Find A Reason

There are all sorts of sayings and clichés about fighting through adversity, dealing with challenges, and the subsequent benefits that await once you come out the other side.

I know. I’ve used them. Mom used to say, “everything happens for a reason” and I would roll my eyes as kids tend to do when parents impart their particular brand of wisdom.

Depending on the situation, however, in the moment, it’s hard to find the reason. I mention this, not because there are difficulties, but to share a little message of optimism and hope as we move into spring…the season of new beginnings.

Recently, a close friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “That’s optimism? Why are you bringing me down?”. I promise that’s not my intent so hang in there.

See, I was asked to give a eulogy, something I had never done, and the bizarre thing was that just a couple weeks prior, my friend was talking about how he believed there was a reason for everything. So, as I prepared my remarks, I looked for a reason for such an unfair loss.

What came to me was maybe less a reason and more a lesson on the significance of life; what we had and what remained rather than what was lost. It said to me that when grief is so deeply felt, it’s actually a testament to life and is the result of the profound impact one person can have however long or short the time may be.

In recognizing this and thinking about how one moves forward, I realized how important it is not waste the time we have together and never take for granted those we hold most dear.

“One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.” However, you want to measure it, we can all be that one life that changes our world for the better.

There Must Be Manure to Life

Travel though the farmlands and you will no doubt encounter that unmistakable aroma which inevitably leads to the comment, “Was that you?” from some joker in the car.

Yes, as spring approaches, crops are planted, and flower beds prepped, there will be lots of natures’ fertilizer in use. At this time of year, I recall one of my first jobs working in the Sears Garden Center, loading bags and bags of peat moss, topsoil and yes, lovely grade A cow manure into people’s cars and trucks. Sure, there was the occasional busted bag that found its way onto, and into, my clothes…or face, but hey, I was working outside in the sunshine and the physical labor got me into probably the best shape of my life.

And that’s the thing, manure will happen, life is going to dump it on you when you least expect it and in quantities you may think you can’t carry. But remember, like the manure used in the fields to fertilize and help grow abundant crops and beautiful flowers to feed and nurture us body and soul, the kind life can dole out can also help us grow as individuals. It’s part of life that not everything is clean and neat and sweet smelling. Things can go sideways sometimes, you just have to believe in, and look for, what positives can come from them; how it will help you grow into a stronger, more beautiful being. The same is true for life at Freedom.

When the economy fluctuates, when pandemics arise, when systems falter or we as humans simply make mistakes, it’s how we react, how we learn, how we adapt and improve, that makes us stronger, keeps us moving forwarding and growing to better serve our members, each other, and our community. There are all sorts of clichés; “anything worth having is worth fighting for”, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, “everything happens for a reason”, and so on. These may have some truth to them, but they can also be meaningless in the moment.

All I can say, from experience, is giving up doesn’t work. Ignoring a problem doesn’t make it go away or resolve it. Instead, I say, take that manure, spread it on the field, and let something wonderful grow.

Freedom Names Clarence Campbell Senior Vice President of Member Services

Campbell will oversee the operations of Freedom Federal Credit Union’s branch network and contact center.

March 7, 2024 – Freedom Federal Credit Union has announced the appointment of Clarence Campbell as their new Senior Vice President of Member Services. A seasoned executive-level leader with more than 30 years of experience in financial services, including banking, lending, wealth management, and financial technology, Campbell has a successful record of driving revenue and organizational growth.

In his role, Campbell is responsible for the operations of Freedom’s branch network and call center. Prior to joining Freedom, Campbell served as Executive Vice President for Lendistry, Senior Vice President for PNC Bank, and Regional Bank Area President for Wells Fargo Bank. Campbell pulls from his breadth of experience to ensure that every interaction with Freedom representatives not only meets, but exceeds, member expectations, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in member services.

“We are thrilled to have Clarence as a part of the Freedom Team, and I know he will have an immediate and positive impact in how we support our members and their financial needs,” stated Michele Young, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“Freedom Federal Credit Union has a stellar reputation for its commitment to excellence, community involvement, and putting its members first,” stated Campbell. “I am committed to upholding these values that enhance our member services. Together, I look forward to helping Freedom Federal Credit Union continue to grow and thrive while making a positive impact in our community.”

As a leader with a passion for people, Campbell aligns well with Freedom’s “people helping people” philosophy and commitment to supporting the community. With over 20 years of non-profit management experience, Campbell currently serves in the role of Treasurer on the National Board of Directors for the Youth Advocate Program. Previously, Campbell served as the Board of Directors Chair for the Greater Baltimore Urban League and has served as Board Member for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.

Campbell founded and continues to operate a youth basketball program for Catonsville Recreation and Parks, one of his passions. Campbell’s program, which he has operated for over 25 years, focuses on skill development and mentoring. As a proud native Baltimorean, Campbell and his team of coaches are committed to enriching the community through supporting its future leaders.

Campbell received his business management degree from Johns Hopkins University. He is a graduate of Leadership Baltimore County and THE Leadership, a program of The Greater Baltimore Committee.

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford or Baltimore County. Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford or Baltimore County. Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has six locations throughout Harford and Baltimore County. To learn more, visit www.freedomfcu.org.