Think On This

 Have you ever said to someone, “That person needs a good talking to, or maybe just a kick in the pants.” Perahps you are at a time in your life when you think that person might be you. Whatever the case, I came across the best quote this weekend. It’s been around awhile, but I had not been able to track down the entire wording.

I was on a plane going from somewhere to somewhere last year and didn’t opt for the $5 headphone charge to watch the movie. I had work to do during the flight, so that trumped the entertainment choice for the day. But as the movie started I questioned my decision. It was Rocky Balboa. And was supposedly the final finale to the famed Rocky series.

Now, lest I lose you here, I must divulge that I am a huge Rocky fan, and even enjoy the Rambo films. (I know. Call me crazy.) In my humble opinion, however, Sylvester Stallone made some great, all-American style movies, and so has earned my appreciation. But back to the words of wisdom.

It wasn’t until a few days ago that I came across one of the best quotes I have seen in a long time. If you saw the movie, you know exactly which scene I am referring to. Rocky is outside his restaurant with his son. The son is letting his dad know that life has not been easy in his father’s shadow. It is then that Rocky lets him have it. And I have to tell you, this is some great script:

“…the time come for you to be your own man and take on the world, and you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you’re no good. And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that! I’m always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You’re my son and you’re my blood. You’re the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain’t gonna have a life. Don’t forget to visit your mother.”

Maybe today, you just needed a little fresh perspective. Or, you might know a friend that could use a word for the wise. Whatever the case, I hope this will be an encouragement to you. As it was for me.

Best,

S.

As the radio host chattered away, I noticed that my distraction began morphing into focus as I worked to discover just exactly what the ranting and raving was all about.  Apparently, this person of influence had received a bit of info and he was off and running. Interestingly, the very location toward which I was driving, and would arrive at shortly, would have the true inside scoop on the very situation at hand. 

As I walked through that particular door, I soon found myself in conversation with the key folks that knew what was actually going down from the inside out.  And, not surprisingly, the radio host was wrong.  But the deed was done. He had riled his troops into a frenzy and the listening audience was starting to panic.Sadly, this person signed off the air without seeking to confirm or correct his blather. If the show host had been solely interested in creating a buzz, he succeeded.  If his intent was to rile and upset.  He managed that, too, as well. What saddened me is that he left a lot of clean up and fall out for a lot of hard-working,  innocent by-standers. 

These supposed people-in-the-know types love to be seen and heard.  And if they find themselves with a bit of key information, whether vetted or not, they set out to find the first listening ear they can track down. Basically, they are in essence looking for anything to get into, or keep them in, the spotlight.  There is no concern for the innocent parties involved. They have an inside tid-bit, and they are going to use it for what they are sure will be to their advantage. 

With that, the next time someone runs to you with news, do your best to ask for the source.  You will usually find that people either are hesitant to name it, or at times, they honestly don’t even know the origination. Nor do they care. They heard what they wanted to hear.  But a simple, “Where did you get that?” stops of alot of these ner’e-do-wells in their tracks. 

Much unnecessary angst and consternation occurs due to this very type of relayed communication.  Let’s strive together to be the type of people that don’t perpetuate the mess but rather work to get the story straight. And with that, just my thoughts on this lovely fall day. S. 

Keep Your Powder Dry

If you have not used this statement before, chances are pretty good that you have at least “heard tell of it”, as we say down here in the south. I always thought it meant to simply stay calm and remain cool when under pressure. Never let them see you sweat, kind of thing. So you can imagine I was a bit surprised when I learned that the saying originated during the Revolutionary War period.

The phrase actually goes like this, “Trust in God, but Keep your Powder Dry.” (Not too surprising that over the years we’ve dropped the “Trust in God” part, but let’s get back to the topic at hand.)

I am a huge American History buff. And George Washington crossing the Delaware (then taking out the German mercenaries on Christmas Day) is one of my absolute favorite stories. A remarkable event.

Legend has it that General George Washington said to his soldiers before they began to cross the river in boats with their rifles in hand, “Trust in God, but keep your powder dry!” In other words, if we have come this far, and if all we have are our guns to do the job on the other side, do not, I repeat, do not let that gun or the gunpowder get wet! Protect your gear and your ammunition. It will be what leads us to victory or it will lead to our demise.

What in your life needs to be ultimately protected? Is there something that you need to focus on completely that could either mean life or death to a particular moment or situation? Maybe it’s mental, emotional, physical or spiritual. Only you know. It could mean a marriage, your job, a relationship, an event. It can be many things. And it might not be easy, but you know deep down, you’re going to need it down the road.

My thought today is, when you get to the really scary part of whatever it is that you have to do, Trust God. Trust Him to help you cross that river, in the dead of night, no matter how tired you are or how dangerous the task. Just keep going. Do what you have to do, and above all else, protect and keep your powder dry. Whatever that precious commodity is in your life. It’s all you will have with you when you land. And it is what you will desperately need with you when you come to the other side.

A little deep today, but I think you can navigate the literary waters.

S.