Happy Friday, Friends:
I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama! This day is going to be special…I can feel it!
Merriam-Webster defines conviction (not the criminal kind!) as:
A: a strong persuasion or belief
B: the state of being convinced
I have had a week when conviction reared its head a couple of times. In a meeting yesterday, I stated something passionately…just as I had the day before—and it was at that moment that I realized it was a conviction that I was feeling and that others were hearing and seeing. And where were these convictions purified? In challenging moments, days, and seasons of life.
In my life, I have found that the things I am most passionate about, the things that are convictions, have been crystalized and purified in the crucible of life. I can hope, think, or say I believe something or that I would do something in a given situation; however, when the fiery trials of life burn white hot, there is no more hoping, thinking, and saying what I believe or what I would do; it is only actions that matter.
I have a few thoughts:
1. Be fully present in the trials of life, lean in, and honor your spirit. I have made decisions that I thought could or would cost me my job. It was hard, painful, and scary. As I sit on the other side of those storms, I am grateful for what they proved to me. They clarified my values and principles. I know without a doubt what I believe, what I am willing to sacrifice, and what I am not.
2. Be slow to judge others. We are all in different places and different phases of life. I have experienced things you have not, and you have experienced things I have not. While I might think I know what I would do if I were in your situation, I really don’t. Unless I am living and experiencing everything you are, what basis do I have for making any sort of judgment?
3. There is wisdom in listening to others. Again, each of us has experienced things that the other has not. A wealth of wisdom, knowledge, and perspective is walking around in truly remarkable women and men who have experienced different trials in life. If we only listen, we can glean wisdom, knowledge, and perspective without having to experience the trial ourselves. And maybe, just maybe, we will have a deep appreciation for another precious soul.
I sit here and smile as I think about the talks I have given. Many times, my boys have told me, “You speak so passionately; it’s kind of scary.” And what have they heard me speak about most? My deepest passion is men being the Godly men, husbands, and dads they were created to become. And where was that born? Let me respectfully say it this way; that is not what I experienced as a little boy. I know pain, I survived that fire, and I have made significant sacrifices to be the Godly man, husband, and dad God has called and created me to be. I am not wondering what I would choose or do; I decided, and I did! Are the trials and tests over? Absolutely not, and I don’t believe they will until I hear the sweet words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
I want to encourage all of us to live life fully present, honor the convictions of our spirit when we face the various trials of life, and reach back and share our wisdom, knowledge, and perspective as those who have been purified by the fire with those who follow in our footsteps.
I have to share a few quotes to end this Happy Friday:
“He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.” - Louisa May Alcott
“Convictions are the mainsprings of action, the driving powers of life. What a man lives are his convictions.” - Francis Kelley
“Protect your vision. Prevail over adversity. Persevere in the midst of turmoil. Passionately act upon your convictions. Purposely walk into the day.” - Mary Anne Radmacher
“We need men with moral courage to speak and write their real thoughts, and to stand by their convictions, even to the very death.” - Robert Green Ingersoll
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you in any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day and a wonderful weekend; please cherish your precious family and stay well!
Kev
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