Tag Archives: #spirituality

#inspiration, #spirituality

Prestige

Prestige is defined as “widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality.” We revere people of prestige.

Have you ever met a famous person or celebrity? I have met many. I have had dinner with multiple people of prestige. The interesting thing is, they are just people. They might have special talents to entertain us, but their lives aren’t free from struggles and stress. There are some famous people who want you to worship them, but they are the minority. Most just want to be seen as regular people.

In the eyes of God we are all the same. No one reaches Heaven in a different way because of their earthly accomplishments. No one should feel diminished by another person because we are here to do God’s work. Sometimes fame comes with that, and sometimes not…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Hidden

When I was a kid, there was a popular television show called “Candid Camera.” Goofy pranks were played on unsuspecting people and their reactions were recorded by a hidden camera. The show was hilarious.

People hide their inner pain. We show the world that we have it all together. But the truth is, many people are barely holding on. For some, all they have left is hope.

Words can heal or they can hurt. Whatever is going on inside a person’s head and heart is reflected in what they say or how they act. Hurt people hurt other people. Healthy people heal others.

Our world is struggling. It’s expensive to live. Mental health was shredded from isolation during the pandemic. Masking inner pain with fake smiles doesn’t heal the wounds.

Let your guard down with others. Allow them to see you for who you are. And let them show you who they really are, not who they want us to think they are.

Be kind. Always…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Painful Experiences

Over the past four days I have been speaking in Texas prisons, both men and women’s. My subject matter is my own life story of physical and emotional abuse, and how I healed from my painful past. My story is relatable to many of the prisoners.

The inmates openly shared some of their life stories. I must tell you, most of them are not pretty. Some of the things that people do to other people are pathetic.

There is a lot of pain in this world we inhabit. People are doing everything they can to hold it together. So here’s a reminder: be kind to everyone. We don’t know what lies beneath the surface…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Next Day

Once again I spent my day speaking in two prisons. It’s a very fulfilling experience for me.

The pain and suffering people lay on each other is almost indescribable. Hurt people are creating their legacy by hurting their children. People are either seriously angry with God, have drawn closer to Him, or they don’t consider Him at all. My message is one of forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with prisoners. There are people who will reject them after they have finished their sentences and are released. I won’t…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Law & Order

We have laws to keep us safe and protect us from harm. Obey the law and you have no negative consequences. Breaking the law has a different outcome.

There are physical laws, too. I know if I jump off a building that I will fall. I have no plans to test that!

God created the universe with structure and laws to guide us. Following His lead will take us where we want to go. God only wants good for our lives. Let’s follow Him…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Marathon Runners

Life is a long journey, a marathon if you will. It seems to pass slowly and then one day you wake up and wonder where the time went.

If you are reading this, I have a revelation for you: God isn’t through with you. Or me! He wants to grow us, even stretch us to become who He created us to be. It’s not easy, but anything worthwhile is not going to be easy. We grow from our discomfort.

Pursue your true purpose. Stop wasting time and start living the dream God has for your life. Start now…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Love Your Neighbor

Jesus told us to “love our neighbor as we love ourselves.” Yet you can’t truly love people you don’t know. You can show compassion, though.

Two months before her death, Rachel Joy Scott wrote a paper titled, “My Ethics: My Codes of Life.” In her piece she wrote, “Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer. I have this theory that if one person would go out of their way to show compassion, it would start a chain reaction of the same. You never know how far a little kindness can go.” Showing compassion to our fellow man is demonstrating our concern for their sufferings. We can show we care about what happens to others.

In addition to showing compassion for others, let’s be kind to ourselves. Hold yourself accountable, but don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes. After all, you are a perfectly imperfect human…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Flow

You were created for greatness. By greatness I don’t mean fame and fortune. I’m talking about more than that. You are unique, with abilities only you have. Your voice speaks in a way like no others.

“Going with the flow” will only get you so far. To reach your full potential, you must be willing to stand out, to be different from the crowd. Everything you do must be aligned with your true identity, not how the world sees you. You must move with purpose in mind.

Start now. If you don’t know which way to go, ask God for guidance. Then listen for His answer. Stay in touch with God. Ask for the courage to take the initiative and make a difference.

You can do it. Now get going!

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Look Away

Many people enjoy the limelight. But don’t get too close because you might expose something.

Superficiality, whether in conversation or in closeness, prevents people from seeing the true person inside. But it’s what’s inside of us that defines who we are. And when we let our guard down it encourages others to let theirs down, too.

Believe in yourself, and accept yourself. God does. And He sees everything…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Breaking Out

Breaking out sounds like a plan a prisoner might have. And in some ways we are all prisoners. We are also able to grant ourselves parole.

Life is full of routine. We go through the same thing every day. But I encourage you to free yourself of routine. Take some time away from your phone. Instead of watching and posting on social media, call someone and have a conversation. Attend a seminar on something you know nothing about. Start a blog!

It’s time to stop fitting in and start standing out. Conformity is the breeding ground of mediocrity…

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