John Harrell's Blog, page 90

Moods

I often say, “I have one mood, and it’s good!” It’s true. I don’t allow the difficulties of the day to affect my mood.

Every day we will face unknown challenges. As much as we want to believe we can control what happens to us, we are not in control. God has a much greater plan that we are incapable of understanding. So let’s trust that He is on our side, and that good can come from even our worst day.

When you let go of the desire to control, freedom waits…

Insane!

There are people in this world who will act like we are the greatest thing ever, only to turn on us when we don’t allow them to manipulate us. You know the type. Narcissistic personalities have pervaded society, or at least it seems that way.

Narcissists will try to break us down and rebuild us the way they want. They are sick. They see nice people as prey, not as a person who has their own goals, dreams and desires. Narcissists are like ninjas when it comes to manipulating and gaslighting people. They have struck you before you even knew they were trying.

Stand up for yourself. It won’t be easy to learn this lesson. Remember this-God alone has authority over our lives. Let Him guide you through the process of learning…

Imposters

We all fake our way through certain situations. Introverted people act extroverted when forced to be in a group setting. Jerks act like good guys when they are vying for the pretty girl. Eventually everyone gets exposed.

There’s a better way. Just be yourself. Always work at improving yourself, but stay true to who you are. Don’t fake it, simply face it…

Columbine

On the morning of April 20, 1999 two dark and disturbed young men ended the lives of 12 students and one teacher before the two murderers took their own lives. At the time, the Columbine High School massacre was the largest school shooting in American history.

From this unthinkable tragedy, an organization was born: Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first child killed that day, but she did not die in vain. Her impact on the lives of others lives on. Over 30 million people have experienced her story, thousands of youth suicides have been prevented, and at least 8 documented copycat school shootings have been averted.

After Rachel’s Challenge is introduced into a school, the school becomes a safer, better-connected community. Students are no longer trying to learn in a “fight or flight” environment. I proudly serve on the board of Rachel’s Challenge. Check it out here:

http://www.rachelschallenge.org

Seen

Everyone has an intense desire to be seen and heard. We all want to feel important, that we matter.

Take the focus off of yourself and allow others to feel like the most important person. You will gain more than you can imagine…

Poverty

Our world is struggling. People are starving and it doesn’t have to be this way. Collectively we have the resources to feed everyone good, healthy food.

It’s easy to point out problems, but I like to be solution-conscious. We begin to solve hunger by teaching students how to grow vegetables while they are still in elementary school. Kids love to be creative, and what a great way to educate! They learn responsibility by taking care of their garden. They learn that before you reap, you gotta sow! And the kids can take pride in a job well done.

This idea isn’t isolated to The United States. Gardening can be accomplished anywhere (well, maybe not Antarctica). There’s always a way, if we are willing…

The Past

Do you know anyone who spends much of their time focusing on days gone by? All of us have fond memories of past events, but that’s what they are, just memories.

Some things from our pasts are hard times we went through. They were lessons to be learned along the road of life. Learn them and move on. Leave them where they belong, in the past.

Every day is an opportunity to create more fond memories. Remember to focus on the good in your life. Be grateful for something every day. Leave the past in the past and look forward with both eyes open…

Lesser

Comparison chips away at self-esteem if you allow it to. We see ourselves as less than perfect if we compare ourselves to models in print or television. Wealth and position are favorite subjects for comparison. Do not fall into this trap.

In the eyes of God, we are all equally important. He loves us the same whether we are white, black, rich, poor or anything else. He even loves and provides for those who don’t believe in Him.

Remember this when you are feeling down or frustrated that you haven’t done better in life. You are still here, and God is still rooting for you, even when you aren’t…

Guilty!!!

In the United States, our law states that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. Sounds fair, right? It is fair until emotions get involved.

Former President Donald Trump was accused of being in bed (figuratively) with Russia. All the people who hate Trump believed it because their hatred blinded them. When “Russia-gate” was shown to be a hoax, some still refused to believe the truth about it. The truth still matters.

There are thousands of examples where we condemn people before they have their day in court. Think of how you would want to be treated if you were on the receiving end of false accusations. Let’s show others some grace.

After all, the truth still matters…

The Salvation Army

In 1865, a forward-thinking minister named William Booth took an unorthodox method to ministry. Booth went to east London to minister to the poor and hungry. He didn’t have a church. No, Booth took to the streets and found people where they were. He invented “street theology.”

Booth’s idea became The Salvation Army, an international organization that takes care of “the least among us” as Jesus said we should do.

Today The Army offers disaster relief, spiritual healing, even LGBTQ support. They minister to everyone because everyone is equal in the eyes of God.

The church of today can learn some lessons from Booth and The Salvation Army. While church attendance has been declining for years. the needs of people have increased. Let’s take the lead and go where the people are. Meet them where they are, as they are. We don’t need another building…