Golden Echoes

When the Front Line Knows Best: Lessons in Leadership from History and Experience

In the quiet moments between meetings and the hum of daily tasks, I often find myself reflecting on the stories history tells us—not just of events, but of decisions made, voices heard or ignored, and the ripples that followed.

One such story is that of General Charles Gordon in 1885. Stationed in Khartoum, he faced mounting threats and sent urgent pleas for reinforcements. His superiors, distant from the immediacy of the situation, delayed action. By the time help arrived, it was too late. Khartoum had fallen, and with it, a lesson etched into the annals of leadership: the cost of not listening to those on the ground.

Fast forward to 1994, Rwanda. General Roméo Dallaire, leading the UN peacekeeping forces, foresaw the impending genocide and sought permission to act decisively. Bureaucratic hesitations and a lack of understanding of the situation’s gravity led to inaction. The result was a tragic loss of life that perhaps could have been mitigated had the warnings from the field been heeded.

These aren’t just historical footnotes; they’re reminders. In our organizations, communities, and personal lives, the voices closest to the action often hold insights that distant oversight can’t replicate.

Consider the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower made the pivotal decision to delay the operation based on weather reports and intelligence from those directly involved. This choice, informed by frontline insights, contributed significantly to the mission’s success.

Similarly, during the Apollo 13 mission crisis, NASA’s leadership placed trust in the engineers and astronauts facing the immediate challenges. Their collaborative problem-solving, grounded in firsthand experience, brought the crew home safely.

On the other hand, the Challenger shuttle disaster in 1986 offers a sobering counterpoint. Engineers at Morton Thiokol warned NASA that the O-rings in the shuttle’s boosters could fail in the freezing temperatures expected on launch day. These warnings were overridden by leadership under pressure to stay on schedule. The result was catastrophic: the shuttle disintegrated 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven astronauts aboard. It remains one of the most tragic examples of leadership choosing optics over listening.

And then there are moments when listening to those on the front lines made the difference between life and death—literally. On September 11, 2001, as chaos unfolded in Lower Manhattan, many fire chiefs and unit commanders made rapid decisions on the ground to evacuate and reposition personnel. Some of these calls, made without waiting for centralized direction, saved lives. Their instinct, forged in experience and proximity to danger, cut through the fog of confusion in ways top-down command never could.

These narratives converge on a singular truth: effective leadership isn’t about commanding from a distance but about engaging with, listening to, and valuing the perspectives of those immersed in the realities of the situation.

In our daily endeavors, whether leading a team, participating in community projects, or navigating personal relationships, let’s remember the importance of proximity—not just in presence but in understanding. By tuning into the voices on the front lines, we not only make informed decisions but also foster a culture of trust and collaboration.

After all, history has shown us that when leaders listen, truly listen, to those they lead, the outcomes can be profoundly positive.

Music has a way of grounding us—of telling stories that feel both deeply personal and universally understood. That’s exactly what Common Man does so well. Hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, the band blends folk, country, and gospel influences into something both timeless and refreshingly honest.

On Sunday, March 16, at 5:00 PM, Common Man will take the stage at Fort Worth Presbyterian Church to open the 2025 Bluebonnet Sessions, a five-part concert series focused on authentic, moving performances in an intimate setting.

Common Man’s music speaks to life’s ordinary moments—the struggles, the grace, the humor—wrapped in rich harmonies and thoughtful songwriting. Their sound feels like an old friend, familiar yet full of surprises, and their live performances create a space where connection and reflection feel natural.

The Bluebonnet Sessions aims to bring together musicians who capture that same spirit, offering a place to slow down and really listen. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the band or just looking for something real, this will be an evening worth experiencing.

For those interested in attending, details can be found at riffmore.com.

Cheers,
Dowell

riffmore/blog

It begins with an open door and smile that says “Come in, make yourself at home, there’s a space for you here”. You pushed the coffee table to the side, lined up mismatched chairs, rearranged the lighting and your home feels like it’s been meant for something like this, a night when music and people find each other in the same place.

A house concert is a kind of beautiful that sneaks up on you. Like how the sky slowly turns pink just before sunset. Like how the best conversations seem to happen after everyone’s forgotten to check the time. So the evening unfolds gently, without barriers— no stage separating the musician from those gathered. Songs are shared like stories passed between neighbors over a fence. Listeners, seated close and unguarded, receive the music as one receives rain after a dry season—welcoming it deeply, as if it were rain after a long drought, needed more than anyone realized.

