Tag Archives: #hope

#inspiration

Our Post-Pandemic World

In the past several months, I have heard from so many people who are struggling with anxiety, depression and feelings they haven’t felt before. The common theme with each of them has been, “I don’t understand why I feel this way. I’ve never been like this before.”

God prompted me to remind them of what we have dealt with since 2020. Isolation has shredded mental health and created new, unhealthy neural pathways. We are hardwired to be in relationship with each other. This goes beyond loneliness. We are experiencing a mental health crisis that’s worse than the pandemic. More people than ever are feeling hopeless and taking their own lives.

If you are reading this and are experiencing similar feelings, please reach out to someone. Your life is precious and has purpose. None of that has changed because of a virus.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline is 988. It’s confidential, free, and it might be the lifeline you need…

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#inspiration

Expectations

When I go to a five-star restaurant, I expect great food, atmosphere and service. If I only received two of the three, then the experience didn’t meet my expectations.

What do I expect from myself? Certainly I expect to give my best in life. For some people, my best isn’t good enough, while for others it’s more than enough.

But what about God? He gives the believer and the non-believer the same fresh air and sunshine. We all get the gift of life. So let’s not take Him for granted.

Jesus told us to “pray expectantly.” Believe we have received it before actually receiving it, thanking God in advance. That’s faith in a nutshell. And I believe it’s good, solid advice…

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#inspiration

Columbine

On the morning of April 20, 1999 two dark and disturbed young men ended the lives of 12 students and one teacher before the two murderers took their own lives. At the time, the Columbine High School massacre was the largest school shooting in American history.

From this unthinkable tragedy, an organization was born: Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first child killed that day, but she did not die in vain. Her impact on the lives of others lives on. Over 30 million people have experienced her story, thousands of youth suicides have been prevented, and at least 8 documented copycat school shootings have been averted.

After Rachel’s Challenge is introduced into a school, the school becomes a safer, better-connected community. Students are no longer trying to learn in a “fight or flight” environment. I proudly serve on the board of Rachel’s Challenge. Check it out here:

http://www.rachelschallenge.org

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#inspiration

Poverty

Our world is struggling. People are starving and it doesn’t have to be this way. Collectively we have the resources to feed everyone good, healthy food.

It’s easy to point out problems, but I like to be solution-conscious. We begin to solve hunger by teaching students how to grow vegetables while they are still in elementary school. Kids love to be creative, and what a great way to educate! They learn responsibility by taking care of their garden. They learn that before you reap, you gotta sow! And the kids can take pride in a job well done.

This idea isn’t isolated to The United States. Gardening can be accomplished anywhere (well, maybe not Antarctica). There’s always a way, if we are willing…

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#inspiration

The Past

Do you know anyone who spends much of their time focusing on days gone by? All of us have fond memories of past events, but that’s what they are, just memories.

Some things from our pasts are hard times we went through. They were lessons to be learned along the road of life. Learn them and move on. Leave them where they belong, in the past.

Every day is an opportunity to create more fond memories. Remember to focus on the good in your life. Be grateful for something every day. Leave the past in the past and look forward with both eyes open…

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#inspiration

Lesser

Comparison chips away at self-esteem if you allow it to. We see ourselves as less than perfect if we compare ourselves to models in print or television. Wealth and position are favorite subjects for comparison. Do not fall into this trap.

In the eyes of God, we are all equally important. He loves us the same whether we are white, black, rich, poor or anything else. He even loves and provides for those who don’t believe in Him.

Remember this when you are feeling down or frustrated that you haven’t done better in life. You are still here, and God is still rooting for you, even when you aren’t…

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#inspiration

Guilty!!!

In the United States, our law states that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. Sounds fair, right? It is fair until emotions get involved.

Former President Donald Trump was accused of being in bed (figuratively) with Russia. All the people who hate Trump believed it because their hatred blinded them. When “Russia-gate” was shown to be a hoax, some still refused to believe the truth about it. The truth still matters.

There are thousands of examples where we condemn people before they have their day in court. Think of how you would want to be treated if you were on the receiving end of false accusations. Let’s show others some grace.

After all, the truth still matters…

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#inspiration

Inanity

The title of today’s blog describes the culture of today. We have a Congress that created a bill called “The Inflation Reduction Act.” You cannot reduce inflation through reckless spending, which is what the bill accomplished. We have biological men competing and excelling in women’s sports, with very little pushback from women’s groups. There are many more societal ills, too many to list.

Meanwhile our enemies are advancing towards world domination while we can’t decide which bathroom to use. It’s time to wake up. We can’t waste another day…

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