Tag Archives: #hope

#inspiration

Political Divide

In the United States, we have had our differences politically since the founding of our country. That’s okay. Free thinking is a good thing.

Sadly, we have devolved to name calling and worse. It doesn’t have to be this way. We must regain our ability to recognize and respect the beliefs and opinions of others, no matter how wacky we believe them to be.

When someone disagrees with us, politically or otherwise, try to build a bridge rather than tearing one down. If we don’t learn to be quiet and listen, our society might be doomed…

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#inspiration

Complete

The dumbest movie line ever comes from Jerry Maguire when Tom Cruise says to Renee Zellweger, “you complete me.” It sounds cute and romantic, but no human being can complete another.

We are born with a yearning in our hearts. We can be fooled into thinking we are longing for another person. In some ways we are. We are meant to be connected to others. But our desire comes from wanting to be fulfilled spiritually. Only God can complete us. Only He can fill the hole in our hearts.

Find your completion. Find God…

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#inspiration

Willingness

Conflict is unavoidable. We see things differently, uniquely. When others don’t agree with us, it isn’t an insult or a threat. It’s their perspective, and just because it’s different doesn’t mean it is wrong.

Be willing to listen to others. Try to see things through their eyes. You can stand by your beliefs and convictions while building a bridge to another person.

Our world is divided. It’s up to us, the people, to unite it. Be willing…

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#inspiration

Turning It Over

God is speaking to us constantly. The noise of the world, distractions, work deadlines and more catch our focus and attention. But we have the power to change that.

What if we eliminated the noise by turning off the television for a few days? Sitting in silence while quieting our minds creates an uninterrupted connection with the Creator. He has our attention. Now let’s turn our hearts over to Him…

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#inspiration

Aging

I have known people who at 23 years old thought and acted like they were one foot away from the grave. And there are eighty year olds who live rich, vibrant lives.

We have a choice about how we age. When we exercise regularly and keep our thoughts clean and clear, we will slow down the aging process. I don’t have to point out what a lifestyle of no exercise, too much television and poor food choices will do to your body. But poor choices are reversible! At any age.

Age exists only in your head and your heart…

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#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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