"I have been over into the future, and it works." - Lincoln Steffens (1921)
Daily affirmations by @lincolnsteffens (Taken with instagram)
This morning, I was studying Luke 8 and refreshing my mind about all of the miracles and healing that Jesus performed during his ministry as a young 30-something. One of the things that stuck out to me was that all of those that were healed had faith in knowing that God (through Jesus) would heal them. Jesus indicated to them that their faith healed them. It made me think about my belief system and whether I truly had faith in knowing that God would fix whatever situation that I was going through. Sometimes we believe, but we really don’t believe. We hope, but we don’t trust. It gave me an even deeper understanding that in everything faith, you know that “substance of things hoped for” and that “evidence of things you can’t see”, should be at the core of our belief system. I am talking real faith, like the preached you to say, “when you know that you know that you know.”
The other thing in the end of Luke 8 that stuck out to me was the fact that Jesus instructed the parents of the young woman that he had brought back to life that “they should tell no man what was done.” When I read the footnote it explained that “further publicity at this time concerning a raising from the dead would have been counterproductive in Jesus’ ministry.” If Jesus had been the type of person that was concerned about fame, he could have easily used this publicity to draw more attention to himself instead of his ministry. It reminded me to ensure that any time we receive publicity for the work that we are doing, to be thankful, but don’t spend too much time celebrating in the publicity and to double down on the work. The work that God has sent you to do should be the focal point. Celebrate later. Work now.
So many of you know Gods original name for Satan was Lucifer before he and a few angel thugs tried to jack the Holy out of His Holiness and were then cast from the heavens… The name Lucifer translates as “The Shining One…”
… kind of gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “all that glitter ain’t gold” huh?
From: Lincoln Stephens [mailto:lincoln.stephens@carolhwilliams.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 2:33 PM
Subject: One Year Ago ….
… I moved away from Dallas in the GREAT STATE of Texas to the city of Chicago. Time has gone by incredibly fast, but I guess it does so when you are “having fun!” This has been an incredible growth experience.
God has blessed me tremendously in this past year. I was able to learn so much about myself. There is something to be said about having some alone time, living in a spot by yourself. I have never lived alone before I moved here and I took full opportunity in that time to listen to God, pray and reflect on my life and make plans for the future.
As I looked back on the year, I realized how much God allowed me to accomplish (or at least start). A couple of things that I am most excited about is writing my first book, entitled “One Night My Bookshelf Spoke to Me” and starting my own non-profit, entitled Letters To Brian, mentoring African American men between the ages of 17-24 and started my own LLC – The L Group (Thanks Gov!!!).
I have truly found happiness here in Chicago. I found myself. And I grew much closer to God. I wanted to take some time out and thank a few of you semi-publicly because you have truly helped make this transition much easier and have added so much to my life (or in some cases, given me life).
Mom & Dad - Thanks for being a constant support. I feel your prayers effecting me everyday. I also realize and see the efforts of my upbringing in my professional, personal and spiritual life. Thanks for laying down the foundation. Now it is up to me to build upon it! And dad, you were right, Chicago is the center of my growth, and boy I have grown. Oh and your check is in the mail. LOL!
Derrick - Thanks for being the example of not being afraid to leave home, travel abroad and expand the network. Though I was in high school when you left home for NY, Toronto and Amsterdam, I was watching you the whole time and I took notes. I am learning so much just by watching you – that is why I am single. Ha ha ha! Thanks big bro!!!
Savannah & Chandler – Thanks for checking up on me and encouraging me. Derrick and I move forward in what we do to be an example for you, but you both have also been examples to us at times. Who says you cannot learn from those younger than you. You two are the best sisters anyone could ask for!
Larry- When you said, I am up and leaving Dallas to London, I said to myself, “I guess I need to get my act together and pursue my dreams as well!” I am not sure if I would have truly thought about moving as seriously, as soon as I did if I did not follow by your example. Memorial Day 2007 – Dallas TX – start of the Global Tour welcoming you back!!!
Leah – Who knew that I would meet (again) such an amazingly talented woman a month before I was leaving. Thank you for encouraging me to leave and telling me that it would work out here! It has definitely worked out here! Only thing that would be better is if you were here to share it!
Marvis – My twin brother from another mother! Since day one in college you have definitely been there man and I appreciate it more than you know. Thanks for always asking me about the book, I am working on it! You will definitely be getting a shout out! Keith and I will be out there soon to visit MN.
Governor & DeMarco – My “other” older brothers – Gov- I was telling Morgan the other day that I truly value having some older accomplished brothers to look up to. Between my real brother Derrick, my dad and you two gents, I have some of the best examples to follow. Let’s keep each other encouraged. This is just the beginning.
Kobie, Jeff, Rob and Sacramento - Thanks for opening up your home to me when I first got here. Though we were not roommates for very long, I appreciate you introducing me to CHICAGO.
