Tag Archives: #inspiration

Spirituality

Something On My Mind

Pardon my rant this morning, but I have something to say. The public forum of social media has a lot of merit, but the public can show their ugly side, too.

Recently Susan and Michael Dell were in the Oval Office with the President. Hateful trolls used photos from the occasion to make fun of Susan Dells appearance. The comments were rude, wrong, and meant to hurt her. Do these people believe she doesn’t have feelings?

The Dell Foundation focuses on education, economic opportunity, and improving outcomes for children and families. The foundation contributed over $6 billion to fund Trump accounts. This was a wonderful intersection of the public and private sectors working together.

Weak people ridicule others. It’s dangerous, too. Scripture tells us “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.” If you want to read the entire verse it is James 4:11.

Let’s think before we speak. If our comments lift up our fellow man, then by all means speak up. If what you say is hurtful, consider how you would feel if the words were aimed at you. Something to consider…

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Spirituality

Stigmatized

Being stigmatized often causes people to be unfairly judged, stereotyped, excluded, or treated differently. Why do we do it, you might ask. It is my belief that people stigmatize others to avoid looking at themselves.

Have you ever made an embarrassing mistake? Most of us have said or done things we would like to erase from our memories. In 1981 I was arrested for driving while intoxicated and spent a night in jail. The drunk tank is no place I wanted to return to.

Even in 2026 seeking therapy is still stigmatized by some parts of society. Up until 2008 insurance companies paid partial benefits for therapy. It took federal law to rectify this.

When I’m speaking with inmates, I share my story of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Most of the men and women in prison can relate. The people who have been in prison often get stigmatized. Yet, I remind them that when they get out, they should walk out with their heads held high and their shoulders back. They have satisfied everything the State of Texas has required.

We aren’t limited by the worst decisions we made unless we allow them to limit us. Keep the people who throw your past in your face far away from you. Those aren’t your people.

Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be your best. They are your people…

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Spirituality

Competing Voices

We have two voices inside our heads. Both are talking to us all the time, competing for our attention. Let’s dive into this.

We talk to ourselves more than we talk to anyone else. Our minds are always working, even while we are asleep. This is one of the reasons we must be discerning about what we read, watch on TV, and who we listen to. The subconscious mind remembers all.

One of the voices is encouraging us, prompting and pushing us towards our purpose. The other voice is reminding us of everything we have ever screwed up. “Why should this time be any different,” the voice says. If you listen to and believe that voice, you will be talked out of trying something before you begin.

One of the voices is from God. He is rooting for us every millisecond of our lives. The discouraging voice is from the devil. He wants us to stay mired in mediocrity and frustration.

I encourage you to listen to the voice of encouragement. You might be risk averse because of something that happened in your past. Break free from this. You weren’t created to fail. You are here to thrive and to make a difference.

Embrace the unknown and live fully…

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Spirituality

False Alarm

How many times have you worried about something that turned out to be a waste of your time? Most chronic worriers can’t count that high. Worry is wasted energy, so let’s talk about it.

It is estimated that over 90% of the things people worry about never come to pass. Ninety percent! But this is more alarming: you have used up time worrying about something and you cannot get the time back.

We have a finite amount of time on this planet to accomplish our purpose. God alone knows our end date. He has given us exactly enough time to do His will through us. Here’s the remarkable part of this: God doesn’t force us to do anything. It’s up to us.

If worry is a challenge for you, I encourage you to work on eliminating it from your life. It begins with your attitude. Believe that you can control your thoughts and emotions, then flip the script when worry presents itself. You can do it if you believe you can.

Finally, remember this when worry creeps in: everything always seems to work out the way it’s supposed to…

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Spirituality

The Megaphone

A megaphone is a portable device used to amplify one’s voice. My first exposure to a megaphone was at pep rallies in school. The cheerleaders would use them to get the crowd revved up. Sadly, this didn’t always lead to victory on the football field.

Everyone has a voice. Some people in media have an international voice. Politicians are rarely shy when it comes to finding their way to a microphone. But are any of them saying anything worth listening to? You be the judge.

