Character & Integrity
Articles mainly about character, integrity, honesty, values and doing the right thing.
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Reckoning
Hope seems in short measure when we see the violence happening in America. People with masks shooting civilians and dragging children away from parents. Never in my lifetime would I believe this could happen.
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Seek Truth
As I witness men tearing down signs that tell the truth of slavery in our nation, I consider the cost this is to their lives, to their children’s lives, to their souls.
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Haste
My mom and I like speed. I like haste. I like to hurry through a store, rush through conversations, interrupt, or move on.
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Honest Guilt
My dad was an incredible father precisely because he created a home where we could point out ways he was not a great father, and he would ask forgiveness and change.
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A Simple Choice
Near Lidice, the town razed by the Nazis, the Children of Czechia invited the children of Germany to plant a rose garden. Fifty-one counties sent roses for them to plant, over 100,000 roses.
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Heading to Tarshish
Jonah was heading away from the place God asked him to go. He was asked to go to Nineveh and call people to repentance.
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Which Side?
The word challenge originally meant to accuse. Have you ever been accused? I think about Christ standing on trial. Witnesses attempted to bring accusations against Him, but they kept contradicting their testimony.
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Take the Lead
My dad understood the importance of initiative. In Latin, initiative means to take the lead. We talked about initiative often.
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Where Truth Dwells
One statement that has been thrilling my mind is this, “The natural habitat for truth is human conversation.” How we speak to others reveals how we live. So powerful!
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Judgmental Hiding
Sometimes I imagine Dad riding next to me in the car. We might pray together, or I will ask him a question. I loved to get his opinion on dysfunction.
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Philosophical Seeds
Dad always believed that philosophies would play out to reveal the best way to live. An acquaintance from church in my younger life turned his back on God. He believed that chastity was abusive and restrictive.
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One God
Sometimes we think we are God. We act like we alone know what He wants and others need to listen to us.
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Secrets
I have made my house a memory palace which is a device to help me remember things.
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Pageantry or Practice?
One of my dad’s favorite mentors was a man named Paul Nakai. Paul did so much to elevate our understanding of relational health.
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Handling Enemies
I read a wild verse that I hadn’t noticed before. It says, “Do not rejoice and gloat when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad [in self-righteousness] when he stumbles, Or the LORD will…
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A Soul Fully Alive
I am surprised at how many men I meet who laud the fact that they don’t cry. They make it sound like it is an accomplishment.
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The Why of Rules
I recently wrote an homage to my dad on LinkedIn highlighting a lesson he imparted to me and Jay as a great father. A few people interacted with the post.
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Sincere Devotion
It is Valentine’s Day, a day most people focus on romantic love. However, the namesake for this day was deeply devoted to so much more than romantic love.
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Fervor
I listened to a sermon recently on Galatians. The pastor had worked himself up into a zealous fervor decrying the current times. Then he addressed sins, especially of the culture he was desperately trying to fight against.
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Selfish Ambition Disguised as Evangelism
I watched a video of a woman sitting down with two college students. Her intent was to share the gospel. They recorded their conversation.
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Honoring MLK
Shann was an A student but not a real reader when I met him and now he teaches in the PhD department of Gonzaga’s Leadership program reading 250+ paged dissertations.
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The Kingdom of God is Now
I was praying about what to write in Words of Hope and I kept feeling asked to write the Kingdom of God is now.
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Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is not my favorite in terms of beauty. The water is brown, much of the city is worn down and the tree in our Spokane backyard is prettier than the entire urban sprawl.
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Fiery Furnace
My youngest child Bella and I only have a few months left together before she launches off to college and a brand-new life. We do a devotional together each day.
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A + B = C
In math, A + B normally should equal C. In life, the same should happen. A loving home will produce loving kids. However, this is not always the case.
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Truth or Hypocrisy Awakened
I recently watched a movie about a man who demands a perfect world to the point he abuses others to achieve it. Perfection is so seductive.
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Culture Changer
Dad was a culture changer. He envisioned a home with a true loving, present father who asked forgiveness of his children and encouraged dialogue even if there was disagreement. Not many homes have this.
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Provoked
When Dad was younger, he could easily provoke people into frustration. He loved to induce people to anger, especially on the basketball court.
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The World Will Know
I have moved to Spokane three times in my life. It has the largest urban waterfall of any North American city—such an incredible place to live!
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Stiff Necks
Dad and I liked to take a sermon or scripture and understand it as well as we could.
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Admirable Faith
My dear friend Josh met Dad in Hawaii. Josh brought his daughter to camp and spent the days watching the coaches and observing. He had drifted away from God, his family, and his life purpose.
