Jason E. Fort's Blog, page 14
April 12, 2016
Something to Believe In
Did you know there are at least 96 popular songs that have the word BELIEVE in the title? Then you have the whole Ripley's 'BELIEVE it or Not' adage. You even have ancient astronaut theorists use the word BELIEVE in various programs they run to speculate the existence of some ancient visitors that just HAD to be here in our past to explain the unexplained. So no matter which way you look, it is obvious that the 80's band Poison hit the point home that we all want 'something to BELIEVE in". Think
Assuming the Worst
I teach classes on de-escalation and self-defense. One of the points I try to hammer home to people in my classes is to not assume the worst in someone just because they argue with you. Most of the people I teach have first-hand experience with helping and serving people of all backgrounds, from all different cultures. And people in the business of interacting with people from all walks of life, especially in stressful conditions, tend to become jaded, de-sensitized to others' feelings
March 31, 2016
Hold on to your Heart Strings
Today I wanted to give an in-depth review of a book I just finished, written by a fellow author who lives in Alabama. Jase Rosenburg wrote a wonderful, emotionally and spiritually gripping story called Bryan's Journey. At first, I enjoyed the story because of the familiarity I have with the southern, lower middle class culture, and the good old fashioned things in life that Jase describes so well. But as I kept reading, Jase's story went deeper...and deeper.
Bryan's Journey is a novel that really does tell the story of a young man's journey. But what seems to start as just a well written story to convey the ideas of good moral values like work ethic, and appreciating family - goes on to tell a story of a more spiritual journey.
Now first, let me go ahead and tell you...this is not my typical choice of novel. I read thrillers. I love action, and I love to write action...and according to my editor, I'm pretty good at it. But what Jase does so well in this book is he takes the pace of the story, and makes the feelings and emotions that should be felt by the reader (if you have a pulse) and causes the same type of roller coaster that my action sequences cause when you read my books or the works of similar authors like Brad Thor, Ted Dekker, Tom Clancy.
There were times when I would get a little mad at the main character...I thought the 16 year old Bryan in the story was just being just a bit ungrateful. Then there are other times where I was absolutely floored by the compassion and care shown by Bryan's grandfather in the story. There were times when the dang book made my eyes well up...and there were even times I wanted to sing! If you want a book that takes you up, and down, and side to side like a roller coaster - here it is!
But the themes present in the story are the most important, I think. And Jase does not hold back the punches when it comes to showing that:
1)We should never take our family or loved ones for granted. Hold on to the ones you love with all your heart. Appreciate them while they are here - because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
2)The power of prayer is real, and we should be persistent with it; the more persistent we are, the more proof God gives us that He hears us.
3)Bullying sucks...don't do it. :)
4)Miracles happen; get over it. There are some things in this world that just cannot be scientifically explained. But the good news is God has an answer - even if He doesn't share the explanation with us.
5)There is no greater power in the universe than love...and God is love.
So there you have it...I may include some more of these sporadic reviews to help out other fellow indie authors out there. But give Jase a read. He also has another one: The Lobby.
Please check out his link HERE!!!!!!!!
Bryan's Journey is a novel that really does tell the story of a young man's journey. But what seems to start as just a well written story to convey the ideas of good moral values like work ethic, and appreciating family - goes on to tell a story of a more spiritual journey.
Now first, let me go ahead and tell you...this is not my typical choice of novel. I read thrillers. I love action, and I love to write action...and according to my editor, I'm pretty good at it. But what Jase does so well in this book is he takes the pace of the story, and makes the feelings and emotions that should be felt by the reader (if you have a pulse) and causes the same type of roller coaster that my action sequences cause when you read my books or the works of similar authors like Brad Thor, Ted Dekker, Tom Clancy.
There were times when I would get a little mad at the main character...I thought the 16 year old Bryan in the story was just being just a bit ungrateful. Then there are other times where I was absolutely floored by the compassion and care shown by Bryan's grandfather in the story. There were times when the dang book made my eyes well up...and there were even times I wanted to sing! If you want a book that takes you up, and down, and side to side like a roller coaster - here it is!
But the themes present in the story are the most important, I think. And Jase does not hold back the punches when it comes to showing that:
1)We should never take our family or loved ones for granted. Hold on to the ones you love with all your heart. Appreciate them while they are here - because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
2)The power of prayer is real, and we should be persistent with it; the more persistent we are, the more proof God gives us that He hears us.
3)Bullying sucks...don't do it. :)
4)Miracles happen; get over it. There are some things in this world that just cannot be scientifically explained. But the good news is God has an answer - even if He doesn't share the explanation with us.
5)There is no greater power in the universe than love...and God is love.
