Back in October 2011, I called one of my childhood heroes and dear friend, MEADOWLARK LEMON. He answered the cell in his rich, deep voice and said: “Brother Frank!” It’s a fact: “The Clown Prince of Basketball” always makes me laugh!! The Lord had laid him on my heart and I told him that the next time he was in St Louis, Missouri to let me know because I had a church or two who would be thrilled to host his ministry.

In life, we need more DOOR-KEEPERS not gate keepers. Doorkeepers “open doors” but gate-keepers attempt to keep them closed. What the iconic Basketball Hall of Famer said next floored me but shouldn’t have surprised me. He said: “Frank, ironically I will be in Saint Louis, MO on December 3, 2011 attending my good friend, ALBERT PUJOLS annual gala for his foundation that evening.” Without missing a beat the Harlem Globetrotter legend said music to my ears and as I type this I can still hear the tune of “Sweet Georgia Brown” playing in the background of my mind. He said “Brother Frank, I appreciate you trying to open a couple church doors for me and I want you to meet me in St Louis, MO on Saturday, December 3, 2011 as my personal guest and I will introduce you to my friend, Albert!”

HOLY SMOKES! Meadowlark knows EVERYONE and if Fat Albert showed up I wouldn’t have been surprised or dissapointed but I knew who he meant. In ministry, it can be lonely at times and it is a JOY to try to open doors for friends. Honestly, it was my honor just to call him to say “hi” and my only intention was to assist with a referral that the next time Meadowlark was coming through town he had an open invite. The irony is it could have been any one of hundreds of cities across the Country but I felt God leading me to call him specifically and share St Louis. It was definitely a “God thing.”

As a kid, I loved basketball and lived for it too! We played basketball indoors on fancy courts and outdoors on busted backboards with missing nets. We played in rain, sleet and even snow! We played in the dark and as soon as the sun came up! At one time, I couldn’t get enough of playing hoops and after playing three years of high school ball I coached Parks & Recreation a couple seasons while in college. Those were good times! No joke, I knew what it was like to “ride the bench” and also the thrill of leading the league in scoring. One game I never played and another night dropped 31 in a single game!

My mother shared with me one night after a game as I was drenched in sweat walking to our car (before I had my license) and hit me with this truth that has stayed with me since. She said: “Frankie, almost everyone dreams to hit the game winning shot and get their picture plastered in the paper but just as (if not) more important is the guy (or gal) who will un-selfishly give the assist. The crowd may remember the one who scored but the coach will remember the one who found the open man to win the game.”

Those words have danced in my head and have been embroidered on my heart for the last quarter of a century. Sports teach us so much in life and “teamwork” goes a long way. Before hanging up, Meadowlark said: “Frank, I really appreciate you doing this. I also want you to introduce me at both services at the churches you line up on Sunday, December 4, 2011.” PRAISE THE LORD! The irony is I was trying to open a door for him and wasn’t planning or needing to be present. However, by thinking of others – others think of us. In the morning, thanks to my buddy, Ronnie Dean “The Preaching Machine” and Rev. Dan Hartley we got in a Baptist church in Farmington, Missouri and my dear friend, Pastor Myles & Valerie Holmes of the beautiful First Assembly of God Church in Collinsville, Illinois hosted us that evening. We had a time and you can see that video introduction below.

Meadowlark then said: “Frank you can sit at the table with me the night before at the gala in St Louis with Albert Pujols and by the way, I am going to buy your airplane ticket.” CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY and it is true, you cannot outgive God. At the V.I.P. reception Meadowlark introduced me to countless people and it was an honor to shake hands with 91 year old baseball Hall of Famer Stan “THE MAN” Musial. Plus, met Hall of Famers “Mr Baseball” Don Mattingly, Lou Brock among others. Meadowlark graciously introduced me to Mr & Mrs Albert Pujols and their witness for Christ is AMAZING! Together, they are doing an awesome work of providing for the poor in the Dominican Republic and providing love and joy to children with Down Syndrome. You can read more about the Pujols Family Foundation.

That was an evening I will not soon forget and it was the very weekend before Albert announced that he was leaving the World Series Winners St. Louis Cardinals and would be playing for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Albert is considered one of the greatest baseball players to ever swing a bat. Meadowlark’s iconic jump shot is second to none. Meadowlark was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and 2003, and Albert is already guaranteed in the future. Even better than being named into man’s Hall of Fame both are in God’s Hall of Faith.