And when the songs end, there is no rush to leave. People linger—lingering being as much a part of the experience as the music itself. Conversations arise that might not happen elsewhere—conversations about life, faith, joy, and struggle. In those moments, it becomes clear that the concert was never about the music alone, but about what the music allowed: the weaving together of lives, however briefly, in a spirit of kindness and shared experience.

A house concert isn’t just an event; it’s a seedbed for community. It’s the creation of something beyond music—a place where art touches life and where people remember the joy of being together. Hosting one isn’t just about the evening itself; it’s about opening doors to a longer, deeper story—one where music becomes the thread that binds us all together.

And for those who attend, they don’t leave with a memory of having seen a band. They leave with the sense of having been part of something greater—a moment in time when songs became more than sound, and strangers became companions.

Host&Artist is more than a web site, it is a opportunity to be part of a thousand moments of creation.

https://hostandartist.com/

The Correlation Between Christian Church Attendance and Overall Happiness, Low Crime, and Low Family Dysfunction

Proverbs 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm”

Introduction

The role of religion in shaping individual behavior and societal norms has been a subject of interest for centuries. Christian church attendance, in particular, has been linked to various positive social outcomes, including increased happiness, lower crime rates, and reduced family dysfunction. This paper explores these correlations and examines the underlying factors contributing to these associations.

Church Attendance and Overall Happiness

Research consistently shows a positive correlation between regular church attendance and higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. A study by Lim and Putnam (2010) found that individuals who attend religious services regularly report higher levels of happiness compared to those who do not attend or attend less frequently. The sense of community, shared values, and support systems provided by religious congregations contribute significantly to this heightened sense of well-being (Lim & Putnam, 2010).

Religious teachings often emphasize gratitude, forgiveness, and hope, which can enhance an individual’s outlook on life. Furthermore, churchgoers often engage in altruistic behaviors, such as volunteering and charitable giving, which are linked to increased personal happiness (Krause, 2009).

Church Attendance and Crime Rates

Several studies suggest that higher church attendance is associated with lower crime rates. Johnson, De Li, Larson, and McCullough (2000) conducted a comprehensive review of empirical research and concluded that religious involvement is inversely related to criminal behavior. The moral teachings and ethical frameworks provided by religious institutions play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ behavior and deterring criminal activities.

Churches often promote prosocial behavior and provide moral guidance that discourages actions harmful to society. Additionally, religious communities offer social support and monitoring, which can reduce the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities (Baier & Wright, 2001).

Church Attendance and Family Dysfunction

Family dysfunction, characterized by conflict, instability, and lack of cohesion, is another area where church attendance appears to have a positive impact. Studies indicate that families who regularly participate in religious activities exhibit lower levels of dysfunction. Mahoney, Pargament, Tarakeshwar, and Swank (2001) found that religious involvement promotes family stability and enhances marital satisfaction.

Religious teachings often emphasize the importance of family values, marital fidelity, and parenting responsibilities. These teachings, combined with the support networks provided by religious communities, contribute to healthier family dynamics. Additionally, religious activities often involve family participation, fostering stronger family bonds and communication (Mahoney et al., 2001).

Conclusion

The correlation between Christian church attendance and positive social outcomes, such as increased happiness, lower crime rates, and reduced family dysfunction, is supported by a substantial body of research. The sense of community, moral guidance, and support systems provided by religious institutions play pivotal roles in these associations. While further research is needed to understand the causal mechanisms fully, the existing evidence underscores the significant impact of religious involvement on individual and societal well-being.

References

• Baier, C. J., & Wright, B. R. E. (2001). “If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments”: A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Religion on Crime. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 38(1), 3-21.
• Johnson, B. R., De Li, S., Larson, D. B., & McCullough, M. (2000). A Systematic Review of the Religiosity and Delinquency Literature: A Research Note. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 16(1), 32-52.
• Krause, N. (2009). Religious Involvement, Gratitude, and Change in Depressive Symptoms Over Time. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 19(3), 155-172.
• Lim, C., & Putnam, R. D. (2010). Religion, Social Networks, and Life Satisfaction. American Sociological Review, 75(6), 914-933.
• Mahoney, A., Pargament, K. I., Tarakeshwar, N., & Swank, A. B. (2001). Religion in the Home in the 1980s and 1990s: A Meta-Analytic Review and Conceptual Analysis of Links Between Religion, Marriage, and Parenting. Journal of Family Psychology, 15(4), 559-596.

Walking into the house was like walking into a bakery. The smell of fresh baking cookies was fantastic! Moving into the kitchen as a fresh batch was being taken out of the oven added to the sensation. The cookies looked amazing. Perfect golden brown with melted chocolate chips perfectly showing their chocolaty goodness. It was a sensory overload.

