Don’t Be Sad, Be Creatively Fearless

June 2024

Immediately following the announcement of the verdict proclaiming our 45th President guilty of all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, my inbox and voice mail became flooded with messages from friends and associates expressing sadness, anger, and grave concern for the future of our country.

These are dark and trying times, for sure. No such thing has ever happened in our country before, nor should it have happened now. But let’s get real. We are in a 21st century war—and war is not for sissies. Rather than allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by sadness, now is the time to be creatively fearless.

Successful warriors must always have battle plans and workable contingencies at the ready. We must know what’s lawful and what’s not (the Manhattan court case was NOT). We must pray for divine guidance, be vigilant and determined, and remain optimistic, fearless, and creative in our strategies and tactics to lawfully undermine the opposition.  

As the Foreword to The Department of Defense Law of War Manual states: “The law of war is of fundamental importance to the Armed Forces of the United States…. George Washington, as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, agreed with his British adversary that the Revolutionary War would be ‘carried on agreeable to the rules which humanity formed’ …. The self-control needed to refrain from violations of the law of war under the stresses of combat is the same good order and discipline necessary to operate cohesively and victoriously in battle.”   

As the apostle Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Ephesians (6:10 – 13):

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  

If we are to survive today’s fascist attempts to destroy our lawful and ordered way of life, each of us must stand strong as leaders united, ready to creatively and fearlessly resist tyranny at every turn.

While I’ve never served in the military myself, I am the mother of a U.S. Marine, I’ve been a military spouse, I’m the daughter of a WWII U.S. Navy pilot, I’m the granddaughter of WWI U.S. Army soldiers, and I have generations of warfighting ancestors who served in every U.S. war dating back to the American Revolution. Warfighter mentality is in my DNA. Traits such as tactical proficiency, sound and timely decision making, remaining calm under pressure, and being a confident and willing leader come naturally to me, thanks to my forefathers.  

My stalwart character manifested early on. As a four-year-old child, I had a confrontation with my mother one day and announced my intention to run away from home to live with the nice family across the street. Momma agreeably helped me pack my Barbie suitcase, but as I turned to leave, I suddenly realized the one huge obstacle that would prevent my successful departure.  

When Momma asked, “What are you waiting for?” tears of frustration welled up in my eyes.

I cried out, “You won’t let me cross the street by myself!”

She simply shrugged her shoulders and replied calmly, “Guess you’ll just have to wait until you’re older.”  

In that instant I learned the importance of wargaming….and that tears don’t help win battles.

In fifth grade, I fearlessly ran for student body secretary. I had no idea what the position entailed, but the experience taught me the arts of campaign planning and speech delivery. I lost the election by three votes—to the school principals’ daughter. Not one to give up, I ran the next year for 6th grade class president and won. This election bestowed upon me the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. I’ve been a true patriot ever since.

During my junior year in high school, I entered the Miss Newport Beach contest—again, having no idea what the role entailed. The competition required each of the seven contestants to give a speech to the Chamber of Commerce. I have no recollection of the topic I chose to speak about, but I distinctly recall the topic that my best friend from first grade, Karen, chose.  Observing her kitchen prop-aided performance for the Chamber on “How to make a cake” taught me the value of creativity and passion for subject matter when attempting to capture hearts and minds. I came in first runner-up to Karen.                 

In my book The WOW Factor Workplace: How to Create a Best place to Work Culture, I shared the story about the first time I met the President of the Fortune 150 technology company I worked for at the time.

Early on, I was tasked with establishing the company’s first consulting organization. I’ll spare you the details of my strategic planning heroics and simply fast forward to the first afternoon of our company’s annual sales conference at the Gaylord Resort in Dallas. While waiting in the crowded lobby for the ballroom doors to open for the kick-off session, I noticed our company President sprinting through the crowd in my direction.  Upon reaching me, he exuberantly shook my hand and stated enthusiastically, “I just had to meet you. I hear you are fearless!”    

That was the instant I realized I had established a reputation that I would forever have to live up to.

Now that our world has turned insanely upside-down and the future of our republic looks bleak, I take solace in knowing that those within my sphere of influence still rely on me to provide the same kind of self-controlled reasoning, encouragement and coaching that can enable them to navigate with confidence and optimism through whatever perils we face.

In the days and months ahead, as you too awaken more and more to the dark and evil powers of this world, my prayer for you is this:

Instead of feeling sad and fearful, may you be creatively fearless. May we all capitalize on the same good order and discipline necessary to operate cohesively and victoriously in battle. And when all is said and done, may we be the ones left standing—in unity.   

God Bless America.