Category Archives: Spirituality

Spirituality

The Cycle of Abuse

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but this is an area that requires daily awareness.

On average, a person will return to an abusive relationship seven times. I have heard people say they don’t understand how anyone could return to an abusive environment, but let’s show some compassion rather than judgment.

The abuser starts with isolation. Cutting off family and friends means they have begun to exert control over the other person. It begins subtly, then it escalates. The abused are manipulated and beaten down emotionally and, oftentimes, physically. Their self-worth has been destroyed, causing further reliance on their abuser for any validation.

The abused hold on to hope their abuser will change. There are occasional bright spots. The abused are so low they begin to convince themselves that “it’s not that bad.” It’s a living hell no one should live in.

The cycle can be broken. It takes courage you may not know you have. Find it no matter how deep you have to dig. There is a better life on the other side of hell.

The number for the Domestic Abuse Center is: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) or you may text START to 88788. Make the call.

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Your Very Best

We like the best. When we travel we want the best hotel, restaurants and local attractions. We wear the best designer labels, showing off our taste for the best.

But what about how we live our lives? Are we giving our best effort every day? The people who get the most accomplished are separated from the rest by one trait: commitment.

Although they are often related, accomplishing much in life doesn’t necessarily bring wealth. Mother Theresa dedicated her life to the poorest of the poor in India. She had worldwide acclaim, yet very little money. She gave them her best.

Commit to one thing and do it well. It should be something you love doing, even when it’s not fun. Your focus must be on making a difference, not creating wealth. Wealth may come, but it should be secondary.

Start each day with a quick prayer of gratitude for another day. Then go give the world your very best…

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Spirituality

Considering The Impossible

A survey of 50 adults over the age of 95 revealed three interesting themes. As the oldest generation looked back at their lives, they wished they had risked more, reflected more, and they wished they had created something that would last, a legacy.

If you are reading this, it’s not too late for you to pursue your dreams. Even if they have been dormant for decades, they still exist in your mind and heart. Look forward thirty years and think about how you will feel when you have done what you were sent here to do.

We pursue our purpose for fulfillment, not fame or personal glory. We give the glory to God. After all, he’s the one who gave us our unique talents we use to make a difference in the world. If we keep it to ourselves, we have lived selfishly. There’s no fulfillment in selfishness.

The excuses will flood your mind. “I’m too old. It’s too late for me. I don’t have enough education.” Those are just a few of the excuses, and they are all lies you might tell yourself. Ask yourself, “how big is my God?” Then go do what he put you in this generation to do, even if it seems impossible to you.

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and die with their song still in them.” It’s time to let the world hear your music…

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Spirituality

Get Educated

We place a premium on education. The more degrees someone has, then the brighter they must be, right? Well, maybe.

Over the course of my life I have met a lot of people. The mix of people I know includes Republicans, Democrats, atheists, Jews, Christians, Muslims and a few Hindus. I know people with multiple degrees and I know people who dropped out of school. Every single one of them had something to teach me. I learned by listening, not by talking.

Learning to actively listen has been invaluable for me. When we open our minds to different perspectives we can learn. There are eight billion people on the planet with eight billion different lives. Each of them brings unique experiences to the table. All should be considered even though no one is right all the time.

It costs nothing to listen. But the lessons we can learn are worth more than a degree. Learn to listen…

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Spirituality

Givers and Takers

You have probably heard all the sayings: “it’s better to give than to receive.” And “it’s the thought that counts.” If these are true, and they are, then why are we so damn greedy?

The culture of the United States is greed. Yet, we are the most benevolent country in the world. Greed and kindness can coexist. The greedy part of our psyche is insecurity while the benevolence comes from the heart. The heart is what really matters. It’s the heart of mankind that God searches.

Publications like People Magazine give us a glimpse into the lives of our favorite celebrities. The images are showing us a carefree life with no worries. It’s a created image that doesn’t exist in real life. Everyone has challenges in their lives whether they are famous or not.

Giving of yourself and your resources is good for the spirit. When you help someone who can never do anything for you, you get a feeling that is impossible to describe. I believe this is how we were created in the image of God. He’s the only one who gives and gives.

My encouragement to you is to try to be more giver than taker. Find a cause that touches your heart. Get involved. See how your life gets even better than it is already…

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Spirituality

Aging in Reverse

So far, no one has been able to reverse their biological clock. But in the technologically advanced world we live in, anything is possible.

There are several things we can do to slow down the aging process. Intense exercise that incorporates strength training along with some cardio builds muscle and reduces inflammation. Exercise also enhances your cellular function. I encourage you to work up a sweat at least four times per week.

Our diet can help as well. Organic foods, olive oil, fresh vegetables and nuts are in the optimal mix. Reduce alcohol consumption, too.

Prayer and meditation are good for easing your mind and taking away worries and stresses. Undue stress can cause inflammation. You really can prevent it if you take the steps to reduce it. But you gotta believe.

Keep your mind active. Have meaningful conversations. Listen well. And keep an open mind to new possibilities.

Take the time to take care of yourself. You will be better for it, and your quality of life will improve dramatically…

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Spirituality

Revealed

Social media has given people a public platform. People who thought they never had a voice now have one. It isn’t always pretty.

Most recently, the assassination of Charlie Kirk had some people practically dancing on his grave. These people didn’t like what he said or what he stood for, so, to them, he won’t be missed. What has happened to the heart of mankind? The man was a husband, father, son, friend and an inspiration to many young people.

I have heard people say that social media has changed people. I disagree. Social media has revealed what lies in the heart of people.

Since the beginning of time as we know it, the world has been in a spiritual battle. The battle has intensified. Don’t believe me? Look around. Keep the people angry and divided and fuel whatever evil fire burns inside them. Don’t fall for it.

Agree or disagree, we are better together. It’s all about the heart…

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Spirituality

Unseen Protection

It’s estimated that there are around 1,000,000 law enforcement officers in the United States. They have one of the most dangerous careers you can have. Even a simple traffic stop for speeding could be their last.

Law enforcement is a calling. It has to be. Any of us would risk everything to save our families. Police do it for strangers. They keep the peace when insane, chaotic conditions exist all around them. They protect the people who are protesting them as well.

In 2014, Michael Brown was shot and killed in Ferguson, Missouri by a police officer. The officer, Darren Wilson, claimed that Brown assaulted him and made a play for his gun. After an intense investigation, the grand jury found no evidence to indict the officer. Same for the DOJ. Yet, Wilson had to move his young family away from Ferguson.

Say a prayer for our brave officers. They have a sometimes thankless job, but I am thankful for them every day…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

The Hunger for Truth

In May I was speaking in a men’s prison. Somehow I brought it up that I was taught that Christopher Columbus discovered America. Then I told the crowd that I was shocked to find out it was a lie when I took history in college. A few of the inmates were surprised to learn this lie we were told.

People want the truth. We want people who will tell us the truth, without bias. We want the truth about why we are here. We want to be able to go to church and not hear a perverted Gospel message.

In today’s society, people talk about “my truth.” There is only one truth. You cannot bend the truth to fit what you want it to be.

The sole source for the truth is the Bible. It has stood the test of time for multiple generations. It is true today and it will be true in 1000 years.

Accept nothing less than the truth. Turn the television off at the first sign of a political narrative. Do the same with newspapers. They aren’t telling you the truth. News media are telling you what they want you to believe.

Look through a biblical lens. The truth might startle you, but at least you can count on it…

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