To the people who have friended me on FACEBOOK, this morning I want to speak out on a few issues that have been flooding the internet -- healthcare, the Supreme Court, President Obama, and Governor Larry Hogan.
Sometimes we spend a lot of time jumping on and off of issues that are "trending" for the moment. Our passion is so great that we wear ourselves out, and then disappear until the next hot issue comes along. Unfortunately or fortunately life continues to go on even when there are no hot issues.
It is unfortunate that everything just does not go our way. It is the reality, however, that we will like some decisions and disagree with others. I am told that is what democracy is all about. As a believer in God, it is my desire to stand for what I believe is right, and it is right for me not to set myself up as judge over anyone. Right is right, and it speaks for itself. It needs no amens, editorials, finger pointing or even approval.
As a believer and an AMERICAN, I believe that people should respect the rights of others, make this Country better than when we arrived on the scene and exercise our right of free speech WITHOUT going overboard and taking liberties that were NEVER intended! NO ONE has the right to infringe on the rights of others just because they can.
Life is much too short to carry around hatred on any level. There is entirely too much work to be done to make this world a better place for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to spend hours and hours on issues that do not move us forward in a more positive and loving manner. People are still hungry in America. People are still homeless in America. People lights, water, and other essentials are being turned off while we spend millions nonessential things like advertisements for weight loss products. Don't want to be big and fat, stop bending your elbow toward your mouth.)
Want to leave a legacy? Tackle something in your neighborhood that you can do, and make better for those around you. Adopt a family that is less fortunate than yours. Join a service that is helping people get back on their feet regardless of their walk in life. Give directly to those that you know are in need. Provide transportation to work for a family that is struggling, and really can't afford to take a bus every day. Plant a tree to help with the tree canopy in your neighborhood. PICK UP that empty can or piece of trash on your street that you didn't put there.
Climb down off of your soapbox, and become a part of the solution. We all can bring something to the table to make our world a better place for everyone whether it is better healthcare for the masses, better transportation for Marylanders (insert your own state here), food for your neighbor or the neighborhood kids of just sweeping up the debris on your street. We are all a part of the human race, and each of us was placed here for a purpose. Each of us has a grand opportunity to make our world a much better place. The only question is "What will we do with our time here" --grandstand or roll up our sleeves and get in there and do our part?
Even the janitor, trash collector, ditch digger, etc., can lead if given the opportunity. In a class, many years ago an instructor used the following to teach us about leadership. I hope it hits home for you this morning as it did for me many years ago.
A group of high-ranking leaders were attending a conference, and each was more important than the next. Someone came in and ran up to the podium where one great leader was speaking and whispered very quietly in his ear, "the building is on fire, and we cannot exit through the doors behind us or on the sides, in fact, there is no exit in this room." The great leader at the podium did what great leaders do, he immediately set off the alarm. He said very calmly over the mike, the building is on fire, and we are doomed. There is no exit from this room. ALL of the great leaders began discussing strategies on how to save themselves. Coming up with no answer, and imminent doom staring them in the face, they started making peace with themselves, and, of course, they started praying.
From behind the podium waiting to clean up behind the great leaders stepped the janitor who knew the building and all of its exits. Walking timidly to the podium that was now empty because the great leader had been reduced to a weeping pile with the other great leaders in the room, calmly announced that there is another way out, if you wish to follow me. With that being said, the janitor started walking briskly to the back of the stage where he moved a small board from the floor and started climbing through the hole to safety. The greatest leader in the room that day was the janitor because he led everyone to safety.
Situational leadership just might be okay and necessary. It does not diminish the previous leader or next leader that might step forward for the next situation that you find yourself in. Just don't burn too many bridges and cause the janitor to become self-centered and only save himself.
Peace and blessing as always!
