Universal: of, pertaining to, or characteristic of all or the whole: universal experience. (2.)applicable everywhere or in all cases; general: a universal cure. (3.) affecting, concerning, or involving all.
Universal facts!
What do You Believe?
I
think what is important to acknowledge immediately is that we all have a
belief in something. That is a fact. We all have a belief concerning
God; either we believe or we don't. Saints and sinners; atheists and
apostles all have an opinion, and a "belief" concerning God. What we
believe will shape the decisions and choices we make, it will determine
how we raise our children. Our beliefs will separate us from certain
people and it will draw us closer to others. And if we're fortunate, and
blessed, our beliefs will will fuel our passion and deliver us to our
greatest purpose.
Our beliefs will decide our future and they will cement our destiny.
In the last section you read a lot of sentences that began with; " I believe." I believe a lot of things. I believe that warm showers are more pleasurable than cold showers, that know one truly enjoys going to a funeral or to a little league soccer game, and, I also believe that most people are encouraged by a kind word over a hurtful tongue.
Our beliefs will decide our future and they will cement our destiny.
In the last section you read a lot of sentences that began with; " I believe." I believe a lot of things. I believe that warm showers are more pleasurable than cold showers, that know one truly enjoys going to a funeral or to a little league soccer game, and, I also believe that most people are encouraged by a kind word over a hurtful tongue.
Are beliefs are part and parcel to who we are.
In
the end, as you become more vocal on what you believe the more you open
yourself up to criticism, poor behavior directed towards you and out
right hatred spewed upon you. You will be marginalized, talked about and
your beliefs will be trivialized. Bet on it, and bet on it often, if
not always.
Below is a 500 word essay I wrote for "This I Believe". "This I Believe" is
an international project engaging people in writing and sharing
essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. More
than 90,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life,
are archived on their website (mine being one of them), heard on public radio (The Bob Edwards
Show), chronicled
through their books, and featured in weekly podcasts. The project is
based
on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R.
Murrow. I would encourage others to take the time and write an essay
stating what you believe. It is my belief that you will grow from the
experience.
This I Believe
Believe defined by Webster is "confidence in the truth or existence of something without absolute proof one is right in doing so"
and with that definition I was reminded of one of our nation's greatest
philosophers, Crash Davis, played by Kevin Costner in the movie Bull
Durham. Crash stated confidently his belief in "the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber and good scotch."
He commented that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and that a
constitutional amendment is needed outlawing AstroTurf. Crash also
believed that opening presents on Christmas Eve was absurd and kisses
should be "long, slow, deep, soft, wet" and "last for three days."
Much of what Crash said I agreed with; who could argue AstroTurf being outlawed and that "long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days" aren't
wonderful, especially when looking into the eyes of Susan Sarandon.
Costner charmed us with his witty monologue and delivery but it was the
simple fact his character believed in something that reflected thought
that gave many reason to pause.
Stuart Chase, an American economist, commented; "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible."
I agree. What I believe is what I believe.
And
what I believe is parents ruin youth sports, marijuana should remain
illegal and term limits for elected officials are needed. I believe all
should arrive in this country legally, learn English once here and
register to vote. I believe Pee Wee Herman is a comedic genius that I
wouldn't allow to babysit my children, uniforms should be mandatory in
public schools and that Geoffrey Canada should win the Nobel Peace
Prize. I believe our country is best served when Vice President Biden
isn't heard, Vice President Cheney isn't seen and Vice President Gore
isn't heard or seen. I believe coaches get too much of the blame when
their team loses, too much of the praise when they win and too much
money in both instances.
But
with many beliefs it's my faith in God sending His only son, Jesus
Christ, to die on the cross for my sins that sustains me; because of
this I have peace and eternal salvation. I believe in God's greatest
commandment and commission to "love my enemy" and "to spread the gospel" and
because of these beliefs I have no desire to politicize my faith. I
also believe those around me are better served if I live out my faith in
deed; not word, realizing my faith doesn't licenses me to judge a
woman's right to choose or a man's desire to marry another man. What my
faith does provide is the ability to agree to disagree without being
disagreeable and the realization that you can never argue another one
into believing what you believe. In the end, I do believe "You attract more bees with honey than you do with vinegar" and that people would rather see a sermon than hear one.
This I believe.
... stop by again tomorrow as I will post part 3 of this 3 part series that will deal with the 3rd question; "what is your purpose?"
sbb 14.9.12
877
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