In life, sports, business and even ministry we may never hit the game winning jumper or crush a homerun ball nearly 600 feet in a World Series to win but we can all seek to serve and open doors for others with the power of the assist. Jesus said “The greatest among you would be the servant” and in the words of Pastor Ed Young, Jr “if you are not serving than you are SWERVING.” Not everyone can score or swing nor speak or sing but all of us can shine by serving.

You cannot go wrong when you are on the LOOK OUT to bless others. Zig Ziglar said: “The doors you open for others God may open for you.” God is great and Meadowlark and Albert are gracious. Right now, ponder how can you bless someone today. Mother Teresa was right – “God didn’t call me to be famous but faithful.” However, by being faithful you may be able to minister with the famous. The greatest blessing is to be a blessing. We are never more like Christ than when we give and forGIVE. Mature people promote and think of others. Insecure folk belittle others and think only of self. Be a winner NOT a whinner.

We all win when we promote the Lord and help others. The Lord taught me years ago that if you love on the folks that no one knows God will allow you to meet the one’s everyone knows. Regardless, if anonymity or celebrity may we all seek to credibly represent Christ and promote others before ourselves. One of my favorite Bible verses since childhood notes “Your gift will make room for you and bring you before kings and great men (Proverbs 18:16).” Ironically, in another translation it says “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.” Buckle up, this one will bless you “A gift OPENS DOORS for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people.”

Your gift doesn’t have to be charisma, credentials or contacts but should be Christ-like compassion, class, courtesy and consideration of others. Without question, I also believe grace and generosity opens doors as well. Praise the Lord and thank you Meadowlark! If it were not enough to re-unite with Meadowlark for the weekend, sit next to him as his guest, grab a couple meals together on the road, tag-team preach at two churches in two states over that one October phone call I got one more gift for the road. A beautiful autograph of Albert (below) and one more from my dear friend and fellow evangelist, Meadowlark. My desire was to GIVE and ended up getting. Its the gift that keeps on GIVING! It is a privilege to promote others.

Today, I’m so thankful that I called that day back in October 2011, desiring only to open a door for a true friend. Ironically, I can still hear my mother saying “the crowd may remember the one who scored but The Coach (JESUS) will remember THE ASSIST.” We all win when we promote God and each other. The Bible notes: “One plants and another waters but THE LORD brings the increase.”

BONUS: Frank was a guest on SARAH PALIN RADIO - Feb 6, 2012. The producer of Gov Palin’s radio show invited him to share for 14 minutes LIVE “on air” honoring President Ronald Reagan on his 101 birthday. Enjoy!

Today, we honor Dr King. His speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in my opinion was one of the greatest of all time. Jesus, with the Sermon on the Mount, President Lincoln at Gettysburg and this speech by Dr King was also one for the record books.

A great speech moves. It moves words and the word moves others to action. It touches the heart and illuminates Truth. I recall reading that some of Dr King’s staff tried to help him write his Dream Speech but at the end he ran with what God placed in his heart. Even staff and “handlers” can hinder you from staying on point.

As far as delivery he was as smooth as silk even in a very turbulent time. As a visionary he saw the mountain top even while still walking in the valley. He started off slow like many orators but once he hit his stride he was a Ferrari with no brakes. His remarks were both instructional and intentional. When he reached his climatic finish a frenzy errupted like a volcano but to his credit he knew the message was bigger than the messenger. He espoused hope and not hype and thanks to Heaven and hardwork – he overcame and many others have as well.

As a kid, I recall singing “WE SHALL OVERCOME” in elementary school holding hands with my friends of various skin color. Then and even more now I believe Dr King would be proud. Even greater, I know the Lord is pleased that we are better today than five decades ago. The journey is not over and together we still need to walk en route to the Promised Land as advocates of Truth and agents of grace.

It was a double honor for me to be with Meadowlark Lemon in Fall 2011, in Washington, DC. We reunited and did several events together and walked from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Both are precious to me. The monuments and the man – Basketball icon MEADOWLARK LEMON. It is no secret that the US Capitol Building is my favorite and Ruth and I were engaged on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The very steps and near same spot that Dr King gave his amazing, anointed addres.

En route to the Lincoln with my childhood hero, Meadowlark and I went to the brand new addition on The Mall erected to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Like Dr King, Meadowlark also knew about hardship and faced hurtful insults during the civil rights era. It was an honor to be at the memorial with ML during that moment. Both Martin Luther King & Meadowlark Lemon are larger than life to me and by God’s grace they both weathered some storms. Honestly, I felt so out of place to be standing next to two great giants.

I read recently that Walt Disney was fired from a job because they told him he had no imagination. Ironically, when we think of visionary we often think of Disney. Both Martin Luther King, Jr and Walt Disney were dreamers. Don’t let anyone tell you to stop dreaming. Some say its dangerous to dream but I believe its worse when we cease to dream. All the “greats” have a dream – what’s yours?

