TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
12-29-2011
You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matt 5:43-46).
If you are a leader you will have conflict sooner or later. How you manage conflict will determine how good of a leader you will be. Jesus handled conflict in many different ways. Sometimes he confronted the issue head-on, other times He ignored the accusation and went on His way. Sometimes He chose to wash the feet of those who attacked Him.
Dr. Martin Luther King, father of the United States civil rights movement modeled conflict management in the following way:
"On Christmas Day, 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a sermon at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. It was based on this passage and the sermon title was, 'Loving Your Enemy.' Through the course of his sermon, Dr. King suggested three ways by which we can do just that.
First, we must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. Such forgiveness doesn't mean that we ignore the wrong committed against us. Rather it means that we will no longer allow the wrong to be a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness, according to King, 'is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning.'
Second, we must recognize that the wrong we've suffered doesn't entirely represent the other person's identity. We need to acknowledge that our opponent, like each one of us, possesses both bad and good qualities. We must choose to find the good and focus on it.
Third, we must not seek to defeat or humiliate our opponent, but to win his or her friendship and understanding. Such an attitude flows not from ourselves, but from God as his unconditional love works through us.
As followers of Christ who seek to lead as He led, we must remember that the more freely we forgive, the more clearly we reveal the nature of our Heavenly Father."*
Today, be proactive about forgiving those who have been the source of pain in your life.
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Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
One soy Caramel Macchiato please...
SO, I just arrived home from the first night of my commitment to dedicate one night a week to volunteering with a charity. I've been involved sporadically with charities over the years, however, this is the first time I'm making an attempt to set aside a designated day and time to serve others.
This particular evening was spent at the Dallas Life Foundation, where I was tasked with spraying hand sanitizer on the hands of people entering the dining room and then cleaning up the dining hall afterwards. The second half of the night was spent manning the nursery. Mercifully, all the kids were no younger than four.
I'm not quite sure how to describe this experience, as I am overcome with so many racing thoughts. In one evening, I saw so many needs, for both the people serving those in need and for those in need. It was overwhelming to say the least. I'm sure this is a common feeling among people who are new to being a volunteer.
I found several things enlightening, the first being the number of single men of color with children in this shelter; the number of two parent families and the number of children. Lord, the number of children...
These aren't people I expected to see, it just didn't add up. HOW did they get here? I was face to face with my fellow citizens, members of my species, entire families of all different races alternating shower times, worshipping together, socializing with one another. The manner in which I was spoken to, the look of relief that someone took time to serve them, quieted the cynic me and it didn't matter if they were here due to crime, drug or alcohol abuse. I saw ALOT of tired people. But, it isn't just in a shelter that I see tired people, I see them at Starbucks, Walmart, corporate executives and business owners. We are ALL tired and if you're like me, when someone takes the time to serve you, you give them the same look of relief. This is a NATIONAL pain and an embarrassing situation that we like to pretend doesn't exist or we blame the people in this mess. I'm convinced that there's blame to be shared all around.
When the veil of wealth, status and position are stripped away, all that's left is our humanity. There are levels of charity and some of us do it to make us feel good or to fill some college requirement or because it's the holidays. There are those that feel a tap on their shoulder to quietly give of themselves and they want to positively impact other people. I want that level of charity. I'm woring toward taht level of simple human interaction. Oh sure, some of the residents look at me angrily, but, it wasn't me they were angry with, each and every one of us has pride.
After cleaning up the playroom and having had a little guy spit his toys in my hand, I headed to the bathroom to wash my hands. I met a fifteen year old young man about to take a shower. I introduced myself and tried to find a way to relate. He told me his name and after looking at my name tag, he said I thought you lived here. That statement stopped me dead in my tracks because given this economy I could live there and secondly, because since he was a boy of color like me, that's how he saw me. His point of reference was I was a resident and not a volunteer. I'm stil wrestling with that statement. Also, how does that young man get up and go to school everyday and focuses on his studies, knowing that after school he returns to that facility? Don't get me wrong, it could be worse, it should be better...
