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If your organization is like some, you may have been forced to go through organizational management and strategy change due to the economy. The economy will recover and we will leave these challenges behind as we have in the past. This is not our first "economic recovery period". Those "good ole" times of just doing your job, with less changes in the company will be back before you know it.

If your organization is like some, you may have been forced to go through organizational management and strategy change due to the economy. The economy will recover and we will leave these challenges behind as we have in the past. This is not our first "economic recovery period". Those "good ole" times of just doing your job, with less changes in the company will be back before you know it.

I think about how much we take for granted when we go through these challenges. This temporary episode in our economic history is here just for a moment. In perspective, they have been a part of our journey just as the growth has. Consider your own journey. It was not always easy. There were challenges along the way that were a part of our journey. In addition to our own work, sometimes our families have contributed to our success.

I did a program a while ago that made this point personal to me. It occurred following a speech I did for a senior organization. After I spoke, an elder from the audience, named Gertha, shook my hand and told me stories about my family that went back to the 1800's.

On her mother's side of the family (Franklin), she originated from Washington County Texas. The Franklins were slaves to the "Franklin family". My family, Felder, originated from a plantation across the road from the Franklins. She told me a story about one of my ancestors that was a slave that taught other slaves about God and the bible. He did this by going to each plantation to preach to the other slaves.

What an interesting coincidence, my father Robert Felder, my Uncle Luther Felder, Grandfather Luther Benjamin Felder, and Great Grandfather Gabriel Felder are all known as Rev Felder. Wow, I had never heard this. Can you imagine hearing a story about a legend to another family that you had never heard of?

After my visit with Gertha, I finally had a chance to go and visit Washington County, "The birth place of Texas"! In my search for family history I discovered the area of Texas my family came from. My family was named after the owner of the slaves, Felder.

My visit with Gertha motivated me to finally go and visit Washington County. For those who don't know, it was once called Washington on the Brazos, "the birthplace of Texas". It was something else to actually see the names on signs and graveyards of families she described. Another coincidence I discovered was the slave owner's name, Judge Gabriel Felder. If you didn't catch it earlier, my great grandfather was named Gabriel.

Can you imagine going back into your history 150 years taking in the history of your ancestors? This was truly a humbling experience, going back to the area where my ancestors started their journey in Texas. Can you imagine going back into your family history 150 years taking in the history of your ancestors? Humbly, driving into the area on Felder Rd. and standing in the midst of vast lands that your ancestors once inhabited. Taking in the inspiration from an old church there that your ancestors may have started.

As you look at the economic situation of today and back into your history, you will realize that there were challenges that you had to endure for you to be where you are today.

These were real challenging days for my ancestors and they managed to stay hopeful. When I look at today's challenges, in comparison to where my family has been, I realized that today is a walk in the park in perspective. Those difficult times for my ancestors were the foundation for a prosperous future for my family.

As I took it all in, I realized complaining was not who I was. Strength and endurance were a part of me. I had the chance to be exposed to it. Think about how much we take for granted when we look at our current challenges. Think back to your ancestors' challenges and what they endured for you to have a little discomfort at a job. You too are made of more. You can hold on a little longer.

As you go through organizational management and strategy challenges, continue to work through the tough times. I believe my ancestors looked to the future with hope. As I departed that day and reflected on my experience, I could not help but think my ancestors arrived to Washington County in bondage, and their hope allowed me to leave the plantation that day in a luxury Lincoln.