To my crew in Dallas (Wylie, Torrey, Chris, Jamar, Erica, Dee and Macus)– I miss y’all man. I can’t wait for you to come visit me out here in the Chi! The streets will never be the same.
Kimmy, Kyla and Lashell – Thanks for being the only friends so far from Dallas to visit me. When you see the guys above in the streets, let them know who kept it ganster in the Chi!
To my boys here in Chicago (Roger, Jeff Tate, AJ, Akil) - Thanks for picking up where my boys in Dallas left off. I enjoy hanging out with you folks not just because we all can hold our liquor – LOL – but because I think that y’all are some of the best people I can surround myself with – honest – trustworthy – and genuine. What’s up on Brazil!
Jen, Kali, Tanisha, Sharisse and Chrissy- Well, I guess we had to pick up where college left off. Though we have taken it a little further. Not everyone remains as genuine of friends as you ladies have since 1999/2000.
My co-workers – Will, Arlene, Dawnyell and Chrissy (again..why do you get two shout outs) – Though I said co-workers you folks are truly my friends and family. We fight like family and get back together like friends. Y’all are the best! Without you guys everyday, work would just be work. With you guys, it is an experience.
David – Thanks for inspiring me to move forward and write my book. Let’s continue to encourage another!
Collies – Thanks for leading me to my church home – that was the last crucial piece of me making Chicago home. God will bless you abundantly for bringing yet another to Christ.
Lastly, to Frances & Velisa - Thanks for giving me soul! When I came to Chicago I had a clear vision of what I wanted to find. Though I have not found the same type of soul in music that you give the folks in Dallas, I can still get my head right everyday, with THE NEO SOUL Café. I can’t wait to see you this weekend!
Okay, well I think that is enough! I love you all and wish nothing but good things, blessings and miracles to come to all of your lives.
The story is not over. The past is. The best has yet to come!!!
Lincoln
Lincoln C. Stephens
Account Executive – General Motors
875 N. Michigan Ave :: Suite 2750 :: Chicago, IL 60611
Direct :: 312.836.7935 :: Cell 972.897.9985
Email :: lincoln.stephens@carolhwilliams.com
The Art of Re-Gifting. Last night very late, I played Santa Claus and laced my parents Christmas tree with a bunch of gifts. We have somewhat fallen out of the tradition of getting a whole bunch of material gifts for Christmas, so our tree is often bare, except for the kids (grandkids). This is the first Christmas we will be spending without my Grandmother alive, which I know will be a little tough. But as I was thinking about that, I recalled that one of the biggest gifts we have is OUR MEMORY. Isn’t this why we celebrate Christmas anyhow, to remember and to celebrate the birth of Christ. So I went Christmas shopping around our house and wrapped gifts of special items, old photos, pieces from my sisters’ childhood, etc. and on Christmas morning we will open our gifts and talk about our memories. Now some might say that this is a cheap way of giving gifts, but I say that this is the art of re-gifting that will make us remember some of the true meaning of the season: The Birth of a Family and the memories that we share. I am also reminded of the sermon that my pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes preached last week about Saving the Scraps. When I started looking around the house, I found an incredible amount of gifts. Things that otherwise we would think of as old relics, are now treasures. They are reminders of where we have been and also reminders of where we can go.
————— Forwarded message —————
From: Lincoln Stephens <lincoln.stephens@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Subject: Giving Birth
I wanted to let you all know some good news. On my birthday, November 25th, a celebration of more than just my birth is scheduled to happen. For several months I had been planning on conceiving a child and on November 25th, I will give birth to that baby. Ok, I know you are all thinking, what the heck is he talking about, so let me get to the point pretty quickly.
Early in the morning on Tuesday November 25th, my 28th birthday, i will be leaving the city of Chicago and moving back to Dallas so that I can raise my child, Marcus Graham. Marcus Graham is not an actual baby, but a leadership development initiative that over the next few months I will dedicate towards building the strategic foundation against. I have attached a little information about the project, that some of you have seen, for your information.
Developing diverse talent in our industry thru mentorship, relationship building & networking has become an INCREDIBLE passion of mine, so much to the point that God has spoken to me and asked me how much would I sacrifice to make this dream happen.
I am also leaving to develop a company that I have now asked to be a partner in, most of you have heard me speak of it: NeoSoulCafe.com. Our goal is to inspire and promote conscious content in the music industry with the artists that so often get shafted by big money record label execs and radio station PD’s.
t is time for CHANGE. And the CHANGE STARTS NOW!!!!
I ask for all the pray and encouragement that I can get from you all on this endeavor. I came to Chicago for a purpose. To meet every single one of you receiving this email and I am so glad that I did. You all have helped shape the purpose in my life and I am forever indebted to you for that. As we enter this holiday season, please remember to be thankful for the people in your life who are leading the change in this world and inspiring the fluid change in you.
