A personal note....

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

As you know, my last name is Fox...and I know that I am blessed with a "good" name. I do not say this with one ounce of pride....this has everything to do with those who have come before me and the tremendous integrity that is my heritage. What you may not know is that while I am "half Fox", I am also "half Phillips." My mother's maiden name is Phillips....and let me tell you, there is no family like the Phillips family. If you happen to know my mother, you know exactly what I mean. Her father, Pop-Pop Johnny was the real deal and you could not find a more dear soul than grandma Elizabeth. In any case, I want to share a personal note about one particular "Phillips"-- Uncle Bob.

Uncle Bob is one of those persons who, while being 82, doesn't look a day older than 60. He is as spry and as sharp as any person you will meet. He worked in a bank in Worcester County, Maryland....after retiring, he took up fine woodworking and furniture making....and he has the missing digits to prove it (that's another story or two for another day). The reason that I am sharing this personal note is because for me, he epitomizes "authenticity." He does not mix words, you know exactly where you stand with Uncle Bob. I will never forget his speech to me shortly after I became the Principal of the Lower School at Salisbury Christian School. He was quizzing me on what my most important job was as a leader. After a few failed attempts in responding to his liking.....he informed me that my most important job as a leader was "hiring." He was right. My co-workers know my "Uncle Bob" as I will from time to time share a story or a lesson that I have gleaned from being his nephew. I think they really love my "Uncle Bob" stories.

God bless all the "Uncle Bob's" out in the world....I am just grateful that I got the best one. And to Uncle Bob, I love you.