Listen to the women in your family business
After Samson’s mother recounts to Samson’s father the visit from the angel, he needs to hear it for himself. So the next time the angel appears, she (her name is never given) gets Samson’s father,...
Faith & Family Business
Dedication in the family business
July 15, 2024
Before Samson is born, his mother knows he’s coming because of her interaction with an angel, and she knows there are great expectations for him. Now she tells her husband, repeating to him Samson’s...
Expectations for leadership in the family business
July 8, 2024
Roughly two to three generations after the experiences of Jepthah, we have the story of another Judge, Samson. Israel had predictably followed the pattern laid out earlier in the Book of Judges and “...
On families, faith, and failure
June 30, 2024
I’ve spent the first half of 2024 drawing lessons from two of the leaders that “judged” or led Israel, Gideon and Jephthah, during Israel’s cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, as...
Clues to behavior in the family business
June 23, 2024
My last reflection was on Jephthah’s tragic vow and how the negative family cycle is occurring within the broader societal and spiritual cycle of Israel. Now we look at the last significant act of...
Overcorrecting in the family business
June 16, 2024
Jephthah, disowned by his family, is later sought out by Gilead’s leaders and promised the top position — if he returns to fight against the invading Ammonite army. He accepts, has some arguments...
Can you bargain for acceptance in the family business?
June 9, 2024
Jephthah, the son of a prostitute, who has been kicked out of his family’s house and is living in another country, is now asked by Gilead’s elders to lead the battle against the Ammonities. He points...
Unexpected leadership in the family business
June 2, 2024
Sixty years after Gideon, Israel is repeating the cycle of worshipping false gods, and is again in dire straits. In particular, the people living in Gilead are being ruled by the Ammonites, who use...
Repeating (and breaking) negative cycles in your family business
May 27, 2024
In my last reflection, Gideon and his family have become ensnared in Israel’s worship of the gold ephod (a vest worn by the High Priest) made from the spoils of war. However, Israel’s external...
The traps in your family or firm.
May 19, 2024
With skill and humility, Gideon brings the disgruntled Ephraimites to his side. Now, all of the people want him to be king, but Gideon refuses. He does, however, have one request:And Gideon said to...