What does a hedgehog have to do with ministry? In the life of Evangel Home, he reminds us to stay focused on what is important and do what we do best. While Evangel Home would like to do many things, we must maintain a laser-like focus on out guiding principle:

Christ Leads, People Care, Lives Change.
 
Christ Leads. We were founded on the solid Rock of Christ and He continues to guide our way.
 
People Care. So many friends through the years have touched the lives of our women and children by praying and giving to the Home or stopping by with donations of food, cash and clothing.
 
Lives Change. Not every life is going to change, but we believe that every life can change.
 
Jim Collins is the author of a book called “Good to Great.” He presents the idea that really great companies (as opposed to good ones) are hedgehogs rather than foxes, and he quotes an ancient Greek parable: “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”
 
Foxes pursue many ends at the same time and see the world in all its complexity. They are hyper active, always moving on many levels, and they do not “organize” their movement or pursuits into any one idea. The hedgehog simplifies a very complex world into one single idea that unifies and guides everything.
 
Hedgehogs are not stupid. They reflect a very important principle – “that the essence of profound insight is simplicity.” What a great little role model. Every day the beautiful and sleek fox devises strategies for sneak attacks on the hedgehog. The hedgehog “just waddles along, going about his simple day, searching for lunch and taking care of his home.”
 
If the activity does not involve searching for lunch or taking care of his home, the hedgehog does not pursue it. Yet he knows when danger is coming and can defend himself. When the hedgehog senses danger from the cunning fox, he rolls into a sharp little spike ball and sometimes even springs up a bit to scare off the fox. He wins again. He waddles on and the fox retreats.
 
Thanks to Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, for helping us understand the beauty of being a hedgehog and, like that little creature, understanding that:

• To know “one big thing” and stick to it is what matters.

• One basic principle must unify and guide everything.

• The essence of profound insight is simplicity. Hedgehogs, whether they are people or organizations, see what is essential and ignore the rest.

• Being content with being “good” prevents the achievement of excellence.

• In the long run, ability and dedication count more than ego. “You can accomplish anything in life, provided that you do not mind who gets the credit." (Harry Truman)

A hedgehog. What a great little role model.