Nexus
It seems that our nation becomes more and more divided as time passes. We are divided by politics. We are divided by race. We are divided by religion. We are divided by economics. However, we have more in common than we do differences. We must focus on the ties that bind. We are connected by our humanity. We are connected by our experiences. We must on focus on our nexus.
Woke
Being woke is nothing new. It's just a new term for an old movement. There have always been anecdotes about slumber. My generation warned each other about "sleeping." The generation before warned that "the revolution would not be televised." Knowledge never comes to those who are not informed, nor does not come to those who do not seek it. We must be diligent in our pursuit to know and do more. The information is out there, and it is more accessible than ever. Woke is more than a movement. It is a choice. #dontsleep
Zeal
It's almost the end of the year and with the holidays just around the corner, most of us are on cruise control. We tend to be extremely lax concerning any goals we set earlier in the year because it seems like they won't be accomplished. We may feel defeated or discouraged because this year did not go as planned or maybe that's just me. I had big plans and high hopes. I set goals, and though I have not accomplished all of them, I did accomplish some. I learned a lot, grew a lot, and I am refocusing. I've got my second wind. The year is not over. I still have time and so do you. Find your zeal. Get back in the game and let's finish strong.
Yelp
Genesis 4: 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
In light of recent events, I was reminded of the story of Cane and Abel. Long story short, Cane killed his brother out of jealousy. While it seems hard to fathom, what would cause someone to kill another human being in cold blood? We live in a day and age where murder and genocide are all too common. Our churches are not safe. Holy ground is not sacred. Domestic terrorism is real. I can't help but think that but by the grace of God that could have been my church, my cousin's mosque, or my co-worker's synagogue. As people of faith, we must recognize that there must be some sort of atonement. Just as Abel's blood cried out, so does the victim's of America's violent past and present. Can you hear their cries? What can we do to help prevent these senseless tragedies? Is it gun control? Is it acknowledging mental health? Is it recognizing domestic terrorism? Sound the alarm. Hear the yelp, and ask what hast thou done?
yelp noun
a short sharp cry, especially of pain or alarm.
Xenial
It's holiday season. Fall decorations are on sale. Turkeys can be preordered. Holiday menus are being planned. Party invitations are being sent. It's all about hospitality. As you prepare your homes to entertain guests, make sure that you prepare your heart. Make sure that you have a xenial spirit. A xenial spirit is a hospitable spirit, one that is giving, loving and kind.
"Hospitality is not about inviting people into your perfect home, it’s about inviting them into your imperfect heart."
Question
I was a very inquisitive child. I asked a lot of questions. I wanted to know everything. I believe that every question is a learning opportunity. Question everything. Get to know the who, the what, the when, the why, and the how. These are very important questions. At some point in our lives, we all question our existence. We want to know, why am I alive? What's my purpose? Will my life matter? Who am I? What do I want to be when I grow up? What do I want to do with the rest of my life? Questions encourage our curosity, and often cause us to get the answers the desperately need. What question do you need to be answered? What question are you afraid to ask? Questions are the first step in our journey of self discovery. Today, take the first step. Ask that burning question.
Obstacles
I love obstacle courses. In fact, I attempted the ninja course at Slingshot Entertainment this past summer. I use the word attempt very lightly. The very first challenge required me to overcome my fear. There were a few other challenges where I overestimated my physical ability and hurt myself. I realized quickly that this obstacle course was designed to present both physical and mental challenges. Obstacles in our lives cause us to re-evaluate our capabilities. Some obstacles present mental challenges, while others present financial or physical challenges. Identify the obstacles in your life. Are they physical? Are they financial? Are they mental? Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Create a time sensitive plan with a deadline. Execute the plan.
"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”― Confucius