This weekend I went to the movies to see 'The DaVinci Code" and see what the fuss was all about. For all of the concerns by people over what the movie says and attempts to depict, it was a bit under whelming in controversy.
I'm certainly not a movie critic but as a regular person, I do watch movies and in turn spend money on those movies. This article isn't intended to persuade or dissuade you from seeing the movie or to debate the material aspects of the story line. What I would like to use it for is a bit of object lesson in attitude.
From the time of the original release of the book on through the filming of this movie, many people have risen either in arms or taken up the cause of it. As the movie was released, the debate intensified and now the judging public will decide. My own thought is that as a thrilling mystery story it was good. It became difficult at times to follow though and seemed to be quite long. Meaning it took to long to get to the point.
What I do like about the movie is that it challenges our beliefs and stirs debate. Whether you believe that the information is factual or not, it is just a movie - not a documentary. So how do you react to something that challenges your beliefs and attitudes? Are you a defiant radical? Do you become depressed at the thought of it? Or are you willing to objectively view and discuss the situation?
Attitude does not mean being inflexible nor does it mean giving up your core beliefs. Attitude does mean that you are willing and able to handle having those core beliefs challenged. I have my own thoughts regarding the movie and its contents including the book. Faith is what it is and you need to be strong enough to listen and not be threatened by different beliefs.
What is good is that there is debate and to have people challenged. By doing so, your attitudes are challenged and with all things in life that challenge you, having a positive outlook or attitude about those challenges will get you through it.
“I do believe that when we face challenges in life that are far beyond our own power, it's an opportunity to build on our faith, inner strength, and courage. I've learned that how we face challenges plays a big role in the outcome of them.” - Sasha Azevedo
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Friday, May 12, 2006
Charting Your Attitude
Billy Graham once said, "we do not understand the intricate pattern of the stars in their courses, but we know that He who created them does and that just as surely as He guides them, He is charting a safe course for us." The quote is one mans vision of how we can face an uncertain future. It is a tough thing to go through when it is yourself facing bad times.
Those low spots in your life can always be countered by thinking of those high spots in life. The next thing you can do is one small positive thing. Smile at someone you pass on the street, open a door for another or maybe help out another individual in some small way. The things you do in a positive way will build upon itself. And keeping your attitude strong in spite of down times is of utmost importance.
As you work your way through this, listen to others and know that many are their to help you through these times. Surround yourself with these people not to pour your problems on but to help build yourself up. Many of us have been through the valley and know of your pain. A safe course is being charted for you, read the signs and follow it to a better life.
Those low spots in your life can always be countered by thinking of those high spots in life. The next thing you can do is one small positive thing. Smile at someone you pass on the street, open a door for another or maybe help out another individual in some small way. The things you do in a positive way will build upon itself. And keeping your attitude strong in spite of down times is of utmost importance.
As you work your way through this, listen to others and know that many are their to help you through these times. Surround yourself with these people not to pour your problems on but to help build yourself up. Many of us have been through the valley and know of your pain. A safe course is being charted for you, read the signs and follow it to a better life.
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.
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.
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.
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