‘I  prefer freedom with its dangers to tranquility with servitude.’ The Count Palatine Of Posen

I am reflecting on a recent speech given by one of our leading politicians in our nation this past week,  where he has warned the government from overstepping the mark when it comes to the blanket censorship of the Internet in our land.

Now I am one who believes in responsible censorship – as a tool to protect their citizens, by at least giving them sufficient information so that they then can make their own informed and wise decisions for both themselves, and to also assist them as they guide their children to make wise choices.

But when it comes to a point where the government steps in to overtake even the possibility of having that freedom to choose, then this is where I believe a government has stepped in too far – by becoming BIG BROTHER.

And when it comes to the Internet they will be setting a precedent that could result in the creation of a ‘Cyberspace Curtain’. And from our historical experience of the iron curtain and the bamboo curtain which impinged on religious freedom, freedom of speech and political freedom – this action can only lead to the alienation of many in our society.

Unfortunately, when it comes to governing a nation, and maintaining law and order, there are some in authority who seem to think that we as citizens are incapable of making wise decisions, and that we somehow need to be TOLD what to do in order to sustain a safe and democratic society.

But where is the democracy? Shouldn’t we as a democratic society be issued with the opportunity to make our own decisions, and be given the respect as citizens who can demonstrate their own commonsense  without ‘common – censorship’ that is enforced by government and those seated in authoritative lofty towers.

Not every law is a  good law. History has proven that. At times the law is a complete and utter ass – often fueled by fear and the unknown. But surely a land led under God should allow its citizens to exercise their democratic right when it comes to choosing between that which is right and that which is wrong.

I also agree with the politician, that if a law has been created, but after time has been found wanting, it should be quashed. Stupid laws lead to stupid government, stupid administration, stupid policing and stupid enforcement, and result in wrongly treated and abused breakers of the stupid laws. Now that in my mind is completely stupid.

We are instructed in the Bible to love God, to love our neighbours and to pray for those who are in leadership. Nowhere does it say that we should settle in a state of servitude. My prayer is that our leadership demonstrate wisdom in relation to this matter.

Freedom is at times dangerous. It can be volatile and turbulent, but I would rather live my life in freedom – making my own choices and sometimes even making mistakes, but in doing so defining my own free life – serving in my own free way – than to ever spend a minute chained to the tranquility of servitude.

Dangerous Freedom is a post from: Motivational Memo Blog

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Life’s experiences have taught me that when I am low I can be high, when I am sick I can be well, when I am depressed I can be exuberant, and that when I am poor I can be rich.

Success has never taught me anything of great significance. Oh maybe one thing – the need to remain humble.

But it has been in failure that this pupil has been ready to learn. It has been in the depths of despair, and in the blockade of bumbling that I have become wealthy with the riches obtained while dwelling in the state of a pauper.

For it is in the land called low, the shire called sick, the district called depressed, and the province called poor that I have come to realize that without a life yielded to the one who breathed life in the first place into this clump of mud – a man is nothing  – a wisp of wind that is here one minute and then, in a breath, is gone.

And it is at that point that in my weakness I have been made strong. In my sickness I have been made whole, and in my poverty I have become rich. From depression I have been transported into a state of oppression – oppressing the very demons of doubt and crushing underfoot the gremlins of guilt that have harassed me. From inactivity I have instantly sprung into a state of action – overcoming fear with every step forward.

What began as a gentle whisper in my ear, ‘You can do it’ has grown into a mighty crescendo within my heart until it explodes with an almighty shout, ‘YOU CAN DO IT!’

Belief is forged, as fresh iron in the fiery trial, and my friend ‘failure’ accompanies me to introduce me to my two new friends - ’success’ and ‘humility’. For together they make me strong, and they equip me to reach out to those who are on their own journey – those who are still trying to come to grips with their understanding of the richness of poverty that they are experiencing in their own lives.

