John Harrell's Blog, page 13

Care

There are a lot of causes I care about. The poor state of our world is almost overwhelming. Illiteracy, disease, hunger and child abuse are just a few needs to address.

No one person can solve all our societal ills. There are too many. Government is inefficient in solving problems. People tend to look there for solutions but the governments track record sucks. I have an idea!

If everyone alive who is capable took the time to work towards a problem they have a heart for, we could move the bar immeasurably. So few are fulfilling the call to help. My encouragement is for people to take one hour, only one hour per week to help. If less television turns into helping your fellow man, I believe that’s a good, worthwhile trade off.

I ask you to prayerfully consider what you can do. Then I encourage you to follow through and take action. Collectively we can make a difference.

Start today…

In An Instant

We live life in a hurry, don’t we? We have instant grits, fast food and convenience stores. All of these things are designed to save us time. The less time we spend doing menial things, the more time we have to do other stuff. But there are trade offs.

Fast food doesn’t mean healthy food. Convenience stores offer fewer choices than supermarkets, and they are more expensive to shop in. And, of course, instant grits don’t measure up to the twenty minutes grits!

By taking shortcuts, we might be robbing ourselves of the sense of accomplishment we gain. There’s no quick way to get in shape and build muscle. Talk to text is a good alternative when we need to remember something. However, writing hits the same spot in the brain that meditation does. Taking an extra moment to write has more benefits than just the thing we need to remind ourselves of.

Slow down, just a little. Your effectiveness rises when you do…

Equipping the Called

You might not believe that God has a great purpose for your life. Or you may believe it’s too late to fulfill said purpose. Let’s consider the disciples.

In Jesus’s time, Jewish boys would go to school beginning at five years old. They studied and memorized the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. After this time, the brightest students would continue their rabbinical studies while the kids who weren’t chosen would go off to study a trade. None of the disciples had been chosen to be rabbis.

Jesus chose the twelve and, for three years, taught them by example. He was preparing them to begin the church. The religious leaders of the time were puzzled by Jesus because he hadn’t continued rabbinical studies, yet he knew everything. Jesus taught with compassion and kindness which was different from the teachings of many others.

It’s interesting that Jesus chose the men he chose rather than men who were religious leaders. He saw what he needed in the twelve.

It’s not too late. Say yes to God’s call on your life. If you are still here, God isn’t through with you. Allow yourself to be used. Start now…

Memorial Day

Tomorrow in the United States we will observe Memorial Day. The first official Memorial Day was in 1868 when it was called Decoration Day. It’s not a day of celebration, but a day of mourning and remembering those who died for the sake of freedom.

The day is also considered the beginning of summer. School is out, the flowers and grass are fully bloomed. It’s a bit ironic that life is in full bloom while we remember those who died. Yet, the cycle continues.

Please take a moment to reflect on what Memorial Day means. Say a silent prayer for the families of the deceased. Pray for peace in the world. And never forget…

What Will You Say?

We are rebellious by nature. We have been this way since Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden. The inner battle continues all our lives.

All through history, including biblical history, when we say YES to God, great things happen. We aren’t waiting on God to show himself. God is waiting on us!

Be fearless. Get in the habit of saying yes. God will use us in ways we are well suited for. I used to be afraid that if I answered the call, God would make me be a missionary in India. I have no desire to do that! God is probably laughing at my silliness.

Say yes to God. Say the most dangerous prayer which is, “use me.” He will, and then the miracles happen…

The Weak

One of the most important things we can do is to protect those who are weak. It’s no doubt that God cares about widows and orphans. He told us to look out for them and their needs.

When my sons were in high school, there was a young man who barely stood five feet tall. Adding to his height challenge was the fact that he was gay. My sons, who were strong and athletic, took him under their wing and protected him. They made sure he had a good experience in school, not one filled with fear of getting picked on. I’m proud of my children for this.

In Austin where I live, there are beggars on practically every street corner. Some have children with them. It’s heartbreaking to see little kids sitting in the blazing sun while their parents ask for help. I don’t give them any money, but when I am able I hand out food and water to them. I’m leery of the motives of people on the street, but I’m hopeful that food doesn’t get wasted.

Remember those in need. No one sets out in life to be homeless. And remember to pray for them. God listens…

Consider The Source

The media lies. People gossip. Memes rule the internet. Some memes are funny as hell, but many are there to mislead. So where can we find truth?

The Bible is the only reliable source for truth. It is a comprehensive self-help book. Everything we need to know about how to live our lives on this side of eternity is in there. Health, prosperity, forgiveness and healing? They’re all there.

Reading the Bible can be challenging. There are parts I don’t understand. Yet there are some fascinating stories, too. Daniel sleeping with the lions, Peter walking on water, the sun standing still…there’s even a talking donkey!

When you are looking for guidance or hope, I encourage you to check the source that will give you reliable information. It won’t turn you into some religious nut, but it will tell you the truth…

Sharing Stories

I’m writing this after spending my morning speaking to a group of women who are in prison. At least twice per year I take a week off for volunteer speaking, and some of the stories stick with me. This morning was no exception.

There are a lot of people who are hurting out there. People carry their pain inside. The world around has no idea what horrors some people have experienced. When I open up about my life, sharing the story of growing up in a home filled with fear and violence, it encourages others to open themselves up, too. Never waste your pain.

Tomorrow I will be privileged to speak in two more prisons, both women’s units. I never know what the day will bring, but I believe some good will come from it…

Starbucks

Coffee is my favorite drink in the morning. I easily drink 48 ounces of coffee every day. In the times I have abstained from coffee it has rewarded me with a headache!

Starbucks was started in 1971 by three friends who wanted to bring dark roast coffee to Seattle. In the beginning they only sold beans. People loved the flavor so the business thrived. Today there are over 40,000 Starbucks stores all over the world.

I have read about people who boycott Starbucks for a variety of social reasons. That’s their choice. I love their coffee, and the workers tend to be friendly. That’s good for a store that is trying to sell you something!

If you haven’t, I encourage you to give Starbucks a try. If you don’t like coffee, they sell lots of other stuff. And you’ll be supporting the workers with your patronage.

Today in History

On May 19, 1943, Prime Minister Winston Churchill was in Washington DC to plan the D Day landing at Normandy Beach. When the assault took place over a year later, it changed the course of World War II. Many people died that day, but their deaths were not in vain.

Led by the United States and Great Britain, thirteen total countries were involved in the attack. Because of the strength of the tides, there was only a few days each month when the landing could occur. God was with us that day in 1944. Tyranny took a serious blow. Hitler went from playing offense to defense almost overnight.

The people who sacrificed, fought, and the families who suffered lost loved ones have been called the greatest generation. They had a toughness that I do believe still exists today. In some cases it might just be lying dormant. The Spirit of good over evil is alive within us. We must continue the fight.

Take a moment to thank God for guiding the thoughts and plans that Churchill and Roosevelt came up with. Freedom should never be taken for granted…