Greetings!
When I was in my early thirty's I was involved in my first men's group at the church we were attending. The ages ranged from twenty somethings to sixty somethings. There were about 8 or 9 of us as I remember. Probably the only reason this experience sticks in my memory was because of one man. I don't even remember his name but his story was one of those ah ha moments in my life.
He was probably in his early fifties, which seemed old to me at the time. I remember he was very quiet and to himself. One evening he spoke up and told the group a startling revelation.
"Ive been running from the law for over thirty years. I know God has forgiven me but I feel like He wants me to face my past and make it right also." He went on to tell us, "When I was a young man I got in a bar fight and killed a man. I was so scared I ran. I moved to another State, changed my name and I've been running ever since. I realize now if I'm ever going to have peace in my life I have to go back and make this right."
We all gathered around, I'll call him "John", and prayed that God would guide him and that he would find the peace he was looking for. He came back to the men's group a few weeks later and told us this amazing story.
"When I got to this little Texas boarder town where the fight had occurred I went to the Police station and told them my story. The Police checked their records and there was nothing on or around the dates I gave them that sounded like what I was describing. We checked the Hospital and Newspaper archives and still nothing. The Police told me there was nothing to charge me with and to go home."
The basic reaction from all the men was one of thankful relief for "John". There was lots of speculation as to what it all meant.
I found "John's" story unsettling. I ask God, "what was that all about. What do you want me to take from all of this."
In the following days and weeks this is what I feel God was telling me. Fear was the overwhelming emotion controlling "John's" life at that moment. At the time I'm sure "John" didn't feel like he had a choice as to his emotion but he really did. There is a scripture that comes to mind.
...I have set before you life and
death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your
children may live and
that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast
to him. Deuteronomy 30 19-20
"John" was consumed with fear and he choose to believe a lie rather then the truth of the situation and it ruled his life for over thirty years. It crippled every aspect of his life and set him on a path that caused him to be "lost" for more then half his life. No one he encountered knew the real "John". They couldn't."
Here is the point I've taken away from this. We all have beliefs about ourselves that may just not be true. "You're too young, you're too old, too skinny, too fat, what makes you think you can do that, no one in your family has ever been good at that, etc. etc. We as parents, coaches, teachers or friends can cause someone to believe a lie without even being aware of it. A word, or a look of disapproval toward an impressionable child can plant the seed of a lie they will believe about themselves for the rest of their lives.
Most of the coaches, teachers and parents I encounter everyday through my business are wonderful examples of uplifting character builders. That's why I love this industry so. You guys are an inspiration to everyone you encounter. You won't let them believe the lies. Keep up the good work.
God Bless, I love you all.
Don
Watch this great little Video |
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Needle Scale on Beam  | Senior Gifts and
Awards
It's that
time of year
I've been making
some great Senior awards this year. This is a wonderful way to say
"Good Job" and create a memory for a life time
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