Growth Is Exponential: Part Three — Faith Is a Behavior

Substance is the essential reality or underlying core of something, often considered its true nature or material that gives it existence, form, or effect. It represents what is real and tangible, providing evidence or foundation for belief or action.

Growth Is Exponential: Part Three — Faith Is a Behavior

Introduction

Welcome to the final installment of our Growth Is Exponential trilogy in the Becoming Maverick journey.

In Part One, we explored foundational principles that drive exponential growth.
In Part Two, we examined Word Power and how language shapes identity and destiny.

Now we arrive at the activating force behind it all:

Faith.

Not vague belief.
Not blind optimism.
But conviction with substance — expressed through behavior.

A Prayer for Conviction and Growth

“Father God, I embrace Your promise in Epistle to the Romans 8:28. Guide me in every circumstance. Transform challenges into growth, setbacks into stepping stones, and obstacles into resilience. Reveal the lessons hidden in every experience. Ignite within me deep faith, gratitude, and courage as I walk toward exponential growth. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

This prayer is not ritual — it is alignment.

Exponential growth requires more than intention.
It requires confident action rooted in trust.

Faith Is Conviction with Substance

Faith is often misunderstood as blind belief.
Biblical faith is not irrational.

Faith is being fully convinced there is substance behind what you hope for.

When you walk, you do so confidently, knowing the ground will support you. Why? Because there is evidence. You have walked before. You have seen others walk. You have experienced the reliability of solid ground.

Even when you step into a new place, you do not question gravity.

You cannot see gravity — but you trust it.
You cannot see oxygen — but you breathe it.

There are realities that exist whether or not we see them.

The writer of Epistle to the Hebrews explains it clearly:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Notice the language:

Faith without substance is myth.
Faith without evidence is imagination.

Faith is confidence grounded in credible reality — even when full visibility is absent.

It is not denial of uncertainty.
It is trust based on credible proof — both lived and observed.

Faith Behaves

Because faith has substance, it moves.

If you truly believe the ground will hold you, you walk.
If you truly believe growth is possible, you train.
If you truly believe purpose matters, you prepare.

Faith is not passive.
Faith behaves.

It shows up when:

You choose discipline over comfort
You respond to adversity with trust
You act before results are visible
You persist when outcomes are delayed

Faith is belief expressed through consistent action.

The Compound Effect of Faith

Exponential growth compounds over time.
So does faithful behavior.

Small, consistent actions rooted in conviction create disproportionate long-term outcomes.

Showing up daily.
Practicing gratitude in uncertainty.
Building skill before recognition.
Giving before abundance.

These are acts of faith.

And like compound interest, faith-driven behavior multiplies.

Becoming Maverick: Living Convinced

To Become Maverick is to live fully convinced.

Convinced that:

Growth is possible
Purpose is real
Adversity can refine
Discipline compounds
God is working even when unseen

Faith does not eliminate challenge.
It reframes it.

When belief aligns with behavior, exponential growth stops being theoretical and becomes inevitable.

Conclusion: Walk Like It Will Hold

As we conclude this trilogy, remember this:

You already practice faith every day.

You sit in chairs trusting they will hold you.
You breathe air you cannot see.
You walk on ground supported by forces invisible to the eye.

Faith is not foreign to you.
It is already embedded in how you live.

The question is:
Will you apply that same confidence to your growth?

May we:

Think expansively
Speak intentionally
Act with conviction

When faith becomes behavior, growth becomes exponential.

Thank you for walking this Becoming Maverick journey.

Walk boldly.
Live convinced.
Grow exponentially.

Shalom!

Click Send a Gift.

Emotional Nutrition Part 3: Unleashing an Extraordinary Life

Emotional Nutrition – Part 3: Unleashing an Extraordinary Life

Introduction: From Strength to Legacy

Welcome back to Part Three of the Emotional Nutrition series on the Becoming Maverick journey.

In Part 1, we laid the foundation: love, purpose, peace, hope, and meaningful relationships.
In Part 2, we activated potential through self-love, resilience, authenticity, empathy, and gratitude.

