Happy July 4th!
Love In Action (Video)
Never Forget (video tribute)
Conspiring for Good
Why is it major events, places, or points in history have such an array of narratives questioning the legitimacy of origin, details, or purpose? And why is it these other theories nearly always involve negative, malicious, or intentionally nefarious opposition? I guess that’s why they’re called conspiracy theories. Here’s just a few that come to mind.
The assassinations of JFK and Martin Luther King Jr.; Area 51, Roswell, and UFOs in general; Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster; the death or disappearance of people like Jimmy Hoffa, Amelia Earhart, and Elvis Presley; Cheyenne Mountain, a ‘mind-controlling’ Alaska research facility, and the Denver Airport; even some natural disasters like the tornado in Joplin, Missouri have conspiracies surrounding them. Other popular subjects include Freemasonry, crop circles, secret societies, document markings, and Mount Rushmore.
Recently, election interference and virtually everything surrounding COVID-19 have generated rife theories of conspiracy or malfeasance. Conspiracies make for great entertainment, but can also cause great divisiveness. Still, there is something to be said for not just believing everything we hear. One might even think healthy skepticism and respectful questioning of the status quo are forms of checks and balances. After all, the founding fathers baked it into the United States Constitution; governments around the world succeed because if it; and successful businesses prosper when it’s done right.
But wouldn’t it be nice if people spent more time, energy, and effort in the chatrooms and social media underworld concocting equally outlandish theories that change the world in a positive way?
I don’t like admitting this, but lately I’ve become increasingly cynical; skeptical of motives and critical of decisions. Quite frankly it’s made me a little edgy, and I don’t like it. Maybe it’s increased workload, isolation and separation, stress and uncertainty of the pandemic, doubts about its handling, or a multitude of things compounding into a perfect storm of flapdoodle. Regardless, I clearly need to pray more and dwell on a few ‘conspiracies of good’ for a while.
Let me share a few positive affirmations and plot a way to extricate myself from this funk. Co-conspirators are welcome.
“God may not always keep us out of hard places, but he is always with us. A hard place with him is better than an easy place without him.” (David Jeremiah)
“It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one who is weary.” (Charles Spurgeon)
“Endurance is the fortitude to carry on in the face of extreme difficulty.” (Don Denyes)
“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” (Corrie ten Boom)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6.9)
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…think on these things.” (Philippians 4.8)
Maybe conspiracy theories do more harm than good, or perhaps they really do help maintain proper balance in the world. Either way, it can take years for the truth to be revealed…and even then there will be those who doubt.
Consider that besides the official record of the Warren Commission, a senior research scientist using the latest technologies corroborated it by determining Lee Harvey Oswald did, in fact, shoot President Kennedy from behind, and from a sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository. Yet conspiracies like the grassy knoll still exist and will likely always surround the 1963 assassination of JFK.
Likewise, when Pontius Pilate’s name was found inscribed on a stone tablet unearthed in Caesarea late 1960s, it should have silenced theories that he never existed and thus could not have sentenced a man named Jesus to die on a cross. More evidence was discovered when recent breakthroughs in cleaning and image rendering also revealed Pilate’s name on a ring found at Herodium. Despite these historical discoveries, doubt, unbelief, and other theories will continue to question the existence of both men until the day all is made known.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Do you ever feel that life is conspiring against you as some cosmic joke or social experiment to rid you of your hope or positivity? Maybe, like most conspiracy theories’ effect on the original issue, I’m overcomplicating this. After all, Levitt and Dubner wrote in their book Think Like a Freak, “It’s easy to get seduced by complexity; but there is virtue in simplicity too.”
Will you be my accomplice in the simply virtuous mission of conspiring for good?
Get Strong. Be Strong. Stay Strong.
Levitt, S. D., & Dubner, S. J. (2014). Think like a freak. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Well That’s Fabulous!
No matter how wholesome or sheltered you are, chances are you’ve seen or heard the abbreviation ‘wtf’. If seeing it here makes you uneasy, read on! I won’t share what is probably the original and most widely-used version (even though many of us have likely asked ourselves a similar question for several weeks now).
