“After the game is over, the king and the pawn go into the same box." Italian ProverbApparently the division manager was having car problems. “Can I help with anything?” I asked. “Thanks for asking, but a tow truck is on its way. See ya tomorrow.” I went on my way, but I have to admit, it was sort of surreal. Someone who makes four times what I make is having car troubles. What was I thinking! Of course he has car problems. Just because people get out of his way when he walks down the hall, and everyone spends hours preparing before a ten minute presentation to him, he’s still just like the rest of us. He has to get his teeth cleaned, just like the rest of us. He has to walk his dog before going to bed, just like the rest of us. When I got in my car I waited, watching him from a distance. I thought of the line in the movie The Family Man where the tire salesman said to the Wall Street CEO, “Wall Street, Main Street; it’s all just a bunch of people getting up in the morning trying to figure out how they’re going to send their kids to college. It’s just people.” Are there people in your life - film stars, athletes, musicians, Internet personalities - who are somewhat intimidating? Do you wonder what it must be like to be them? How will you think of them differently so you won’t be intimidated; and you’ll feel just as real, just as important, just as significant?
Lord, may I never forget to see people through Your eyes; to remember that You love each of us the same regardless of our jobs, our talents, or our accomplishments. Amen
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“Great perils have this beauty, that they bring to light the fraternity of strangers.” Victor Hugo October 1989. The third game of the World Series. San Francisco and Oakland…”The Bay Bridge Series.” At five o’clock the nation watched as a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit California and rocked the stadium. The World Series was postponed for ten days. Ground liquefied, homes destroyed, freeways collapsed, bridges failed, and roads crumbled. I was under my desk, thanks to earthquake drills in grammar school. When I came out ceiling tiles lay across desks, bookshelves were strewn across the floor, and walls had broken away from the retrofitted earthquake pillars. In less than a minute, millions of people in three western states and Mexico were shaken to attention. The sun was setting on a chilly October evening. My 40 minutes commute became hours. Although the roads were packed with people wanting to connect with family, surprisingly there wasn’t gridlock. Every intersection became a four-way stop, and people were graciously allowing common courtesy to reign. One sight I’ll never forget was a Boy Scout—maybe 12 or 13 years old—standing in the middle of a very large intersection directing traffic with a flashlight. Unlike any other time in all my experience driving in the San Francisco Bay Area, every driver was patiently waiting their turn. We were all courteous to this young man who was doing his part to allay some of the chaos. In the weeks and months following the quake, it was common to hear people discussing their experiences. During these talks I usually would hear a comment about how ‘friendly’ or ‘kind’ or ‘peaceful’ it was in those initial weeks. Ideologies that separate us were not an issue; we all came together to help and support each other. These conversations usually ended with, “Why can’t we be kind to each other all the time?” This reminded me of the song we learned when I was a Girl Scout: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our Father, brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now. With every step I take let this be my solemn vow; To take each moment and live each moment, in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Are you hungry for a little kindness in your school/work place/neighborhood? Do we have to wait for another crisis to enjoy common curtesy? What will you do today to take the first step?
Lord, I’m certain you did not intend for us to have so little peace among neighbors, co-workers, and strangers; give me the courage to let common courtesy and peace begin with me. Amen “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Victor Hugo (1802-1885), a French poet, novelist, dramatist, journalist, artist, politician and Peer of France. He is considered one of the greatest and best-known French writers. Of his 78 published works, outside France he is best known for Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. "You can't change the past. Whatever has happened in your life so far, both good and bad…all the decisions and events that have made you what you are today are indelibly inscribed in the story of your life. But with God's help you can change the future." Billy GrahamI tried to keep a grin on my face but I really wanted to turn and run. My sister, Joyce, invited me to a beach party with the church's singles group. As we walked across the sand she said, “I’d like you to meet the people who prayed for you.” What had she told them about me? I felt naked, unable to put one foot in front of the other. These were the very people I did not want to meet. I wanted to get away from my past and immerse myself in a new circle of friends that only knew my changed life. I felt by meeting these people who knew my past, it would label me with all the things I preferred to forget. I resumed walking, but with less enthusiasm. My original smile had faded. Joyce, sensing my discomfort, said, “Libby, it’s okay. We're all sinners saved by God’s grace.” Within minutes of being introduced all my fears were allayed. These people that had some knowledge of who I had been, greeted me with welcome smiles and friendly conversation. Was this for real? No one looked sideways at me. No one seemed to be whispering when they thought I wasn’t looking. They seemed genuinely nice. I admit the thought never occurred to me that they were sinners, too. They were all such nice people. It didn’t dawn on me that each of them also had a past, but their futures were made new when they met Jesus. Gradually I relaxed. My hope for a fresh start among a new crowd settled back over me as I enjoyed the evening. It was a while before I understood what Paul was saying in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away, behold new things have come.” Are you trying to live a new life? Have you buried your past and want only to be known for your current reputation? What can you do right now to release the past and live for the future? (*) Lord, thank you that I don’t have to erase my past because you have already forgotten it, “as far as the east is from the west.” Give me direction and strength to live a life pleasing to You, that I will not be ashamed of. Amen “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 What are your thoughts? Libby
(*) An example of a prayer, said with a sincere heart, is all it takes to have God put your past permanently behind you. God, I don’t understand all about you or your son Jesus, but I want to! I give up trying to control my life…I’ve made a mess of it on my own, making all sorts of mistakes that I'm ashamed of. I want to follow your lead all my life and try to live in a way that is pleasing to you, but I need your help. Please come into my life, forgive my mistakes, and be my Friend, my Savior and Lord. If you just prayed this prayer, please feel free to contact me. “Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it." Katharine WhitehornAs a kid I loved to read. I got my first idea for a book while in school, but I was never encouraged to write. Ten years later I got an idea for a children’s book, but didn’t think I was qualified since I didn’t have kids. A few years later, I got an entire outline for a non-fiction book; but again I never wrote the book because I had never taken any writing courses. I had an excuse for every inspiration. If only I was an English major, had a background in journalism, had been writing all my life, had encouragement to write as a child. If only I had the proper credentials, had experience in the field. If only I was taller, shorter, funnier, prettier, thinner... I was certain the ideas were inspired, but who was I to think I could be a published writer? Yet I love to write, and I do write, but strictly for my own benefit. I guess you could say I’m a 'compulsive journaler.’ Then, a few years ago, I attended a writer’s conference (several actually), where I was challenged to come up with a topic for an exercise in a workshop. The words “write about what you know” went through my head, followed by the idea about the ministry my husband and I serve in: the Christian Motorcyclists Association. My idea turned into an outline for a book, eventually a detailed plot and now I’m working on my second draft. In the mean time I’ve had a few magazine articles and some short stories published. As Julie Mayhew said, “Anyone can write a book. And anyone should, so that we have more diversity of voices in publishing.” Julie put words to my thoughts about beginning this blog and I’m glad I did. Even if I only bless one person with what I write, it’s worth it. Are you holding back from what you love to do? Do you feel unqualified or not thoroughly trained in the craft? What will you do now to put aside your old thoughts and move forward with you passion? Lord, thank You for the inspiration, the passion and the encouragement from other Christian writers; help me to practice my craft and use it to Your glory. Amen “And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” Philemon 1:6 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Katharine Elizabeth Whitehorn, CBE, (1928- ), a British journalist, writer, columnist and radio talk show host; known for her wit and humor as a keen observer of the changing role of women. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2014 for her service to journalism. |
WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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