Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Prejudging Others

“Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real caliber is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others.” William J. H. Boetcker

In life we have a tendency to prejudge others prior to ever knowing or understanding them. It is sometimes our way of quickly assessing a situation or condition we encounter. Doing this can have a very negative effect not only on the other person but as a reflection of you. Prejudging others says you are not capable of being able to adapt or accept differences you may have with another person.

Certainly it is human nature to be guarded when we meet someone new. You will have to figure out who this other person is, what their story is and in turn they are doing the same. It is this process of learning about the other that creates great relationships. You may find each other to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, yet allowing yourself to learn about them you are learning about yourself.

To go through life placing others in pre-defined categories without understanding them leaves you uninformed and less capable of growing as a person. You will be surprised by how much you learn and how much you pass on to others. Prejudging cuts off the discussion before it even starts. Allow yourself to meet new people and find out about their place in life. It will strengthen your understanding of life.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Movement Creates Change

When you are dealing with life in general, chances are you are like everyone else in your struggles. You generate loads of effort in the physical to succeed in what you do. The hours at work build. Getting into the office earlier then others and staying later then others. You see small incremental increases or promotion. But you find that physically you hit a wall..

Or you may be like others that may not generate much physical effort into their lives. But these same people pour hours into their spiritual faith. They believe if they pray enough and believe enough that success and riches will be theirs.

You may find though by experience that effort in life to succeed is achieved in both areas of your life. Neither alone allows you to fully achieve what you wish for in life. Faith will set you up for certain opportunity and the 'flesh & blood' will generate varied success. Having both will provide you with the keys to satisfaction in what is accomplished.

In my short life of nearly 50 years, I have seen and experienced both ends of the spectrum. I am a person of faith and belief in a greater being. Yet I understand that faith alone does not generate or in better words, do justice to the free will and ability we've been given. You have to get up from faith and make a move towards change. Movement creates change.

The same can be said about generating success on ability only. Many have gained many things on talent, on physical ability or even on mental genius. Yet I've seen too many that were not fulfilled by money, fame or success. Something always seemed missing from their lives. Faith will give you the spiritual strength you need. Movement creates change.

It is the achievement of success in your life based on both faith and talent. Each alone can allow you to succeed, but only in a limited fashion. To have both will lift you beyond your owns dreams. And it sounds so simple, which it really is. Does it guarantee all that you want? Probably no, yet how will you ever know if you don't try? Life itself isn't a guarantee and if you live it in faith and using the talent each of us possess will make it a great life.

So look at both aspects of your life. If you are struggling in the physical, maybe you need to work on the faith side of things. And vice versa, if you feel your faith is not generating that which you want in life, could be you aren't working hard enough at what your talents will allow. Get up and do something about it....Always remember that 'movement creates change.' Create change in your life and you will see great things happen.

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Life Of Good Virtue

"The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than their abilities; and for this reason, the heart should be cultivated with more assiduity than the head." - Noah Webster

When you work upon your talents, do not forget that you must talent without virtue does not round you out as a great person. Think of sports figures that have huge talent on the field but are very forgetable off the field. Or an entertainment idol that within a movie brings to bear a wonderful character onscreen yet in public is a complete cad. In your own personal life, do you live a dual life of amazing talent yet a lousy attitude with others?

When you work upon your own attitude, anything you do is improved because you will draw others to you that will have talents beyond your own. Carrying the weight of all that can be done on your own shoulders will get you but a short distance. There will not be people around to help you bear the burden. Those that become drawn to the talented yet 'bad attitude' folks are there primarily to catch the scraps which fall to the side. For when this type of person falls, the fans will disappear, not there to help catch.

Round out your life with both your talents and your heart. Give to the world that which is good about you by giving of your heart first and your talents second. You will be drawn into a world in which you add to the betterment of all that is around you. Others will be drawn to you and together this cumulative power of many will do wonders.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Gloria Kerr

As the days pass, we always strive to bring something uplifting to our lives. But with every good day, there will be those you wish never come. Today was one such day in our life that I will ask you to bear with me.

A very good friend of my wife passed away early today, quick and suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. Gloria Kerr was a great and grand woman that leaves behind her loving husband, six children and numerous grand children. In our hearts and minds she will always remain that one person you could always count on to give of her heart.

Her talent and love of clothing design went unnoticed living here in the Atlanta area. But her ability and unique designs won her rave reviews from all who knew her. All will miss her ability to take swatches of seemingly scraps of cloth and turn them into wonderful creations. She even managed to pass this talent on to her daughter Tabitha. So her talent will live through her daughter and will be remembered for years to come.

As you read this, you wonder of the poetic or wonderful words to a person you didn't know. It is because you should have had the same pleasure hundreds of us did in knowing her. All of her children lost a caring mother that they will surely miss. Her grand children will not get to snuggle with her. Many friends in her life, her church and around her will mourn not having her hugs and kindness. Her very loving husband is without his partner for life. The world lost another person who mattered.

You have an opportunity to simply take a bit of time to love with a bit more feeling for those around you. It means you continue to have an opportunity to meet more people in this world like Gloria Kerr. Bring happiness and love to those around you. Allow yourself to be impacted by more wonderful and loving people like Miss Gloria. Then pass it along and let your life mean something to others. Gloria's life meant so much to those around her and those that crossed paths with her. We love and will miss you Gloria. God's care and love for you now.