Now we move to something deeper.

This final installment is about overflow.

Emotional nutrition is not only meant to stabilize you or strengthen you — it is meant to expand you. When properly nourished, your life begins to impact others. Influence grows. Leadership deepens. Legacy forms.

Let us explore five final emotional nutrients that propel us into extraordinary living: Kindness, Gratitude (as lifestyle), Faith, Positive Attitude, and Generosity.

1. Kindness: Strength Expressed Gently

Kindness is not weakness. It is controlled strength.

In a culture that rewards noise and aggression, kindness is countercultural — and therefore powerful.

Research in positive psychology consistently shows that acts of kindness:

Increase personal happiness
Lower stress
Strengthen social bonds
Improve overall well-being

Kindness multiplies influence without demanding attention.

A Maverick understands this principle:
Impact does not require intimidation.

Small acts — a listening ear, a thoughtful word, a generous gesture — create ripples far beyond what we see.

Kindness turns emotional health outward.

2. Gratitude: From Practice to Posture

We explored gratitude in Part Two as fuel for momentum. Here, we deepen it.

Gratitude must move from occasional practice to daily posture.

When gratitude becomes a posture:

Scarcity loses its grip.
Comparison loses its power.
Complaining loses its appeal.

Gratitude anchors perspective during uncertainty. It reminds us that growth is happening — even when outcomes are still forming.

As research in positive psychology has shown, consistent gratitude reshapes neural pathways, training the mind to notice opportunity instead of threat.

The Maverick mindset is not naïve optimism. It is disciplined appreciation.

3. Faith: Confidence Beyond Circumstances

Faith is the emotional nutrient that sustains vision when evidence is limited.

Whether faith is expressed spiritually, philosophically, or personally, it provides:

Direction during doubt
Courage during delay
Stability during disruption

Throughout history, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. embodied faith in action — holding vision long before society caught up.

Faith is not passive.
It is forward-moving trust.

On the Maverick journey, faith allows you to:

Build before applause.
Lead before recognition.
Persist before results.

Faith transforms obstacles into preparation.

4. Positive Attitude: The Discipline of Perspective

A positive attitude is not denial of reality — it is interpretation of reality.

You cannot always control events.
You can always influence perspective.

Research in positive psychology demonstrates that optimism increases resilience, creativity, and problem-solving ability.

When you cultivate a positive attitude:

You respond instead of react.
You search for solutions instead of assigning blame.
You conserve emotional energy for what truly matters.

The Maverick chooses perspective carefully, knowing that perception shapes performance.

5. Generosity: Living Beyond Yourself

Generosity is emotional maturity in action.

It is giving:

Time when you are busy.
Encouragement when others doubt.
Resources when you could hoard.
Opportunity when you could compete.

Neuroscience research shows that generosity activates reward centers in the brain, reinforcing well-being and connection.

As Myles Munroe often taught, a life measured only by accumulation is small — a life measured by contribution is significant.

The extraordinary life is not defined by what you gain.
It is defined by what you give.

Generosity turns success into significance.

Conclusion: The Extraordinary Life

Across this three-part Emotional Nutrition series, we have explored fifteen emotional nutrients that nourish, strengthen, and expand the inner life.

Part 1 grounded us.
Part 2 activated us.
Part 3 releases us.

When emotional nutrition is intentional:

You lead with strength and compassion.
You endure with resilience.
You influence with integrity.
You give with purpose.

This is what it means to Become Maverick.

Not reckless.
Not rebellious for attention.
But courageous, grounded, and generous.

An extraordinary life is not accidental.
It is cultivated — one emotional choice at a time.

Thank you for journeying through this series. May you continue to nourish your inner world so that your outer impact reflects depth, wisdom, and grace.

Shalom!

Click Send a Gift.

Emotional Nutrition Part 2: Fueling Your Potential

Emotional Nutrition – Part 2: Fueling Your Potential

Introduction: From Nourishment to Activation

Welcome back to Part Two of the Emotional Nutrition series on the journey of Becoming Maverick.