Standing there, smelling the cookies, seeing them being shuffled from the cookie sheet to the cooling rack was delightful, however, no cookies were offered for tasting.

Another batch of cookie dough was being put on cookie sheets, ready to be placed in the oven. And still, no offer was made to taste those delicious-looking, and smelling morsels on the cooling rack.

It is a good thing to live our lives as a living sacrifice to our God and Savior Jesus Christ. It is, according to scripture, a requirement of the Christian. God is glorified when others see Christian love in progress and are exposed to the goodness of Christ. However, if we never offer others to taste and see that the Lord is good, I can tell you, from first-hand experience it is not a good thing. As it turns out the home baker in the story, not expecting guests and making just enough cookies for a commitment,, had warned her family not to take any cookies or offer any to others.

Hardly anything else is remembered from that day, not even who the family or the baker was. However, the effect of smelling and seeing without being offered is indelibly etched in my memory.

Let’s not leave others smelling and seeing without offering the goodness and grace of God. Let us be ready to give reason for the hope within us. Let us be courageous enough to offer the gospel while being aware enough to know when and how while being ever mindful that it is the Holy Spirit who stirs the heart and mind.

It actually was a dark and stormy night.  All across North Texas storm warnings were going out, and the veracity of this storm was expected to be among the highest levels seen in a very long time.  Some folks were hunkered down, as was being suggested, in closets with radios, water, and flashlights.

The forecasters were not wrong, the storm was ferocious.  Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour and numerous tornados wreaked havoc as the storm moved with amazing speed out of the west.  As the storm bore down on one home a lightning bolt let fly and struck the home.  So violent was the strike that it shook the ground and shook houses hundreds of yards away.  But the violence wasn’t limited to sound and motion, the bolt of lightning started a fire.

The home’s owners, alerted by the aforementioned sound and motion, and warned by smoke hastened to refuge with a neighbor.  There they watched as flames first began to appear in one corner of their home.  A home they had moved into less than a year and a half earlier.  Their home in which they had, with loving care, placed memories and mementos, treasures, and trinkets.  Their home, which had welcomed so many others was now foreboding as fire was seen through the pouring rain.  As lightning flashes revealed smoke pouring out of their home.

Firetrucks began to arrive, first one, then two, then 10, then more.  Brave men battling the blaze as the storm’s wind fed oxygen into the house, now a raging inferno.  In less than an hour, all was lost.  All memories, all mementos, all treasures, all trinkets, all of the love and care and struggle that went into the building of the home, lost as their home became just a burned-out hulk.

The next morning the firemen were still there dowsing the smoldering ruins.  Large machines moved into what once was their home to tear down the walls and expose any lingering elements of the fire—crashing walls, water, and foam.

And then, all was quiet.  The fires were gone, the firemen were gone, the home was gone, only the ruins remained.

       Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!

        Psalm 57:1-3

The Longhouse, once a symbol of community and shared values, has become an appropriate metonym for our current cultural and political life.  A place where authoritarian bullies rule with an iron fist, allowing only their woke ideologies to flourish. The suppression of truth, beauty, and goodness in The Longhouse has resulted in a bleak and oppressive atmosphere where individuals are stripped of their autonomy and silenced. Even comedy has ceased being comedic.  Outside the walls of The Longhouse, however, truth, beauty, and goodness are allowed to flourish, providing a glimmer of hope in a world where the forces of woke power seek to subjugate and control.

The suppression of truth is a tactic often employed by those in positions of power to maintain their grip on society. The bullies in The Longhouse are no exception. By suppressing the truth, they control the narratives that shape the beliefs and actions of the individuals within the community. However, this control comes at a great cost. The truth, after all, is the foundation of any healthy community. Without it, there can be no trust, no meaningful relationships, and no progress. The suppression of truth, therefore, is not only detrimental to the individual but to the long-term health of the community.

The suppression of beauty is equally troubling. Beauty has the power to inspire and uplift individuals, providing them with a sense of purpose and wonder. It is the very essence of what makes life worth living. Yet, in The Longhouse, beauty is seen as a threat to the bullies’ control. Beauty has the power to lead individuals toward the truth, which is something the bullies cannot tolerate. Therefore, beauty is deemed dangerous and must be suppressed. True beauty is replaced by a contrived superficial sensuality that is artificial and compliant. The result is a community devoid of wonder and inspiration, where individuals are left to navigate a tantalizing but dreary world of monotony.

