John Harrell's Blog, page 109
October 13, 2022
Woke
In today’s cultural language, woke means “being alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.” So I thought I might venture out onto the proverbial thin ice and discuss it.
Racism and discrimination exist, no doubt. Are they systemic and rampant? No. They are wrong, and they are taught. No one is born a racist. And people will discriminate for selfish reasons.
Every one of us should stand up against injustice. Every time. Racist behavior is a problem of the heart, as are all societal ills. Only God can change hearts. Let’s leave the heart surgery to Him while we set examples of His love and acceptance while we are here.
Get your heart right and worthwhile actions follow…
October 12, 2022
Education
We place a premium on higher education. No doubt it shows a level of determination and intelligence to earn a degree. But there’s more.
There are two other types of intelligence beyond our IQ. Our personality plays a large part in how successful we become. If you can’t get along with people, you probably won’t get very far because we need other people to work with us.
The greatest success comes to those who show a high level of adaptability. Being flexible and adjusting to change quickly is tantamount to successful outcomes. Applying what we know while being adaptable inspires the creative talents we all possess.
It’s good to be smart. It’s better when you are adaptable…
October 11, 2022
Exterior
We show the world what we want them to see. For all they know, our lives are perfect and free of stress.
Inside, people might be falling apart, doing everything they can to hold it together.
Keep this in mind when you meet others. Try to be patient and kind, meeting them where they are. Your simple kindness might be just what they need…
October 10, 2022
Quiet
Quiet moments can be uncomfortable. It seems like our brains resist the calm. Yet, when we get away from the noise, our clearest thinking happens.
I encourage you to take a few moments each day to quieten your mind. Just sit in silence. The noise will be waiting when you return…
October 9, 2022
Hope
I’m privileged to serve on the Board of Directors for an organization called Rachel’s Challenge. Named for Rachel Scott, the first child killed at Columbine High School in 1999, Rachel left a legacy of kindness and compassion that has impacted over 30 million people. So far. The organization receives hundreds of messages from students every year like this one:
“I was ready to take my life. I had a knife and pills all ready for me that night. But after hearing Rachel’s story, it gave me hope. Knowing that not everyone in the world is a judgmental person. Thank you so much, Rachel, for being the person you were. For being the type of person to want to start a chain of kindness. It makes room for students who are bullied to feel hope.”…S from Wisconsin
Check it out here: http://www.rachelschallenge.org
October 8, 2022
Inside Job
Change is an inside job. This includes changes for good and self-sabotaging changes. Things don’t just happen to us, they happen through us.
Our minds control our thoughts, and our thoughts control our actions. You have the power to direct your thoughts. It begins inside…
October 7, 2022
Survival
There are people in the world who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. They are in every community on earth.
Let’s not overlook opportunities to serve our fellow man. You might be someone’s last, best hope…
October 6, 2022
Adventure
Helen Keller wrote, “life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” She was blind and deaf from the age of 19 months, so it’s a miracle we have heard the name Helen Keller.
If you are reading this, you already possess an advantage over Keller. Can you hear beautiful sounds like music, birds singing or the laughter of a precious child? There’s another.
We have everything we need to make a difference in the world. We might not become world famous, but we don’t need fame to reach and impact others. Start your adventure today and don’t look back…
October 5, 2022
Home
Our home is different from our house. Home is the place where memories are made, where we feel safe and secure. A house is where we live, nothing more.
Every problem our world faces is a problem of the heart. The lessons we model for our children, from conflict resolution to how we see and interact with our fellow man are taught at home.
Treat others equally well, show compassion and generosity while doing the right thing. It begins at home…
October 4, 2022
Mistakes
We make mistakes. Every single one of us does. We are human beings and mistakes are part of our lives.
Past mistakes can haunt us to the point of emotional paralysis. We must find a way to forgive ourselves and move on from them, knowing we will screw up again.
Other people make mistakes, too, and we should not allow their mistakes to cause us to not trust others. We can forgive without forgetting, though…