So there you have it...I may include some more of these sporadic reviews to help out other fellow indie authors out there. But give Jase a read. He also has another one: The Lobby.
Please check out his link HERE!!!!!!!!
March 23, 2016
Us vs Them? Why not make it ALL OF US?
Today I attended the visitation of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. It was a somber experience, and one that I did not take lightly...and I could get on this blog and turn this into a political statement, and ramp up the public outcry for violence against police - but that is not what this is about.
No; I wanted to comment on the amazing camaraderie I felt and was able to actually share in today, despite the loss of a person with which I had only had brief encounters. My hometown police department lost one of their comrades, and as I went to just represent our police department, the show of devotion and brotherhood from agencies all around was astounding. This display of brotherhood and camaraderie will be even more pronounced tomorrow at the funeral, but I knew I would be unable to attend. But the visitation to me was still special. You could tell that any one of those men or women there would have taken a bullet for anyone else there if evil had lurked about, the way it was lurking around a corner for the officer who was being honored.
Nevertheless, it felt good to be part of something made up of so many, yet so many in which I had something in common. And that feeling of acceptance among Greenville City, Greer City, Columbia City - Chicago PD, and even the universally recognized NYPD was such a fulfilling experience of unity and remembrance. So of course, these emotions made me think.
Now some may call this the 'mob' mentality...just wanting to be part of the gang. But I think it goes so much deeper.
Why do gang members want so bad to become gang members, despite the knowledge going in that they may have to get beat up, tortured, and even have to inflict such injury or even death on another individual? Because they have this longing to belong that usually isn't getting met at home, and usually, that yearning to belong has been there since they were very young, but the need was never met.
Why do soldiers ever want to be soldiers in the first place? Because that inner voice that tells them to join up or find something bigger than themselves is louder to them than it is for others. They will sign the dotted line, give their life to Uncle Sam, and know that they still have to endure drill sergeants, push-ups, hazing, and lots of running.
Why did Italian or Irish Americans in the big cities not too long ago want to become part of La Cosa Nostra, or the mob? Because they wanted to be a part of something where everyone KNEW they were a part of something, and they would be feared, and respected. They knew the risks going in; they saw the mobsters from the past come and go (and vanish), and yet their longing to belong to 'this thing of ours' overpowered whatever doubts they had.
Why do Muslims join groups like Al Queda, or ISIS? Besides their truly radical doctrine brought about by Muhammad himself - they all want to become part of something bigger...even though they are pretty much told to submit or die! But nevertheless, they still want to belong.
Why do you join any kind of organization? Is it because you find unity with whatever causes that organization represents? Why is this important to you?
It is my opinion that God designed us this way...that he wants us to long to be part of something bigger, with one great cause. Jesus told the first two disciples he encountered to drop their fishing nets and follow Him...and what did they do? They started up their very own gang! But that cause that united them - was a cause that would change the course of history forever. If they hadn't decided to follow Jesus, I'm sure Jesus would have moved on to others who would follow Him - but they joined up and even helped start something bigger.
Here's the thing...Jesus told each and every one of us to love our neighbor. He referred to people with terms like brother, or sister. He filled people with hope with His wonders, and they wanted to follow Him. And the bigger crowds got, the more people wanted to join in the crowd. And Jesus told the disciples before He physically left them for the last time - Go, and make disciples of ALL NATIONS!
That means all of us.
So although my brothers and sisters in blue tend to be known for our Us vs Them mentality - Jesus wanted to include ALL OF US.
So although gang members will attack anyone not wearing their colors, but embrace all of those WITH their colors - Jesus wanted to include ALL OF US.
If you long to belong to something bigger than yourself, and you don't want to have to pick up a gun to do so, it's easier than you think. The answer can be found in the most influential book in history. Pick up a Bible, and find the verse John 3:16. I invite you to read the words over and over. Pay attention to the words "The world"...and "Whosoever"...because really and truly - God loves ALL OF US.
No; I wanted to comment on the amazing camaraderie I felt and was able to actually share in today, despite the loss of a person with which I had only had brief encounters. My hometown police department lost one of their comrades, and as I went to just represent our police department, the show of devotion and brotherhood from agencies all around was astounding. This display of brotherhood and camaraderie will be even more pronounced tomorrow at the funeral, but I knew I would be unable to attend. But the visitation to me was still special. You could tell that any one of those men or women there would have taken a bullet for anyone else there if evil had lurked about, the way it was lurking around a corner for the officer who was being honored.
Nevertheless, it felt good to be part of something made up of so many, yet so many in which I had something in common. And that feeling of acceptance among Greenville City, Greer City, Columbia City - Chicago PD, and even the universally recognized NYPD was such a fulfilling experience of unity and remembrance. So of course, these emotions made me think.