In Part One, we explored the essential emotional nutrients — love, purpose, peace, hope, and meaningful relationships. Those are foundational. They stabilize us. They anchor us.

But nourishment is not the end goal.

Nutrition is meant to produce strength.
Strength is meant to produce movement.
Movement is meant to produce impact.

In this second installment, we shift from foundation to activation — exploring the emotional nutrients that fuel your potential: Self-Love, Resilience, Authenticity, Empathy, and Gratitude.

These are not soft virtues. They are strategic strengths.

1. Self-Love: The Courage to Know Your Worth

Self-love is not arrogance. It is alignment.

It is the quiet confidence that you are created with value, capable of growth, and worthy of respect — including your own.

Without self-love:

You overcompensate.
You over-apologize.
You overextend.
You underperform.

With self-love:

You set boundaries.
You pursue growth.
You accept correction.
You walk in confidence without needing applause.

As Brené Brown has emphasized through her work on vulnerability and worthiness, courage begins when we believe we are enough.

Self-love fuels potential because you cannot maximize what you secretly despise.

Mavericks do not wait for validation. They operate from identity.

2. Resilience: Strength Built in Resistance

Potential is meaningless without resilience.

Life will test your convictions. Leadership will stretch your patience. Vision will demand endurance.

Resilience is the emotional muscle that allows you to bend without breaking.

As Viktor Frankl wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning, suffering becomes transformative when we choose our response to it.

Resilience grows when you:

Reframe failure as feedback.
Reflect instead of react.
Learn instead of blame.
Persist instead of quit.

On the Maverick path, resistance is not a sign to stop — it is proof you are building capacity.

3. Authenticity: Alignment Between Values and Action

Authenticity is not saying everything you think.
It is living in alignment with what you believe.

In a world driven by comparison, branding, and performance, authenticity is rare — and therefore powerful.

Carl Rogers argued that psychological health begins when our real self and ideal self are not in conflict.

When your values and actions align:

Decision-making becomes clearer.
Confidence becomes steadier.
Leadership becomes credible.

A Maverick does not chase applause. He builds consistency.

Authenticity fuels potential because energy is no longer wasted pretending.

4. Empathy: Strength Through Connection

True leadership is not domination — it is understanding.

Empathy expands your emotional intelligence. It sharpens your influence. It deepens your impact.

As Nelson Mandela demonstrated throughout his life, strength and compassion are not opposites. They are partners.

Empathy allows you to:

Listen before speaking.
Understand before correcting.
Support before judging.
Lead people, not just manage tasks.

Potential that lacks empathy becomes ego.
Potential guided by empathy becomes legacy.

5. Gratitude: The Multiplier of Momentum

Gratitude is strategic.

It shifts your focus from scarcity to stewardship.

When you practice gratitude:

Anxiety decreases.
Perspective increases.
Comparison weakens.
Joy strengthens.

Gratitude does not ignore problems — it refuses to let problems define the narrative.

As many positive psychology researchers have shown, gratitude rewires attention toward what is working rather than what is missing.

The Maverick mindset understands this:
What you consistently appreciate, you cultivate.

Gratitude fuels potential because it keeps your spirit energized for the long journey.

Conclusion: Potential Is Emotional Before It Is External

Part Two of Emotional Nutrition reminds us that success is not built on talent alone. It is built on emotional strength.

Self-love anchors identity.
Resilience builds endurance.
Authenticity sharpens clarity.
Empathy deepens influence.
Gratitude sustains momentum.

Together, these emotional nutrients move you from stability to strength — from surviving to leading.

In Part Three, we will explore how emotional nutrition shapes legacy, impact, and long-term influence on the Maverick journey.

Stay the course. Feed what fuels you.

Shalom!

Click Send a Gift.

