Some time ago, I wrote about turning EGO to WEGO. I wrote about how a healthy sense of EGO is needed to become an entrepreneur. I added, that it is the power to harness and manage other people, developing and leading teams that will allow the entrepreneur to achieve great things, much greater than his individual perceptions or achievements. Hence the title, “Turn EGO to WE-GO”.

I remember when I was a kid, I wanted to blast off into space. I would watch movies like Star Wars and E.T.. I shared young Luke Skywalker’s desire to go into space. Like many, I was very inspired when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, voicing the immortal words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Did we ever think about what it takes to become an astronaut? We cannot imagine what it takes to become members of the elite explorers of our generation. Many of those chosen where already elite pilots and scientist, all recognized as being part of the best, before making the commitment to the space program. Many of them have dedicated themselves to the singular purpose of being able to blast into space and achieve the ultimate feeling of “freedom” from the Earth. It is a superhuman dedication that merits our adulation and respect.

We see glimpses of the rigid training and discipline required from watching the Discovery Channel. We see these individuals training and subjecting themselves to working under extreme stress and highly dangerous situations. They are trained and equipped to represent the best that the world has to offer, with millions of dollars invested in their training and equipment.

What I just find ironic is that, the moment that they are finally strapped in for takeoff, they actually find themselves helpless. All of their abilities, training, and discipline are set aside. They are now in the hands of the people that they will leave behind. If they are successful, these people will be tiny specks in the ground, too little to see. But their lives and the success of their mission are actually now in the hands of the “little” people.

Every little detail becomes important. I can imagine what goes through the minds, “did the engineers check everything? “Did the scientists calculate correctly. “Did maintenance sweep everything free of debris?. “Is everything strapped securely?” “Are the weather conditions ideal?” I am sure that there are thousands of questions that go through their minds.

It must drive the astronaut mad thinking about whether or not others did their job. They have shaped their lives to become precise instruments and examples of human abilities and discipline, but at that precise moment before takeoff, they need to rely on other people and circumstances that they have no control. I remember one shuttle takeoff that ended tragically because of one small chunk of foam. So what is the astronaut to do?

He needs to discover Faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” I cannot imagine what goes through the minds of these brave individuals, but I am certain, that each of them, in their own way, must have uttered a prayer.

Recent financial news have shocked everybody, the failure of a legendary financial institution like Lehman Brothers have led to deep questions about certainties and securities in life. Just like astronauts, these institutions are the leading experts and authority in the financial world. They are supposed to secure our wealth and invest it. What do this financial meltdown and its subsequent painful losses to its investors tell us? They were the best at it, having a track record that lasted more than a century. The lesson : we can lay the best laid plans, hire the premiere experts, prepare for perfection and yet, if we don’t have faith, God may not be willing.

Turn EGO (Self) to WEgo (Leading Others) to goGO (GO GOD). We have done everything that we can Father, the rest is in your hands. We just have to have Faith. Mathew 17:20, “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, let’s all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me atstirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit http://www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com/