Blessed Are The Peacemakers
Peace – a word used throughout the ages by people from all walks of life, seeking a peaceful life. And who doesn’t want peace? After all, peace should be the goal of every person on this planet. But what does that mean exactly? Continue reading “Blessed Are The Peacemakers”
I’ve had days when I haven’t felt quite good enough — not smart enough, not qualified or capable enough — basically, that I just wasn’t enough of the really good things. On those days, reality and perception can be very blurry.
The issue of the acrimonious political divide in our country is obvious to everyone. People are increasingly concerned about the battle of right vs. left and talking about the effects the political dysfunction is having on our mental health. Ironically, healing our country is relatively simple, but are people willing to try?
Growing up I was told that having a purpose was vital. Having a reason to get out of bed in the morning, no matter how small the reason, was essential to being happy and contented. That advice was one of the most important things I could have learned.
It’s funny, we’re eager to compliment others, but when they compliment us, sometimes we feel embarrassed and brush aside their praise, as if we’re not worthy of it. Of course, one doesn’t want to be egotistical, but why do we do this? Aren’t we all entitled to some positive self-praise now and then?
We’ve all heard the expression “do good for the sake of doing good.” I believe that what this adage is teaching us, is that we shouldn’t expect a reward of any kind, but should do good deeds and be kind, simply because it’s the right thing to do. So should we be kind, good and generous, just for the sake of it?
A common question heard asked these days is “what has happened to civility?” Indeed, what has happened to it? Where is the courtesy and respect we once afforded to friends and stranger alike? Is it now lost forever, only to be replaced with open hostility? Is a state of agitation our new normal?
Most of us are acutely aware of the old expression “a Wolf in Sheep’s clothing.” The gist of that adage is that there are those among us who will seem like Sheep, but inwardly, are actually ravenous and dangerous Wolves. The Bible covers this caution in significant detail.
In the movie Wall Street, Michael Douglas’s character makes a speech in which he says “greed is good…greed works.” His premise being that he is greedy and that it’s okay to be greedy for more…more money, power and fame. Of course, he is categorically incorrect, as most of us already know.
It’s the dawn of a new year and that means wonderful new possibilities and a fresh start to make our dreams come true. Many of us have one common hope for the new year — to be happy. You might have noted I didn’t say to “find” happiness, but to “be” happy and that’s because there is a huge difference.