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Clothe Yourselves
One of my dad’s favorite scriptures was Colossians 3:12-17. It starts, “Therefore as God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion… Dad loved imagining clothing himself with these intangible qualities.
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Proof is in the Pudding
When we ask forgiveness without change, we commit further harm. Teresa was an angry parent.
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The First to Apologize is the Bravest
The ancient parable entitled “ The Wager” by some is an old tale of selfishness and refusal to change with counterparts of the same theme told worldwide. It reveals our demand to be correct.
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A Life of Hope
When I look back on my Dad’s Words of Hope, I am proud of the work he did, which wasn’t so much the words of hope he wrote but the words of hope he lived.
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Moralism or Morality
I am reading about the form versus the formless. Dad and I discussed this often. He had a big journey in his life toward understanding this concept.
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People of The Lie
Ravi Zacharias, one of the greatest theologians and apologists in modern memory, had an incredible ministry by all outward appearances. Dad and I LOVED Ravi. We listened to his talks and marveled at his oratory power.
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Father Kolbe
Dad and I loved to read stories of inspiring people. One day, I felt sorry for myself and justified my frustration and irritation with life.
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Discerning the Why
I love to ask why. I spoke to Dad in person or on the phone every day, and my favorite thing was to ask him his opinion on the inner machinations of marriages, teams, and people.
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Fear of Being Taken In
Years ago, one of our dear friends had a church interview to lead a small group, and it had a level of harshness that surprised us all.
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Armed and Resolute Wickedness
Dad and I loved March Madness—mainly because it was fun to coach and critique the teams. We were often negative spectators, so Shann had to put us in our place when we became too harsh or pessimistic.
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Better People
One of the longtime slogans at NBC Camps is the mission to be better players and better people. Dad and I discussed this often—how can we create a place for people to become better?
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Accountability
Dad had great accountability partners. One of his is also a dear friend of mine. His name is Bobby Moore. He was Dad’s pastor, his workout coach, and close friend.
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Master Teacher
Dad was a maverick and exceptional teacher. He grasped ways to make concepts understandable way before the science of pedagogy confirmed his teaching methods.
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True Self vs. False Self
One of my daily devotionals gives short segments from the writings of Henri Nouwen, a beautiful Christian author. He wrote many moving books, including Return of the Prodigal .
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Clean Heart
Dad’s nickname around the house was Norman Neat or sometimes Matt Ticulous. He loved it clean, but he also loved having people over, which caused some tension for him. I like it neat as well.
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Perfectly Teachable
After watching thousands of athletes at NBC Camps, Dad said the two most dangerous emotions which hurt any athlete are arrogance and fear. Those emotions are the opposite of humility.
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Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood
My Dad loved the movie about Mr. Rogers, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. He watched it many times.
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The Age of Enragement
My Dad’s father loved rage as a tool to solve problems. Dad desired to learn to be gentle. He sought out gentle men as mentors to help him learn how to navigate difficulty without getting angry.
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RPE4FJC
My brother Jay created RPE (one of my dad’s favorite slogans, which stands for Relentless Pursuit of Excellence) and FJC—my dad’s initials Fredric James Crowell.
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World’s Systemic Problem, Part 1
Today’s world lives out the adage, “There is a season for everything.” Solomon said this in his book of Ecclesiastes. In other words, there is a balanced, cyclical nature of life, even for comforts or calamities.
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Time to Stand
It seems to me there comes a time in everyone’s life when we can either take a stand or remain seated.
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Who Are the Good Guys
An elementary teacher was talking about the subject of good and bad guys. One little boy raised his hand: “Teacher, who are the good guys? “ This is a wise question!
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Choosing Great Friends
Pictured above is Jim Harrick – John Wooden – Fred Crowell. Coach Jim Harrick is one of the finest friends any person could ever have in a lifetime.
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Basketball Betrayal
Years ago, a wise college basketball coach evaluated a hopeful recruit with these words: “His body betrays him.” At the time, these were stunning yet insightful words. What in the world was he talking about?
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Watching People with Wisdom, Part 1
People-watching is fun, entertaining and a valuable source of learning. A wise spiritual and life educator taught his students to master three people-watching skills. WATCH THE PERSON .
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Pain Comes in the Night
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING I BELONG TO JESUS JESUS IS MINE As boys Father Crowell trained us to not shed tears.
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People Watch You
People watch what we are doing, how we do it, and how it makes them feel.” – Derrick Sebastian “May I have another cup of coffee?” Asked the person at the counter.
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Initialism
Wisdom is doing the right thing at the right time. W – Want it! This is the first step in being wise. See Matthew 6:25-33 . I – Integrity. Do as you say. See Psalm 1 .