A few yeas ago my good friend in the faith, David, asked me a very serious question: “You know what that really stands for, don’t you?” Of course I do. Smirking he said, “Well That’s Fabulous”. I liked it, lol’d, and have used it ever since. It also works better as an article title than Haircuts, Face-masks, Unused Razors, Isolation, Leadership, and Politics.
But since you brought it up, let’s talk about those things.
It’s not lost on anyone that this worldwide pandemic has altered life and is unlike anything we’ve known this generation. Which is perhaps why it’s so disheartening to see how quickly business leaders, politicians, and others have moved from respect, understanding and cooperation to grandstanding, spewing rhetoric, imagining their own expertise, and jockeying for political advantage. There was much promise initially…an opportunity to come together for the good of humanity. But like other catastrophic events that only temporarily unite us, the goodness and spirit of unity left quickly. The honeymoon is over, and we’ve predictably devolved into finger-pointing and politics-as-usual.
But there are bright spots. What has been encouraging are widespread examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Not just frontline workers battling in the trenches, but everyday people finding creative ways to encourage, teach, learn, give, and otherwise make the best of a horrible situation.
Speaking of horrible situations, even if I had two bits, I can’t get a shave and a haircut right now. Not good for a career high-and-tight guy. So I’ve been cutting my own! While it’s no Jerry’s Barbershop masterpiece, it’s not Bob’s Bowl-cut Special, either. Besides, I can always wear a hat until Mark is able to get behind his chair again. Now about that shave…
The start of a fresh month, coupled with being off-the-hook from shaving everyday, gave rise to April’s Stay-At-Home ‘Stache contest with family, friends, and colleagues. The last time I organized a similar activity (Mustache March a few years ago), my daughter nearly disowned me. I think her words were: “Dad, no. You need to shave that off. Never do that again!”
It has been a hoot seeing the creativity of some, the uncooperative genetics of others, and the generosity of all through this frivolous distraction. With judging less than a week away, it’s already the longest I’ve gone without shaving since I joined the military at age 18. Most importantly, over $1000 has been raised to help a hurting family.
Then there’s people like Mike, mentioned last time, who created a website dedicated to positive, educational, entertaining content. He and his family didn’t stop there. They began making cloth face coverings in their home to give people in their community and beyond. Ours arrived in the mail just days after he told me about it. He later sent me a picture of his 93-year-old neighbor, another recipient of the Brady family’s generosity. They even decorated a thank you tree! Reminds me of some other unselfish friends living in south Florida. The world is a better place because of people like them who use their resources to put others first.
Now more than ever leaders, politicians, and citizens alike need to take Theodore Roosevelt’s similar advice to do the best they can, with what they have, where they are. Small businesses are crumbling, along with the life-savings, heart, and soul many poured into them. People are feeling helpless, lonely, and scared. They are hurting, sick, and dying.
This is an unprecedented crisis. Because it is unprecedented, no one person, organization, or government has all the answers or knows a single best solution. It’s time for leaders to be leaders and focus on cooperatively serving others, instead of themselves or their ambitions. Another good friend dropped this brief video gem on the subject recently.
It would be most encouraging if everyone – elected, appointed, and citizen alike, would just stop. Stop wasting time blaming other levels of government or political parties; stop trying to advance their own political or personal agenda; stop arguing about who should have done what and when; stop trying to make others believe you’ve somehow become an overnight expert on infectious disease, economics, supply chains, business, or politics. And start being more caring, compassionate, cooperative, humble, and kind human beings.
I love the heartwarming stories on television and social media. They give me hope that all the junk above will ultimately be consumed by the goodness of human spirit. I encourage you to use this unique and challenging time to pray more, read more, love more, lead more. Serve others, build your faith, strengthen your body, grow closer to friends and family, and renew your mind.
And cut your hair.
Get Strong. Be Strong. Stay Strong.
