Be a Light

Every once in awhile (thankfully not often) I have one of those days where I see the world crumbling before me. Not my world, but the world in general, especially in the country I live in. I had an extremely discouraging trip to the supermarket the other day. Immediately upon entering, someone else was in my same path on the way out. Instead of moving aside saying excuse me, he veered quickly making nasty comments toward me as he walked by. Not the end of the world. I have thick skin and certainly don’t get my feelings hurt easily. It would have been ok if things ended there, but they didn’t. A few minutes later I asked a couple of associates for help looking for different things. In a very bothered and nasty way, they answered my question. Other people in the supermarket were being nasty to each other. This was very surprising to me. Normally people and associates at this supermarket are very friendly. My part of the U.S (Buffalo, New York) is a part that is generally friendly. We are known as the city of good neighbors, and the city often lives up to its nickname. The worst part of this experience is when I exited the store and was in the parking lot. There was a car with flags for gay pride and black lives matter. Now the only stance I will take on these topics now is that everyone has a right to express what they believe. However, what absolutely killed me is that a man was walking in the parking lot screaming and cursing continually at the people in the car. There was also a black man walking by. I was afraid that the screamer was yelling at him, and I asked that man if that was the case. He told me no, that the guy was yelling at the car. However, a minute later someone else was yelling at that black man causing him to yell back! Again, these are incidents and issues I see far less in my city than in other places.

I was feeling a wide range of emotions after this awful experience. I was shocked. I was scared that something further negative would develop as a result. What scared me more was the anger I could feel building up inside me. In fact, so much so that this extremely peaceful individual who avoids conflict at all costs was ready to argue and fight back with anyone else who decided to start trouble. Luckily, I eventually caught myself and thought logically. I decided that instead of adding to the problem I needed instead to figure out something that could solve the problem. It was then that I was reminded of a song I’ve been hearing lately, and also about something I’ve written about often. The song is a Thomas Rhett country collaboration called “Be a Light.” It talks about being a light in a dark world. It’s a beautiful song, and if you want to take a listen, here it is. I then reflected again on one of my favorite Bible verses which is Matthew 5:14-16 which says… You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

This world can be a very dark place sometimes, especially with all that is going on now with pandemics, protests, senseless shootings, and God knows what else. It is very easy to fall into a negative frame of mind as a result. However, I challenge myself and you my cherished reader to handle this darkness in a different way. Let us instead light our worlds with the light that lives in every one of us. Instead of placing it under a bushel, let us “put it on a stand and give light to everyone in the house.” My work environment is a very negative place, and yours may be too. Let us shine our light there. Will we completely take away the darkness and make everyone there happy? No, but even if we can make a difference for some, we’ve used our light in a positive way. Is your home a dark and negative place? I hope not, but if it is, shine your light brightly and be a positive inspiration. You can indeed make a big difference. Wherever you are, let your light, the one that God has given you shine. Just like a sunny day after 3 rainy ones can brighten your mood, so can a shining Godly light after days, weeks, or even years of darkness.

My supermarket experience the other day was a reminder that we don’t fight evil with evil. We don’t fight darkness with more darkness. Instead, we change darkness by turning on the light. As soon as this thought entered my mind, my emotions changed from anger and wanting to bring justice to peace. I left the supermarket quickly as I had other places to be. I most likely cannot change attitudes of prejudice and discrimination immediately, but I know I can be a Godly example and do my best to bring light to a dark world, and you can too. At first, it will make a small difference, but if we persist, we may not even realize the great positive influence we can become. We not only bring light to others, but our own worlds light up as well. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

Shine Your Light…Be a Positive Inspiration

I have written several articles about the light we have within us, and how God loves it when we act as a beacon to shine this light to those around us.

I was inspired again as I read the Bible verse that most prominently discusses this idea. Matthew 5:14-17. It says “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

Another version puts it like this… “Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” (The Passion Translation).

Do you want to be an inspiration to others? Keep in mind that the Spirit of God (this wonderful light) dwells within you. You can inspire others by simply removing any barriers to it and allowing it to shine. And the great thing about this is that God is glorified as a result. In addition, your own life will be blessed.

