At Easter Sunday worship a few weeks ago, the preacher used the term “all in” while delivering his message to the several hundred people that had gathered on the beach for the early morning service.
Obviously Jesus was “all in” with regard to God’s plan for his Son to save the world from sin. I believe the apostle Paul was “all in” when it came to spreading the message of Christ and the role of the church. Moses was “all in” although he may not have wanted to be at first.
David was certainly “all in” with regard to his understanding that God would be with him as he fought and killed the giant Goliath. And then there’s the story of Abraham, as well as many others in the Bible, that provide us with examples of those who were “all in.”
Not all of these people were good people (at least to start), nor were they all smart, good looking or rich. But they all had at least one thing in common — they were committed.
The term “all in” has stuck with me ever since that day. It makes me think of that joke about the pig and the chicken. Maybe you have heard it: In a bacon-and-egg breakfast, what’s the difference between the chicken and the pig? The chicken is involved, but the pig is totally committed!
The pig’s commitment to the bacon-and-egg breakfast is another example of being “all in.” This joke has been used in leadership circles for years to provide the example of people being truly committed to a cause as compared to those who will contribute, but not to the point of being fully devoted.
Throughout history we have learned about people that were “all in” in one way or another regarding their work, family, beliefs and talents. Being committed doesn’t necessarily make one a good person, but it does demonstrate a level of determination and dedication. I think most people who are devoted to a cause are being driven by goodness and a desire to help mankind. At least I hope and pray that is the case.
How about you? Do you have a cause or purpose that is catching your soul on fire? Is there someone or something in this world that needs your help to make the situation even better? I’m guessing there is. Whatever it may be, think big and be bold. And don’t let your age stop you from doing something great.
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s best-selling series of books began with “Little House in the Big Woods,” which chronicled her pioneering childhood in the late 1800s. The books were so well loved that NBC adapted one into the TV series, “Little House on the Prairie,” that aired from 1974 to 1982. However, Wilder didn’t publish her first book until she was 64.
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who was better known to the world as Grandma Moses, didn’t begin to paint until the age of 76, when her hands became too crippled by arthritis to hold an embroidery needle. She found herself unable to sit around and do nothing, even after a long life spent working on farms.
Grandma Moses never had any formal art training and had very little education at all — but she painted every day, turning out more than a thousand paintings in 25 years.
So are you “all in” or what?

DeLong is the executive director of The Suites at Station Exchange. Contact him at 912-531-7867 or visit him on the web at www.thesuitesatstationexchange.com.