“Set you mind on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3.2
Keeping Faith (Video)
Weekend Encouragement
In his new devotional, Daily in His Presence, Dr. David Jeremiah’s April 4th message couldn’t be more timely. In it, he makes reference to the awe experienced by one of the astronauts aboard Apollo 8 as he gazed at Earth from outer space. Jeremiah encourages us likewise “…to see the world as God does…” and to “Change the way you’re looking at your problems, your priorities, your schedule, your world.”
If this present worldwide pandemic hasn’t caused each of us to do exactly that, I don’t know what will.
Listen to the experts. Be responsible. Don’t panic. Adjust your perspective. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Get Strong. Be Strong. Stay Strong.
Jeremiah, David (2019). Daily in his presence. San Diego, CA: Turning Point.
Feed the Baby (Video Message)
“Behold, I make all things new.” Rev 21.5
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Get Strong. Be Strong. Stay Strong.
Ensure Your Self-Care Routine Is Balanced by Including a Fitness Plan
(Article by guest contributor Sheila Olson of fitsheila.com – Image courtesy of Pixabay)
People talk a lot about self-care these days, but many of us neglect keeping things in balance. Participating in a healthy self-care regimen includes more than pampering. It means taking action to meet your mental and physical needs in a manner that helps you prosper.
What is self-care? Many people feel self-care can be as simple as getting a monthly facial or buying anew pair of slippers. While those could be parts of someone’s plan, a self-care program should include activities that promote overall wellness. There should be balance and attention to basics. Ideally, your program will include good nutrition, sufficient sleep, time with friends and regular exercise.
Getting fit. Is exercise part of your self-care routine? Beginning a fitness plan can be overwhelming, but the key is to have realistic goals. Verywell Fit suggests starting with a walking program. You just need a pair of comfortable shoes and a safe place to walk, and it’s an easy activity on your joints and muscles. Even though it’s simple, you can still make great progress. Talk to your doctor before you start, especially if you have been sedentary for a long period of time.
How much should I exercise? Sometimes we think exercise should be all or nothing, especially if we can’t see immediate results. However, slow and steady progress can help prevent injury and make your program more enjoyable. Some experts suggest an exercise regimen including a minimum of 2.5 hours doing moderate aerobic activity per week, along with a couple strength-building sessions.
Recover and refresh. To keep things balanced, your fitness routine should include recovery time. For instance, an occasional at-home spa day refreshes and rests your body after focusing on getting in shape. You can use homemade, soothing skincare treatments and masks, give yourself a hot rock massage, brew a cup of your favorite tea and play relaxing music. Keep the space uncluttered and free of distractions. A day here and there in your personal spa can help you to maintain a positive outlook and feel good about yourself. Try participating in some mindfulness while you’re at it, increasing your awareness of what your senses perceive. Mindfulness encourages relaxation and focus.
Limitations and boundaries. Do you burn the candle at both ends, or is your job situation setting you up for burnout? You might feel like you simply haven’t the time or energy to workout. Psychology Today recommends keeping things in check as part of your basic self-care plan. Find ways to decompress throughout your day, not just occasionally in the evening or on the weekend. Try taking a walk, meditating, or sitting outside in green space.
Also consider revamping your work environment, if necessary. Maybe you’re situated under fluorescent lights all day, and you could benefit with a window view. Or perhaps you’re working unsustainable hours, and switching your schedule around could help you become more productive and effective. Oftentimes management is unaware of problems unless those issues are brought to their attention. Talk with your supervisor about how to make improvements, and for the best results be prepared with suggestions rather than just complaining about what isn’t working.
Energy and attitude. Having the energy to properly balance yourself-care plan is crucial. One of the often-overlooked aspects of a healthful and energetic lifestyle is getting sufficient sleep. Without enough sleep, you can damage your mental and physical health, even risking chronic fatigue and burnout. You can lose vitality, become irritable and even shorten your lifespan. Schedule a bedtime and wake time for every day and stick to those times. Keep your exercise routine in the morning or early afternoon, ensure your sleeping environment is comfortable and avoid napping during the day.
Balance your routine so you can feel happy, positive and fulfilled. Adjust the priorities in your lifestyle so you include fitness. Ensuring you meet the needs of your mind, body and soul is the key to an overall healthy self-care program.