“WE HONOR THOSE WHO DREAM. THE NIGHTMARES ARE NOT WORTH REMEMBERING.”

Today, I am thankful for Dr King. Grateful for his work and his words. Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. We may never give a speech with the whole world watching but the world does watch our life and lips daily. May we honor God vertically and bless our fellow man horizontally. Together, a vertical and horizontal line forms the cross and we find no greater love than Christ at Calvary.

Above is the famous “I HAVE A DREAM” speech and as powerful as that is many are unfamiliar or have forgotten the poignancy of his last remarks below. It is on the eve of his death and this was his address before the assassination. Dr King not only saw the mountain top but pointed others there in the process. Leadership not only leads but Lordship dies while leading. Christ paid the price and Dr King helped point the way. Today, as we continue to march on may we not only remember a man who had a way with words but an individual who allowed The Word to have His way with him. As we submit to Christ by faith and find God’s forgiveness then we too can clearly sing: “Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty we are FREE AT LAST.”

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Recently, my good buddy, Jimmy Griggs in Nashville, TN contacted me and asked if I wanted to meet baseball great, PETE ROSE. Without missing a beat I said “sure.”

Speaking comes naturally to me but wisdom is found in LISTENING. Boy, am I glad I went and listened. On November 8, 2011, we met at the beautiful Omni hotel in Richmond, VA and it was an amazing two hour ride. Pete shared stories and statistics and what was staggering was not his swagger but his humility. He was still confident but not arrogant. WORD TO WISE: Winners are confident but should never be arrogant.

We can learn so much from others if we just pause long enough, give others the floor and allow them to speak. Over the years, I have been blessed to spend some time with some notable winners but we can glean just as much if not more from learning of another’s season of loss. Pete Rose has more hits than anyone to ever pick up a baseball bat. He was a beast at the ballpark and was nicknamed “Charlie Hustle” by the great Mickey Mantle.

He was the epitome of perseverance and the consummate “blue collar” ball player. He said many things that night that resonated with me but one that really hit home for me and I believe a life lesson for us all on this quote: “NO SINCE OPENING THE GATE AT THE BALLPARK IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO GIVE YOUR ALL AT THE GAME.” He knew firsthand that folks were coming and PAYING for not only a good time but to see great effort. People were paying to see him play at his profession and unless you were willing to give your all you should just stay home.

Another nugget that he shared that night was when he went yard on this statement: “Yes, I had 4,256 hits (the most of anyone) but I wouldn’t have got a single hit if it were not for the help of my Uncle who was a scout for the Cinncinnati Reds.” He said that contact and timing was priceless. Regardless of your vocation or profession may we never take for granted the rolodex of relationships we have and remember “timing is precious” and we should never waste it.

Pete went on to say: “I would have never made it today in the Big Leagues.” This statement really floored me and he really had my attention for what he shared next. He went on to note “the scouts today have tests to guage size, speed and stamina. They track how fast we can run and how far you can hit but their tests fail to record the most important fact. Their tests never pick up on what matters most – HEART & WILL.” Pete Rose was named “Charlie Hustle” because he worked harder than almost any other player on the diamond. What he lacked in speed and strength he persevered with heart and hard-work.

Ten times in his career he went an unprecedented 5 for 5 at bat. If you are new to baseball that means he got a base hit on all five times at the plate in that particular game. That is phenomenal when the very best reach base only 3 out of every ten attempts. 73 times in his career he went 4 for 4. Both of them are records to this date. Perhaps just as impressive is that he personally played in SIX World Series and his team won it all three times and lost three times. He made the ALL STAR team are you ready for this……17 times and picked by the fans to play an ALL STAR game in five different positions! That is un-heard of! Pete was not only hardworking and recognized the value of timing but he also had to be flexible. Life comes at us like a fast-ball but throws the elusive curve ball too. At your work, keep in mind that jobs are competitive, “politics” is part of every job and young guns will always be coming from behind eager to prove their merits.

Despite all his accomplishments to this day he is still banned from the Baseball Hall of Fame. What was even more ironic is this iconic player is not even allowed inside the Hall of Fame to tour the exhibits. You and I can buy tickets to view the museum but he is not even allowed on the property. He did share that Babe Ruth’s grand-daughter drove clear across New York just miles from the Baseball Hall of Fame when she heard that he was in town selling autographs. What she said next said meant the world to him. She said: “Pete, my grand-daddy would have loved the way you played the game.” Immediately, she hugged him and walked back to her car. Without question, we all have made some mistakes and I pray that Cooperstown may reconsider one day. Thank God, Christ restores and redeems regardless of what Major League Baseball elects to do.