Emotional Nutrition (Part 1): Love, Purpose, Peace, Hope & Connection

Nourishing the Soul: The Power of Emotional Nutrition on the Journey to Becoming Maverick

Introduction: We Are More Than What We Eat

We live in a world obsessed with physical health — diets, gym routines, supplements, step counts. Yet many strong bodies carry weary souls.

True well-being is holistic. Human beings require more than calories and protein; we require emotional and spiritual nourishment. Without it, success feels hollow, leadership feels heavy, and life feels rushed instead of rich.

As Myles Munroe once said, “The value of life is not in its duration, but in its donation.”
A life well-lived is not merely sustained — it is poured out.

On the journey of Becoming Maverick, I have come to recognize five essential emotional nutrients: Love, Purpose, Peace, Hope, and Meaningful Relationships. Without them, we survive. With them, we thrive.

1. Love: The Fuel That Sustains Us

Love is not weakness. It is strength under control.

Albert Einstein wrote, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” At the heart of that shift in thinking is love — how we see ourselves and how we see others.

Love provides:

Belonging
Security
Identity
Emotional resilience

Bruce Lee described love as “friendship caught on fire.” It is active. Intentional. Courageous.

To cultivate emotional nutrition through love:

Practice self-compassion before self-criticism.
Express appreciation openly.
Forgive quickly.
Give without always calculating return.

A Maverick does not harden his heart — he strengthens it.

2. Purpose: Direction for the Soul

Without purpose, energy leaks. With purpose, energy multiplies.

Nelson Mandela declared, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” That statement reflects a life anchored in purpose.

Purpose gives:

Direction in uncertainty
Motivation in hardship
Meaning in sacrifice

Mother Teresa reminded us, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Purpose is often revealed in the small, consistent acts done faithfully.

If you feel stuck, ask:

What problem breaks my heart?
What contribution excites me?
Where do my skills meet the needs of others?

Purpose is discovered through movement, not meditation alone.

3. Peace: Strength Under Pressure

In a noisy world, peace is revolutionary.

Jordan Peterson often emphasizes responsibility as the path to order. True peace does not come from avoiding chaos but from engaging it wisely.

Albert Einstein once said, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”

Peace is cultivated through:

Daily reflection and prayer
Intentional silence
Boundaries around time and technology
Gratitude practices

Peace is not the absence of problems; it is the presence of perspective.

The Maverick learns to be calm in the storm — not because the storm disappears, but because his foundation is firm.

4. Hope: The Spark of Possibility

Hope is oxygen for the future.

When Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” he was speaking from a prison cell turned launching pad.

Hope fuels:

Resilience
Creativity
Courage

It allows us to plant seeds when we cannot yet see fruit.

To cultivate hope:

Study stories of perseverance.
Celebrate small progress.
Surround yourself with forward-thinking people.
Speak possibility, even when outcomes are uncertain.

Hope is not denial. It is disciplined optimism.

5. Meaningful Relationships: The Ecosystem of Growth

No Maverick rises alone.

Caroline Leaf reminds us, “Your mind is always eavesdropping on your brain.” Our relational environment shapes our internal world.

Healthy relationships provide:

Accountability
Encouragement
Honest feedback
Emotional safety

Connection is not about quantity — it is about quality.

Nurture relationships that:

Challenge you to grow
Celebrate your progress
Speak truth in love
Share aligned values

A good head and a good heart — as Nelson Mandela implied — are a formidable combination.

Conclusion: Feeding What Truly Matters

We cannot expect emotional strength if we starve our inner world.

To Become Maverick is to live intentionally — feeding the soul as deliberately as we feed the body.

Love deeply.
Live purposefully.
Guard your peace.
Hold onto hope.
Invest in meaningful relationships.

As Caroline Leaf says, “The healthiest form of generosity is authenticity.”

Emotional nutrition is not selfish — it equips us to give more, serve better, and lead stronger.

Shalom!

Click Send a Gift.

