I have personally led a weekly C3 Forum (originally Pinnacle Forum) for almost 13 years (growing from 0 to currently 18 business/professional leaders, active or retired; one among what has grown to be at present 36 Forums with nearly 300 Pacific Northwest Christian business men/women leaders.) My friend, Mason Rutledge, is the new C3 President and my guest blogger for this week. While this blog specifically addresses C3 Forum participants, his message is one of high value to us all on the importance of “taking care of y’all chicken.” Enjoy.

 

The Super Bowl is approaching and sadly, the Seattle Seahawks will not be a part.  Fortunately, we do have the memories of an incredible season, including the out-of-retirement return of running back Marshawn Lynch.

Following the last Seahawks’ game, the legendary power back had powerful advice for the younger players:

 

It’s a vulnerable time for a lot of these young dudes, feel me? They don’t be taking care of their chicken right… I’ll tell y’all right now while y’all in it, take care of your bread so when you’re all done you can go ahead and take care of yourself.

 

I’ve come to understand that “chicken” is compensation, pay, money.  You don’t often hear NFL players talking about their “chicken.”  It’s too bad, because they need the advice.  Sports Illustrated has reported that almost eight out of 10 players suffer from financial stress within 24 month of retirement.  The National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that one in six will file bankruptcy.  That is sad.

 

The truth is we all need help.  Most people don’t talk about money, business, finances, etc.  It’s just too personal.  “Their business is their business.”  This is especially true in the church where talking about your business can seem “boastful” or “base” or even “Babylon.”  That is bad.

 

A key principle of C3 Leaders is we talk about “y’all chicken.”  In a C3 Forum you will hear men and women talk about their businesses, their plans, the setbacks and blessings.  We don’t shirk from the topic, instead it is a basic building block of what C3 Leaders does together.  It is a key distinctive.

 

C3 Leaders talk business because God cares about work.  Before the fall of humankind, God placed “man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it” (Gen. 2:15 – The Message).  God cares about our business today, too, “He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us” (Eph 2:10 – The Message).

 

I love that Marshawn took this opportunity to lend advice.  He’s been down the road. He can help these young guys.  In C3 Leaders, we need experienced, tenured business leaders and marketplace influencers who are a few steps ahead and ready to walk with a bunch of men or women in a C3 Forum.  This is a mutual gift.

 

You knew that the T-shirt would be following that rare interview.  Marshawn is good at “chicken.”  A tried, tired and true teammate with timely advice.  “Start taking care of y’all mentals, y’all bodies and y’all chicken.”

Mason Rutledge

 

GOOD ADVICE

for anyone in life’s second half (50+ age), whether you are or once were an NFL player, or you’re involved in the business/professional world like most of the rest of us. And words of wisdom to pass along to our children, grandchildren and even the ‘great grands’ who bless us all just by being here. “Take care of y’all chicken”