John Harrell's Blog, page 45

Shocked

As many of you were, I was shocked by the assassination attempt on former President Trump. Had he not moved his head at the last second, his head would have exploded.

People have become unhinged. No matter how you feel about Donald Trump, this was uncalled for.

What was equally appalling was the number of posts from people “wishing the shooter hadn’t missed.” I would not want to live inside the heads and hearts of those people.

We must do better and be better…

Minimum Wage

Modern minimum wage laws can trace their roots all the way back to the year 1349. King Edward III issued a decree which established a minimum wage for workers. In 1933, FDR introduced the first minimum wage in the United States. It was set at a whopping 25 cents per hour along with a 44 hour work week.

In 1914, Henry Ford set the bar high when he started paying Ford workers $5 per day. This was revolutionary. Ford was a visionary , and he attracted the best workers to choose from, and the rest is history.

Congress yells constantly about a “living wage” while trying to increase the minimum wage set for workers. Wages are the largest contributor to inflation. But the minimum is just that, a minimum. I worked a lot of jobs as a teenager and I was happy to have work. Minimum wage was never a goal, and Congress should stop trying to change the mindset that minimum wage should be enough to support a family. It’s expensive enough to live in 2024. We don’t need the “help” of the politicians. They tend to royally screw things up without consequences. Just check their track record.

No matter your pay, always give more than what you are paid for. Your efforts will be noticed, and they will be rewarded…

Timid

Wherever I am I notice everyone. I make eye contact and speak to others. It is remarkable to me how many people are timid about saying hello. Perhaps they have a lot on their minds and can’t take on anything else. The truth is, I don’t need to know.

We weren’t timid as children. We were outgoing and friendly. Then life happened. Life can knock you on your ass sometimes. Life can make people reticent to try one more time. But I say don’t quit, no matter what you’ve been through or what happens in your future. You are here for a purpose.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, it says “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Recapture your inner power. It’s there, it’s just muted.

Start today. Rekindle the fire that burns within you. Go make your mark on the world…

Requirements

In Luke 12:48, Jesus tells us “to whom much is given, much is required.” Notice that Jesus used the word required, not expected. Since Jesus didn’t make small talk, I believe this has deeper meaning along with eternal consequences.

We are here for a greater purpose than many of us are living. Our purpose is to do God’s will and work on this side of eternity while bringing honor and glory to God. This is our requirement, not merely a suggested activity.

I encourage you to get out of your daily routine, get uncomfortable and do what you are here to do. God wouldn’t ask us to do something we are incapable of. He equips us with everything we need. Will it be easy? No. Hell no. But it will be gratifying.

If you get nervous, and you will, remember Luke 12:48. You are given much. Now use it…

Exceptionalism

America has been called exceptional, and I believe she is! America is exceptional because of the people.

Yes, we have our share of crazies and jerks, but they are in the minority. The only reason we hear about them is because what happens in most people’s lives doesn’t make headlines.

When a neighbor brings food to a family after a tragedy or a loss, their act of kindness and compassion goes unnoticed by the masses. But the people on the receiving end remember. When people take the time to serve their community, helping those who can never repay them, the servers are showing the image of our Creator. This goodness is pervasive. People feel encouraged to keep it going.

Be exceptional. Start today…

Off Today

Hello everyone! I am taking today off and will be back tomorrow.

Thank you, everyone, for reading and commenting. I appreciate you all.

Some Uncomfortable Truths

People love the truth, especially when it fits their personal narrative. The first step in growing is to see things as they are, not just as we want them to be.

Conversations about racism are popular in America. There are those who constantly remind us of some of our dark history, “or we will be doomed to repeat it!” A former Vice President went to a black church in 2012 and told the congregation “if you elect them (Republicans) they are gonna put y’all back in chains.” This was a blatant lie, inflammatory, irresponsible and it’s a dangerous thing to say.

It might surprise you to know slavery does still exist in the United States today. According to the Global Slavery Index, in 2023 it’s estimated there are 1.1 million slaves in America. Whether it’s forced labor or sex slaves, they are living among us. They aren’t in physical chains, but they are here.

Racism remains on life support in the United States. The liberal media keeps fanning the flames. A racist country wouldn’t have elected a black man to the presidency. Twice. It’s interesting to me that the loudest voices who negate our “systemic racism” culture are black people such as Larry Elder, Thomas Sowell and others. Don’t believe everything the media tells you. They lie without consequences.

The United States is full of the kindest people on the planet. And the U. S. Constitution is, second to the Bible, the greatest document ever written…

Critics

In this life you won’t escape criticism. I was a bored child in school, and my grades reflected it because I was an A, B, C and D student. My parents would say, “why can’t you get all A’s like your brother and sister did?” School just wasn’t for me until college, but that’s another story.

People are judging you every single day. They can’t help themselves because they are living in a world of comparison. By seeing themselves as “superior” to you, they can feel a little better about their lives.

You will never hear a word from most critics. They keep their opinions silent until they have an opportunity to spread gossip. Or they post on your social media account and are hidden behind their keyboard. Passive aggressive behavior reigns on Facebook!

I encourage you to not play it safe. Live courageously and speak the truth. Leave the critics and the people who try to discourage you in your wake. They will always be around…

All Things New

We love new stuff! Our favorite actor has a new movie out, we get a new car, or we visit a resort that’s new to us. There’s nothing like the excitement newness brings.

Most of life is routine, boring and more of the same every day. Yet, people take comfort in the mundane. Taking risks involves venturing into the unknown. This kind of newness is difficult for many to handle. So they stay on the sidelines playing it safe.

If you want real newness in your life, let God get ahold of you. He changes us, making us who we were created to be. Change of this magnitude has eternal consequences. God uses us to change the world.

Talk to God. Tell Him you are applying for the job. You will be glad you did…

Inspiration

On this blog site I have posted original content every day since June 9, 2019. I will be the first to admit that some pieces are much better than others. But the poor outings don’t stop me.

The reason I started writing every day rather than occasionally (which I had been doing) is this: I kept hearing a voice inside my head telling me that I needed to write every day. For a couple of weeks I argued with the voice. “I don’t want to write every day” I would say in my mind. But that voice was really persistent! It just wouldn’t go away. So I gave in.

Any time I write something I believe is really good, I give credit to God. I’m just not that good on my own. I never took a course on writing. In fact, I didn’t take a single English class in college (I went to a private college). I hated writing papers, yet now I love writing! Weird, huh?

I’m not sure why the voice told me I should write every day. I just listened and, eventually, obeyed. I’m glad I did.

If you have a voice nagging at you, perhaps it is time to listen. You never know where life will take you…