As I continue in my efforts to be a catalyst in the lives of others, I will relay my experiences via this blog. It is not meant to be boastful about my volunteerism or to seek accolades, it is to hope fully inspire anyone that reads this to take action, commit some time and make a sincere attempt to connect with other people. I could comment on the disparity in regards to wealth in this country or the cleansing of the middle class or the selfishness, cynicism and intolerance of all of us, but it's not that simple.
After my evening out, I've been dealing with shame, my lack of gratitude and my avarice and I felt compelled to stop by Starbucks and order a large Soy Caramel Macchiato hoping I could shake off such ridiculous feelings. After several sips, it just didn't taste as sweet.
This particular evening was spent at the Dallas Life Foundation, where I was tasked with spraying hand sanitizer on the hands of people entering the dining room and then cleaning up the dining hall afterwards. The second half of the night was spent manning the nursery. Mercifully, all the kids were no younger than four.
I'm not quite sure how to describe this experience, as I am overcome with so many racing thoughts. In one evening, I saw so many needs, for both the people serving those in need and for those in need. It was overwhelming to say the least. I'm sure this is a common feeling among people who are new to being a volunteer.
I found several things enlightening, the first being the number of single men of color with children in this shelter; the number of two parent families and the number of children. Lord, the number of children...
These aren't people I expected to see, it just didn't add up. HOW did they get here? I was face to face with my fellow citizens, members of my species, entire families of all different races alternating shower times, worshipping together, socializing with one another. The manner in which I was spoken to, the look of relief that someone took time to serve them, quieted the cynic me and it didn't matter if they were here due to crime, drug or alcohol abuse. I saw ALOT of tired people. But, it isn't just in a shelter that I see tired people, I see them at Starbucks, Walmart, corporate executives and business owners. We are ALL tired and if you're like me, when someone takes the time to serve you, you give them the same look of relief. This is a NATIONAL pain and an embarrassing situation that we like to pretend doesn't exist or we blame the people in this mess. I'm convinced that there's blame to be shared all around.
When the veil of wealth, status and position are stripped away, all that's left is our humanity. There are levels of charity and some of us do it to make us feel good or to fill some college requirement or because it's the holidays. There are those that feel a tap on their shoulder to quietly give of themselves and they want to positively impact other people. I want that level of charity. I'm woring toward taht level of simple human interaction. Oh sure, some of the residents look at me angrily, but, it wasn't me they were angry with, each and every one of us has pride.
After cleaning up the playroom and having had a little guy spit his toys in my hand, I headed to the bathroom to wash my hands. I met a fifteen year old young man about to take a shower. I introduced myself and tried to find a way to relate. He told me his name and after looking at my name tag, he said I thought you lived here. That statement stopped me dead in my tracks because given this economy I could live there and secondly, because since he was a boy of color like me, that's how he saw me. His point of reference was I was a resident and not a volunteer. I'm stil wrestling with that statement. Also, how does that young man get up and go to school everyday and focuses on his studies, knowing that after school he returns to that facility? Don't get me wrong, it could be worse, it should be better...
As I continue in my efforts to be a catalyst in the lives of others, I will relay my experiences via this blog. It is not meant to be boastful about my volunteerism or to seek accolades, it is to hope fully inspire anyone that reads this to take action, commit some time and make a sincere attempt to connect with other people. I could comment on the disparity in regards to wealth in this country or the cleansing of the middle class or the selfishness, cynicism and intolerance of all of us, but it's not that simple.
After my evening out, I've been dealing with shame, my lack of gratitude and my avarice and I felt compelled to stop by Starbucks and order a large Soy Caramel Macchiato hoping I could shake off such ridiculous feelings. After several sips, it just didn't taste as sweet.
Monday, October 31, 2011
What a ride! so far..
WOW! it has been way too long since I've added to the GENEuine Article. I'm so very blessed to be as busy as I have been and there are extremely exciting things coming soon.
So, stay tuned as my blog activity increases and continue visiting The GENEuine Article to receive you'll receive inspiration, motivation and be persuaded to assist you along your journey and find your purpose.
Here's what's in the works, still developing my company, I have a pending partnership with an EXTREMELY large developer. I'm currently chronicling my thoughts and it's taking the form of a book. Consulting opportunites have been more than fruitful, I'm blessed to serve and lastly, I've allocated several days a week to work at charity organizations. Which above all else, I'm THE most excited about.
