LARRY RAGLAND
I was recently asked at bedtime by my wife if I would read and evaluate this book ASAP. Before lunch the next day I said I approved and she immediately ordered a copy for her girlfriend’s husband whose life greatly resembles the authors, Larry Ragland. Pray that Larry’s message for his readers will also divinely inspire this suicidal husband and that he’ll find both forgiveness and Big Picture purpose. I personally thought the book started slow (perhaps I was tired) but Larry soon connected with me, and finished strong as evidenced in my brief summary of Ch Ten. A good read for those of us who have wandered too long in the wilderness of not forgiving ourselves.
Blessings as you inhale and consider implementing his 8 Keys to a Life of Greatness.
Chapter Ten: He Sees Greatness In You.
It Is All about Perspective
Learning to Live a “Big Picture Life”
This Changes Everything
In the Beginning
Through the Big Picture, we can see the hidden potential for greatness in everything around us. Our Creator demonstrated this at the beginning of our world.
Little Picture living is led by the flesh. Big Picture living is led by the Spirit. Holy Spirit can see the caboose of every situation; your flesh cannot. When we are led by the Spirit, w will begin to see the “good” that can come out of any situation.
He Sees Greatness in You.
Greatness Is Already in You.
Keys to a Life of Greatness (Big Picture Living)
1. “Go All In” No one has ever lived a life of greatness with a half hearted effort. “You can’t spell God without the word ‘Go.””
2. “Live Your Life for Others” … such is rooted in service to others. One of the biggest obstacles to a Big Picture life is selfishness. Get your eyes off yourself and your “issues” and put them on others.
3. “Surround Yourself with Greatness” One of the most important things you can do on your journey is to ask God to lead you to your spiritual father or mother. Find a person or a group who are already walking in the anointing that you desire for yourself. They are not your ultimate example, but God will use the testimony of others to pull your testimony out of you.
4. “Don’t Live In the Past, But Don’t Forget It.” At some point, we must move on. We must forgive. We will never forget, but we have got to forgive. The reason you have a “testimony” is because you have been through a “test.” If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change anything because the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness I extend to others has been molded in the excruciating pain of my past.
5. “Be Open to Loving Criticism” One of the hardest things for a leader to receive is constructive criticism. Greatness is not tied to you always being right. Greatness is tied to doing the right thing. Many times, our desire is to do the right thing, but we are on the wrong path.
6. “Be a Worker” Many pastors, leaders, and business owners teach a concept called a pyramid hierarchy; delegate… which is important, but now we have a generation of elite people at the top who have forgotten their “why!” People will follow those who are not afraid to get their hands dirty.
7. “Never Stop Learning” If you are teachable, you are reachable. Never stop learning and growing… best served by continually reading wisdom literature. Your age, or formal education level, has nothing to do with your ability to educate yourself and grow. God’s will is for the hidden greatness within you to shine in every aspect of your life.
8. “No Time Like Right Now” I am convinced if the greatness of God can be revealed in a life like mine, it can be revealed in any life. It is time to arise from the ashes. It is time to get off the bench. You can’t change the past, but you can change the future. You can decide to be the Big Picture. You can decide to allow the pain of the past to push you to your purpose.
Now is the time. Let this book be more than my story. Let it be your story. If not now, When? Now is the time for greatness. God sees greatness in you! It’s time for you to see it also. Do you see it?