Category Archives: Spirituality

Spirituality, Uncategorized

Confession

It feels good to talk about things, doesn’t it? There’s much freedom that comes from unburdening yourself of your troubles.

Trigger warning: this is a dark story I’m about to tell you.

Last week, I was doing a round of volunteer speaking in prisons. On Wednesday morning, a few women inmates were sharing stories about their lives. One of the women said, “I was raped by my father from the time I was 3 until I was 13 and I ran away from home.” She went on to say that she had never told anyone until that moment. It’s heartbreaking to think about what she had been carrying inside for years, never talking about it. I cannot imagine what causes someone to harm an innocent child. He was a very sick fuck.

Everyone has a story. They aren’t always pretty. The woman I described above took her first step toward healing by talking about what happened to her. I asked her how it felt to tell someone and she said it felt good.

We need good people in our lives, people we can confide in who won’t judge us. Confession is a good first step to becoming whole…

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Spirituality

Care

There are a lot of causes I care about. The poor state of our world is almost overwhelming. Illiteracy, disease, hunger and child abuse are just a few needs to address.

No one person can solve all our societal ills. There are too many. Government is inefficient in solving problems. People tend to look there for solutions but the governments track record sucks. I have an idea!

If everyone alive who is capable took the time to work towards a problem they have a heart for, we could move the bar immeasurably. So few are fulfilling the call to help. My encouragement is for people to take one hour, only one hour per week to help. If less television turns into helping your fellow man, I believe that’s a good, worthwhile trade off.

I ask you to prayerfully consider what you can do. Then I encourage you to follow through and take action. Collectively we can make a difference.

Start today…

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Spirituality

Equipping the Called

You might not believe that God has a great purpose for your life. Or you may believe it’s too late to fulfill said purpose. Let’s consider the disciples.

In Jesus’s time, Jewish boys would go to school beginning at five years old. They studied and memorized the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. After this time, the brightest students would continue their rabbinical studies while the kids who weren’t chosen would go off to study a trade. None of the disciples had been chosen to be rabbis.

Jesus chose the twelve and, for three years, taught them by example. He was preparing them to begin the church. The religious leaders of the time were puzzled by Jesus because he hadn’t continued rabbinical studies, yet he knew everything. Jesus taught with compassion and kindness which was different from the teachings of many others.

It’s interesting that Jesus chose the men he chose rather than men who were religious leaders. He saw what he needed in the twelve.

It’s not too late. Say yes to God’s call on your life. If you are still here, God isn’t through with you. Allow yourself to be used. Start now…

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Spirituality

What Will You Say?

We are rebellious by nature. We have been this way since Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden. The inner battle continues all our lives.

All through history, including biblical history, when we say YES to God, great things happen. We aren’t waiting on God to show himself. God is waiting on us!

Be fearless. Get in the habit of saying yes. God will use us in ways we are well suited for. I used to be afraid that if I answered the call, God would make me be a missionary in India. I have no desire to do that! God is probably laughing at my silliness.

Say yes to God. Say the most dangerous prayer which is, “use me.” He will, and then the miracles happen…

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Spirituality

The Weak

One of the most important things we can do is to protect those who are weak. It’s no doubt that God cares about widows and orphans. He told us to look out for them and their needs.

When my sons were in high school, there was a young man who barely stood five feet tall. Adding to his height challenge was the fact that he was gay. My sons, who were strong and athletic, took him under their wing and protected him. They made sure he had a good experience in school, not one filled with fear of getting picked on. I’m proud of my children for this.

In Austin where I live, there are beggars on practically every street corner. Some have children with them. It’s heartbreaking to see little kids sitting in the blazing sun while their parents ask for help. I don’t give them any money, but when I am able I hand out food and water to them. I’m leery of the motives of people on the street, but I’m hopeful that food doesn’t get wasted.

Remember those in need. No one sets out in life to be homeless. And remember to pray for them. God listens…

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Spirituality

Consider The Source

The media lies. People gossip. Memes rule the internet. Some memes are funny as hell, but many are there to mislead. So where can we find truth?

The Bible is the only reliable source for truth. It is a comprehensive self-help book. Everything we need to know about how to live our lives on this side of eternity is in there. Health, prosperity, forgiveness and healing? They’re all there.

Reading the Bible can be challenging. There are parts I don’t understand. Yet there are some fascinating stories, too. Daniel sleeping with the lions, Peter walking on water, the sun standing still…there’s even a talking donkey!

When you are looking for guidance or hope, I encourage you to check the source that will give you reliable information. It won’t turn you into some religious nut, but it will tell you the truth…

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Spirituality

Sharing Stories

I’m writing this after spending my morning speaking to a group of women who are in prison. At least twice per year I take a week off for volunteer speaking, and some of the stories stick with me. This morning was no exception.

There are a lot of people who are hurting out there. People carry their pain inside. The world around has no idea what horrors some people have experienced. When I open up about my life, sharing the story of growing up in a home filled with fear and violence, it encourages others to open themselves up, too. Never waste your pain.

Tomorrow I will be privileged to speak in two more prisons, both women’s units. I never know what the day will bring, but I believe some good will come from it…

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Spirituality

Today in History

On May 19, 1943, Prime Minister Winston Churchill was in Washington DC to plan the D Day landing at Normandy Beach. When the assault took place over a year later, it changed the course of World War II. Many people died that day, but their deaths were not in vain.

Led by the United States and Great Britain, thirteen total countries were involved in the attack. Because of the strength of the tides, there was only a few days each month when the landing could occur. God was with us that day in 1944. Tyranny took a serious blow. Hitler went from playing offense to defense almost overnight.

The people who sacrificed, fought, and the families who suffered lost loved ones have been called the greatest generation. They had a toughness that I do believe still exists today. In some cases it might just be lying dormant. The Spirit of good over evil is alive within us. We must continue the fight.

Take a moment to thank God for guiding the thoughts and plans that Churchill and Roosevelt came up with. Freedom should never be taken for granted…

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Spirituality

Overstimulated

Our brains are really remarkable. It’s the greatest gift God gave us, and it’s a true marvel to study. Yet, it can go awry if we don’t protect it. Let me explain.

When I was a child, I lived in a constant state of fight-or-flight. My brain was on overdrive. It developed coping mechanisms which allowed me to survive. Those methods were meant to serve me well for only a short period, not all my life. Only through psychotherapy was I able to reroute my brain in a healthy way.

What we read, watch on television and YouTube shape our minds. We must ensure that what we allow in must be pure and good. It’s a huge responsibility to take care of our brains because there are negative stimuli everywhere. You almost can’t avoid it.

Be aware of everything you are exposing yourself to, whether it’s online or offline. It’s either good for us or bad for us.

Choose the good…

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Spirituality

Burned Out

When people tell me they are going through a period of burnout, most associate it with being overworked, overwhelmed and tired. Burnout is more than this. And it can be prevented.

People get burned out because the stressors of life are too much to handle in that moment. Work, obligations, unexpected challenges, the list of stressors never ends. This is just how life is, yet it’s manageable.

Setting healthy boundaries is the key to preventing burnout. Learn to say no. Take the time to take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be any good to anyone else. It starts with your mental health.

Prioritize sleep, eat good food, real food not processed crap, and have meaningful conversations with others. All of these impact your mental well-being. Neglecting one or more and your life becomes unbalanced. You have burned out.

The better you are, the better you can be for others. Take care…

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