Perceived Value - Deep Thoughts

In my 41 years of working in major corporations, there were many periods where you had to look hard to find the influence of Christ. Early in my career, however, I was privileged to work for someone who brought his whole heart, soul and faith in Jesus to work every day. His name is Jim Blackburn and his living picture of what a Christ-follower looks like at work informed my behavior for the rest of my career.

Here’s what I learned from Jim.

·     Christ, through Scripture, gives us guidance. Jim brought his Bible to work every day and read it during lunch. We thought it was a little unusual – and it was at the time – but on several occasions when I had concerns or questions about ethics or behavior in the workplace, Jim reached for the Bible and shared it’s wisdom with me. The most memorable of those occasions dealt with my concern about someone advancing through the company without embracing its positive values. He reminded me that “…the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 I have found comfort in that and shared it with many to remind them that God is with us always, even at the office.

·     Christ told us to love our neighbors and to be of service. Jim worked with and encouraged us – sometimes even when we didn’t know it. Jim asked me to a lead a project – I was the only woman in the group and the last to be given a project management opportunity. Jim chatted with me about the project every day, made gentle suggestions, and asked questions that enabled me to see for myself where my work could be improved. I can see now, with the value of hindsight, that Jim was supporting me and would not let me fail on this very important first project. He made my success a priority in his day, and he did that for all of his team. I know now that he prayed for us as well. Jim showed me in real time what servant leadership looks like, and I know that he learned that from the example of Christ.

I had not seen Jim in several decades until June of 2022 – when he appeared at my father’s funeral. I had the opportunity to thank him for the example he set and share with him the way I passed it on to others. Jim is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, so say a prayer for this good and faithful servant of the Lord.

Linda Judd

Former Executive EDS/Perot Systems and more