The suppression of goodness is perhaps the most insidious tactic of the bullies in The Longhouse. By defining what is good and bad, they are able to manipulate the beliefs and actions of the individuals within the community. The result is a community devoid of independent thought, where individuals are reduced to mere pawns in the bullies’ game of power. Goodness is not something that can be defined by those in positions of power. It is a quality that has been long defined.  Deconstructing the long-standing definitions of good and bad erodes the senses of empathy and compassion for others.  This erosion allows, without fear of conscience, the ruthless actions demanded of the bully elite. The suppression of goodness, therefore, is not only detrimental to the individual but to the very fabric of the community itself.

Despite the bleakness of The Longhouse, hope still exists. Outside the walls of The Longhouse, truth, beauty, and goodness find opportunities to flourish. It is here that individuals are free to think and act for themselves, unencumbered by the oppressive forces of power. It is here that community can truly be realized, where individuals come together to share their values and beliefs, united by a common sense of purpose while still given the dignity to disagree on elements of belief. It is here through such community and dialog that The Longhouse can be transformed from a symbol of oppression to its historical status as a symbol of hope and community.

In conclusion, the suppression of truth, beauty, and goodness in The Longhouse is a troubling trend that threatens the very essence of community. The bullies in the longhouse seek to control the beliefs and actions of individuals, reducing them to undignified lemmings as they ply their woke tyranny.  However, outside the walls of The Longhouse, hope still exists. It is here that truth, beauty, and goodness can flourish, providing a glimmer of hope in a world where the forces of power seek to subjugate and control. It is up to us, as individuals, to resist the forces of oppression and to fight for a world where truth, beauty, and goodness are valued and whereby healthy community may thrive and flourish.

A Chinese scholar named Wang Huning wrote a book in 1991 called America against America. Reading his book leads one to a similar conclusion reached by Alexis de Tocqueville in 1835. “I sought everywhere in vain for the secret of their success, until I entered the church. It was there, as I listened to the soul-equalizing and soul-elevating principles of the Gospel of Christ, as they fell from Sabbath to Sabbath upon the masses of the people, that I learned why America was great and free, and why France was a slave.” Some summarize his thought with the pithy phrase “America is great because America is good. If America ever ceases to be good America will cease to be great”.

Wang did not search as diligently as de Tocqueville and so never experienced the church but he did experience the residual effects. As a result, being a member of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee, of which there are less than a dozen men, and the committee that is the leading influencer of CCP policy, he has led China to imitate the results of a vibrant, effective church. Since he did not, as de Tocqueville did, seek out the root cause of the “goodness” Chinese policy discourages and persecutes Christian churches.

One can argue against the notion that vibrant, effective churches are the heart of America’s goodness, however, one can argue, as de Tocquville did, in their favor. The decline of civility in American culture that has accompanied the West’s shift from regarding Christianity as primarily good to fundamentally bad lends credence to de Tocquville’s conclusion.

Take me in your arms and hold me close
Close your eye and play a single note
Listen close past the tone,
And you’ll hear of me

I was born in death and struggled for light
Slowly at first but as the winters passed
Quickly I grew, never alone
In those days I was a tree

Sea born winds and brisk winter nights
Warm summer days and rain delights
Formed me into what I was
And are now part of what I am

Another death and violently torn
I was never to see another winter’s morn
Sawn asunder and into such heat
What was required my fate to meet

Gentle hands though course their labor
Shaped, smoothed and formed me

What magnificence the crafting art
Though made of wood now have a heart
Oh, not the kind that pumps mere blood
But the kind that stirs the soul

Listen now as you play that note
As the tone fades, if you listen close
You’ll hear the sea breeze and the warm summer sun
I give to you
my soul

“Would you have time to cut the west field?” she said, “the grass is getting really high.”

The tools that give a tractor purpose are heavy, made of steel and chain. Some do work powered by the same diesel energy release that powers the machine. Some accomplish their task through their sheer weight as the machine pulls it on its way. A tool of the latter sort was attached as I strolled behind the barn.

Changing the tools on a tractor is a fickle affair. Sometimes one slips off, you back the tractor up to the other and slip it on. Sometimes there are bruises, sometime there is blood, of the skinned knuckle variety. Often there are words, not pleasant words, but the tractor and the back of the barn keep your secret tantrums to themselves.

This time there were bruises and words. Off with the box blade, bruises, words. On with the brush hog, more bruises, more words. On to the tractor and off to the field.

Tallgrass and wildflowers. So many wildflowers of every color and hue. Bees and butterflies, busy about their labor. The brush hog had just begun to ply its trade when I saw her waving from the drive. Remove the power from the brush hog, lift the tool and drive over to hear what she is saying.

“The wildflowers are so beautiful, maybe we should give them a week or so, what do you think?”

More bruises but no words, just the remembrance of the look in her eyes as she watched the butterflies.