Tag Archives: #hope

#inspiration

Chains

Everyone has a past. Some are pretty dark, but God brought them into the light. Yet, I meet people who are still chained to their pasts. At least they believe they are.

Forgiving yourself is the hardest kind of forgiveness. It’s necessary because then you can grow. You can never forget your past, but when you forgive yourself you see how God can use it to help others.

If this is one of your life challenges, I encourage you to start on the path to self-forgiveness by making a list of everything you are grateful for. Gratitude changes us. Our view of the world grows. We see the art and beauty in other people, and that includes those who are still living in darkness…

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#inspiration

Terminal

People make changes in their lives when they receive a health scare. Maybe they begin an exercise program and eat healthier foods. But what might happen if they were given a diagnosis that they were terminal?

One thing is certain: all of us will die someday. The odds of us living a long time are high, but what would change in us if we adopted a terminal mindset? What I mean is, we don’t focus on death but we act like our time is limited. We would get more accomplished than we would if we act like we “have all the time in the world.”

I encourage you to turn up the heat on yourself. Our time is limited. Get to work on living with purpose. Make a difference…

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#inspiration

Lean In

I like controversy. Seeing the world differently from the masses creates controversial conversations. Growth comes when you view the world through a different prism.

When I go to a store or restaurant, my inclination is to make my server laugh and engage with me a bit. If they have tattoos, piercings everywhere and rainbow colored hair, even better. By connecting with them and leaning in, I’m breaking away from any stereotypes they might have about me. More often than not, my server will say to me that “I’m so different than what they thought I would be like.”

Remember this:when you see someone who looks different, they are someone’s son or daughter. They are important…

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#inspiration

Woke

In today’s cultural language, woke means “being alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.” So I thought I might venture out onto the proverbial thin ice and discuss it.

Racism and discrimination exist, no doubt. Are they systemic and rampant? No. They are wrong, and they are taught. No one is born a racist. And people will discriminate for selfish reasons.

Every one of us should stand up against injustice. Every time. Racist behavior is a problem of the heart, as are all societal ills. Only God can change hearts. Let’s leave the heart surgery to Him while we set examples of His love and acceptance while we are here.

Get your heart right and worthwhile actions follow…

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#inspiration

Hope

I’m privileged to serve on the Board of Directors for an organization called Rachel’s Challenge. Named for Rachel Scott, the first child killed at Columbine High School in 1999, Rachel left a legacy of kindness and compassion that has impacted over 30 million people. So far. The organization receives hundreds of messages from students every year like this one:

“I was ready to take my life. I had a knife and pills all ready for me that night. But after hearing Rachel’s story, it gave me hope. Knowing that not everyone in the world is a judgmental person. Thank you so much, Rachel, for being the person you were. For being the type of person to want to start a chain of kindness. It makes room for students who are bullied to feel hope.”…S from Wisconsin

Check it out here: http://www.rachelschallenge.org

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#inspiration

Home

Our home is different from our house. Home is the place where memories are made, where we feel safe and secure. A house is where we live, nothing more.

Every problem our world faces is a problem of the heart. The lessons we model for our children, from conflict resolution to how we see and interact with our fellow man are taught at home.

Treat others equally well, show compassion and generosity while doing the right thing. It begins at home…

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