Now some may call this the 'mob' mentality...just wanting to be part of the gang. But I think it goes so much deeper.
Why do gang members want so bad to become gang members, despite the knowledge going in that they may have to get beat up, tortured, and even have to inflict such injury or even death on another individual? Because they have this longing to belong that usually isn't getting met at home, and usually, that yearning to belong has been there since they were very young, but the need was never met.
Why do soldiers ever want to be soldiers in the first place? Because that inner voice that tells them to join up or find something bigger than themselves is louder to them than it is for others. They will sign the dotted line, give their life to Uncle Sam, and know that they still have to endure drill sergeants, push-ups, hazing, and lots of running.
Why did Italian or Irish Americans in the big cities not too long ago want to become part of La Cosa Nostra, or the mob? Because they wanted to be a part of something where everyone KNEW they were a part of something, and they would be feared, and respected. They knew the risks going in; they saw the mobsters from the past come and go (and vanish), and yet their longing to belong to 'this thing of ours' overpowered whatever doubts they had.
Why do Muslims join groups like Al Queda, or ISIS? Besides their truly radical doctrine brought about by Muhammad himself - they all want to become part of something bigger...even though they are pretty much told to submit or die! But nevertheless, they still want to belong.
Why do you join any kind of organization? Is it because you find unity with whatever causes that organization represents? Why is this important to you?
It is my opinion that God designed us this way...that he wants us to long to be part of something bigger, with one great cause. Jesus told the first two disciples he encountered to drop their fishing nets and follow Him...and what did they do? They started up their very own gang! But that cause that united them - was a cause that would change the course of history forever. If they hadn't decided to follow Jesus, I'm sure Jesus would have moved on to others who would follow Him - but they joined up and even helped start something bigger.
Here's the thing...Jesus told each and every one of us to love our neighbor. He referred to people with terms like brother, or sister. He filled people with hope with His wonders, and they wanted to follow Him. And the bigger crowds got, the more people wanted to join in the crowd. And Jesus told the disciples before He physically left them for the last time - Go, and make disciples of ALL NATIONS!
That means all of us.
So although my brothers and sisters in blue tend to be known for our Us vs Them mentality - Jesus wanted to include ALL OF US.
So although gang members will attack anyone not wearing their colors, but embrace all of those WITH their colors - Jesus wanted to include ALL OF US.
If you long to belong to something bigger than yourself, and you don't want to have to pick up a gun to do so, it's easier than you think. The answer can be found in the most influential book in history. Pick up a Bible, and find the verse John 3:16. I invite you to read the words over and over. Pay attention to the words "The world"...and "Whosoever"...because really and truly - God loves ALL OF US.
March 18, 2016
Senseless
"Do what makes sense."
It's my mantra, right up there with 'better safe than sorry'. I have been telling my son this phrase ever since he was old enough to learn a lesson. But all the news lately, and the news that has inspired me to write a whole novel in the past, and the news hitting so close to home - it's obvious people are not following this idea.
It is time people started caring more about using their minds for what matters in this world. If people would just stop and think before they act, their actions might just make a little more sense.I thought I would use this forum to make some suggestions as to how to do this by providing some examples. They may or may not 'make sense' to everyone - but they make perfect sense to me. And if people start to do some of these things, we will all get along better as the human race should.
1. If you are wanted by the police, and you encounter police officers - do what makes sense, and do what the cops say. It is senseless for either you or a police officer to die. You made the mistake of breaking the law; own up to your mistake and move on. Cops don't just go around shooting people. Even the bad ones somehow act because of whatever incident has occurred to bring them on scene in the first place. IT IS SENSELESS to go and do anything that will just make you more wanted by the police.
2. If a rule is in place, set about by some legislative or governing body, just follow the rule. You can question rules, but you still follow them. If a child questions a rule, but does what the parent says regardless, the parent is less apt to discipline for said questioning. In a similar sense, if your manager or boss at work asks you to do something - just do what they ask. If you want to question them about it, address it after you have done what was asked. It is SENSELESS to purposely break a rule, especially if you know there are consequences for doing so (losing your job, getting a spanking, getting grounded, etc. Do What makes sense.
3. If you believe in something different than a friend or acquaintance - fine - share your belief, answer questions, and move on. Chances are pretty good that people who believe in something have reasons for arriving at that decision. If they are interested in why you believe in what you believe, chances are pretty good that you can have a lively discussion about it. But don't get angry because they decide they don't see things your way. It is SENSELESS to think someone HAS to see things your way. I see things a certain way, and I am not shy about it. But those differences I have with others don't mean I can't be friends with others (unless they totally hate law enforcement BECAUSE they don't like following rules; sense I am in law enforcement and I am in the business of enforcing rules, it is a conflict of interest to remain friends with those individuals). Do what makes sense, and get along with those who are different than you. Obviously, if you believe in something that tells you to force everyone to believe what you believe, then this post is irrelevant to you and you can stop reading now; it will be SENSELESS for you to go on.
