June 27, 2007

I have really put forth an effort to change my perception of people, especially women in the workplace.  I’m trying hard to see through dark clouds that seems to cover the souls of some women I know.  From their behavior, their soul is filled with fearful dread and is causing them to sell their soul to the devil. I am more cautious about being judgmental and critical.  When I find myself baffled by the behaviors and pettiness of other women, I do an inward check immediately.  It helps me to examine myself before placing someone under the microscope. 

I’d hoped that I’d really grown substantially in this area until I witnessed another situation recently.  It’s really hard to comprehend how women can be so petty and pitiful while trying to provide professional counseling and guidance to others. 

I’m trying to make sense of it all; I’m hopeful..

Looking for meaning in tragedy June 21, 2007

The truth is, it’s ironic how we can take the small things for granted. The dawning of each day is an opportunity to live life to the fullest because you never know your end of days here on Earth.

Sometimes I’m hard on myself because I’m starting to “read” meaning into every thing that happens. It’s just that I don’t want to miss hearing God’s voice in life’s situations and circumstances no matter how minor.

This morning as I listened to the news, my heart grieved for the families of the nine firemen (William Hutcheson, Mike Benke, Louis Mulkey, Michael French, Melvin Champaign, Mark Kelsey, Brandon Thompson, James Earl Drayton, and Bradford Baity) who lost their lives doing what they loved. Although it’s a tragedy, I couldn’t help looking for some “tinge” of meaning out of such noble deeds that involved the risk of death as a way of life.

Since we know that tragedy will strike, and bad things will happen to good people, what more reason than to live life with purpose by doing what you feel life is asking of you.

As Dr. Stephen Covey says, “Find your voice, and inspire others to find theirs.” To risk your life fighting infernos to save lives and help others on a daily basis says that you found your voice. Not only that, but hearing this tragedy inspired me to find mine.

I know this truth: “To live not doing what you love to do is not living the abundant life.” -Queen E. F. Phillips

I am grateful for these mighty men of valor who will leave a legacy— live life doing what you love to do.

God’s Love June 16, 2007

 

I’ve observed another truth from listening to others recently—our theology is somewhat scary.  What I mean by this? I’m glad you ask.

 

God never intended for His message to be complex.  The gospel of the Kingdom of God that Jesus Christ preached during His earthly ministry was very simple.  It’s still simple today. All God desire is a relationship with mankind.  He designed a plan for it happen through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. Although we face more complex situations and mind-boggling challenges, the truth about God’s love for us has not changed.

What has changed is that many Christian’s  intellectual capacity  and analytical tendencies and abilities have caused them to lose sight on the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ and Kingdom of God. Somewhere along the way it seems that many fail to realize this truth: God loves  everybody—saint or sinner. 

John records it like this, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).  This truth hasn’t changed nor will it ever change.

Too often we give up hope on individuals and put them in hell based on their present lifestyle rather praying and believing God for their salvation. It appears that a few Christians have forgotten that God is merciful and He is longsuffering (extraordinarily patient) toward us. He doesn’t want anyone to perish, but instead He wants all to turn to repentance( Ref. 2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, no matter how hopeless a person may seem to be, we can never give up on them, or write them off as unsalvageable as long as they are alive.  For with God nothing shall be impossible. (ref. Luke 18:18-27).

 

Our theology is off if we believe that just because we are saved, God loves us more than He does the sinner.  God has no respecter of person.  The truth about being saved is that we have a “benefits” package that the unsaved does not have.  God loves all of His creation. If He loved one of us more than the other, then He wouldn’t be just.  I’m so glad that He is holy, righteous, just, sovereign, and the ONLY TRUE GOD!

Personal Mission Statement June 14, 2007

The management development class that I’m attending had each participant to write their personal mission statement.  Several in the class commented how difficult it was; however, it wasn’t difficult for me because for the first time I am clear about my mission.   And the more I think about it, I realize that the path I’ve traveled along the way to my destiny has been preparing me for my mission in life. 

Although writing my mission statement was not difficult, going through the process of preparation in order to  carry out my assignment is the most difficult. Yet, I wait patiently, doing what I should be doing until the appointed time …

Truth Appeal June 8, 2007

Yesterday was quite an eye-opening experience about truth.  I attended an appeals process at my son’s school in an attempt to restore one (1) credit that was denied because of excessive unexcused absences in one class (he passed the course, just didn’t get the credit).  What I wasn’t prepared for was the overwhelming turn out… over half the student body along with their parents/ guardians also came to appeal.

I thought surely this can’t be true! As a matter of fact, the principal and staff working with the appeals committee were astonished also.  Ironically, no one was able to appeal because they weren’t prepared to handle the situation.  Believe me; the situation got totally out of control quickly.

The principal admitted some errors had been detected and that corrected report cards should have been received by mail. However, no one acknowledged having received a second report card. 

It was clear that something had gone wrong.  But instead of facing the truth—they weren’t prepared to handle the masses, an “off-the-cuff” Plan B was presented, which allowed students to come back at a later date to appeal without parents, only if the parent had signed in on the initial sign-in sheet today.

We (parents) were allowed to leave with the assurance the unexcused absences would be corrected, if they were incorrect.

The second truth is, we all have a “hang-up” with acknowledging our “mess-ups”, bad decisions,  weaknesses, and failures.  If, or when we do confess our faults, we spend valuable time trying to justify our inability to face truth and make excuses.

As leaders of business, religious organizations and learning institution, we must not be afraid of the truth., even if it cast a dim light of disapproval on our part—we aren’t perfect.  Believe it not, when it’s all said and done, truth will triumph over lies, and good over evil.  Truth becomes the unarmed defense that will free the soul from eternal torment.

 “…and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…”  (John 8:32).