Who Is Bob Goff?
Every now and then, a person comes along who is truly unique and different. When I met Bob Goff a few years ago, I thought, “Wow, this is one more crazy Jesus-follower!” Bob is a lawyer by trade, but a difference-maker in life. Currently, he is building schools in third world countries . . . in dangerous places like northern Iraq, Somalia and Uganda. When his book, Love Does came out, I bought it, then quickly bought and gave away another 50 copies. It’s since become a New York Times Bestseller. Through some wonderful circumstances, several of us got to hear Bob speak on his recent visit to Atlanta. Honestly, I was thinking I’d hear the same stuff I’d heard before. But I was wrong. He was fresh and had some new ideas. A couple of my former mentees (and I) put together a ‘net out’ of his talk. Thanks to Kevin and Stephen!
The Next Humblest Version of Me:
Our goal should be to become “the next humblest version of me.” Stop beating yourself up, quit whatever is in the way and move on to becoming the next version of you.
Quit Something Every Thursday:
Bob quits something every Thursday. The purpose being just that, to clear the decks so that he can move on to becoming “the next humblest version of me” (He used that phrase multiple times).
Let Jesus Name the Chapters:
There will be failures that aren’t your fault in your story. Don’t be so quick to name your own chapters, especially in these situations. Many times the picture will come into focus in the rear view mirror. Let Jesus name the chapter after the story is written.
Extravagant Love:
Get to know your family but be extravagant. Buy a magnifying glass and memorize your daughter’s fingerprint. Take videos of you telling your kids who they really are, how Christ sees them as individuals. Send videos to your friends with instructions to send them to your family on the day you die.
Humility/Loving Your Neighbor:
Everyone asks “How’s that working for you?” The better question to ask is “How’s [my life] working for those around me? For my spouse? For my kids?”
Resignation Letter:
Write a resignation letter to your boss or board of directors, seal it in an envelope with a stamp and give it to your spouse. Tell her to send it the day that she feels the work/life balance has gotten out of whack.
Vision vs. Availability:
In his experience, people don’t follow vision, the follow availability. Be the most available person. There’s no interruption for Goff because nothing’s scheduled . . . he makes no appointments and sends no calls to voicemail. He lives life as it comes, trying to be totally available and ‘in the moment’.
Focus on Jesus, Not People’s Issues:
“What do you think about gay people?” “Jesus.”
“What do you think about straight people?” “Jesus.”
Tell people who they are in God’s eyes. Let Jesus tell them what they need to become.
Make a Family Flag:
Make a flag for your family and hang it somewhere prominent. It will say to your family this is who we are and what we’re about.
What You’re Known For:
Think about what you’re known for. Now take that away. What’s left? That’s what you’re really known for.
- God doesn’t pass us notes. He passes us each other.
- If you want to influence in a way that lasts, figure yourself out.
- If you want to see more and influence more, start with the people right in front of you.
- You are just a reflection of or a reaction to the people closest to us.
- Figure out the 8 people you would like to see at your deathbed, then surround yourself with them in life.
- If you’re not hearing “beloved,” it ain’t Jesus talking. It’s what He calls us, even at our worst.
- “You’re forgiven.” Bury that deep in your heart and dig it up often.
- I want to be the same guy at 1 foot that I am at 30 feet.
- We fly under the banner of Christ . . . either it changes everything or it changes nothing.
- Jesus has never looked at you and wished you were someone else.
- The right people and the right words can make a difference. You’re the right people for your family.
- We fly under the banner of Christ – either it changes everything or it changes nothing.
- Comfortable guys don’t need Jesus.
- . . . and finally, “I tried my whole life to figure out what works. Now I want to figure out what lasts.”
Amen to that.
Have you read Love Does or heard Bob speak? What did you learn? Tell us here or leave another comment.
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Responses (5)
Regi,
Thanks for the regular blogs, I find them such an encouragement and hard not to share. The Bob Goff recipe is awesome!! May the Lord continue to strengthen you as you serve Him. Thanks for the blessing you are to us men.
I picked Love Does up on a whim a few months back. It quickly became one of the best books I have ever read. The stories of how Bob has lived his life were extremely inspirational. He made it feel like we were sitting together in his living room and he was sharing his life. The ease at which he has been able to live iin an extraordinary way and change so many lives around him is nothing short of amazing. Thanks for sharing the takeaways from his talk!
Bob Goff is quite a character (good character). I was privileged to hear him speak at the “SPARK” conference in Roanoke VA this year. He is one of the most exciting Jesus followers I know. Try out his videos in addition to Love Does. There is much to learn from this man about mentorship and living a Jesus life. I am a Young Life committee member so his story about the YL leader impact on him is impressive.
After reading your post, “Who is Bob Goff?”, I immediately bought a copy on Amazon and read several chapters as soon as it arrived. Thanks for the recommendation.
Greatly summed up! This article is very inspiring and really gives direction for what can be next in our life. Love the way Bob teaches and lives, got to walk and talk with him for 30 mins to and form his hotel room at a conference we were at, such a genuine love.