Cecilia 3:16 – It’s not about Can’t
My husband and I recently watched a Netflix docuseries on professional wrestling. We were HUGE wrestling fans when we were young but lost interest somewhere along the way. It’s why we enjoyed the docuseries so much – it reminded us of how fun it was to follow wrestlers and their story arcs!
This series, “Mr. McMahon,” was centered on Vince McMahon, the creator and former CEO of the WWE. We recognized many of the wrestlers in the series but had no idea that WWE became so over the top with their characters and stories. At the matches, there were many signs in the audience supporting or trashing different wrestlers.
As often happens at sporting events, some people in the audience held up signs that said “John 3:16” which is a reference to the Bible’s New Testament. It refers to the Gospel of John where he states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
The thing I took away from the series that made me laugh the hardest – and that I thought was rather clever because it was totally off the cuff – was a time that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was bragging and talking big, as wrestlers do, about the win he just had in the ring against “Jake the Snake” Roberts. He looked into the audience and saw the John 3:16 signs and remarked, “Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass.” You guessed it: the crowd went wild!
I participate in a few networking groups, and I shared this story in the morning one I attend. Someone typed in the comments “I need Cecilia 3:16 for my ethics credit!” The rest of the conversation revolved around what it takes to change governance structures and other systems in associations. There were many complaints and questions and frustrations. We all know that associations change SLOWLY.
Later in the day, I pondered what my “Cecilia 3:16” would be. And I realized it’s the way I view the world: Don’t say “I can’t.” Say “How can I?”
We often give up because needed changes seem daunting and insurmountable. But that is also because we think everything has to happen NOW. It doesn’t need to happen now; it needs to happen. When it happens is based on the following factors: the urgency of the need; the importance of the need; and your commitment to make the change happen.
It takes as long as it takes, but it doesn’t happen if you don’t act. Get input. Float your idea to see how others view it. Talk to people who know why the system is the way it is (there may be a good reason). Consider the impact of the change you are considering. Manage the emotions of your members and volunteer leaders – they invest a lot of personal capital in the association experience so make sure they understand why you are recommending the change. Build support and consensus – if it’s a good idea others will see it too.
Change is a team sport. Like tag teams in wrestling, you need good partners to get the win.
