Friday; February 21

Where were you in October, 1962? Now, while many of you are snickering at that question, there are a few people still around who know exactly where they were in this very tense time when our world stood on the brink of nuclear war. The Soviet Union had placed missiles in Cuba (just 90 miles off of the coast of the United States). These weapons had the potential to bring catastrophe to North America … which would rapidly spread to the rest of the world. For two weeks, the American people watched as Washington and Moscow played a very real game of cat and mouse. One wrong move and history would be forever changed. The somberness of the moment helped to bring about a peaceful resolution – much to the relief of everyone involved.

The reason that I bring this up is to remind us that even as we face challenges today, we have been through challenging times before. It is said that those who forget history are destined to repeat it, but I also believe that those who forget history are easily discouraged. You see, with every new crisis comes fear; however, when we step back and realize that we have faced tough times before and, more often than not, we have overcome them. Sure, there have been times when our worst fears have been realized, but there are many more times when things worked out. I am not saying we should ignore problems, but I do believe that we shouldn’t give up hope until it is too late. We have a choice, we can either live with an expectation things will work out (optimism) or we can live with the fear that things will fall apart (pessimism). I can tell you which of these brings contentment and which brings stress.

Let’s be prepared to handle tough times, but let’s not let the potential of challenges keep us down. When we hold out hope, we’ll be fresher and more positive that good things can come about – even in scary situations.

Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; November 29

The biblical story of the Good Samaritan has changed our world. Notice I didn’t say that it had change religion or even Christianity, it has influenced the world. There are very few people who don’t know the moral of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. In fact, the phrase has become a common description of everyday people doing good to their neighbors. While Jesus’ parable from Luke 10 shares several spiritual lessons, one of the most practical is that good can be done by anyone. You don’t have to be a church official to do good, it is not only possible for each one of us to help, it is required of all of us. If a Samaritan can be good, so can we! After presenting the parable, Jesus asked the man who had originally asked the question about being a good neighbor which character in the story was a good neighbor, “… he said, ‘The one who showed mercy toward him.’” at which point, the discussion from theoretical to personal, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” (Luke...
Read more

Thursday; January 12

The other day I was watching a television show that used a rather common term applied to overcoming challenges. When organizations experience unexpected setbacks – especially when they lose key people – they rely upon the concept of “Next Man Up”. In essence, when our starters (or stars) go down, effective organizations rely upon their next levels to step into the vacancy. While this is an effective response, have we given much thought as to how we prepare to be the “next people up”? First, we must know our job. Even when we aren’t the primary players, we need to be preparing ourselves to be ready when we get the opportunity to shine. Second, we must do our best when we get the chance. Knowledge is important but what turns potential into talent is effort. Yet, maybe the most underappreciated aspect of this concept is a willingness avoid excuse-making and whining about the unfairness of our situation. When we complain about the circumstances that caused the need for replacements...
Read more

Wednesday; April 2

What is the difference between cynicism and skepticism? On the surface, they seem to be synonymous; but I believe there is a fundamental difference between them. Skepticism is looking at something to determine the truth. It is a defense mechanism to gullibility. It is openly and honestly considering the information and determining if it is accurate or useful. In a sense, being skeptical can be healthy and can keep us out of trouble. On the other hand, cynicism is distrusting just about everything. It is starting from the perspective that everyone is out to deceive us. It isn’t seeing the glass as half full or half empty – it is believing that someone is trying to steal our glass from us! Cynicism limits the relationships we can have and will cast a darkness on the world – whether it deserves it or not. I believe there is value in seeking the truth, but let’s be careful that we don’t convince ourselves everyone is out to get us. When we buy into that belief, we won’t be able t...
Read more