4. If you get up on any given morning, be grateful that you are alive. Go out and appreciate the world around you. Love the ones your with, and show kindness to others. Whether you are religious or not, you will find that it just makes sense to treat others the way you want to be treated - it is called peace. It is SENSELESS to go out wanting to cause harm to other people just because they wear different clothes, or vote a different way, or like guns and you don't, or have things that you don't, or have access to things you don't. You can still be kind to people despite these differences.
5. If you want to 'Rally' behind someone's cause - awesome...go to that person's rallies. But don't go to a rally of someone you have no interest in supporting, just to cause disorder and get attention. Start a rally of your own if you're that passionate...but you're not going to change the minds of the people already rallying to the cause of the other. THIS IS SENSELESS, so do what makes sense.
I am a police officer, but have the privilege of training civilians in self defense and de-escalation. I no longer have to call hop or pull people over on a regular basis. I envy the courage that road officers have this day and age, answering call after call, not knowing what they are going into. If more people would just do what makes sense, and think before they act, and treat other people the way they want to be treated...don't you think we'd all live more peaceful lives?
It's my mantra, right up there with 'better safe than sorry'. I have been telling my son this phrase ever since he was old enough to learn a lesson. But all the news lately, and the news that has inspired me to write a whole novel in the past, and the news hitting so close to home - it's obvious people are not following this idea.
It is time people started caring more about using their minds for what matters in this world. If people would just stop and think before they act, their actions might just make a little more sense.I thought I would use this forum to make some suggestions as to how to do this by providing some examples. They may or may not 'make sense' to everyone - but they make perfect sense to me. And if people start to do some of these things, we will all get along better as the human race should.
1. If you are wanted by the police, and you encounter police officers - do what makes sense, and do what the cops say. It is senseless for either you or a police officer to die. You made the mistake of breaking the law; own up to your mistake and move on. Cops don't just go around shooting people. Even the bad ones somehow act because of whatever incident has occurred to bring them on scene in the first place. IT IS SENSELESS to go and do anything that will just make you more wanted by the police.
2. If a rule is in place, set about by some legislative or governing body, just follow the rule. You can question rules, but you still follow them. If a child questions a rule, but does what the parent says regardless, the parent is less apt to discipline for said questioning. In a similar sense, if your manager or boss at work asks you to do something - just do what they ask. If you want to question them about it, address it after you have done what was asked. It is SENSELESS to purposely break a rule, especially if you know there are consequences for doing so (losing your job, getting a spanking, getting grounded, etc. Do What makes sense.
3. If you believe in something different than a friend or acquaintance - fine - share your belief, answer questions, and move on. Chances are pretty good that people who believe in something have reasons for arriving at that decision. If they are interested in why you believe in what you believe, chances are pretty good that you can have a lively discussion about it. But don't get angry because they decide they don't see things your way. It is SENSELESS to think someone HAS to see things your way. I see things a certain way, and I am not shy about it. But those differences I have with others don't mean I can't be friends with others (unless they totally hate law enforcement BECAUSE they don't like following rules; sense I am in law enforcement and I am in the business of enforcing rules, it is a conflict of interest to remain friends with those individuals). Do what makes sense, and get along with those who are different than you. Obviously, if you believe in something that tells you to force everyone to believe what you believe, then this post is irrelevant to you and you can stop reading now; it will be SENSELESS for you to go on.
4. If you get up on any given morning, be grateful that you are alive. Go out and appreciate the world around you. Love the ones your with, and show kindness to others. Whether you are religious or not, you will find that it just makes sense to treat others the way you want to be treated - it is called peace. It is SENSELESS to go out wanting to cause harm to other people just because they wear different clothes, or vote a different way, or like guns and you don't, or have things that you don't, or have access to things you don't. You can still be kind to people despite these differences.
5. If you want to 'Rally' behind someone's cause - awesome...go to that person's rallies. But don't go to a rally of someone you have no interest in supporting, just to cause disorder and get attention. Start a rally of your own if you're that passionate...but you're not going to change the minds of the people already rallying to the cause of the other. THIS IS SENSELESS, so do what makes sense.
