³²Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:32

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to deceive ourselves? We deceive ourselves into thinking we’re better than we are, that we’re doing more than we  actually  are, and even thinking that we’re cooler than we actually are!

I’ve found that when you live in a false reality, you’re in bondage.

Recently I’ve had people speak the TRUTH into my life:

I thought I was in shape because I worked out, but someone informed me that I didn’t look so great and I need to change the way I eat.

I thought I handled my finances wisely, until I had someone else evaluate how I was spending my money.

I thought I was doing a great job leading, until someone told me I needed to step it up.

When people told me these things, I did not like it. It hurt. It made me mad. I didn’t believe them. Why? Because I was deceived. I was living in a false reality.

I thought these people we’re judging me and looked down on me, when in reality, they we’re just trying to help me improve my life.

Jesus said, “You’ll know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Reality checks are truth. They’re a catalyst to change. They’ve made my life so much richer. Reality checks have motivated me to seek help and make changes in several areas of my life. . Without them, we’ll live in deception and bondage.

Let’s make a commitment to seek truth in our lives. To seek reality checks. Because without them, we’ll never become all that God intends us to become.

Nothing motivates like reality.

I love the title of this book. It’s so true isn’t it? Maxwell is one of my heroes and he is a great connector. In this book he shares practical ways to connect with audiences whether it’s connecting with one person over coffee, connecting with people in a small group, or connecting with an audience of thousands.

He said it took him 8 years to find himself as a communicator. This book helped me on the journey I’m on to find myself as a communicator. There are a ton of principles to apply in this book. I’ll be coming back to this one often. I’d recommend it for anyone who is looking to improve their communication skills and looking to become a better connector.

Buy it here!

Highlights:

• President Gerald Ford once remarked, “If I went back to college again, I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.”

• It took me eight years to “find myself” as a speaker. And here’s great news: when you find yourself, you find your audience.

• “People need your influence, but it will not come through ‘lip syncing’ those you admire.”

• Connection always begins with a commitment to someone else.

• DiMaggio replied, “I always remind myself that there might be someone in the stands who never saw me play before.”