PASSION

"There is in this world no such force as the force of a person
determined to rise." ~ W. E. B. DuBois ~


Looking back, we can see severe stresses from times and places where it seemed that certain classes of people were living their dream.

Many remember when elite Americans enjoyed stress-free lives, while dissatisfied others settled for mostly less-than-best.

People sacrificed unimaginable stresses trying to acquire a unique lease on life - as others obviously had. It finally became clear that one's yearning for a special kind of lifestyle was called "passion."

After generations of all kinds of stressful struggles, we came to the realization that our battles were a direct result of our passions. We discovered that passion was a divine inheritance for all.

One of the most astounding discoveries -among black, white, red, yellow, and pink - was that passion is not prejudice. It will dwell in any body's heart.

Let's ponder our own passions. Are we stressing-out while waiting for our dreams to come true? What are we doing, other than stressing, to keep the dreams alive?

Surely, if we are to live our long-awaited dreams, we have to take personal responsibility for seeking ways to grab hold of them. And the absolute first thing we must do is "believe."

Yes, yes, and yes again . . . "IF WE CAN BELIEVE IT, WE CAN ACHIEVE IT."


Peace I leave with you . . .

SAY "THANK-YOU"

"O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." ~ Psalm 107:1 ~


Living in the yesteryears afforded lots of good character. Our elders walked and talked with a deep sense of integrity. One such notable trait was the courtesy to give thanks.

When we received something large or small, new or used, we barely embraced whatever-it-was in our clutches before our mothers and fathers' serious tones echoed in our ears, "Say thank-you."

Whether it was the result of someone doing a good deed, or someone sharing food and clothing and toys, or someone simply showing neighborly kindness, we were required to say "Thank-you."

Rendering thanks wasn’t just on some days, or with certain things or certain people. And it wasn't reserved for special times of the year, either. It was all the time. In those days, giving thanks wasn’t our choice—It was our lifestyle.

Now that the Thanksgiving season is upon us, it’s the perfect time—not to imply the only time—to give thanks . . . especially to God for all His goodness to us. Who deserves more thanks than the Giver of all good and perfect gifts?


Peace I leave with you . . .