Monthly Archives: February 2024

#inspiration, #spirituality

Prestige

Prestige is defined as “widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality.” We revere people of prestige.

Have you ever met a famous person or celebrity? I have met many. I have had dinner with multiple people of prestige. The interesting thing is, they are just people. They might have special talents to entertain us, but their lives aren’t free from struggles and stress. There are some famous people who want you to worship them, but they are the minority. Most just want to be seen as regular people.

In the eyes of God we are all the same. No one reaches Heaven in a different way because of their earthly accomplishments. No one should feel diminished by another person because we are here to do God’s work. Sometimes fame comes with that, and sometimes not…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Hidden

When I was a kid, there was a popular television show called “Candid Camera.” Goofy pranks were played on unsuspecting people and their reactions were recorded by a hidden camera. The show was hilarious.

People hide their inner pain. We show the world that we have it all together. But the truth is, many people are barely holding on. For some, all they have left is hope.

Words can heal or they can hurt. Whatever is going on inside a person’s head and heart is reflected in what they say or how they act. Hurt people hurt other people. Healthy people heal others.

Our world is struggling. It’s expensive to live. Mental health was shredded from isolation during the pandemic. Masking inner pain with fake smiles doesn’t heal the wounds.

Let your guard down with others. Allow them to see you for who you are. And let them show you who they really are, not who they want us to think they are.

Be kind. Always…

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#inspiration

Misguided on Purpose

Where can you go to get reliable news nowadays? It seems like every national media outlet has their own agenda, and they pervert their news coverage to influence their audience. Many times they flat out lie with no consequences.

The big three, CNN, Fox and MSNBC are guilty as charged. Yet some people still believe what they say like it’s the Gospel. If their viewing audience stopped tuning in until they told the full truth, then their behavior might change.

I encourage you to read and observe. Actions are more reliable than empty words…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

In Your Eyes

We like to focus on the shortcomings of others. By doing this, it keeps us from having to look objectively at ourselves. We compare ourselves to you so we can feel superior to you.

In the world of Christianity, we observe some (not all) Christians condemning gay people. They love to single out the homosexuals. Yet, everyone sins. Everyone.

Jesus spoke of this often. He challenged us to focus on removing the beam in our own eyes rather than calling out the speck in the eyes of others. He told us we shouldn’t judge or we will be judged in the same way.

Eliminate judgment from your thinking. Jesus died for all of us, even the gay people…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Painful Experiences

Over the past four days I have been speaking in Texas prisons, both men and women’s. My subject matter is my own life story of physical and emotional abuse, and how I healed from my painful past. My story is relatable to many of the prisoners.

The inmates openly shared some of their life stories. I must tell you, most of them are not pretty. Some of the things that people do to other people are pathetic.

There is a lot of pain in this world we inhabit. People are doing everything they can to hold it together. So here’s a reminder: be kind to everyone. We don’t know what lies beneath the surface…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Next Day

Once again I spent my day speaking in two prisons. It’s a very fulfilling experience for me.

The pain and suffering people lay on each other is almost indescribable. Hurt people are creating their legacy by hurting their children. People are either seriously angry with God, have drawn closer to Him, or they don’t consider Him at all. My message is one of forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with prisoners. There are people who will reject them after they have finished their sentences and are released. I won’t…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Joyful

As I write this, I’m sitting in my hotel room in Gatesville, Texas. I had the privilege of speaking in two prisons earlier today, one with male inmates and the other female. Tomorrow and Thursday I will be speaking in four additional prisons. I’m ecstatic.

Public speaking is something I have enjoyed for decades. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would do volunteer work in prisons, but I’m glad I decided to. It gives me tremendous joy when I connect with the inmates. They feel seen and heard. And I make them laugh!

Get involved in volunteer work. You will get more than you give…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Law & Order

We have laws to keep us safe and protect us from harm. Obey the law and you have no negative consequences. Breaking the law has a different outcome.

There are physical laws, too. I know if I jump off a building that I will fall. I have no plans to test that!

God created the universe with structure and laws to guide us. Following His lead will take us where we want to go. God only wants good for our lives. Let’s follow Him…

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#inspiration

Voices

People want to feel seen and heard. Many people don’t speak up because they fear judgment. Perhaps they don’t believe they have anything worthwhile to say.

This is untrue. Everyone has the right to be listened to. Our similarities and differences make a beautiful mosaic designed to make us better. Our differences can actually unite us.

Speak up. The world is waiting…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Marathon Runners

Life is a long journey, a marathon if you will. It seems to pass slowly and then one day you wake up and wonder where the time went.

If you are reading this, I have a revelation for you: God isn’t through with you. Or me! He wants to grow us, even stretch us to become who He created us to be. It’s not easy, but anything worthwhile is not going to be easy. We grow from our discomfort.

Pursue your true purpose. Stop wasting time and start living the dream God has for your life. Start now…

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