I am a police officer, but have the privilege of training civilians in self defense and de-escalation. I no longer have to call hop or pull people over on a regular basis. I envy the courage that road officers have this day and age, answering call after call, not knowing what they are going into. If more people would just do what makes sense, and think before they act, and treat other people the way they want to be treated...don't you think we'd all live more peaceful lives?
March 7, 2016
To The Offended
Dear Offended
I have a question...what exactly isn't offensive out there? And when you happen to see something 'offensive', how long are you forced to stare at it? If you see a symbol that 'offends' you, do you have the sudden urge to gouge out your eyes? And if so, do you feel like someone forced you to look at the 'offensive' image? I mean were you held down in such a way that you could not pry your eyes away? Could you not turn your head? Or were you unable to avert your eyes?
In order to not offend you, do I have to only talk about food or word count if I write a book? Or does the food need to be kosher or halal? Am I allowed to write anything speculative, or will that enter your mind and invade and make you lack the will power it takes to ignore it? Can I write about stories with my family, or will it offend you that I happen to be white, and heterosexual, and in a monogamous relationship with my wife...and we had a child - dare I say - biologically?
Am I allowed to show a picture of a church? Or will that cross sitting on top of the steeple burn an image in your mind that hurts your feelings and makes you feel guilty for every sin you ever committed?
Can I speak of American icons, such as the American flag, and can I even mention the colors red, white, and blue? Or will that remind you too much of the country that for the last several decades has been the world's police and philanthropist?
Can I mention anything of conservative value? Or will that hurt the feelings of the many free-loaders who are offended by the word WORK as well?
Please, Offended, I really must know. I need these questions answered. I want to know how not to offend so many out there. I would like to write a book...but then, maybe that will offend the illiterate as well. I will look for a reply. However please know - I will only understand your reasoning if I lower my IQ!
If you can relate to this post, please share!
Sincerely,
A Fed Up American
I have a question...what exactly isn't offensive out there? And when you happen to see something 'offensive', how long are you forced to stare at it? If you see a symbol that 'offends' you, do you have the sudden urge to gouge out your eyes? And if so, do you feel like someone forced you to look at the 'offensive' image? I mean were you held down in such a way that you could not pry your eyes away? Could you not turn your head? Or were you unable to avert your eyes?
In order to not offend you, do I have to only talk about food or word count if I write a book? Or does the food need to be kosher or halal? Am I allowed to write anything speculative, or will that enter your mind and invade and make you lack the will power it takes to ignore it? Can I write about stories with my family, or will it offend you that I happen to be white, and heterosexual, and in a monogamous relationship with my wife...and we had a child - dare I say - biologically?
Am I allowed to show a picture of a church? Or will that cross sitting on top of the steeple burn an image in your mind that hurts your feelings and makes you feel guilty for every sin you ever committed?
Can I speak of American icons, such as the American flag, and can I even mention the colors red, white, and blue? Or will that remind you too much of the country that for the last several decades has been the world's police and philanthropist?
Can I mention anything of conservative value? Or will that hurt the feelings of the many free-loaders who are offended by the word WORK as well?
Please, Offended, I really must know. I need these questions answered. I want to know how not to offend so many out there. I would like to write a book...but then, maybe that will offend the illiterate as well. I will look for a reply. However please know - I will only understand your reasoning if I lower my IQ!
If you can relate to this post, please share!
Sincerely,
A Fed Up American
March 5, 2016
Certainty, Peace, and a Day Without Death
I just got back from watching the movie RISEN with my son...and I really liked the movie! I thought it was one of the best Christian films to date. I am not entirely sure of the accuracy of the historical account from the Romans point of view - but it was really neat seeing the story of Jesus told from that perspective. I thought I would share my view on the main points in the movie; I may or may not include a spoiler or two - although, the gist of the story is in the New Testament :)
There is a scene where the Roman Tribune, Clavius, is sitting on a mountaintop discussing the finer things in life. In the movie, Jesus is referred to in the Hebrew name - Yeshua. Yeshua comes right out and asks Clavius, who is new to Yeshua's followers post-resurrection - he asks, "What is it you seek most in this world?" This takes the movie watcher back in their minds to a previous conversation between Pontius Pilate, and Pilate had asked Clavius virtually the same question. You can tell that the character of Clavius is pondering the same thoughts he had with Pilate, but before he can answer, Yeshua answers for him..."Certainty...peace...a day without death?" Clavius smiles and nods, not quite sure how Yeshua read his thoughts.
This was one of my favorite scenes in the movie because Yeshua goes into how what He came to Earth for made it possible to achieve all three of these goals sought by Clavius - and just about every other person who ever lived.
So I just want to ask those who read this the following question: Can you think of anything you would want more than knowing you were absolutely right about your belief system, having complete peace, and finally having a day where nobody - I mean nobody - dies?
