🎮 I Know You Hear That Noise: A Lesson on Focus, Responsibility, and Raising Emerging Leaders
As a father, speaker, and leader, I’m constantly listening—not just to words, but to what’s underneath them. Yesterday after worship service, a simple moment in our home turned into a powerful reflection on noise, focus, and responsibility. This story is especially for parents, mentors, and emerging leaders navigating how to raise others—and themselves—with clarity and intention.
The Family Meeting
After our Sunday service, my wife and I held a quick family meeting with 11 year old son, and our twin sons, who turn 16 this weekend. Two things were on my heart:
Managing expectations: We had to let them know—no car this weekend. They don’t have permits yet, and with at least six months before they can drive solo, it just doesn’t make sense to add a new expense.
Raising responsibility: It hit me. In two years, we’ll have two 18-year-old African-American young men. We can’t wait until then to prepare them. Now is the time to step it up start giving them more tools to manage life, finances, and purpose—with or without us.
But before we got started, something else caught my attention.
The PlayStation Fan Was Loud… But the Lesson Was Louder
One son asked the other to turn off the PlayStation because the sound of the fan was distracting. The other son didn’t think it was a big deal—and actually wanted to keep it on because it helps him stay engaged during conversations that aren’t always interesting to him.
This wasn’t about disrespect. It was about rhythm.
What stood out to me wasn’t the disagreement—it was this:
🔊 We all heard the noise. But for one, it was a distraction. For the other, it was part of his focus process. One wanted it off. The other wanted it on.
Main Takeaway:
Noise is everywhere. Whether it distracts or drives you depends on your awareness and intention.
We’re all surrounded by “noise”—not just sounds, but distractions, inner dialogue, pressure, and responsibilities. Some of it keeps us focused. Some of it throws us off balance.
The difference isn’t in the noise itself—it’s in how we choose to respond to it.
5 Inner Elevation Reminders for the Week:
Pause and Listen: What noise have you normalized that’s actually slowing you down? What have you silenced that could actually support your growth?
Honor Your Focus Rhythm: Everyone doesn’t engage the same way. Whether it’s music, silence, or motion—find what works for you.
Adjust the Volume: If something is pulling on your peace, it might be time to turn it down—or off altogether.
Step Into Responsibility: Like I’m doing with my sons, ask yourself: What area of my life needs me to grow up a little more this week?
Lead With Awareness, Not Assumption: What’s noise to you might be comfort to someone else. Don’t judge—observe. Lead with curiosity, not criticism.
Final Word of Encouragement:
This week, don’t just hear the noise—learn from it. Let it teach you what’s out of alignment, what needs your attention, and where your focus is being called.
Because focus isn’t about silence—it’s about intentional awareness.
And as you lead yourself, you just might be giving someone else the courage to do the same.
📩 P.S. If this message resonated with you, I invite you to subscribe to our email list. I’m writing and publishing 10 transformational books in 2025—and as a subscriber, you’ll be the first to receive free previews, early access, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
In fact, a brand new book drops this weekend—and for the first 12 hours, the ebook will be just 99¢. You don’t want to miss it.
May good, great, and awesomeness continue to flow to and through you all week long.
— Christian F. Johnson