I challenge you today to let your light shine brightly, and see how many people you can “brighten their day”. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

In 5 Years Movie

I received this wonderful inspiration today and wanted to share it with my readers…

 

Here is what I know to be true…brbrIf you are willing to start working on yourself, never give up on the pursuit of your dreams and make the most of the moments you’ve been given…You WILL accomplish extraordinary things in a very short amount of time.brbrAnd to prove it…I’d like you to watch today’s video and see how much you can get done when you put your mind to it.

via In 5 Years Movie.

Independence Day

Every 4th of July here in the United States we celebrate Independence Day. I admit that I am not the most patriotic person, but in the past few years I have really come to appreciate what the day stands for. It represents the time in our history where we moved away from the people and things that held us back from moving ahead in our God-given destiny.

I share a video here with you not because I feel like rocking out on this 4th of July, but it represents the exact description of what the day represents. As it applies to your country, I recommend you apply it to your life. Let it be a reminder to free yourself from the people, doubts, and bondages that are holding you back from moving ahead to your God-given destiny.

Let today be your Independence Day. As the song says…

Let the rockets blaze across the sky
Raise the flag of faith up high
Let the doubters call it what they may
It’s independence day

Enjoy the blessings 🙂

Inspiration For Those About to Give Up

It’s easy to get frustrated when we aren’t reaching our dreams, isn’t it? I’ve been there and I know how it feels. However, I’ve also learned that in many cases I was closer than I thought to reaching my goals.

I was reading a devotional from my church and found this inspirational poem. The author is unknown, but I still believe the poem is worth sharing to anyone who believes they are far from realizing their desires. Here it is:

When things go wrong, and they sometimes will, and the road you’re trudging seems all uphill

When funds are low and the debts are high and you want to smile but have to sigh

When things are pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don’t you quit!

Life is strange with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns

And many failures turn about when he might have won if he stuck it out

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow; you might succeed with another blow

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man. Often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup.

And he learned too late, when the night slipped down, how close he was to the victor’s crown

Success is failure turned inside out-the silver tint of the clouds of doubt

You never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems afar

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit-it’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit

Remember…success may be closer than you think. Keep fighting just a little longer and you very well may reach the success you crave. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

 

Inspirational Message From a Kid

I always like receiving pep talks, don’t you? There are many inspirational adults who know just the right things to say to build me up, cheer me up, or simply kick me in the butt to get me moving.

I received one such message the other day. We showed it to the students in our school one morning. I believe they enjoyed it. I KNOW I did. The ironic part is that this message came from a kid!

Are you looking for some motivation and inspiration today? I share this short video with you. The main message is that you were made to dance and make a difference in this world, but it isn’t going to happen by just sitting there. it also says that everyone has something to give and make this world better.

This is true, isn’t it? Yet too many of us instead worry about our failures and how far we are from our goals. Yes, there are obstacles and the success you crave may seem like a long way off. However, if you have faith and stay with it you can make things happen. That’s what the most successful people do.

I encourage you to check out this video and wisdom from the kid. I know you will be inspired like my students, fellow teachers, and I have been. Enjoy 🙂

A Dose of Inspiration and Motivation

The other day, a friend from work sent a video to inspire the staff. I am always one that enjoys these positive boosts, being that I often like to be the one that provides these messages myself.

I watched the video she sent, and although it was well done, it really didn’t strike me, and I was disappointed that I didn’t receive the promised inspiration. However, there was a list of similar videos, and that’s where I hit the gold mine.

So now I play my part in forwarding the daily pick-me-up to you. You may recognize some of these movie scenes. Even if you don’t, I believe they will quickly be entrenched into your mind. I invite you to watch, enjoy, and be inspired. Have an excellent day!

Overcome the Darkness

Whatever you do, just don’t look back.
Oh somebody needs the light you have.
Whatever you do, just don’t lose heart.
Keep on pushing back the dark

The above lyric is from a Josh Wilson song I heard the other day. I find it very inspirational that if we decide to do so, we can allow our light to overcome any darkness around us.

He further adds these inspirational lyrics…

don’t underestimate the God you follow.
He is the light that burns inside your soul,
So keep on shining ’til the whole world knows.

