Facebook...

Friend: a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

January 12, 2010

Facebook entry...

As you just read Webster's dictionary defines a "Friend" as a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard. I'm not sure how Webster would define a "Facebook" friend, but I do know the word "attached" would be in the definition. I'm attached to some of you because I know where you ate lunch today or what movie you saw this weekend. For others the attachment runs much deeper because of years of friendship or because you carry my last name.

The reasons vary why we become friends on Facebook or in life for that matter. For those of you I call a friend and for those of you who call me a friend I want to thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt over the years.

You watched me fail miserably and you remained by my side. Some of you have seen me be kind and generous at times, and others have watched me behave poorly and have known me to be selfish and an arrogant person. For those who prayed for me...thank you and for those of you who still hold me in high regard, I thank you also.

On December 4, 1983 I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior in a little church in Galloway, Ohio. That church was Cypress Wesleyan. Many of you had no idea because of the way I behaved over the years. From 1992-2005 I acted nothing like a man that had a belief in Jesus Christ. 

In 2006 I realized for me to be the man that God created me to be I had to change who I served. 

I had to stop serving me and start serving Him. 

Some of you have seen me fail in displaying the kind of Christ filled life I'm talking about since 2006 and to you I say thank you again for granting me the benefit of the doubt. Proverbs 18:24 states; "A man that has friends must show himself friendly."

Today, my birthday, I thought there was no better way than to be honest with my "friends".

Now before any of you start thinking that I've lost my mind or this is some "Jerry McGuire" moment...relax and take a deep breath.

It's not.

I didn't write this to make anyone feel uncomfortable, and if you want to laugh at me please go ahead...I truly laugh at myself everyday. But if we are going to be friends I owe it to you to let you know how God has transformed my life and to share with that I want to be known as your friend who wants to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

Thanks for the many birthday wishes and thanks for considering me a friend. - Shawn

sbb  30.6.10  

494

When Ever I Call You Friend . Kenny Loggins

Loose lips sink ships...

Gossip: idle talk or rumor, esp. about the personal or private affairs of others.


 In 2Pac's 1993 big hit "I Get Around" he states...ok let me make sure I get this right, and I quote; 

"Finger tips on the hips as I dip, gotta get a tight grip, don't slip
Loose lips sink ships, it's a trip"

2Pac

Now, I'm almost positive 2Pac was not the first person to utter the words, "loose lips sink ships", but nevertheless, those words ring true today as much as they did in 1993 or in 1883 for that matter.

This week during two different encounters, with two highly successful businessmen, I was reminded and encouraged concerning the importance of not gossiping. Both gentlemen expressed with grace and sincerity their lack of use or interest in gossiping about any company, employee, or anyone. Period.

Both men were older and very wise.

After leaving both meetings I was inspired to take a stronger stance in this area. I'm not one that has a reputation for gossiping, but there are times that I entertain this subject while listening to others talk. It is very easy to do.

No more.

Words, our words, are everything. They can be as refreshing as water in the summertime or they can be the fuel for many quarrels and arguments. Proverbs 18:7-8 states: "Fools get into constant quarrels; their lips get them into trouble. 8 What dainty morsels rumors are, but they sink deep into one's heart." Proverbs 25:23 underscores the importance of not gossiping when it recorded these words: "As surely as a wind from the north brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger". And lastly Proverbs 26:20 states: "Fire goes out for a lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops".

Loose lips really do sink ships.

We as humans have a tendency to believe everything we hear, and all the while we often internalize every spoken word as if it was gospel. My mother, who is one of the wisest people I know, likes to say; "There are three sides to every story...his, her's and the truth". Marvin Gaye said; "believe half of what you see and none of what you hear". 

Both are great pieces of advice.

Words, the right words, are powerful and our conversations have great importance. They can refresh our spirit, satisfy our soul, and encourage our heart. The wrong words and conversations have the potential to divide neighbors and family members, cause strife and consternation at our workplace, and can cause a home to go down in flames. 

Eleanor Roosevelt often said; "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."  With that being said, please excuse and forgive me in advance if I turn a deaf ear when the gossiping begins, and just remember what 2Pac said; "You picked the wrong guy baby if you're too fly,You need to hit the door, search for a new guy". I really don't think he was talking about gossiping, but you get my point.

Remember, like my mom likes to say; "if you can't say anything good about someone then don't say anything at all."
 

 

 sbb  26.6.10  
535
Something To Talk About . Bonnie Raitt

Words of Encouragment...

Encourage: to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathonrace to keep on running.

Today I found a letter that was written to me in 1985 while I was attending Wittenberg University. I received the letter my sophomore year during our basketball teams run at a National Championship; our first of two runs while I was at Witt.

We made it to the "Elite Eight" that year.

The letter was written to me by a pastor from Kentucky. His name was L.D. Campbell.

L.D. Campbell

8453 U.S - P.O. BOX 546

Florence, Kentucky 41042-0546

PHONE 525-8227 

March 28, 1985 

Dear Shawn,

    You might not remember me, but I held the Revival at First Christian church last October. I got a grand article in the mail about a fellow named Shawn Bailey. It was great! I said; "I know this kid!"

    I'm so glad you are getting to play. Looks like you established yourself on the team.

    Shawn, your great attitude just oozes from the article. You keep that attitude and you will really go far. I'm convinced attitude is far greater than aptitude. The winning edge is all in the attitude! And you got it!

    I'm glad our paths have crossed and I got to know you - if only for a little while.

    John has invited me back to 1st Christian in '86 or '87. Do hope you will still be around. If your travels ever bring you to Cincinnati...come see me...would love to have you.

    Take care and may God bless you real good.

   Warmly,

   L.D. Campbell

The reason I wanted to share the letter was to show the power of encouragement in the form of a letter. Mr. Campbell only met me one time, after a church service back in 1985, but yet he possessed the ability to take time out of his day to encourage a young kid in college. All it took was 160 words, a stamp, and thoughtful spirit. The act was selfless and powerful; and twenty five years later it still encourages me. It encourages me to continue to put a "high price tag" on my attitude and to continue with the understanding that people really do pay attention to what we "say" and what we "do". 

Our attitude is truly the one thing we can totally control.

As we move forward with full speed into a different era, an era that is fueled by the most technically advance forms of communication ever known to mankind...email, text, facebook, and twitter, many of us (all of us) would do well to put "pen to pad' and encourage someone today. It might be our spouse, a girlfriend, (if you have the misfortune of having both...simultaneously...spouse & girlfriend...I would advise you not to put anything in writing) it might be a parent or a child; whoever it might be, it is undeniable the powerful effect our words, in the form of a letter, has on another human being. You never know, twenty five years from now someone could be sharing with another how much your letter meant to them.

sbb 23.6.10  (Knocks Me Off My Feet  .  Stevie Wonder)  .  533