The Richness In Poverty is a post from: Motivational Memo Blog

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‘Study to show yourself approved…’ *

I spend at least one hour a day in study. The busier I get, the greater I find the need to dig deeper through the habit of study.

And what do I study?

1. I Study Where My Passion Lies

The bulk of my study time is devoted to my passion. For me my passion lies deeply entrenched in the writings of the philosophers throughout the ages. When I come across a philosopher who impacts my thoughts and my heart, I make it my mission to discover whom they read – and before long I am introduced to the company of those who formed the basis of modern thought as we know it today.

When I read I read to be inspired – and it is from there that I build my own structures – for they are the springboards from which I leap ever forward in my own thinking so that I can continue to be an effective influencer upon those who happen to come into my sphere of influence. As one who seeks to inspire others to excel, I must first be inspired . For me to water others I must first be watered. And this is where I drink deeply – daily.

2. I Study Where My Heart Lies

Part of the process of study involves self examination. This is not purely navel gazing. This is to check the state of my own character. Like all of us, I am as flawed as the next human – but in the process I seek to fill in whatever cracks become apparent along the way. Self analysis is not about self paralysis, but rather self propulsion – becoming better so that we can grow bigger. And the bigger we get – on the inside – the more influence we will have on the outside.

3. I Study Where My Business/Career Lies

One of the keys to the success of any business or career path is that we take time out to evaluate our progress. We set goals that are assigned a particular date for fulfillment. And once we reach that date we need to be strong enough to assess whether we have indeed succeeded or failed to reach that goal. Through the process of evaluation, carried out at regular intervals, we can build towards success with our eyes wide open and in the full light of openness and honesty. The truth always sets us free.

4. I Study Where My Future Lies

The future is where we are all moving towards. How you picture your future will determine how you will fulfill it. So I take time to study the future that I wish to create for both myself, my family and for my colleagues. This involves planning. This involves dreaming. This involves developing progressive goals. This involves the establishment of signposts. This involves the acquisition of new knowledge and the input of mentors. This requires a team effort and of course study – the study of the studious.

* 1 Timothy 2:15a

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‘Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm.’ R. W. Emerson

Throughout my life I know for a fact that the only thing that allowed me to succeed at times was that I attached to my limited talent, my minuscule knowledge, and my defective abilities my secret winning ingredient – and that was enthusiasm.

The day I started a cleaning business after being retrenched, vowing that I would never again work for another man for the rest of my days, I printed some leaflets and walked the streets with my young family putting them into the local neighborhood’s mailboxes. Within a very short time I was earning more part-time in my own business than I was earning working full-time for someone else. Three years later I sold that business at a profit.

I then published my first book ‘Memories, Thoughts & Photographs’ and spent $70 to fix my typewriter so that I could type the manuscript. My first sale of that self-published book netted me over $100,000. Not a bad return on an investment that had been coupled with enthusiasm.

Then when I started my web design business with no design or technical experience, with the assistance of my 14 year old son who was the only one in the business technically inclined, again I printed some leaflets and this time walked alone into some industrial areas. On the very first day of canvassing I returned home having sold five websites.

The only common ingredient in these three success stories was my enthusiasm.

And so I continue to take this same enthusiasm into every day and into every project or adventure that I undertake. For I know that it is through making enthusiasm an essential ingredient in our daily recipe of success that we will surely triumph.

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Destruction is not the purpose of humanity, for all humans have been built to build.

And what are we to build?

1. We Are To Build Each Other

An encouraging word, a pat on the back, an uplifting text or email can change the course of one life in an instant. Be a builder, not a destroyer.

2. We Are To Build Strong Families

A nation is only as strong as the family unit. With the divorce epidemic rampant in our midst there is a need for us to stand up and say no to the ‘D’ word and to say yes to the ‘F’ word – and that word is FORGIVENESS.