The Jesus Strategy: Love, Problem-Solving, and Authenticity in the Pursuit of Excellence

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,

Today, we gather here to delve into a topic that resonates with the essence of Becoming Maverick—a journey of self-discovery, personal development, and the pursuit of excellence. We embark on an exploration of the renowned Jesus Strategy, as we seek to uncover the principles and strategies that have propelled the Jesus Movement throughout the ages.

Before we proceed, let it be known that this discourse is not confined to religious boundaries. Instead, we invite you to engage with an open mind, regardless of your personal beliefs. Becoming Maverick is a platform that celebrates the quest to unleash the best version of our humanity, and it is within this spirit that we examine the remarkable success and longevity of the 'Jesus Movement'.

At the heart of the Jesus Strategy lies a foundational principle that resonates deeply with Becoming Maverick: love for humanity demonstrated on the individual level. Jesus, the embodiment of this principle, exemplified unwavering compassion, empathy, and acceptance. His love transcended societal norms, reaching out to the marginalized, the forgotten, and the broken. Through his actions, he illuminated the transformative power of love and its ability to ignite positive change.

Another key aspect of the Jesus Strategy is the ability to solve problems that people may not even be aware of. Jesus possessed an unparalleled understanding of the human condition, addressing the profound needs and desires of the heart. His teachings and actions offered a path to healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation, touching lives in ways that no other individual had done before. His example reminds us to look beyond the surface and seek holistic solutions that truly address the essence of our human experience.

Crucially, the Jesus Strategy was not merely theoretical or abstract. Jesus embodied the very principles he taught, leaving no room for hypocrisy. His authenticity served as a guiding light for his followers, inspiring them to embrace his teachings and emulate his character. It was this authenticity that allowed the Jesus Movement to thrive and foster a community of individuals who, in turn, became beacons of love, kindness, and compassion.

Becoming Maverick recognizes the importance of authenticity and personal growth. It is through embodying our values and principles that we make a genuine impact on the world around us. The Jesus Strategy provides a timeless blueprint for personal transformation and self-discovery—a roadmap to unleashing the best version of ourselves.

As we reflect upon the Jesus Strategy within the context of Becoming Maverick, let us embrace its profound message of love, problem-solving, and authenticity. Let us draw inspiration from the transformative power of these principles, as we navigate our own personal journeys. Becoming Maverick is an invitation to unlock our potential, challenge societal norms, and make a lasting positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, the Jesus Strategy, though originating in a different time and context, holds valuable lessons for us on our path to Becoming Maverick. Its emphasis on love, problem-solving, and authenticity transcends religious boundaries, resonating with the very core of our humanity. May we be inspired to integrate these principles into our own lives, unleashing the best version of ourselves and creating a more compassionate, inclusive, and vibrant world.

Thank you for joining us on this exploration of the Jesus Strategy within the context of Becoming Maverick. May it ignite a sense of purpose and possibility within each of us as we continue our personal journeys of self-discovery and growth.

Remember you are Becoming Maverick!

Shalom!

The Intentional Life: Small Decisions, Lasting Impact

Intentional means acting with purpose and conscious choice rather than by accident, impulse, or external pressure. It describes behavior that is deliberate, thoughtful, and aligned with a clear goal or value.

Becoming Maverick: The Art and Discipline of Decision-Making

On the journey of Becoming Maverick, one truth keeps resurfacing: our lives move in the direction of our decisions.

Destiny is rarely dramatic. It is usually quiet. Built one choice at a time.

Every day we decide what to believe, what to pursue, what to tolerate, and what to let go of. Some decisions feel small. Others feel life-altering. But all of them compound. And over time, they form the architecture of our future.

Maverick living is not about rebellion for the sake of it. It is about intentionality. It is about choosing with clarity instead of drifting with the crowd.

1. A Well-Informed Worldview

Good decisions begin long before the decision itself.

They begin with perspective.

A Maverick cultivates a well-informed worldview — seeking diverse voices, engaging different disciplines, and staying curious about how the world really works. We challenge our assumptions instead of protecting them. We ask better questions instead of settling for easy answers.

When your worldview expands, your decisions mature.

You stop reacting.
You start responding.

