Nothing Beats a Failure But a Try

I am a new fan of Bengals’ wide-receiver Chad Ochocinco. Currently, he is a contestant on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. Watching his performances, reading his tweets, and viewing his Ustream videos have helped me realize something. No matter who you are, we all desire to please, to be viewed as successful. We seek approval and validation. One of my nieces brought me to tears a few weeks ago because of that same mentality. She was faced with a challenge that felt so overwhelming for her that she cried for hours. She felt it was too much to overcome and was hurt that her potential failure would cause disappointment for others she sought to please.

We do this all the time. Some of us are more aware of it than others, but let’s be honest: we all seek approval. We dress a certain way, or not, to either elicit approval or openly rebel because we fear NOT getting that approval. Where does this deeply-rooted, subconsciously strong desire come from? I don’t know. LOL. We are taught morals and standards; good vs. bad; right and wrong; success or failure, continuously. Then taught to be yourself, live your life for you not others, quit trying to please everyone. Then tomorrow people are being told they’re selfish or too giving/walked over; told they work too hard or not hard enough; told they’re operating beneath their gifts or not called/qualified to operate in some way…the list of contradictions could continue forever.

It is easy to say to another: God is the only one whose approval matters. However, we are in this world, dwelling among those we love and desire to see happy. We are not emotionless beings. Feelings are a natural, God-designed characteristic. The catch is reconciling the spiritual purpose to our emotional needs. FACT: Left to our own choices, we will ultimately fail. It is only through submission to Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit that we will achieve true, immeasurable, unfaltering success.

Now achievement of that success is not always easy. Recently, I was reminded that I hinder my successes because I am working the plan according to MY logic. Duh, chick, you’re smart but not THAT smart. Trusting that I don’t know what is best for me is tough. We are encouraged to be independent, self-sufficient, trust no man (human). Well, God is no man (human). Trust Him. He is Abba Father. Master Creator. Who knows better the purpose of a thing than the One who created it. I’m just saying…..

Let’s be real, we can’t possibly expect to forget what others think between today and tomorrow. Adjusting our focus to ensure God and His will for us is in the center of our focus is a moment to moment conscious decision. 3 John 1:2 says “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” KJV. I believe our temporal wealth and health are tied to our spiritual wealth and health. Let us prioritize. I know it can be hard, but if it was easy anyone could do it, thus no need for the “chosen”. See Matthew 20:16 and 1 Peter 2:9.

Press on my loves. You will disappoint and be disappointed, but nothing beats a failure but a try. *wink* Why not give Jesus a try? What’s the worse that could happen? If it doesn’t succeed and you didn’t interfere with the plan, blame it on Christ—I’m sure He’s already worked it all out anyway. XOXO

Variety...the spice of life (so I've heard)

Wow...it has really been a minute since I've posted a blog. You missed me??? LOL. Well, I'm back and I'm not sure what all will get typed during these wee hours of the night (when I should be sleeping), but I'm going for it anyway...

I love having intelligent, insightful conversations...even if all parties do not agree. Business classes teach about brainstorming and round table discussions for idea development. They are on to something. We are all molded by genetics, environment, experiences, etc. No two individuals are exactly the same. Our understanding is directly influenced by nature and nurture. These principles make discussion so empowering...if we allow it.

Fact: All of us are human, thus none of us perfect. Valuing the ideals and opinions of others is a staple to great wisdom. The ability to truly hear from others, digest (and dissect and explore) various data, and incorporate knowledge into life are learned traits. We think we have it all together. Honey, you know nothing...you only believe you know what you believe to be knowledge. Everything we believe we know is based on some primal degree of faith...faith that the source of that knowledge we believe we have is a reliable, valid source.

I support the sharing of information. Sure, some may say that certain ideas are so wrong and shouldn't even be entertained. Well, I say how do you know until you know what that idea is. A former co-worker once made the comment that she listens to rap and stays informed regarding rap artists so she has the knowledge to speak to youth about the things they should or shouldn't listen to. How can I blindly say "Don't listen to XYZ cause they are a bad influence" when I have never heard the lyrics of their music. The same goes with relationship with Christ.

The Word of God says every man is responsible for their own soul's salvation. I can't save you. I can't convert you into Sabbath observance. I can't judge you into heaven or the soon coming Kingdom of God. None of these things is within my power. However, what I can do is understand why I do as I do and believe as I believe. What I can do is gain an understanding of why another does or believes as they do. One man plants the seed, another plows, another gains the increase. It is our duty to share information and gain information. Fact: The Bible says iron sharpens iron.

In a previous discussion with a loved one, the statement was made that exposure equals responsibility. Once I receive knowledge, I am responsible for what I do with it...in my life and in imparting it in the lives of others.

What is your variety? Do you have variety? Do you fear variety? Grow...expand your garden.

#tisall....fornow
Me