3.  We Are To Build Strong Economies

And how do we do that? By working diligently, by giving generously, by providing excellent service, by helping others, and by putting them first in all we do. For those in business – if you serve your customers and your staff well, then they will serve you well. And if you work for a boss, then take ownership of the business and act accordingly as though it is your very own.

4. We Are To Build A Strong Faith

As a Christian my faith comes from hearing and doing God’s word. There is no other way to develop my faith. And to my faith must always be added corresponding action, for faith without works is dead. I must practice what I preach, or else I am nothing but a hypocrite.

Make it your mission to be a builder, for you have been built to build.

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I have to pinch myself sometimes to be reminded that I just could be the luckiest man alive on planet earth.

I live in a democratically run country. I have freedom of religion. I have an abundance of food, the ability to earn as much money as I want, and plenty of opportunity at my disposal.

I can drive what I want and where I want. I can travel freely throughout the world. There are no limitations placed upon me and my dreams. I am loved by my family and my friends – even when I make mistakes.

I can set goals. I can make plans. I can sip lattes, read books, listen to music, watch films,  swim in the ocean, paddle up a river, climb a mountain, and breathe in the fresh air. To do these I don’t ever have to ask anyone’s permission.

I can tap into the latest technology available and communicate with my friends in an instant – whether they live in Peru, Panama, Paris or Portugal.

But with all that freedom I am ruled by one law – the law of kindness. And that law states that the more that I get the more responsible I need to be when it comes to giving.

Get more? Give more!

For I have walked the streets of poverty. I have visited the corridors of leprosy colonies. I have smelt the stench of lack and I have heard need’s cry.

So I am fully aware that as a citizen of planet earth I have a responsibility to reach out to those around me and to  share what I have, as directed by the one who created kindness, with those I am divinely brought in contact with all the days of my life – demonstrating the spirit of the law called kindness.

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The next generation that we have influenced will unveil clear evidence as to how we have lived our lives, unless of course there is divine intervention.

However, as wise as King Solomon was, who lived long before Christ, there were areas in his life where he lived like a fool. And the resulting next generation revealed that fact. The kingdom that he had built, as the richest and wisest man on planet earth in his time – at his departure – was swiftly ripped from the hands of his family through the foolishness displayed by his heir, and the fruit of the foolish things that he himself did throughout his ‘wise’ years.

A tree is always evidenced by the fruit it bears. And if we choose to live foolishly or wisely – the next generation will bring forth the fruit of our lives.

Be aware that our decisions impact the generations. Our values determine the paths of our future inheritance. We cannot stand idly by living as we wish without it having ramifications into the future.

If we sow wild oats we will reap the devastating implications from such choices. If we sow good crops, then we and our heritage will flourish from such a planting.

None of us can ever claim perfection, but we can claim our future and the future of the future generations that will follow -  by choosing on a daily basis to make right and good choices that will build and not destroy.

May the fruit of your life be blessed because you continue to choose life and not death.

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Every one of us has been given certain abilities. But in life, if we are to ever stand above the crowd, we must take those abilities and develop them if we’re ever going to make a significant contribution to the world in which we live.

I must admit that I have come across individuals more talented, more intelligent, more handsome, more connected, more capable, more financial, more able than myself who have failed to reach their full potential, because they have never fully developed or even used those abilities to benefit others.

And yet I have observed others who lack the charisma, the charm, the opportunity, and all the things that one would consider necessary to live an influential life, and yet they have soared. They have turned their limited abilities, in the eyes of others, into what I would call ‘poss-abilities’.

And what is required to take the ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary?

Here are just a few courageous qualities that I have identified in those who live lives filled with ‘poss-ability’.

1. They Have The Courage To Dream

Dreamers are those who dare to live differently. They are forged with a desire to make a difference, to contribute, and to inspire. And it all starts by having the guts to dream something bigger than their ability.

2. They Have The Courage To Take Action

A dream on its own is simply a dream. A dream backed up with a plan and corresponding action is a dream being fulfilled. It positions the dreamer to do one of three things – win, fail, or to have an opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Through the lessons they learn they will become stronger.

