"Only the gentle are ever really strong."
- James Dean
Good guys finish first. If you don't know that then you don't know where the finish line is.
- Garry Shandling
Two quotes today because they fit so well together and both are very inspiring.
Do you find it hard to believe the James Dean quote? He didn't mean strong as in powerful. He meant strong as in having strength of character and of spirit.
Gentle people must endure a great deal. They must endure both the overwhelming presence of those with power and those who are bullies, plus the apathy and carelessness of those in the middle of the range. It takes a huge amount of strength to remain gentle when faced with the onslaught of others who more than anything else are afraid that if they don't act aggressively they will be run over by those who do.
And Garry Shandling's quote. Think about it. Where is the finish line?
If you believe that there is nothing more to our existence than what we experience each day on earth, then the finish line is the end of each day. Not the top of the financial heap or the best job in the company. The end of each day. What you accomplish during each day will determine how you feel about yourself by the time you lay your head on the pillow.
If you believe that this life is one part of an eternal existence, what position will you be in at the end of this life (this finish line) when what you do beyond this life is under consideration?
What if the majority of people have it all wrong, that the finish line is not how wealthy or powerful you are but how much respect you have for yourself and how much respect and love others have for you because of how you have helped them?
How shallow it is to believe that success in life is determined by how much wealth you have accumulated and how many people you can order around. Those who believe that have good reason to think that way also believe that there is nothing more to life than what we have here today. They want you and I to believe that too. They want our company because they want us as followers.
Your value as a person is not in how much money you can command, but in how much respect and love you can earn from others. That has no monetary value.
That's life. Not just your life as a worker/consumer. When you distill it all down, that's what life is about. Are you improving the value of the human species?
We are the only life form on the planet with the ability to do that. That makes us special. If you understand this lesson, that makes you extra special.
Bill Allin
Turning It Around: Causes and Cures for Today's Epidemic Social Problems, striving to shine a light on the path.
Learn more at http://billallin.com
Monday, December 11, 2006
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
i read every day for your words of wisdom, thanks it helps me out alot.....
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
Thanks for your candor Mickey.
I sense that you understand now that you are in control of your life. Only you can help you.
Jesus will help you only if you are prepared to do the changes yourself.
Even when you seem lost, you are in control. It's up to you to contact someone to find where to go next.
Consider yourself given a smile and a pat on the back from me every day.
Cheers
Bill Allin
I think it is not about how much respect and love you can earn from others, but how much you love and respect others, especially the ones, who do not love and respect you.
Post a Comment