The loudest voice in the room is not necessarily the one to be listened to. If someone feels the need to shout, then perhaps they believe the only way to be heard is to talk over everyone else.

God spoke to Elijah. He didn’t yell or make a spectacle. No, God spoke in a whisper. Scripture tells us about a donkey who spoke. Now that will get your attention!

Oftentimes less is more. Actions are louder than words. Even louder than the most amplified megaphone. Use your voice for good…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Say What You Think

When you find someone who speaks their mind, with poise and eloquence, that person is a rare find. There are many out there who are quick to tell you what’s on their minds, but once they open their mouths you know there’s little substance behind their words.

Yes, the blowhards are everywhere. Even in the professional ranks. Groupthink is just as dangerous. Going along to get along is not using your brain. God gave us the greatest supercomputer ever built. It’s up to us to use it.

You have heard that “knowledge is power.” No, the truth is knowledge is potential power. Knowledge is meaningless if you sit idly by and never use it. And it’s usually a solid idea to verify your knowledge. It could be wrong.

Intellectual honesty is a dying art. Speaking the truth, with some gentleness and self control, is valued by your counter party.

Stay true to yourself and always being honest with people. You will piss some people off by having a different opinion or belief. That’s okay…

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Spirituality

A House Divided

Abraham Lincoln was giving a speech in 1858 after winning his Senate seat. Lincoln famously said, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” But Lincoln wasn’t the first person to say it. Old Honest Abe was quoting Jesus.

Jesus was healing people and casting out demons. Some of the scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of getting his powers from dark forces, specifically Beelzebul. Jesus simply answered their false accusations by asking, “why would Satan work against himself? That a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

If you pay any attention to news media you would think Americans are at each other’s throats. We’re not. Well, some are but they are the minority. Most of us respect the right of others to believe differently. It isn’t a threat.

At the same time, hanging out with only the people who are like-minded is living in an echo chamber. And it’s dangerous. You can become arrogant in your thinking.

We are more than our politics. Way more. Everyone has goals, dreams and desires for their lives. And everyone has struggles. People show up to help when disasters occur. Perhaps this is why they are called acts of God. This is when we see the good in others, which reflects the goodness of our Creator.

We are better together…

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Spirituality

Urban Development

Since 1993, I have lived in Austin, Texas. When I first moved here, Austin was a quirky city with a bit of a small town feel. It’s not that way anymore.

Corporations were quick to notice that a lot of people wanted to live in Austin. Many tech companies built facilities there, complementing their main offices on the west coast. They were smart.

The cost of living in Texas was and is much lower than California’s. Not having a state income tax is nice, too. The mass migration to Texas from California caused our property values to soar. Californians could sell their cracker box sized homes and buy a 10,000 square foot home for less in Texas.

Not all development is good or bad. But the culture of the city has changed. Austin used to be a casual type community. Now it’s more stiff and pretentious. It happens.

Austin will continue to grow and thrive, no doubt. The state certainly will, too. We have been the beneficiaries of the mass exodus from California. My hope is that the people who move here leave their crazy politics behind. After all, it was their politicians who priced them out of their beautiful state.

Everything always works out the way it’s supposed to…

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Spirituality

Are You Rich or Poor?

Some parts of society are obsessed with wealth. Money is a tool, nothing more. The pompous, pontificating politicians will tell you, loudly, that the wealthy are greedy. They are lying to you.

In my professional career I am privileged to work with some people who have tremendous resources. Not a single one is self-centered or greedy. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. They have their philanthropic causes they support. And every single one I know is kind and thoughtful.

I’m certain there are exceptions. There always are, but it has been my experience that people of means are quick to help others. Again, the politicians are lying to you.

The political class is filled with useful idiots who want more of our hard earned dollars. Who’s greedy, you might ask?

If you have a little money in the bank, good friends and family and good health, you are already wealthy. Put the focus on people because all people are important. Everyone matters.

Take a moment to think the Creator for the good in your life. He is the one who gives us everything. Stay in gratitude…

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