3. They Have The Courage To Persist

Once action has begun, there is going to be a time where persistence will need to kick in. This is the period between identifying the dream and actually fulfilling the dream. This gutsy persistence separates those who think that they have a dream from those who know for a fact that the dream is real and true, and will require a double dose of determination to see its ultimate fulfillment. This is where the champion takes over – all the way to victory.

Through these courageous qualities someone’s ability is totally transformed into that wonderful creature called ‘Poss-Ability’.

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I read this obituary the other day that brought a smile to my face. How good would it be to die, and in your death you actually inspire those who are living.

Here is one example of exactly that…

For a late starter, the career of award-winning Hollywood producer David Brown took an extraordinarily successful course. The former journalist produced some major hits that not only became classics, but also made him – and his sometimes employer 20th Century Fox – plenty of money. They included Jaws, The Sting, Chocolat, A Few Good Men and Driving Miss Daisy.

He was a partner with Richard Zanuck in the early 1970s – when they produced the blockbusters Jaws, The Verdict and Cocoon – before Brown started his own career as a film and theatrical producer.

Brown was still producing movies such as Chocolat well into his 80s, including supervising filming on location.

Before going independent with Zanuck, he helped produce Elvis Presley’s first film, Love Me Tender, in 1956. Amazingly, that film covered its costs in its first week.

Successful as he was, it was not all roses for Brown as he was caught in the 1963 production debacle over Cleopatra, in which a saucy liaison between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor and her illness cost the studio millions in delay. He made a comeback with no less than The Sound Of Music and followed it up with Patton starring George C. Scott.

Brown was exceptionally modest, a rarity in Hollywood.

He returned to writing late in life, publishing Brown’s Guide To Growing Grey in 1987, followed by a memoir, Let Me Entertain You in 1990, and the bestseller, The Rest Of Your Life Is The Best Of Your Life just a year later.

At 85, he worked on a Broadway production of Lehman’s Sweet Smell Of Success and produced Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Not a bad career for Brown, who went to Hollywood only because he was involved in a messy divorce and wanted a change of scenery.

Source: The Courier Mail

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‘See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings] of Christ (the Messiah).’ Colossians 2:8 (Amplified)

And yet I love to study the philosophers of the ages and their writings – whether it be Aristotle, Plato, Cicero, Demosthenes, Homer, Hippocrates, Aeschines, Plutarch, Montaigne, Machiavelli, Aurelius, Seneca, Spinoza, Hegel, Kant, Kierkegaard, Bacon, Nietzsche, Emerson, Thoreau amongst many others.

But if you allow yourself to be swayed wholeheartedly by any of these great writers and thinkers, without rightly dividing it against truth, then you could possibly find yourself in the company of those who have yielded to a mindset that is warped, and at times misguided.

When I spend time in the company of great thinkers I make sure that my internal moral and spiritual compass is set – so that I can chew on what is good, that builds, that adds to my life, and which makes me a better contributor to my society and my family. The rest I simply spit out or put aside for another time.

However, there are rare times when I will pick up a volume written by a particular author, like one I recently found, that the author spent his time criticizing everything and everybody. I tossed it aside.

I choose to read those works that build – not destroy. We live in a negative enough world without me feeding on such a distasteful mind meal.

A true leader in the world of philosophy, in my opinion, is one who constructs.

Obviously, the basis of my own philosophic thought is firmly founded upon the teachings of the Bible – and there are many philosophers throughout history who concur with that stance. But I allow my mind to open up to those who may not have had the same convictions – for in the midst of differing thought patterns and beliefs, structures can be discovered, gems of wisdom can be found that add value to my life and to those with whom I communicate.

For as I travel through the dangerous waters of philosophic teachings, I am confident that my vessel will carry me safely to my distant shore – for it is anchored in faith, established in hope, and guided by the wind – which is the very breath of God.

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