John Harrell's Blog, page 60

Painful Experiences

Over the past four days I have been speaking in Texas prisons, both men and women’s. My subject matter is my own life story of physical and emotional abuse, and how I healed from my painful past. My story is relatable to many of the prisoners.

The inmates openly shared some of their life stories. I must tell you, most of them are not pretty. Some of the things that people do to other people are pathetic.

There is a lot of pain in this world we inhabit. People are doing everything they can to hold it together. So here’s a reminder: be kind to everyone. We don’t know what lies beneath the surface…

The Next Day

Once again I spent my day speaking in two prisons. It’s a very fulfilling experience for me.

The pain and suffering people lay on each other is almost indescribable. Hurt people are creating their legacy by hurting their children. People are either seriously angry with God, have drawn closer to Him, or they don’t consider Him at all. My message is one of forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with prisoners. There are people who will reject them after they have finished their sentences and are released. I won’t…

Joyful

As I write this, I’m sitting in my hotel room in Gatesville, Texas. I had the privilege of speaking in two prisons earlier today, one with male inmates and the other female. Tomorrow and Thursday I will be speaking in four additional prisons. I’m ecstatic.

Public speaking is something I have enjoyed for decades. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would do volunteer work in prisons, but I’m glad I decided to. It gives me tremendous joy when I connect with the inmates. They feel seen and heard. And I make them laugh!

Get involved in volunteer work. You will get more than you give…

Law & Order

We have laws to keep us safe and protect us from harm. Obey the law and you have no negative consequences. Breaking the law has a different outcome.

There are physical laws, too. I know if I jump off a building that I will fall. I have no plans to test that!

God created the universe with structure and laws to guide us. Following His lead will take us where we want to go. God only wants good for our lives. Let’s follow Him…

Voices

People want to feel seen and heard. Many people don’t speak up because they fear judgment. Perhaps they don’t believe they have anything worthwhile to say.

This is untrue. Everyone has the right to be listened to. Our similarities and differences make a beautiful mosaic designed to make us better. Our differences can actually unite us.

Speak up. The world is waiting…

Marathon Runners

Life is a long journey, a marathon if you will. It seems to pass slowly and then one day you wake up and wonder where the time went.

If you are reading this, I have a revelation for you: God isn’t through with you. Or me! He wants to grow us, even stretch us to become who He created us to be. It’s not easy, but anything worthwhile is not going to be easy. We grow from our discomfort.

Pursue your true purpose. Stop wasting time and start living the dream God has for your life. Start now…

Perfection

Perfection is the goal, but it is an unattainable goal. We are imperfect people living in a broken world. But I remain optimistic.

Just because perfection isn’t in the cards is not a valid reason to not try. Do your very best and don’t give up.

Your best is all you can give. So give it…

Laugh!

It’s important to try to find a reason to laugh every day. In fact, laugh as often as you can. It’s good for you!

There are many benefits to laughing. It lowers your blood pressure, your abs get some exercise, and it won’t cause you to gain weight.

Laughter is infectious. Do it every single day…

Love Your Neighbor

Jesus told us to “love our neighbor as we love ourselves.” Yet you can’t truly love people you don’t know. You can show compassion, though.

Two months before her death, Rachel Joy Scott wrote a paper titled, “My Ethics: My Codes of Life.” In her piece she wrote, “Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer. I have this theory that if one person would go out of their way to show compassion, it would start a chain reaction of the same. You never know how far a little kindness can go.” Showing compassion to our fellow man is demonstrating our concern for their sufferings. We can show we care about what happens to others.

In addition to showing compassion for others, let’s be kind to ourselves. Hold yourself accountable, but don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes. After all, you are a perfectly imperfect human…

The Flow

You were created for greatness. By greatness I don’t mean fame and fortune. I’m talking about more than that. You are unique, with abilities only you have. Your voice speaks in a way like no others.

“Going with the flow” will only get you so far. To reach your full potential, you must be willing to stand out, to be different from the crowd. Everything you do must be aligned with your true identity, not how the world sees you. You must move with purpose in mind.

Start now. If you don’t know which way to go, ask God for guidance. Then listen for His answer. Stay in touch with God. Ask for the courage to take the initiative and make a difference.

You can do it. Now get going!