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The Tip of the Spear : : a message of Thanksgiving from Brad Jubin, APIVEO

November 27, 2014 By Brad Jubin

A few weeks ago I watched a story on TV about the man who killed Osama Bin Laden. The man who pulled the trigger is a Navy Seal and he is as humble as he is brave. His story was riveting, but there was one comment he made that really resonated with me; in fact, I still haven’t stopped thinking about it. He said that he and his team were the “tip of the spear.”

The “tip of the spear,” it’s not an uncommon phrase; especially in the military; but it is such a powerful statement. When you think of a spear, the tip is the leading edge. The tip is the business end; the point of entry; the focus. It’s safe to say that leadership is the “tip of the spear” in nearly all aspects of our lives.

As many of you know, my family and I, along with a few of our friends, founded and run an organization called APIVEO. Through APIVEO, we encourage and equip youth coaches to teach kids about leadership. In addition, each month we celebrate a child that has demonstrated leadership in their home, church, team or community.

APIVEO FamilyEach time we honor one of these amazing kids I get to stand up and share their leadership story with hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people. When it comes to APIVEO; I am the tip of the spear. I am the face and voice of APIVEO. Leaders are the tip of the spear in their organizations, teams and groups. The kids we celebrate through APIVEO are the “tip of the spear.” Our Pastors are the tip of the spear in our churches; our coaches are the tip of the spear in our youth sports.

God gifted me to lead and I am thankful for that. He called me to APIVEO, and I am thankful for that. However, what I am truly thankful for this year is not my capacity or opportunity in leadership; it’s not “being” the tip of the spear…I am thankful for the spear. You see, without the spear the tip would be…well…POINTLESS! My bride Kristy and our kids Madison, and Christian are my spear. I may get to stand out in front and do most of the talking, but without them I would have nothing to say. The tip might be the business end but without the strength, momentum and power of the spear, the tip is virtually irrelevant. Think about it; a spear is not pulled through the air to its target by the tip. No…it’s the spear that carries the tip to impact. It is Kristy, Madison and Christian that carry me and I am grateful.

Most of us will never go into battle with the Navy Seals. But all of us are leaders in one way or another. This Thanksgiving I encourage you to take a minute and think about the spear in your life. Think about the people that look to you for guidance, advice, and leadership…and look back at them with gratitude for trusting you to stand at the tip of the spear.

Happy Thanksgiving friends.

Filed Under: APIVEO, Inspiration, Leadership, Youth coaching Tagged With: always play 4 each other, Always Play for Each Other, Always Play IV Each Other, apiveo, Coach, Leadership, Servant Leadership, Thanksgiving, youth coaching

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bobby Romance says

    November 27, 2014 at 9:10 am

    I normally don’t comment back to mass emails, but your thoughts and vision of the spear analogy is both inspirational, beautiful and has the fingerprints of the Holy Spirit all over it; praise God and thanks for sharing this truly inspirational Thanksgiving message!

    God Bless and I hope and pray you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving!

    Bobby

    • Brad Jubin says

      November 27, 2014 at 9:52 am

      Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words, prayers and Thanksgiving wishes. God bless you and your family…Happy Thanksgiving!

  2. Mary Prather says

    November 27, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    It’s been an honor to watch you refine the point of your spear over the time we have known your family. God bless the work you are doing, Brad — and I agree that the momentum behind your tip is pretty awesome, too.

    I enjoy your writing, by the way!

    • Brad Jubin says

      November 27, 2014 at 1:11 pm

      Thank you Mary! Your spear is pretty awesome as well. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless.

  3. Minka Fultonm says

    November 27, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    Love this! Beautiful message.

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TESTIMONIALS

“It's my absolute pleasure to get everyone on board that I can! In the beginning, I was tempted to keep APIVEO as just our team thing. But after seeing the positive impact on our kids, I wanted to make sure every coach I could reach had the opportunity to use the program with their kids. What you've created has helped me to be a real coach and I am grateful for your leadership. As I tell anyone who will listen, I really don't know much about baseball. But I want to use the skills I do have to serve those around me. APIVEO is helping me to do just that!”

Team Manager Auburn Dixie Baseball/Softball Assoc.

“As Principal of our school, I highly and enthusiastically recommend APIVEO as an organization and Mr. Brad Jubin and as an individual who sincerely is "Being The Example." If you want students and adults to see and experience what authentic leadership is all about, give Mr. Jubin a call and find the time to meet with him. As one student told me after Chapel, "Man...Mr. Richards, that guy rocks!" I agreed.”

Principal, St Paul Lutheran School

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