Tag Archives: #spirituality

#inspiration, #spirituality

Labeled

My older siblings were Straight A students all through school. Not me. I was an A, B, C and D student. Report card day was always a stressful day for me. My teachers and my parents labeled me as dumb. I wasn’t dumb. I was bored.

There are people who were labeled who accepted the label whether it was true or not. They have succumbed to external opinions rather than listening to their own inner voice. This keeps people from living fully. The judgments of others don’t matter. There is one judge and his name is God. He is the only one who gets to define who you are.

If you struggle to overcome being labeled, my encouragement to you is to find your confidence in yourself. Remember who created you. It wasn’t those who labeled you or want to continue to keep you boxed in. God made you, and that’s good enough for me…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Christians

If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

We sometimes get confused about what a Christian should look like. Christian men and women are not pious or preachy. Christians should not hold others in judgment. Christian people are known by their actions, not their knowledge of Scripture.

Look at Jesus. He was perfect and showed us the character of God in human form. He redeemed and restored others. He hung out with the people no one else thought he should. While many religious leaders of that time shunned sinners, Jesus welcomed them.

We too should be recognized as Christians by our actions. Nothing more is necessary. Take the writing of Saint Francis into consideration: “preach the Gospel always. Use words when necessary…”

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Finding Purpose

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation, and die with their song still in them.” Do you want to die unfulfilled? I don’t think you do.

Let’s go on a journey together to find purpose and meaning in our lives. The first thing to do is pray. Ask God to show you the way to your higher purpose. Then ask God for the courage to follow through and do it.

Step two is to take an inventory of what you are good at. What makes you feel alive? Write everything down. Keep your list with you and add to it as things come to light.

Step three is to begin. Start moving in the direction you are led in. Don’t concern yourself with having everything figured out beforehand. The pathway will open as you take steps. Be fearless.

Expect setbacks and frustrations. They are natural. Work through them and keep moving forward.

Finally, thank God regularly that He is on this road with you. Thank Him for guidance and for lifting hurdles.

Start now. Do not hesitate. I look forward to seeing you on the road less traveled…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Hope

What do you hope for? Wealth, a spouse or a child, or maybe you hope your health is restored? Hope is all we have when we don’t have anything else.

In 2021, one study revealed that 42% of students felt hopeless. They feared the future because they didn’t believe it held any promise for them. This is both alarming and a little frightening. Young people should be the ones who bring light into the world, yet many are clouded in darkness.

Adults are struggling, too. Mental health was shredded from fear and isolation during the pandemic. So what can we do?

Reach out to others. Check on them. Maybe a quick phone call or text doesn’t mean much in the moment, but it might be exactly what someone needs in that moment. You will benefit, too.

You might be someone’s last, best hope. Make contact…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Are You Angry With God?

Bad things happen to good people. We can’t understand why nor can we explain it away. They just happen.

When we are on the receiving end of something terrible, we want to lash out and blame someone. Sometimes we take our anger out on God. We blame God for causing the injustice. We can’t understand why a loving, all powerful God would do this to us or someone we care about. Let’s examine this a little deeper.

First off, God cannot do bad things to us. His nature is good and only good. He would be going against himself if he caused evil. He allows things to happen. This occurs because He wants us to rely on Him and not ourselves.

I want you to, the reader, to know it’s okay to be angry with God. He understands. You can yell at Him, tell Him off and God will never retaliate. When His children hurt, He hurts, too. Tell God everything you are feeling. Ask Him to help you see a God-ordained outcome. It will happen. He’s still in control.

God wants to hear from us when we hurt. He can take a punch…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Blind Side

Do you have any flaws? I certainly do. One thing I’m grateful for is the fact I can recognize my shortcomings, and I’m willing to work on them. This isn’t easy.

Accepting ourselves as we are is a struggle for many. We know ourselves and our history of making mistakes. Those can put a chink in the armor. Yet, most of us are trying to improve ourselves and our character. This is a lifelong battle.

Look at yourself objectively. Think of ways to improve yourself. Then take the first step towards a better life as a better version of yourself…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Balancing Act

Books have been written and speakers talk about achieving work/life balance. I believe the ones who propose this is possible are charlatans trying to make money off what people desire.

Living fully means giving your all to life. Something will be out of balance. Always. Prioritize what is most important in your life and try to limit your list to three things. Then commit yourself to making a difference in those things.

Along the way you will have to learn to say no. The first time is the hardest. Setting boundaries is a healthy habit!

Find your why and then give it your all. Balance isn’t necessary…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Freedom

The freedoms we enjoy in the United States came at a cost. Much blood was spilled defending our rights to free speech and liberty. We must hold these things deep in our hearts, because they are not permanent. They can be lost.

On this Thanksgiving day, I’m grateful I was born here during this era in history. My calling is to inspire others, and to spread encouragement, strength and hope to a world in desperate need of it.

Stay hopeful…

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Street Theology

Some people have tons of Scriptures memorized. Scripture is most effective when you allow it to seep into your heart and manifest through your actions.

How do people know you are a spiritual person? At their core, religions are peace seeking. They value truth and integrity, along with worship of and believing in a God of their understanding. We know individuals are faith-filled by their actions.

Street theology is about letting your actions demonstrate the God you believe in, whether you can recite Scripture or not…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Thanksgiving Week

On Thursday of this week, we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s the one day of the year where people take time to reflect on what they are grateful for.

Gratitude should be actively practiced every day. If you woke up this morning and you are reading this, be grateful that God gave you another day to live. Life is routine and we take things for granted. Only when the unexpected occurs do we snap out of our comfort and live differently.

Look around. There are miracles everywhere. And then be grateful you noticed them…

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