Those of us who believe fully in God's Word know in our hearts that we will find all of these things one day. The possibility of ever seeing a time when we can have all three things listed above is pretty enticing - and here's the kicker: if we're wrong...who cares? We're no worse off than we were when we didn't believe. But if you do not believe, then what exactly do you have hope IN? Perhaps if you've never thought that deeply about it before, you should start to...really - what have you got to lose?
There is a scene where the Roman Tribune, Clavius, is sitting on a mountaintop discussing the finer things in life. In the movie, Jesus is referred to in the Hebrew name - Yeshua. Yeshua comes right out and asks Clavius, who is new to Yeshua's followers post-resurrection - he asks, "What is it you seek most in this world?" This takes the movie watcher back in their minds to a previous conversation between Pontius Pilate, and Pilate had asked Clavius virtually the same question. You can tell that the character of Clavius is pondering the same thoughts he had with Pilate, but before he can answer, Yeshua answers for him..."Certainty...peace...a day without death?" Clavius smiles and nods, not quite sure how Yeshua read his thoughts.
This was one of my favorite scenes in the movie because Yeshua goes into how what He came to Earth for made it possible to achieve all three of these goals sought by Clavius - and just about every other person who ever lived.
So I just want to ask those who read this the following question: Can you think of anything you would want more than knowing you were absolutely right about your belief system, having complete peace, and finally having a day where nobody - I mean nobody - dies?
Those of us who believe fully in God's Word know in our hearts that we will find all of these things one day. The possibility of ever seeing a time when we can have all three things listed above is pretty enticing - and here's the kicker: if we're wrong...who cares? We're no worse off than we were when we didn't believe. But if you do not believe, then what exactly do you have hope IN? Perhaps if you've never thought that deeply about it before, you should start to...really - what have you got to lose?
February 18, 2016
Pay Attention - Danger and Evil Lurks
I want to share this article in hopes that you read the message...and take it to heart. I work in law enforcement. I do not claim to have the riskiest law enforcement job out there (although there are times when I am at just as much risk as my other brothers and sisters in blue). But I am around other veterans in my field who have seen much worse than me, and I have taken upon myself in this ever-darkening world to learn from the best; to take some real life lessons that could perhaps save not just me, but my family and friends as well. The good news is, even if the worst, most evil-minded predator were to read these words, your chance for survival is still going to be increased because you will already be AWARE - that that individual is out there. And Awareness can help you win a LOT of the potential battles out there before they ever have to happen.My wife and I were discussing the dangers out there in the real world this morning before I came to work. A shooting had occurred at the local bowling alley, and we read about it right after I had just told my wife that my cohorts at work can just feel things getting worse out there. I told my wife that I feel absolutely called to inform the good people I know - the members of my church, friends, family, fellow believers, non-believers who abhor evil, and anyone who wants to increase their chances out there! So even though I offer training for employees at my place of work, and even though I intend to offer this same training at my church, I wanted to share the most valuable information that can be used by ANYONE, regardless of ability or level of protective aptitude. So here is some key information that I have shared with my wife, that I learned from very valuable friends of mine:
First of all...PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS! Wherever you go, whatever you do, keep your head and eyes moving around and looking for things that look 'out of the ordinary'. Always look ahead of where you are going...is there anything suspicious that way? Is there someone out of place that you have never seen in that same way you travel? If you see them before they see you, perhaps go a different way.
Speaking of going a different way, my wife thought I was kidding about this...but I wasn't. If you have ever encountered or often encounter people that may hold a grudge against you in any way, perhaps change your routine. Take a different route to work that day. Park in a different spot. Do something in a different order than you always have. Look - we all become creatures of habit. But if someone does want to cause you harm, or if I wanted to cause someone else harm and maybe even get away with it...I would get to know their habits. There is a reason why authors of thrillers, and historians who document events, write about assassins getting to know their victims' habits before killing them. Would someone who is stalking you or harassing you handle things any differently? If this scares you to think about - GOOD! Then it's working; the thought and consideration has already entered your head.
Look, I am not saying you walk around paranoid, but pay attention to your surroundings. Become a people watcher. Notice odd behavior; avoid close contact with those oddities. If someone has ill intentions in their eyes when they approach you, get away from them. Don't set yourself up to be a victim. Avoid a situation whenever possible. Does this seem cowardice? Not if you are facing enemies that don't fight fair, and you are just an ordinary citizen in your day to day life, trying to mind your business! A cop, or a soldier, or a guard or officer responsible for protection - they are supposed to look for this activity and go towards it...but NOT YOU if it's not your job. So avoiding things because of certain signs you have seen is half the battle.
