Tag Archives: #hope

#inspiration

Empathy

Nowadays I see a lot of people who label themselves as “empaths.” They believe they feel what others are feeling, no matter the circumstances.

All of us have intuition. It’s a gift from the Creator. Our intuition protects us from bad people and dangerous situations. We feel alerted in the moment.

Empathy is shared experience. Who better understands what it’s like to be married to an alcoholic than another person who is, too? The only people who know how it feels to lose a child are people who have lost a child.

The pain and struggle you have experienced in life can be used to help others. In this way, pain is a gift, too. Don’t waste it…

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#inspiration

Pain and Void

Late yesterday afternoon I received a call from a good friend of mine. He was calling to let me know that his son had taken his own life a few days prior. I knew his son. In fact, a couple times per year “Mike” and I would catch a movie together. He was the sweetest kid you ever met, and he was only 18 years old.

Youth suicide is the #2 killer of our young people. The stressors kids are dealing with, along with the immeasurable damage caused by shutting down schools has exacerbated this malady.

Mike didn’t leave a note. In his final days he seemed happy. He was in college and had a job he enjoyed. Mike wasn’t a druggie or drinker. This one is a puzzle we may never be able to put together.

My friend and his family will forever wake up missing a valuable piece of their lives. Holidays will be different. Their pain will get better as time goes on, but the void will remain.

Be kind to everyone. We don’t know what lies beneath the surface…

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#inspiration

Demons

We all have our demons. When we say this we are speaking metaphorically, but demons are real beyond metaphors.

There exists a spiritual battle in another realm that is going on all around us. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t make it untrue. God commands His angels to fight for us and protect us from evil spirits. We could not fight this enemy on our own.

When we believe in God, the attacks intensify. It’s not easy being a believer. I call Christianity a blood sport.

If you are experiencing pain and struggle in your life, know the source from which they came. Rely on God to fight for you. When the battle is between God and anything else, there is no fight. He wins every time…

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#inspiration

Obstacles

Obstacles are defined as, “something that hinders progress.” Running late because of traffic congestion fits this definition. But we can’t control traffic. However , there is an obstacle we do have control over.

Our biggest obstacle lies between our ears. We pay far too much attention to the inner voice that tries to discourage us, and not enough time listening to the voice of encouragement.

The first step in controlling your thoughts is you must believe you can. Without belief you will not get anywhere. Once you learn you can control your thinking, then it gets easier to get rid of negative, unproductive thoughts. Keep doing it. It’s the same as building muscle. The longer you lift, the stronger you become.

Both voices will remain in your mind forever. You decide which one to listen to…

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#inspiration

Human Rights

There’s a lot of talk about human rights, and there should be. Not everyone lives as freely and as well as we do in the United States. But much of that talk by our leaders in the government is just convenient garbage. Democrats and Republicans alike are at fault.

We continue to try to negotiate a new JCPOA with Iran while that country throws gay people off of rooftops. We look the other way because calling it out would not secure a political win. Our policy towards China has been to make the Chinese communist party wealthy at our own peril. And then there is Saudi Arabia. And others.

If you are going to take a stand, then take a stand. The rest of the world cannot afford to lose the United States as a trading partner. We have leverage…

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#inspiration

Family

Families can be difficult. We don’t get to choose the family we are born into. Nor are we offered the opportunity for a new selection once we are born.

Our name is the first foundation of our identity. If we do something that we get notoriety for, we either bring honor or shame to our family’s name and reputation. These “honors” can go on for generations.

Abuse is a familial malady that lasts until someone puts a stop to it. That, too, can last for generations.

No matter the family we are born into, our sole obligation is to be the best person we can possibly be. We have a choice…

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#inspiration

Respectful

Our world still has kind, decent and respectful people in it. Most people are good, and oftentimes remain silent so the disrespectful, rude and indecent people don’t shout them down. I will not remain silent.

Recording artist Jason Aldean released a new song called, “Try That in a Small Town.” His message is clear. Small town values reflect our sense of community, our respect for the flag, and our placing law enforcement in a place of honor. We don’t condone spitting on police officers, crime (BLM, Antifa), or flag burning. Community means we come together to help each other, regardless of our politics, sexuality, or religion.

Take a listen to the song. I believe you might love the message…

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#inspiration

Music

I love music. I always have. Every waking moment there is a song playing in my head.

Concerts unite us. There are carnivores, vegetarians and vegans sitting next to each other, enjoying the groove. Gun lovers and gun grabbers, too. For a couple of hours the world is right.

Pay attention to the lyrics of the music you love. They speak to your inner spirit…

Tears For Fears
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#inspiration

Separately

I went to a restaurant the other evening. I love to people watch. Restaurants and airports are a Mecca for me.

A married couple sat down a few booths away. They were probably in their 50’s, attractive and well dressed. After the server took their drink order, the couple hardly made eye contact with each other, choosing to look around the restaurant at other sights rather than their spouse. I felt a slight sense of sadness for a moment. It was as if they were there by themselves.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to try to reconnect. Focus on the good in your relationship. It’s there or you wouldn’t have ever gotten together in the first place. Make it a daily effort. We are better together…

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#inspiration

Loneliness

Recently I watched a documentary about a group of men who were trying to connect with men who are in prison. Some of the prisoners were serving life sentences. From where would they find hope?

It struck me as I listened to these men tell stories of their loneliness in isolation, that there was no one who cared about them. One man spoke of his suicidal ideations.

I wonder how many people who aren’t in prison feel the same way. They have no one to check on them or invite them out. They live among us yet we never see them.

Let’s keep this in mind when we interact with strangers. Be kind to them. They might be withdrawn from the world. Your kindness might be their last, best hope…

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