Succession Lessons from David and Absalom
The last few weeks I’ve reflected on the “dark side” of succession. I wrote about the way in which David brought his son, Absalom, home to Jerusalem; the image of Absalom, including his attempts to...
Faith & Family Business
Caring for those who care for you
April 28, 2023
My last reflection summarized the saga between David and Absalom in which Absalom tried to take his father’s position as king. In the final battle between David and Absalom’s armies, David’s key...
A Thanksgiving Prayer for the Family Business
April 28, 2023
I’m taking a break this week from our study of David and his family, and sending you an updated version of a prayer I wrote several years ago for those working in family businesses. May God’s...
Who helps you stay the course?
April 28, 2023
Our last few weeks focused on how Absalom, King David’s son, tried to force succession by dethroning David. Now, Absalom’s younger brother Adonijah, wants to become king. King David is very old and...
How will you instruct the next generation?
April 28, 2023
My last reflection focused on how King David, now very old and feeble, came to name his son Solomon as the successor to the throne. David’s final words before his passing include the following...
Staying faithful in distress
April 28, 2023
As we wrap up our year-long study of David and his family, I’d like to end with reflections on a few Psalms, the ancient Hebrew hymns reflecting several episodes in David’s life. (That there are...
A blessing for grandparents in the family business
April 23, 2023
My grandparents, on both sides of my family, had a significant influence on my life. One set of grandparents fostered my interest in agriculture, and, through our family’s struggles and challenges,...
A blessing for your estate planning efforts
March 26, 2023
Estate planning involving a family-owned business is a difficult endeavor. You are contemplating the future of the business you built, which is a big part of your legacy. You are thinking about your...
A blessing for a family business gathering
March 12, 2023
Gatherings of family or family business members can be at times taken for granted and at times intentionally avoided: “We’re always together” or “We never meet.” Roles or proximity might require...
A blessing upon the passing of a family business member
February 26, 2023
When a family business member passes away, it can feel doubly painful because we have lost someone who was part of two overlapping families: our extended family and our work family. The person who...