One of my friends and co-workers and I agree that things are getting more dangerous out there. It is not just the media that pushes this idea. It is the number of incidents that WE actually encounter at work - and we work in a hospital! Folks, I implore you; I beg you - start paying attention to more of your environment. But I don't want you to be that paranoid squirrel who looks around so much that he doesn't know when to cross the road! I want you to be that Seeing Eye Dog that keeps an eye out for your master, and just take the safest path. That alone will increase your chances in this world of not becoming a victim.
Just putting this out there makes me feel a little better. We are not promised tomorrow, but the good Lord also put all of us here for a reason. Wouldn't you want to increase your chances of carrying out that purpose for as long as possible? If you read this, your mind is already more aware.
February 10, 2016
Something to Believe in...
Did you know there are at least 96 popular songs that have the word BELIEVE in the title?
Then you have the whole Ripley's 'BELIEVE it or Not' adage.
You even have ancient astronaut theorists use the word BELIEVE in various programs they run to speculate the existence of some ancient visitors that just HAD to be here in our past to explain the unexplained.
So no matter which way you look, it is obvious that the 80's band Poison hit the point home that we all want 'something to BELIEVE in".
Think about it. When one is at their wit's end, and have nowhere to turn...when they have tried everything to solve some problem and they just can't find an answer anywhere...what does every single human being long for in these times of desperation?
They long to believe that the answer is there above; they turn upward, or bow down, out of some strange desperate plea to a god or force or entity bigger than the situation they are dealing with. In every movie, every thriller, every story you hear where someone is crying out, what do they call out? Even if it is to curse, they may call out a curse to some higher being that they didn't believe in before.
It is almost like we were designed or created TO BELIEVE in something bigger than us.
How do you explain the numerous, unbelievable number of self help books that have come out in the information age? How in the world is anyone supposed to figure out which person has the best answer to believing in themselves, when there seem to be so many people who figured it out? And then what do those people do when some horrible incident or event happens that tests their humility? Are they immune from natural disasters, or circumstances beyond their control such as an unexpected home invader, or a terrorist attack? Suddenly their self-help solutions can't do them a whole lot of good in that particular moment - at that particular time and space.
What do you believe in? Ask yourself that question. Do you think you can rely on yourself in all situations, all the time - no matter what happens? Are you the highest power you know?
Let's say you answer that question with something other than YOURSELF. What higher power do you believe exists? There is still the problem similar to all the self-help books - how do you know which one to BELIEVE? That is a question that nobody can answer but you. I can tell you what I BELIEVE, but it still may mean nothing to you, depending on your perspective on life, and life experience in general. But I can tell you why I BELIEVE what I do.
So if I were to give advice to someone looking for something to believe in, I would tell them to search for answers the same way I have searched for answers. I would also tell them to carefully consider the questions that they want answered. For me, the main questions I want answered is, 'Why am I here?', 'Who loves me always?', and 'Who can I always turn to?' If you get right down to it, we all need to be validated, appreciated, and understood...but can we just rely on loved ones to always meet these needs? Are the people we love perfect? And will they always be around? Hmmm- I love my family, but I daresay, none of my loved ones are perfect - and neither am I. And I also know that we humans haven't quite figured out that whole physical immortality thing. So if a person can find TRUE answers to these questions that satisfy their needs, they can choose how important that is to them.
As for what is TRUE - well that is another blog post for another day. But there really is no denying, Poison had it right...we all need something to BELIEVE in.
#Believe #Faith #Jesus
Then you have the whole Ripley's 'BELIEVE it or Not' adage.
You even have ancient astronaut theorists use the word BELIEVE in various programs they run to speculate the existence of some ancient visitors that just HAD to be here in our past to explain the unexplained.
So no matter which way you look, it is obvious that the 80's band Poison hit the point home that we all want 'something to BELIEVE in".
Think about it. When one is at their wit's end, and have nowhere to turn...when they have tried everything to solve some problem and they just can't find an answer anywhere...what does every single human being long for in these times of desperation?
They long to believe that the answer is there above; they turn upward, or bow down, out of some strange desperate plea to a god or force or entity bigger than the situation they are dealing with. In every movie, every thriller, every story you hear where someone is crying out, what do they call out? Even if it is to curse, they may call out a curse to some higher being that they didn't believe in before.
It is almost like we were designed or created TO BELIEVE in something bigger than us.
How do you explain the numerous, unbelievable number of self help books that have come out in the information age? How in the world is anyone supposed to figure out which person has the best answer to believing in themselves, when there seem to be so many people who figured it out? And then what do those people do when some horrible incident or event happens that tests their humility? Are they immune from natural disasters, or circumstances beyond their control such as an unexpected home invader, or a terrorist attack? Suddenly their self-help solutions can't do them a whole lot of good in that particular moment - at that particular time and space.
