Comments on: Border Guards

By: Ankita

Ankita — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 03:59:16 +0000

Thank you for this post. It rang so true. I am truly grateful for people like you who give a face to the faceless challenges we face and overcome everyday.

By: torri

torri — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 20:35:33 +0000

Kerry, having had a horrible childhood, I decided that nothing like that would happen to my boys “on my watch”. I married a good man who was also a good dad. I read, attended many parenting classes and prayed with all my heart and soul. I wasn’t perfect but I’m grateful to report that the bad things that happened daily to me didn’t get repeated with my kids. I know God helped me, I couldn’t have done it otherwise. You are a great man and I appreciate this reminder that bad things won’t happen to others “on my watch” because I will continue to stick up for anyone I see being abused. My husband jokingly tells me I will come away with a broken nose some day. (While standing up for children in public.) I’ve told him I will wear that broken nose with pride. Thanks so much for who you are.

By: Robbie Fielder

Robbie Fielder — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 01:20:50 +0000

Thank you for this great article. My husband and I enjoy the way you write as well as what you write and look forward to it!!! Sincerely, Robbie

By: Steve Acevedo

Steve Acevedo — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:07:49 +0000

I get the Crucial Skills emails regularly. Whenever I see it’s one from Kerry Patterson, I get a big smile on my face and read the message right then. Mr. Patterson, you never fail to amuse and inspire me. Thanks for the gift you are.

By: adrianscrazylife

adrianscrazylife — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:24:52 +0000

Thank you for that reminder. I have been in many situations where I didn’t feel included or valued, so I go out of my way to be inclusive in any way I can. I am a female leader in a mostly male Boy Scout troop that is very welcoming of new boys, but not so much the new parents, particularly the mothers. So I go out of my way to greet them with a big smile, answer any questions, make sure they get added to our Email list, and do what I can to make them feel welcome. And lately I’ve noticed some of the other leaders doing the same. Hopefully my “border guard” attitude is rubbing off on them.

By: Doug Thomas

Doug Thomas — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:01:29 +0000

Thank you Kerry, I enjoy your articles that are always insightful and this one is no exception! It also brings back memories of Coast Guard boot camp in Cape May NJ. Thanks again!

By: Iris

Iris — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:10:55 +0000

Fantastic article. Change happens incrementally…and sometimes we are not around to see the ultimate result. But we must carry on and contribute to the gradual process and have faith that a little seed planted will eventually merge with other seeds and yield a great garden everyone can benefit from. It’s an uphill battle for many of us. Thanks so much for the encouragement.

By: Lynn Sanner

Lynn Sanner — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 15:18:06 +0000

Thank you, Kerry. This is exactly what I needed to hear this month.

By: Lee

Lee — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:42:26 +0000

Thank you for the encouragement. Not everything works the first time, but it’s good to try, try and try again. We learn by experience and Grace.

By: JaLynn

JaLynn — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:33:43 +0000

This article addresses the challenges I am currently facing at work. Our organization is undergoing significant but necessary cultural and strategic changes, and the first round of efforts to make those changes happen was inflicted on staff in a way that has caused an increasingly high level of resentment and resistance to subsequent efforts. I have found myself thrust in the midst of this resentment and it has negatively impacted both my work and, even worse, my attitude. Although I have been working hard to guard my small borders within the organization it has been difficult to ward off discouragement lately. I have been asking myself many of the same questions that are captured in this article. Thank you for the much-needed words of encouragement to keep forging ahead and assurance that, with hard work and perseverance, I might actually be able to make a difference.