So, stay tuned as my blog activity increases and continue visiting The GENEuine Article to receive you'll receive inspiration, motivation and be persuaded to assist you along your journey and find your purpose.
Here's what's in the works, still developing my company, I have a pending partnership with an EXTREMELY large developer. I'm currently chronicling my thoughts and it's taking the form of a book. Consulting opportunites have been more than fruitful, I'm blessed to serve and lastly, I've allocated several days a week to work at charity organizations. Which above all else, I'm THE most excited about.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Victory Kingpin Deluxe
I know it's been quite some time since I've posted to The GENEuine Article and it's great to get back in the swing of things! My life has been extremely exciting and full...I've even celebrated my 47th birthday and it turned out to be a doozy.
So, the title of this post is Victory Kingpin Deluxe, which is the name of my new motorcycle and one of the reason I have not been online much as of late.
The past few years have been difficult and personally taxing and yet, it ended on a high note. But, the FREEDOM I enjoy when I hop on my 2005 Victory Kingpin Deluxe is inexplicable, unless you're a fellow motorcycle enthusiast.
My next post will go into greater detail about the freedom, peace and meditative power of motorcycle riding...for now? I'm going out for another ride.
So, the title of this post is Victory Kingpin Deluxe, which is the name of my new motorcycle and one of the reason I have not been online much as of late.
The past few years have been difficult and personally taxing and yet, it ended on a high note. But, the FREEDOM I enjoy when I hop on my 2005 Victory Kingpin Deluxe is inexplicable, unless you're a fellow motorcycle enthusiast.
My next post will go into greater detail about the freedom, peace and meditative power of motorcycle riding...for now? I'm going out for another ride.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Last days of Gene Folkes....
Several years ago, I was under the false impression that I was healthy. I've spent the majority of my life in either a gym, dojo or athletic activity. I've been blessed with great genes, so I don't suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or any other type of ailments. I THOUGHT I was extremely blessed. I'd say that my family was built FOLKES tough and while in my mid-forties, I STILL felt indestructible. I a man who doesn't suffer from a lack of energy! I ENJOY pushing myself to see how far I can go, what are my limits exactly.
One day after a grueling day at Merril Lynch, I hit the weights and talked a co-worker into a marathon bout of racquetball. We played 9-12 games and I was in heaven. You see, to me it never mattered who won or loss, I wanted to go to exhaustion. The problem started with pains in my back, I laughed it off as "no pain, no gain..." It wasn't until later that night, after a trip to the restroom and the pain becoming more and more intense, that my concern grew. As I attempted to take off my shoes, I couldn't bend over. I was rushed to Baylor Medical Center of Plano, where I was told that I was EXTREMELY dehydrated, my keytone levels were high and I was in renal failure. Of course, I made jokes and asked if I'd be able to make an event I had Planned! The look on that young doctors face is STILL priceless. Of course I was admitted and spent the next 5 days attempting to lower my levels and hydrate as much as possible.
It was during that week that my life began transforming, my mortality creeping into view. This body, this machine, this vessel was and is capable of being destroyed or restricted in some way and my mind kept asking what then? What then indeed....
One day after a grueling day at Merril Lynch, I hit the weights and talked a co-worker into a marathon bout of racquetball. We played 9-12 games and I was in heaven. You see, to me it never mattered who won or loss, I wanted to go to exhaustion. The problem started with pains in my back, I laughed it off as "no pain, no gain..." It wasn't until later that night, after a trip to the restroom and the pain becoming more and more intense, that my concern grew. As I attempted to take off my shoes, I couldn't bend over. I was rushed to Baylor Medical Center of Plano, where I was told that I was EXTREMELY dehydrated, my keytone levels were high and I was in renal failure. Of course, I made jokes and asked if I'd be able to make an event I had Planned! The look on that young doctors face is STILL priceless. Of course I was admitted and spent the next 5 days attempting to lower my levels and hydrate as much as possible.
It was during that week that my life began transforming, my mortality creeping into view. This body, this machine, this vessel was and is capable of being destroyed or restricted in some way and my mind kept asking what then? What then indeed....