Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. Some told me I might be disappointed but I was not. I was in awe. I was in awe of the COMMITMENT of the group of men who stood their ground and fought for a principle 175 years ago. One of the definitions of “commitment” is “…..when you are willing to give your time and energy to something you believe in, or a promise or firm decision to do something….”. I like the phrase “stepping over the line” when that commitment is made.
It was March 5, 1836, and Colonel William Barrett Travis had known for several days that his situation inside the old Spanish mission called the Alamo was hopeless. Several thousand soldiers under the command of Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had Travis and 189 others surrounded. Legend has it that Travis gathered his men and shared with them what he thought were their three remaining choices: Surrender, attempt to escape, or “remain in this fort…resist every assault, and to sell our lives as dearly as possible.”
Unsheathing his sword, Travis drew a line on the ground before his battle-weary men, as he described their plight and said, “those prepared to give their lives in freedom’s cause, come over to me.” Without hesitation, every man, except two, “stepped over the line”. One ran away, and the other, Colonel James Bowie, stricken with pneumonia, asked that his cot be carried over.
When men and women make the commitment to join the U.S. military and serve our country – they “step over the line”. They risk everything – their lives, their physical, mental and emotional health – to fight for our freedom.
For several years, our team motto has been to “serve those who serve” because our business is to help military homebuyers with the financing of their new home. When we became aware of the Boot Campaign, a group of five women who are COMMITTED to bringing awareness to America of wounded warriors and the organizations which support these causes – we wanted to get involved! Very simple – purchase a pair of combat boots and a portion of the proceeds goes to wounded warrior projects. Then WEAR the boots and encourage others to do the same!
We became “Suits in Boots” and challenged other mortgage professionals to “….get their boots on….” with a goal for 1,100 pairs of boots to be purchaed in 2011.
Several companies have “stepped over the line”! Churchill Mortgage (the ONLY mortgage company recommended by Dave Ramsey) has “committed” to encourage and inspire their branches to purchase 100 pairs of boots in 2011. Our team with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has “committed” to 150 pairs of boots. Dozens of other mortgage professionals, coaches, trainers and speakers have THEIR boots on – and are COMMITTED to encourage others.
What about you and your company? Is there a cause for which you are willing to “step over the line” and COMMIT – one you are willing to invest your time and energy into? Tell me about it!
Seven Pillars of Success | Louise Thaxton 