What do you believe in? Ask yourself that question. Do you think you can rely on yourself in all situations, all the time - no matter what happens? Are you the highest power you know?
Let's say you answer that question with something other than YOURSELF. What higher power do you believe exists? There is still the problem similar to all the self-help books - how do you know which one to BELIEVE? That is a question that nobody can answer but you. I can tell you what I BELIEVE, but it still may mean nothing to you, depending on your perspective on life, and life experience in general. But I can tell you why I BELIEVE what I do.
So if I were to give advice to someone looking for something to believe in, I would tell them to search for answers the same way I have searched for answers. I would also tell them to carefully consider the questions that they want answered. For me, the main questions I want answered is, 'Why am I here?', 'Who loves me always?', and 'Who can I always turn to?' If you get right down to it, we all need to be validated, appreciated, and understood...but can we just rely on loved ones to always meet these needs? Are the people we love perfect? And will they always be around? Hmmm- I love my family, but I daresay, none of my loved ones are perfect - and neither am I. And I also know that we humans haven't quite figured out that whole physical immortality thing. So if a person can find TRUE answers to these questions that satisfy their needs, they can choose how important that is to them.
As for what is TRUE - well that is another blog post for another day. But there really is no denying, Poison had it right...we all need something to BELIEVE in.
#Believe #Faith #Jesus
January 31, 2016
Assuming the Worst
I teach classes on de-escalation and self-defense. One of the points I try to hammer home to people in my classes is to not assume the worst in someone just because they argue with you. Most of the people I teach have first-hand experience with helping and serving people of all backgrounds, from all different cultures. And people in the business of interacting with people from all walks of life, especially in stressful conditions, tend to become jaded, de-sensitized to others' feelings sometimes, and even cynical.
But one of the things I try to help people understand, or even realize again for the first time in a while - is that if we assume the worst in someone, and assume that they aren't going to be willing to listen to us, then they might just meet our assumptions. But if we give someone the benefit of the doubt upon initial interaction, and we open ears and hearts to listen, maybe they will surprise us.
I bring this up because in church today, the idea of a hierarchy of needs was mentioned, and it turns out that the original thoughts behind this hierarchy left God out of the equation. However, there are still some valid points with regard to what makes every person tick. The idea that every single human on Earth needs to feel validated, appreciated, and understood speaks volumes. And if we, as Christians, can embrace the same principles, we can use it to reach others for Christ.
I try to show this very concept in my novel, Misguided. In the novel, one Christian in the novel is misguided by vengeance. He assumes the worst in all Muslims because some radical Muslims are responsible for the death of his wife and daughter. He takes on a delusional mission to wipe out Muslim imams in hopes that it spurs forth the revelation of Christ's second coming. It is safe to say his assumptions actually lead him to worse circumstances than he had when he started out.
Compare that approach to the approach taken by he hero of my novel series, John Knox. Knox learns soon after the first murders by the misguided assassin that he will be working with another investigator who is of Muslim faith. It would be easy for Knox to assume the worst in this Muslim cohort because of other Muslims who have killed other people in the name of Allah and his prophet...but thanks to his upbringing, and another set of eyes on the case, the Muslim investigator is given the benefit of the doubt. And of course this enables the author of the novel to write even more stories :)
Now let's take this approach in our daily walk with Christ. What if I encounter someone who I just know needs Jesus in their life? What if I just know that if I bring up the idea of Jesus around them, they'll just shun me away and never talk to me again? Then my approach to that person was for nothing...or was it?See, if I just go with that assumption, then I might be right. But what if I roll the dice, take that chance, and tell the person what I believe anyway? Isn't God the one who truly decides how that person's heart will respond anyway? And didn't He put me in that position to reach that person at that particular time anyway? Even if all you do is plant a seed, if by chance you get shunned immediately for reaching out, that person still knows a possible source to come to if they ever have a change of heart or ever stop to think about what you had to say to them.
This could hold true to all of our encounters with other people...loved ones, strangers, friends, co-workers, inmates, vagrants, prostitutes, criminals...and yes, even presidents. I know I hold very strong stands in my beliefs and ideas...and everyone pretty much knows where I stand. But that doesn't mean that as soon as someone disagrees with me and offers a different opinion, that I need to just assume it's not worth talking to that person. We are all different; we all interpret many things differently. But there is one truth that I believe, and that is that God sent His son to die for EVERYONE who chooses to believe. So as long as there is the tiniest amount of hope that someone who disagrees with me can still discover that truth, I need to give them the benefit of the doubt.