2. Mindset: The Inner Environment

Knowledge alone is not enough. Two people can have access to the same information and make radically different decisions.

Why?

Mindset.

Psychologist Carol Dweck popularized the concept of the growth mindset — the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. This mindset transforms decision-making. Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” we begin asking, “What can I learn?”

A Maverick understands that decisions are rarely perfect. But they can be progressive.

We become adaptable.
We adjust.
We refine.

3. Critical Thinking in an Age of Noise

We live in an information-saturated world. Algorithms amplify outrage. Opinions travel faster than facts.

Maverick decision-making requires discernment.

We evaluate sources.
We fact-check.
We distinguish between emotion and evidence.
We separate popularity from credibility.

Critical thinking is not cynicism — it is responsibility.

Before we accept an idea, we ask:

Who benefits from this message?
What evidence supports it?
What assumptions is it built upon?

Clarity protects your future.

4. Understanding Motives and Consequences

Information is rarely neutral. Communicators often have motives — commercial, political, ideological, or personal.

This doesn’t mean we distrust everyone.
It means we think independently.

We also weigh consequences. Short-term comfort can create long-term regret. Immediate applause can cost long-term integrity.

Mavericks think beyond the moment.

They ask:

What does this decision look like in five years?
Who does it impact?
Does it align with my values?

5. Self-Awareness: The Hidden Multiplier

Research in behavioral science shows how cognitive biases distort judgment. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman demonstrated how we often rely on fast, automatic thinking that can lead to predictable errors.

Awareness of bias is power.

We reflect on:

Confirmation bias (seeking what agrees with us)
Fear-based reactions
Ego-driven choices

The more self-aware we become, the less reactive we are — and the more intentional we become.

6. Independence Without Arrogance

A Maverick is not anti-authority. Nor is he driven by social approval.

He listens.
He evaluates.
He decides.

Independence is not stubbornness — it is thoughtful ownership.

We refuse to outsource our judgment to the loudest voice in the room. We resist social pressure when it conflicts with principle. We build decisions on logic, evidence, and values — not trends.

7. Weighing Benefit and Harm

Every meaningful decision carries trade-offs.

Opportunity always costs something — time, energy, comfort, reputation, or risk.

So we ask:

What do I gain?
What might I lose?
Is this sacrifice worth the outcome?

The goal is not perfection. The goal is alignment.

Alignment between who you are becoming and the choices you are making.

Decision-Making as an Art and a Discipline

Decision-making is both science and art.

Science gives us research, psychology, and data.
Art gives us intuition, wisdom, and lived experience.

The Maverick blends both.

He does not drift.
He does not react impulsively.
He chooses deliberately.

Because in the end, it is not one grand decision that shapes your life — it is thousands of small ones made consistently over time.

Every choice is a brushstroke.

And slowly, patiently, faithfully — a life is painted.

You are not a passenger.
You are the artist.

You are Becoming Maverick.

Shalom!

Click Send a Gift.

Bits & Pieces: Making Sense of Generational Culture Shifts

Generation X

Generation X in South Africa refers to those born between 1965 and 1980 who came of age during the final years of apartheid and the transition to democracy in the 1990s. Often seen as independent and skeptical, this generation witnessed massive political and social change, shaping a pragmatic, resilient, and sometimes rebellious outlook on authority and institutions.

By the time Gen X reached adulthood in the 1990s, the country was reinventing itself under leaders like Nelson Mandela and later Thabo Mbeki. This period created both optimism and uncertainty.

South African Gen X identity was shaped by:

The political transition from apartheid to democracy
Exposure to censorship followed by sudden media freedom
Economic instability during the transition years
The early impact of globalisation and international culture
The rise of alternative and protest music, both local and global

Unlike the purely “slacker” stereotype sometimes seen in American media, South African Gen X was often more politically aware and socially alert. Many were skeptical of authority — but for deeply lived reasons. They had seen systems fail, transform, and rebrand.

Their independence wasn’t just cultural rebellion.

It was survival.