On the way out, it was my honor to talk briefly to him. He did the talking that night and I am so glad I listened. We can learn through others wins but listening and learning from other’s loses may teach us even more. In life, all of us can relate to winning and losing. Some just won and lost on larger platforms. In closing, he shared that his hero was his father. I could relate to that.

After Pete’s talk it was an honor to get a picture with him and shake his hand and thank him for the memories. I told him God loved him and the batting champ took another swing. He signed a baseball for my beloved father and gave me an autographed bat to boot on the way out. That night I came to listen and he came to give. We all win when we listen to others. Thanks to my buddy, Jimmy Griggs for the open door and thanks Mr. Rose for hitting a “Grand Slam” in retirement. When it was easy to get bitter professionally you got better as a person and that night I was the fortunate one to be in your presence. Life ain’t over and its always time to “PLAY BALL!”

Over the years, I have learned that sometimes your success can scare the daylights out of others. Your gift may bring the best out of you but sometimes it extracts the worse from others. After her hurtful remarks to Rocky when she leaves; ironically his head is still ringing as if he endured another avalanche of assaults from Apollo Creed. When Balboa gets his bearings back he realized that the lady behind the counter is an acquaintance from years gone by.
Rocky says: “Yo, do I know you?” She doesn’t remember him at first but he then replies: “You’re little Marie.” Rocky in the original film walked her home one night because streets are no place for a kid. Rocky remembers a negative word that she (when she was much younger) said to him. She was blown away that he would remember her much less the words she said some three decades earlier. Rocky, went on to say: “Insults last a long time.” The fact is there is great power in the spoken word. The accuser never lost a wink of sleep over what she carelessly said to the soon to be champion of the free world but truth be told I bet not a day went by that either her words or the negative remarks of another rung Rocky’s bell like no opponent in the ring before or since.

I was taught as a child, if you don’t have anything nice to say – “DON’T SAY ANYTHING.” Just being real, I must admit that I have failed a few times but the older I get I am trying to do my best to take the high road (especially with my remarks). The Bible says: “To let our words be few.”

A milkman in the early 1970′s, would say “hello” to a five year old girl with big blue eyes and beautiful blonde hair. When he walked by on his weekly route he would tap her on the head as she played in the yard while dropping milk off on her front porch. He always said the same words: “Hello, Miss America.” She would smile with a grin the size of Georgia and continue to play and jump rope with her friends. Day after day, week after week when the milkman came by he said the same thing: “Hello, Miss America.”
Years, went by and the milkman’s job unfortunately became obsolete with his deliveries but those words danced in her head like a teen on a trampaline. In the early 1990′s that young little girl matured into a southern belle and was crowned Miss America from the Peach State. Most likely, that milkman didn’t see the future with her waving to the world with a sash across her shoulder as she beamed with beauty talking about “world peace” – or did he? We don’t know but the fact is those positive words sown in her life as an adolescent reaped a harvest for her as an adult.

Recently, Perry Stone showed a scientific experiment on world-wide television where a scientist had two containers of rice. The scientist had a label placed on the outside of both bottles and after 81 days he revealed his findings. Both containers had the same amount of rice in the cup and after the time alloted he displayed that one bottle had the rice in tact with very little deformation. However, the second cup was filled with fungus that made the stomach turn to look at. He then turned the containers to face the television viewing audience and on the cup that still had the rice looking fresh after 81 days the label had words scribbled from a child: “I LOVE YOU LITTLE RICE. I HOPE YOU HAVE A NICE LIFE and LIVE LONG.” The one filled with fungus had a note that read: “I HOPE YOU DIE!” The lesson speaks for itself.

It has been said: “We find life and death in the power of our tongue.” It also notes: “Our mouth speaks both blessings and cursings.” This should not be. Jesus said: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Friends, some of us need a CHECK UP from the NECK UP and our words should be seasoned with honey not spoiled with hypocrisy.

It has been said: “If one yells at a tree long enough that it will die.” I have not yelled long enough to test that hypothesis but I do know that if words can cripple a soul-less and heart-less grain of rice imagine what our words do to humans in our presence. In case you MISSED the MEMO: Life is a fight but we don’t have to battle everyone in our path. Today, we have the milkman in one corner who was a winner with words and built folks UP or we can resemble the reckless rehetoric of a negative wannabee who tore others down. Why be a chump when you can be a champ! WORDS are WONDERFUL until you use them to hurt others. Don’t delay – encourage someone today!