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Solution to Poor Character
Do you desire freedom from quick temper, anger, and personal conflicts? The Apostle Paul is truly a remarkable writer. I marvel as I read his many books. Around 57 AD he made a difficult decision.
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The Principle of Life
I hope you are enjoying the 416-page, hardcover Words of Hope book. The book helps us discover how hope heals, elevates the spirit, and brings energy and purpose. Yet, hope lost makes the mind and heartsick.
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First and Lasts
Briefly, why do we idolize being first and disfavor being last ? Often last trumps first . Here are some real-life examples depicting in the end first does not matter.
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Principle of the Iceberg
What you don’t see is far more important than what you do see. Imagine the excitement 2224 of the richest people in the world and some emigrants hoping for a new life were feeling the day in Southhampton…
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Tough Minds Soft Hearts
A tribute to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. How many coloreds are you going to play at a time in the game tomorrow night?
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Coach Ed Pepple
Ed Pepple (1932-2020) was a great high school basketball coach for 49 years in the state of Washington, 42 of those years at Mercer Island High School.
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An Old Basketball Coach’s Existential Diagnosis of Racism
As a general rule, basketball coaches have a single focus: to coach/teach the team to excel. Great coaches are outstanding in creating the team environment of commitment to unity, positive mental attitudes, and strong moral character.
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Truth Is Dead, Not God
There was a time in my life when transcendent truth, or absolutes, was accepted as reality. Not today. Such acceptance is dead and gone. Today what matters is one’s personal opinion, not another’s opinion.
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Human Nature: Is Man Good or Evil?
Years ago in a graduate psychology class, my professor said, “I am going to ask a controversial question.
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Mothers
How does a boy become a man without a good mother? This is a mystery to me. When I journeyed to my secret place or the place I also call the secret garden, I held the notion that…
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THE ACID TEST (An Idiom)
Our present-day English language is rather difficult to learn because we use so many idioms. These are words or expressions not having meaning unless the context is understood.
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Crowell’s Law – Twice Good
It is not good enough for a son to become as good as his father or a daughter to become as good as her mother. Good enough means being twice as good!
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Something Better
The strength and integrity of a company or an individual are the associations they are able to develop. Cornerstone Home Lending is one of the finest companies in the USA to help families finance their homes.
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A Healthy Coach Has Character
This guest Words of Hope is written by Janice Foland. OUR KIDS NEED HEALTHY COACHES WITH CHARACTER. How do we select healthy coaches for our kids?
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Walk It, Don’t Talk It
“If you know it and you don’t do it, you don’t know it.” – Mike Nilson The Apostle James short book on walking your talk reminds me of a college basketball game.
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Boomerang
Today’s culture uses “boomerang” in many settings, especially over the Internet. It is a phenomenon today, a cause and effect, a return to the originator.
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Legacy Gifting, Part 1
Children are precious gifts from the Lord. The greatest legacy gift parents can give their children is to live St. Paul’s parenting virtues , especially in his letter to the Philippians.
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5 How Questions
Be careful how you answer these 5 how questions. Serious reflection may alter the course of your life. For the good! Try to answer each question in writing using 20 words or less.
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Be a Giver Not a Taker
This remarkable, majestic, mysterious world in which we live is governed by physical, psychological and spiritual laws which are both seen and unseen. The law of give and take falls under the law of cause and effect.
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The ‘Ez’ Button
Today’s culture has an auto-pilot: We do what we know we should NOT do, and we don’t do the things we know we SHOULD do.
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Breastplate of Righteousness
Break your sternum and you’ll soon realize the reason Paul chose the breastplate of righteousness as a simile for protection of the chest; a vital part of the soldier’s body.
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Mirror Management
Key Statement: if you don’t keep your mirror clean, the mirror cannot do its job to tell you the truth about yourself. When you look deeply into your mirror you will be looking at enemy number one.
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The Talent of Success, Part 1
“The TALENT OF SUCCESS is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do without thought of fame.
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Human Bridges
Spokane, Washington, is the home of many bridges because of the majestic Spokane River. During its peak season, this river spills over 348 million gallons of water every 24 hours.
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The Human Condition, Part 1
Throughout all ages, humankind has debated the innate nature of man. Is man inherently good, or is man inherently evil? This is the crucible life question.
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The Finger of God, Part 2
We all need discernment, especially in decision-making. Here are some examples: Between right and wrong, or between my right and your wrong Between left or right path Between winning or losing Between all or nothing (extremism) Between my…
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The Finger of God, Part 1
Today’s culture and government seem to have created a paradoxical polarization. They seem to have created a difficult dilemma for answers. Discussing two different viewpoints often ends up in name calling and character assassination.