Bits & Pieces: Slippers, Generations, and the Puzzle of Progress

Life in Fragments

Sometimes life feels like it comes in bits and pieces.

This blog is a bit like that too. Fragmented thoughts. Observations. Questions without immediate answers. But perhaps that’s how understanding begins — not with certainty, but with curiosity.

In the end, it was never really about the slippers.

It was about perspective.

Every generation rearranges the pieces of culture differently. The real maturity test is not whether we approve of the change — but whether we are willing to understand it. Because when we stop trying to understand, we don’t protect values… we protect ego.

And a true maverick knows the difference.

A Coffee, A Courtroom, and a Cultural Moment

Let me take you back to 2018.

I was sipping a caffe latte at Mug & Bean behind the Pretoria High Court. If you know the area, you’ll understand — it has a different energy from the rest of the city centre. There’s a quiet intensity. Sharp suits. Confident strides. Conversations that sound expensive.

And that’s when I noticed her.

A young woman — likely a millennial — walked in. She wasn’t loud. She wasn’t disruptive.

But something caught my attention immediately.

Her shoes.

Or rather… what looked like bedroom slippers.

When Shoes Meant Something

Now as a proud Gen X-er, I’m still trying to decode the younger generations. They move differently. Think differently. Challenge differently. And sometimes, I wonder if we’re even speaking the same cultural language.

But shoes? Shoes were never casual in my upbringing.

My father’s generation taught me that shoes mattered. In business, they could make or break a deal. Shoes had purpose. Runners wore running shoes. Construction workers wore boots. Soldiers wore combat boots. Businessmen and lawyers wore polished leather shoes — especially anywhere near a High Court.

Shoes signaled respect. Preparation. Intent.

And yet here she was — in what looked like slippers — in one of the most formal precincts in the capital city.

It didn’t compute.

Not Rebellion — But Fashion

But as I looked around, I noticed something interesting.

She wasn’t alone.

It wasn’t rebellion.

It was fashion.

And that’s when the bigger question began forming in my mind:

What happens in the transition between generations that creates such dramatic shifts in culture?

Every Generation Thinks It’s Right

Gen X thought we were radical. Baggy jeans. Punk rock. We were determined to burst our parents’ eardrums. But weren’t our parents the ones who introduced the mini skirt and the bikini? And I’m certain their parents thought the same about them.

Every generation believes it has improved society.

And every generation fears society is deteriorating.

So what is it really?

Is wearing slippers in a formal setting a sign that standards are collapsing?

Or is it a sign that confidence has shifted from external appearance to internal identity?

Is This About Shoes — or Authority?

Perhaps the real shift isn’t about shoes at all.

Perhaps it’s about authority.

Previous generations respected systems, structures, and symbols. The younger generation often questions them. Where we saw institutions as untouchable, they see them as adaptable.

Where we saw formality as respect, they may see authenticity as strength.

And maybe that’s the piece we’re missing.

Reconstruction, Not Ruin

Culture evolves. Symbols change. But the deeper human needs remain the same: dignity, belonging, expression, meaning.

Slippers in a courtroom district may feel like cultural fragmentation — bits and pieces of what once felt coherent.

But maybe it’s not brokenness.

Maybe it’s reconstruction.

Every generation rearranges the pieces differently.

The danger is not in cultural change.

The danger is in refusing to understand it.

Because when we stop trying to understand, we don’t preserve values — we lose connection.

The Better Question

So perhaps the better question isn’t:

“Are we heading in the wrong direction?”

But rather:

“What value is this generation protecting that we might be overlooking?”

Maybe it’s comfort.
Maybe it’s authenticity.
Maybe it’s freedom from performance.
Or maybe it’s simply fashion.

Either way, the world will keep shifting. The pieces will keep moving.

And our task — as mavericks — is not to complain about the puzzle.

It’s to study it.
To listen.
To adapt without losing our core.

Because true maturity is knowing which pieces must remain — and which ones were never essential to begin with.

Shalom!

Click Send a Gift.