John Harrell's Blog, page 38

Literacy

Reading and comprehension are vital for a functioning society. Yet, adult illiteracy is at an alarmingly high rate in the United States.

Currently, around 43 million Americans cannot read at a fourth grade level. They cannot write or do math above a 3rd grade level, either. We can, and must do something about this before it’s too late.

In 1997, President Bill Clinton encouraged us to take on a tutoring role in elementary schools. Helping a child read opens their mind and imagination, too. And literacy has an economic impact. If all adults reach just a sixth grade reading level it would translate into $2.2 trillion of additional income in the United States. Personally, I can’t imagine my life without books.

I encourage you to volunteer to read with children. You will be helping the teachers by being an extra resource. By doing this, you will be making a difference in a child’s life, and you will be helping the country…

The Peacemaker

Jesus was the greatest teacher who ever lived. He redeemed and restored people. Everyone, including the hated tax collectors, prostitutes and adulterers came to him for the forgiveness of their sins.

Jesus healed people, too. Lepers, the blind, even dead people received healing. Jesus gave the people hope when they had little or none.

Jesus was a peacemaker, yet sometimes he raised some hell. He cleaned up the Temple (His Father’s House) and called out the hypocritical religious leaders. Jesus was a true rebel, a badass who lived his life fearlessly and with purpose.

I encourage you to get to know him. He will change your life…

You Missed It

This morning I received an email with the words “you missed it” in the subject line. The email was from a site that was trying to sell me something. Delete.

The fear of missing out phenomenon is real. It evolved from our being constantly bombarded with information and data. Our brains can go into overdrive which might result in us missing something really important.

I encourage you to take time away from your electronics. Spend time in nature. Go hiking. Meet someone for coffee or Happy Hour and have a conversation. Volunteer for an organization that reflects what is in your heart.

You will be better off for your time away. And you won’t have missed a thing…

The Middle Class

For some reason, we classify people into different classes, upper, middle and lower. Personally, I believe we are all upper class citizens. Let me explain why I believe this way.

In the United States, our middle class has been ravaged by outrageous inflation. The cost of living has separated the haves from the have nots at a new level. At this rate we will no longer have a middle class, at least by economic standards.

Every one of us was created by God. He has never placed us in a class. By His standards we are all beautiful creations. So, I encourage you to always consider who made you if you ever feel less than worthy.

You are worthy…

Who Do You Prefer?

Every election cycle we get barraged by celebrities making their presidential endorsement. And we get some who promise to leave the country if the other parties candidate wins. The funny thing is, they are all still here. I guess they were just empty promises.

Being a critical thinker, you don’t need to listen to anyone about who to support, celebrity or otherwise. Your vote aligns with your values and what you want our country to look like in the future. It’s up to the candidates to win your votes because they have the right vision. It’s up to us to hold them accountable.

Voting is a serious matter, and it’s a great right. We sometimes take it for granted and we shouldn’t. We might lose that right someday if we aren’t careful…

The Real War

We are in a battle, a fierce battle, whether you realize it or not. Our enemy, although unseen, is very real. His name is Satan. He hates you and wants to destroy everything good in your life.

Think about it. In the world today there are children having their body parts removed because “they feel like they’re in the wrong body.” There are people who loudly praise this behavior, and we allow them to get away with it because they are doing it in the name of “freedom.” I call bullshit on this one. Where are the parents??? And what about the physicians who perform the surgery? Misleading a child is the most heinous thing you can do.

Our food supply is poisoning us through additives, fillers and pesticides. The cellular structure in our bodies are being artificially altered. Evil people are instigating this in the name of “profits.” More bullshit.

Things do not have to be this way. Turn off the television. Educate yourself. Eat good foods free of chemicals. Exercise your mind and your body.

And don’t forget to pray. It’s your only defense in this ongoing war. And the demons can’t take it…

Unspeakable

In the Harry Potter series we learned of Voldemort, also known as “he who must not be named.” Voldemort was born in 1926 and his parents named him Tom Marvolo Riddle. His practice of the dark arts started him on his path of destruction.

There are unjust acts going on around us every day. Children are kidnapped at the border and sold into slavery. Criminals openly rob stores in California and aren’t prosecuted. There are over 500 murders per year in Chicago, even though the city has been designated as having some of the strictest gun laws. Someone missed the memo.

Remaining silent on these and other issues makes us complicit. Those of us in the faith community must take the lead on this. We have gotten far too reliant on the government to solve problems. Their history shows they make things worse.

Be fearless when it comes to speaking out against injustices, crime, and child abuse. Doing what’s right is rarely easy, it seems.

Take the lead and don’t look back…

Take The Lead

Are you comfortable when you are placed in a position to lead others? I hope your answer is no.

Leadership requires humility and adaptability. The people you are leading might have a better idea than you, and when you recognize that, they believe in you even more. You won’t be ceding your leadership position. When you become less important, you are positioning others to grow. When your followers grow, and they trust you, they will march through the gates of hell for you.

Feeling uncomfortable as a leader is natural. Your growth comes through discomfort. Your confidence expands. And your emotional intelligence increases.

Leaders have a servants heart. Lead well…

Civil Discourse

Civil discourse is the practice of deliberating about matters of public concern in a way that seeks to expand knowledge and promote understanding. If you are paying attention to social media you will start to believe civil discourse is dead. I believe it’s alive and healthy.

It takes an open mind combined with a willingness to listen to those who don’t agree with you. Listening to a different side is not a threat to your beliefs and convictions. In fact, I believe it’s healthy to try to see things through different eyes. This expands the lens you see the world through.

When you study history you will see that we have had discourse since the birth of our nation. Yet, we have survived 248 years.

In the end, we realize that we are better together…

It’s Time

The Bible tells us that “faith without works is dead.” Dead. That’s a very strong word, yet the author, James, is speaking the truth. He goes on to say “you believe in God?” Good. Even the demons believe and they shudder.”

Our faith (and hope) gets activated when we are in crisis mode. We cry out to God to “help me” and we believe He will. In those moments of desperation we turn to the one source who can do something. Why aren’t we speaking to God when things are going well, too? If we believe He will help us in chaos, then we should know He will guide us during peaceful times. Let’s ask God to activate our faith and to help us make a difference in this life. Passive faith is like having no faith at all.

It’s time to speak up and take a stand for what’s right. Our world is devolving at warp speed. It’s up to the believers to move the world forward and not let their voices be silenced. Stop just “going with the flow” while the world burns.

Don’t wait. Tomorrow it might be too late…