Volume XXIII, Number 45 (Issue 1154) November 10, 2025
Words of Wisdom
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Bert Fields Awards Dinner that recognizes some of the outstanding students from the Commercial Banking Program at Texas A&M University. It was a great evening, highlighted by three presentations. The first noteworthy presentation was the keynote address delivered by Christopher Williston, VI, President & CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. Christopher’s message focused heavily on the systemic importance of community banks when it comes to the health, vitality, and prosperity of small to midsize communities. Having spent much of my professional career advising community banks, I could not agree more with Christopher’s comments. Community banks may not be thought of as systemically important to some, but in the communities where they operate there is no greater or more important financial partner.
The next part of the program, the very reason for the evening’s celebration, featured awards and much deserved recognition for some of the best and brightest young people I have had the pleasure to meet. I confess I did not have my act together as well as these young people when I was their age. Words like impressive and inspiring come immediately to mind.
The final presentation that gave me pause were the closing comments of my friend, Larry Miller, CEO of North Dallas Bank & Trust. Larry is an astute businessman and highly effective leader. But those are not his only gifts. He would have made a great standup comedian or public speaker had he chosen a different path. Thus, in a quick fifteen minutes he covered a range of topics in the wittiest fashion. Yet it was his four closing points, as recapped below, that drove his message home.
One, pray daily. Prayers are answered. Prayer changes things. If nothing else, it changes the person who is praying.
Two, cuss less. There are much better ways to express oneself than resorting to the use of profanity. To my mind, the use of bad language signals a weak vocabulary and poor impulse control, not to mention a lack of respect for others. I will confess that colorful language was a crutch I once relied on, and it took time to break that habit. I will also share there was a seminal moment many years ago that prompted me to make that change.
Three, be thoughtful. Spend at least an hour each week in reflection. Whether you are evaluating what happened, why, and how a different course might lead to a different outcome the next time, or you are considering what to do with your time, life, and gifts, make a habit of giving serious thought to what might be and how you can do something to make a difference.
Four, dream big. Even if you fall short of your goal, the pursuit of a big dream is going to produce more than if you hit a target that requires minimal time and little effort. Going after big dreams has the potential to change the world in profound ways.
I am sure I added some of my own twist to what Larry shared, yet rest assured the essence of the message is one hundred percent his. That said, I would add a fifth recommendation: be present. Being fully present, especially when others are sharing themselves and their thoughts takes discipline, not to mention practice. Too many of us tend to focus on what we want to say; either that or we allow that ever-present palm-size genie to command our attention. In being fully present we are showing others the courtesy and respect everyone deserves.
Soli Deo Gloria
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
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