ways. This did not take Him by surprise! THANKS for who you are!
I don’t feel so bad. While traveling recently I got a letter opener as a gift like you got and was raked over the coals and almost arrested. I’ve been married to Mr. McGoo for years. Ask John Hull what my husband was like at his Birthday party. We love you. You are the greatest. I hope you got your gun back. Our forefathers came here with a gun in one hand and a Bible in the other. A gun and a kind word accomplishes more than just a kind word. We’re from the only state that shoots its’ State Bird Our airport sells shotgun shells and has hundreds of hunters with guns walking around with them. Maybe God is telling you to come to SD and participate in one of our phesant hunts. God Bless, Leslee and Allen Unruh (Amber’s Parents)
John…we are from Tucson, AZ and watch the services online. We found CF and you two yrs ago as I was driving around the area trying to find a church to attend for the month we would be in town. Now some people would say it was just a coincidence how I found CF, but we know better. The Lord led us right to the front door and we have been truly blessed to hear the word from you and Pastor Tom. The real blessing came this past winter, when my husband’s employer said we would be in West Palm for 7 months. Whoohooo…I wish I could take this bullet for you John (wrong choice of words…lol) because this was just a simple mistake. Can you imagine how many people would be willing to stand on your behalf…what a visual huh!!! We love you and pray for you.
John: Did you witness while you were there? Now that you have a record you could always change your name to Paul!
You are a true Blessing to us all! Stay the course~
Doug Mollo
An arrest takes a toll on our emotions whether we want it to our not, especially for a Christian leader who works hard to keep a good reputation. The advantage of this experience is that it will help you to be amazingly more merciful to others who have been arrested. You won’t have to try to care; you will simply care about them.
Dr. Maxwell,
I am so sorry that you had to endure the suffering and humiliation at the airport. But just think of the suffering that our Savior experienced here on earth while He was spreading the good news. And you certainly aren’t stupid!
I so enjoyed the Success Seminar and Sunday services last weekend in Birmingham, AL. I am attending “The 5 Levels of Leadership” seminar March 17 in Charlotte, NC. I can never get enough of your material on leadership. Our world needs more great leaders of integrity and passion such as yourself.
You are the best; don’t forget that! You know that God will use this ‘unfortunate incident’ for His glory.
I am praying for you during this trial and always!
Your friend and soulmate,
Johnda
I still support you! I think a new book will come out of this experience!
After some very personal surgery Ii had on my personal parts I could have easily forgot something like this as well. Have you recently had anything like that in your life lately? God bless you.
Concerned from Hobe Sound
I’m curious to know how Margaret reacted!!!