I can still be reached at the contact information below. Please be on the look out for an invitation to a small gathering to be potentially held on Saturday Nov. 22, as I would not like to depart without getting to see all of you. I ask that you please keep this move fairly private, reason being, I am surprising friends back in Dallas that I am moving back at a party that I am having and I dont want this to get out on facebook or anywhere else, yall know how yall are. hahahaha!
Peace & blessings!
I just found a career statement that one of my first mentors made me write when I graduated. It is so interesting to read now. Amazing how you can look back on something and see that things are going according to plan. Wanted to share this with you all.
Opportunity Paper (The Career Statement of Lincoln C. Stephens)
January 2004
Nearly five years ago, my grandmother, Mrs. Henry Mae Williams said, “In life there are two choices to make; two roads to take. The only advantage of taking the EASY road is that it is EASY.” Deciding the next steps to prepare for a successful future requires that a choice be made between easy and not-so-easy. Taking the “easy” path means that you only focus on personal goals without regard for doing anything that will have an impact on the greater good of your immediate surroundings or the greater good of the world in which you live. The “not-so-easy” path requires that you think of the world and your role in it, in a more cooperative and mutually beneficial manner. Thinking outside of self and personal goals allows a level of unselfish consciousness. As you think of the world and all of its components, the larger picture of where your life should be becomes clearer. This allows me to think of myself as an important component in the global scheme, and allows me to openly explore the manner in which can I fulfill my purpose, that is to use my education, skills and talents to the benefit of others. Every career path should focus on three fundamental areas of achievement: benchmarking, seeking a challenge, and attaining financial prosperity. Many seek these rewards in various orders. The more difficult yet redeeming ranking is to seek a challenge, benchmark, and then financial prosperity. The linear nature of the order suggests that there are stages in which the rewards are earned. In order to fully understand the plan to fulfill your purpose, it is important for you to look at your overall (lifetime), strategic (long term) and tactical (short term) goals. The rewards are largely attached to the efforts of each goal stage.
Overall Goals: (lifetime)
Every individual in this social matrix serves a significant role, each having a different set of experiences and talents. In order to benefit society, one must find a niche that fuses your interests and experience with a need from a variety of sectors. Several key sectors that make up a society are its government, media and the community therein. One of my lifetime goals is have an impact in these areas by positioning myself as leader in my field. Having an effect on government does not necessarily require being a politician or elected official. Neither does it require being a journalist, to influence the media, or an activist to benefit the community. The laws of government affect the behavior of our community. These laws, in some instances are greatly influenced and informed by our media. A goal of mine is to utilize my talents and resources to impact our government, the media and our community. The outcome of this goal is to set a personal benchmark and to become a trusted individual in the mind of the public. The result of years of positioning and success will pay off, enabling me to unselfishly share my resources, financial and otherwise, to help meet the needs of others.
Strategic Goals: (1-5 years)
In order to help position myself to influence government, the media and my community, given my educational background and skills, it is important to look at specific career choices and areas of specialization. Through the combined relationship of advertising, public relations and marketing, my plan is to specialize in event planning and fundraising for political campaigns, nonprofit agencies and companies that market toward multicultural consumer groups. Preparation for these endeavors requires further experience, networking and specialized education. The goal of increasing my “people equity” will be achieved by establishing professional and personal relationships with persons in varied but strategic areas. Educational development through an accelerated degree program and other professional certificates and training will be an enhancement to my career objectives. Programs that should enrich my career are the Master’s of Business Administration degree program and a Professional Event Management Certificate. These programs will combine my interests by providing an understanding of the fundamentals of business while instructing me on how to apply these fundamentals in a fast growing industry. The most significant experience will include entrepreneurial endeavors in local political campaigns, community programs, and philanthropic events, owning my own firm. The reward waiting at the end of this set of goals is to become financially independent and successful. Financial independence will give me the security to move into the next phase of my career objective with ease and freedom.
Tactical Goals: (0-1 year)
The work done is this phase will set the foundation for achieving my strategic and lifetime goals. This is an important phase because it will help me develop a primary base of knowledge, experience, and contacts. The first sub-goal of this phase is to experience the professional environment in areas that offer a diverse background and wealth of experience. The skills that are needed in this critical entry level phase can be obtained through various areas including public relations, advertising, local politics, and nonprofit sectors. The rewards and lessons will be directly related to the challenges and how well those challenges were overcome. In seeking to fulfill my purpose, the challenge will teach the invaluable lessons of faith, diligence and an open minded ability to accept a couple of bumps along the path.
The road that is ahead is not going to be easy. There will be a large amount of sacrifices, both financially and personally. Sacrifice is a necessary step in the quest to build success and leadership. I wholeheartedly accept the challenge that is before me. I am eager to trod the rough path to achieving my goals and gaining the rewards that come upon doing so.
