John Harrell's Blog, page 114

Be The One

The world we live in is busy, sometimes it’s even chaotic. Things can be going along smoothly and then ‘bang,’ out of nowhere something happens to disrupt our lives.

This is normal. As long as we are on this side of eternity, we will continue to experience living in a broken world and all that brings with it.

When life’s challenges arise, stay peaceful. These are the times where we need peacemakers the most. Be the one who thinks clearly and calmly. Stand firm in quiet resolve. Lead others well…

Identifiers

We often introduce people and tell what they do for a living. By doing this, we attach their identity to their career. This can cause us to miss some things.

We are so much more than what we do. Our identity is entrenched in who we are as a person, not our jobs.

Keep your focus on getting to know the person as the unique individual they are…

Hidden In Plain Sight

“And I don’t want the world to see me, ‘cause I don’t think that they’d understand, when everything’s made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am”…from the song “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls.

Doesn’t this hit home with most of us? People put on a nice front, but deep down we want others to see us for who we are. Fear of judgment or not being accepted can be hindrances to showing the world our true selves.

Have no fear or trepidation about being yourself. God created you exactly how He wanted you to be. We still have an obligation to be and do our best. But if you are good enough for God, you are good enough…

My Interview With Kim Gatlin

In 2006, Kim Gatlin wrote a book titled, “Good Christian Bitches.” The book went viral, and Kim’s phone started blowing up. Next thing you know, she’s being represented by the esteemed William Morris Agency and taking meetings with the top comedy producers in Hollywood who want to turn her book into a television series. In 2012, “GCB” premiered on ABC Television. When God steps in, things happen that don’t just happen.
Click on the link to watch our lively interview. Kim takes us through where the idea for the title came from and the whirlwind her life became after the book’s release:

Sight

When you look at another person, do you see what the world sees, or do you see God’s creation? When we see ourselves and others the way God sees us, our perspective changes. We are good enough…

Valued

What are you worth? I’m not talking about how much money you have. I mean the value of your life.

I grew up being told I was “worthless,” that I “would never amount to anything” by my parents. Today I believe they were projecting onto me how they felt about themselves.

The truth is, we are all so much more valuable than we sometimes believe. What are your eyes worth, or your brain? Would you trade your arms for one million dollars? Of course not!

Take inventory of yourself. Believe in all the good you have been given by our Creator, and never sell yourself short…

Loyalty

Loyalty is a value I place high on people whom I allow into my inner circle of friends. And it’s not that hard to be loyal. Standing firm in allegiance to your family and friends should be part of who you are.

Lance Armstrong cheated because he wanted to win a bike race. One-fifth of men cheat on their spouse, while 13% of women do the same. If you have been the victim of a cheater, I’m sorry. And I encourage you not to project that experience onto others. You might miss bringing some really good people into your life…

Forced

Do you try to control outcomes? I believe we all do to some extent.

Sometimes patience is required to get what we want accomplished. We wouldn’t take a cake out of the oven before it’s fully baked, nor would we leave an intersection before the light turns green.

Daily life requires self-control. Keep working diligently to build and grow your life. The desired results will come, but not by force…

Misnomers

The legislation called “The Inflation Reduction Act” is one of the best examples of a misnomer in recent history. Why not introduce the “Crime Elimination Act” or the “Stop Fatherless Homes Act?”

All politicians realize if they called many of their bills what they really represented, the people would call them out on it.

The point is, when something doesn’t sound right, question it. Think…

Words

You have probably heard the saying, “your word is your bond.” That’s a strong statement. It means you can be trusted, and you won’t break a promise.

Trust is earned. To gain the trust of others, our actions need to align with what we say, and along with that we must show consistency.

It’s a good idea to think before making a promise. By doing so, your word will be good enough…