Tag Archives: #faith

#inspiration, #spirituality

False Hope

We live in a materialistic society. Whoever has the most toys wins, right? Wrong.

As my life has progressed and I have grown, I have learned a few things. In my early adult life I chased money, believing it would bring me what I was looking for. But it never satisfied me. I wanted more. My hope for peace and purpose was misplaced.

The 17th century philosopher, Blaise Pascal wrote “that everyone has a God-shaped vacuum in their heart.” It can only be filled with God. I have learned that what he wrote is true. In my wrestling matches with God, when I let go and let God, I win. Every. Single. Time. It’s the letting go of my desire to control that’s hard.

I ask you, what are you placing your hopes in? If what you’ve been doing hasn’t worked, give God a try. You won’t be disappointed.

I promise…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Christmas Cheer

I love to laugh and to make others laugh. I find that a lot of life is full of humor. And laughter is good for us. It burns calories without having to go to the gym!

Some people are having a difficult time finding anything to laugh about, and Christmas cheer isn’t waiting for them in their stockings. They have suffered losses and setbacks. It takes time to heal from the pain. It can’t be forced.

If you know someone who might be alone this year, reach out to them. Let them know they are in your thoughts. Your small gesture might put a smile on their face.

Speaking of laughter, here is an old SNL clip that always makes me laugh. Peace to all…

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#inspiration

Freebies

You have heard the saying, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” It’s true. Everything in life has to be earned. One of my favorite politicians to pick on believes the government should pay for everything. Someone has to make the money to provide for whatever government benefits he wants to provide. You see, the government doesn’t generate a single dollar of revenue.

Retail stores offer “buy one get one free” to entice you into the store. The store might actually lose money on the offer, but figure people will buy more things while they are in the store. It must be a successful business model because stores continue to make the offer.

It’s important to remember, everything in life that has value requires work. Everything. Mental health, physical fitness, and solid relationships are brought to life by our commitment to making them happen. There is no other way.

Decide what is important to you. Then commit to making it happen. You will encounter difficulties along the road. But it’s hard to defeat a person who refuses to quit…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Nearby When You Need It

All of us have things in our past we would love to forget. The mistakes we’ve made, the things we have said we wished we hadn’t. All of them play on a never ending loop in our heads.

At the same time, there are more things we did right, and we continue doing them. We aren’t constantly reminded of them because they don’t induce stress. Yet, stress isn’t always a bad thing.

I grew up in a constant “fight or flight” way of thinking. My mind created coping mechanisms so I could survive. Over time, those coping mechanisms ceased to serve me well. At that point I was kinda lost. I was living in an adult world with no adult skills. Only by the grace of God I made it through.

In 2010 I found the right psychotherapist and I went to work on myself. Over time, I learned what the root causes were of my decision making. Only then did I remove the root and began making better, healthier decisions. It has been challenging, but man I have grown immensely.

The past remains in the past. It’s always nearby if I need it, but its only use is as a reminder of how far I have come. I’m still working on myself because that never stops.

Do the work…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Unspoken Stories

This week I have been doing volunteer speaking in seven Texas prisons. Some of the stories the men and women tell about their lives are unthinkable. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse are common to many of the inmates. But there is hope…

The State of Texas criminal justice system is designed to give inmates a path forward. An inmate can become a cosmetologist, a barber, even a nurse, courtesy of the state. The state believes in them while many in society have rejected them. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the privilege to speak to thousands. Many life stories will stay with me forever.

One of the truths I share with prisoners is that when they leave, they need to walk out with their heads held high and their shoulders back. They have done what the State of Texas required of them. Yet, there are people who will reject them because they are convicted felons. Some will throw their past in their faces and try to keep them down. Those aren’t their people.

There are a lot of good people in the world. You gotta look hard to find them, but they are there.

Be good…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Self Aware

Are you fully in touch with who you are? Knowing ourselves is essential for growth.

There are areas we all need improvement in. And there are things we do well. Don’t forget your wish list! These are the things we wish we could do. Some are achievable, while others are fantasy.

Take inventory of yourself. Be honest. If you are really brave, talk about your strengths and weaknesses with a trusted friend. Be willing to listen to constructive criticism. And give yourself a break when necessary.

I encourage you to take your talents and use them to make a difference. The world needs to hear from you…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Self Assured

Do you approach life with confidence, or do you take on what the day brings with trepidation? Confidence is built in the dark, difficult times. We learn that we get through our hardest battles and we live again. The temptation to quit is always lurking, but we must have the mindset that quitting is not an option.

You are here for a purpose. I’m not suggesting fame and fortune. Those things don’t last. Your legacy will, though. The difference you make in the lives of others will be remembered and talked about for generations.

Never forget this. You are way more important in the grand scheme of things than you realize. God didn’t create anyone to merely be average.

I encourage you to live confidently, even when you aren’t feeling it. Confidence won’t be built in the easy times. Only through darkness can you find the light…

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#inspiration

Indecision

Not making a decision is the same as making one. Indecision is a decision.

Why don’t people try and decide things? Perhaps it’s fear of failure. Giving too much thought to failing rather than succeeding has killed many dreams. If failure dominates your thinking, change it.

Indecision keeps us in limbo. Being unable to decide will stifle your happiness and fulfillment.

Change your thoughts. Begin now…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Meetups

There is a reason behind everyone we meet. What I’m suggesting is, there is nothing random in this life. We are here for a greater purpose, and God is guiding our steps. He is putting the people He wants us to know in our path.

Sometimes people are in our lives for just a short period. We create great memories of them, yet we have both moved on. I believe you understand precisely what I mean.

It’s important to remember that we can learn something from everyone. There are valuable lessons in our interactions, whether we are talking to the CEO of a company, or the housekeeper who cleans our hotel room. But we can only learn when we are taking the time to listen. Be willing.

Everyone is equally important in the eyes of The Creator. Let’s treat them as equals…

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#inspiration

National Days

Today, December 12th is National Ding-a-Ling Day. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s a day to call people you have lost touch with, or just act a little weird if you like.

There is a day for everything. Literally everything. The only day we don’t have is White Mans Day. That makes sense. Being a white man, I’m told by some that I’m the problem. I’m not.

When I speak in Texas prisons, at least one-third of my audience is black. Another third is Mexican or Latino. No one has ever had a problem with my race or gender, and I’ve spoken to thousands of people. It has never come up.

People will sometimes make assumptions about others based upon baseless evidence. This is wrong. None of us want to be classified by merely our race, gender or politics. We are more than that. So much more.

I encourage you to approach everyone with an open mind. We can learn something from everyone…

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