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SEARCH ME – Part 2
Reality Truth : If you accept the message, you will value the messenger; whereas if you reject the message, you will reject the messenger.
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SEARCH ME – Part 1
When you seek personal excellence, self-scrutiny is welcomed, not rejected. Is the truth, not a lie, really your goal? Search Me!
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Not Ashamed
Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. In recent years race relations have become a daily news event. Some believe the USA is at an all-time low in race relations. For some, this is a true statement.
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Hello Metlakatla
HelloMetlakatla, Alaska Students, Parents, Teachers, Administrators and School Board Members, The 2018-19 school year is here! Can we make it the best school year in the history of the miracle Annette Island family of people?
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Humility Clothing
On a recent airline flight to Denver, Colorado, I had the opportunity to be a “typical” passenger.
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Living Skillfully
KEY STATEMENT: Each person has a life skills toolbox. Skillful living demands having the correct tool to fix the difficult circumstances life presents day by day. What’s in your life skills toolbox?
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Than You Fred
Thank you, Fred. What an amazing compliment from you and Susie. I feel like it has taken a long time to learn not to feel like I have to force knowledge and strength.
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When Intellect & Emotions Collide
“Life stands still when head and heart disagree.” The must see movie, Risen , took me back to the most difficult, challenging decision of my young life.
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Found Guilty
Is there enough evidence to find you guilty? Years ago an excellent public speaker challenged a large audience with this profound statement. If it were a crime to be a Christian would you be found guilty?
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Whose Truth?
Is it God’s truth, her truth, his truth, their truth, my truth or is it your truth? These questions though confusing are not meant to confuse.
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Every Day Heroes
“Superstar heroes don’t love you enough to be with you in tough times.” Today I lift up one of my most loved everyday heroes.
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Clean Hands – Straight Eyes
As a boy I was expected to look adults in the eyes when they spoke to me. If they extended a handshake my father’s orders were to call them Mr. or Mrs.
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Men of Valor
The two essential qualities of mentor leadership are proven track record and worthy of being imitated. For rapid recall of these two dynamic, life-changing principles I call them PTR & WOBI.
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Anthropoid
A rich lesson in courage and commitment. ANTHROPOID is a WWII historical movie about Czech resistant fighters. Courage and commitment make this a spellbinding movie.
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Freedom Is Not Free
The crucial question!, “How much does it cost?” My amazing son-in-law gave me a book on the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
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Hunting Happiness
Key Statement: Happiness is one step around the next corner and the next corner and the next corner and the …. Factual question, not an elegant question.
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The Father of Learning
Imitation, leading by example, is the superior method of education. To qualify to be a credible father or significant mentor, it is a twofold process: *PTR – proven track record. *WOBI – worthy of being imitated.
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You Are So Kind
Kindness is ranked #5 in the order of the 9 fruits of the spirit in the Lord’s orchard. One of my core life values is “Dress for Success.” I learned this principle early in my professional career.
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Search Me O God
“The riches of life demand searching with a pure heart with relentless pursuit of truth and love.” Often in the counseling setting, we role played to discover the root of a present problem.
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Meet a Modern Day Angel
You His mighty angels doing His bidding. – Psalm 103 Today Jan Foland emailed her drawing of her vision of a sacred place.
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The Honor Principle
To experience the privilege of being honored it is best to first honor others. Today it is a privilege to honor Walter Willis King. Walt is Susie’s dad.
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Building Snow People – Building a Better Me
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away all things become new. When my granddaughter built her snowman, I was really impressed with her imagination and her skill.
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Be a Living Sacrifice Not a Dead One
I plead with you brothers and sisters These strong words by St. Paul to his Brothers and Sisters in Rome were written in times similar to the pain and suffering we see too often these days.
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P+f+e+pc = Success
True success is how far you are able to rise above the place of beginning. If you start at zero and end up at 10 you are a true success.
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Paper Boy Story
Every boy has a dream, every boy is a miracle, every boy has failures, every boy deserves a real chance to make their dream come true.
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Dress for Success
A wise practice each morning is to dress for success. The best way is to dress two times , not once! First, dress for the day to look your best for the jobs at hand.
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Practice What You Preach
Matthew 23 – Seven Woes. Mathew quotes the Master’s scathing rebuking of those who don’t practice what they preach.
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You Don’t Know!
“If you don’t do it, you don’t know” -Mike Nilson How often do we hear someone say, “I know?” You shouldn’t smoke, “I know it.” This is an obvious example.