I work in a place with much negativity and darkness. It has been my desire in the 6 years I’ve been there to make a difference, but it’s very difficult to do. It’s empowering to know that all I have to do is put my switch in the “On” position and let God’s light shine. It is His light that shines through me that will ultimately remove the darkness.

The same is true for you today. Simply be aware that God’s light is there, put your switch on, and let His beautiful light shine through you to eliminate the darkness. There’s somebody who desperately needs that light you have. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

Inspiration For Those Stuck in the Snow

It’s been a brutal winter for those of us in the eastern two thirds of the United States. In my area, Buffalo NY, we’ve already received over 100 inches (250 cm) 0f snow, and they say more is on the way.

If you too are tired of the snow and cold, or facing a different type of relentless negativity in your life, I will share a message I heard this morning on a Christian radio station. It said, “this Footprints thing works great in the snow too”. In case you’re not familiar, it refers to the famous story of a person looking back on their life from Heaven. They see footprints in the sand…their own and those of Jesus. However, the person becomes bothered by the fact that during the most difficult times in their life, there is only one set of footprints. The person asks Jesus why this is, since they were always told Jesus would be with them during the toughest times. It is them that Jesus reassures that the footprints were not the individual’s, but His because it was during those most trying times that “I carried you”.

Indeed, the same is true for the snow. If you are tired of the snow and cold, or you are just facing difficult circumstances overall, leave only one set of footprints in the snow…those of Jesus as He carries you. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

A Selfish Way To Positively Impact Many People

If you are like me, you have a sincere desire to positively impact those around you.  I am constantly trying to find ways to better serve others and bring people to a higher level. In fact, that’s the main reason for this blog!

I once read a very interesting fact in a Wayne Dyer book (I’ve actually read many interesting facts in his books). It said that when we are in a high emotional state, we can impact many people because of it. This is not only true for those around us, but it says this high energy you create can impact many beyond people your realm. He also says that if your energy is negative, it can have negative effects. He jokes to watch your energy level because you could be potentially depressing someone in Bulgaria(or whatever far away place) right now.

At first, I questioned how this could be true. However, I went with it because I know the importance of maintaining a positive, high energy emotional field. However, as I’ve learned more, I realize the potential we have to impact many.

I have learned a great deal lately about the power of connection. In fact, I recently wrote an article about it that you can check out here..https://powerofpies.wordpress.com/2013/07/16/a-connection-to-an-old-commercial/ 

How does this power of connection help you impact people? This principle states that you are connected to everything and everybody in this universe. This is because the Godly spirit that is a part of you is a part of everything else.

Ok, so how can I take advantage of this connection to positively impact those around me. you ask? My answer may seem very ironic at first. However, once you read the explanation, I believe the light will go on for you as it did for me. In order to impact the most people, you need to…pay strict attention and focus on giving the absolute best to….YOU!

Have I lost you yet? How can focusing on the supreme best for you help others? Again, it’s all in the principle of connection. You are connected to everything. When you enhance the good for you and take yourself to the absolute highest positive energy level, you are automatically doing it for everyone else. Since you are connected to everyone else on this planet, when you shine your own light brighter, you are literally shining the spiritual light of everyone else. You are adding energy to the universal light if you will.

This can enhance your life in other ways too. For example, if you want to “add light” to your bank account, just increase your positive vibration when you think about money. Know that you are connected to every single dollar in the universe. When you increase your own positive vibration about money, you are in turn increasing the positive vibration for all money as a whole. As a result, you attract more to yourself. I believe this is one of the big reasons that the world’s economic situation is as difficult as it is. There are so many individual minds thinking negatively about money that it impacts the negative energy about money itself as a whole.

Remember that you are connected to everything and everybody in this universe. Which part of that connection do you have total control of? That would be you. I remind you again that when you maximize the positivity and greatness of your part of that connection (which you automatically have in the Spirit of God that is part of you), you maximize the qualities of the connection as a whole. In this case, it’s OK to be selfish because in your “selfish” act of making yourself better, you are automatically taking everyone and everything else with you. Hopefully that’s a great idea you can connect with. Enjoy the blessings : )