An Open Letter From Rocky Marciano

"There is no doubt that man is a competitive animal. There is no second place. Either you win or you lose. When they call you champ it is because you don't lose. A professional fight last 45 minutes. You have to be physically prepared. You have to be mentally prepared. That means you understand pain. There is pain in training, in running that extra mile when your legs feel like logs in the dull, monotonous grind. But there is a reason for it. The moment you step into the ring you know it was all worth it. If you push your body into its best shape there is one less thing to think about. Maybe it will give you a minute more stamina. That minute can win you the fight. To win takes a complete commitment of mind and body. When you can't make that commitment they don't call you champ anymore." Rocky Marciano (1956)

The Work Ethic Does Not Just Happen

I have written about this topic before,(One of the best gifts from parents) posted on Feb. 14, 2009. I discuss it differently in this entry. It appears that some parents expect their children to grow up to be responsible, hard-working people.They expect their children to grow up to be moral, persons of integrity. All of this is possible. It requires that parents teach their children to be that way. How can a person grow up to be responsible if he/she was never taught to be responsible? The work ethic does not just happen. It must be taught. Children need to be taught to brush their teeth, and other health habits. They need to be taught the importance of helping out around the house. They need to be taught to do chores such as yard work, taking out the trash, keeping their rooms clean, washing the car, washing their clothes, doing their part. Doing their homework. They need to be taught to get up on time for school. They need to be taught that they are part of a team. The family is a team. It is a cooperative team. Most parents realize that their children do not have the maturity, knowledge, or time to take on major responsibilities in a household. Nevertheless, children must be taught. They must be taught to do their part. Most children do not do the major part of the tasks required to run a home. They cannot. They are children. Nevertheless, they can be taught to do their part. They must also be taught morality. The teaching of values and morality is not the major responsibility of the public school. It supports values and morality, but sometimes what is taught at school and what is taught at home regarding these matters are at odds with each other. When there is a clash, whose values will prevail? Most likely, the values that have been adequately taught. Parents have a major responsibility. The work ethic does not just happen. It must be taught in order for it to happen.

One Of The Greatest Victories

"One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness." (Josh Billings) A person can shine in a world of darkness by being polite. By this I do not mean one must not be assertive. To be assertive is necessary at times. But one need not sacrifice politeness. I know it is difficult for some people to be polite. There are several reasons for this. They were not taught to be polite. They mistake courtesy or politeness for weakness. Some may feel that that by being polite; they are betraying themselves or are being hypocritical. Others may have some deep rooted problems/issues that they have not been able to come to terms with. Some men may have the false impression that politeness is not masculine because they have some identity issues. Some persons consider themselves intellectuals who do not want to "lower themselves" by practicing politeness. I agree with Eric Hoffer who said: "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." Be courteous. Be polite. You will reap benefits. Your life will be enriched. If you are bitter; rudeness will not take the bitterness away. When you are polite; you are on the same level as a king or a queen. When you are rude; you are like a poverty stricken malcontent begging for someone to help you, while using the wrong means. "Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back." (Thomas Sowell)

A Broken Spirit

In the material world a broken spirit is devastating. In a competitive, aggressive world; a broken spirit is rendered useless. It has been said that there is no cure for a broken spirit, or broken heart. There are cures for many diseases; but there are no cures for a broken spirit. But let me speak of ethereal, abstract, and spiritual things. Let me speak of faith. Let me speak of miracles. One person's trash can be a treasure for someone else. Yes, a broken spirit can be the result of years of abuse perpetrated on a person. It can cause a person to refuse to go on with life. It can cause a person to not consider himself worthy. This may sound odd; but a broken spirit is one of the most valuable things a person can have. It is very, very valuable. But only if the owner knows where to take it. What if you realize that your creator does not despise you? What if you realize that there is hope? What if you realize that with God, all things are possible? What if you know where to take your broken spirit? A broken spirit is a major ingredient that is used for major rebuilding. It can be the foundation and the impetus for a brand new life. Nothing will stop you if you go to and stay in the right place. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Ps. 51:10) A broken spirit is part of the cleansing process. It is a sacrifice necessary for rebuilding.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God you will not refuse." (Ps. 51:17) Let the building begin. There will be no limits. Great things will happen.

April Fool

There is a type of fool who does not only exist in April. He exists as long as he maintains that there is no God. (Ps. 14:1) "The fool has said in his heart, there is no God."
Not believing in God is serious business. Somebody really "messed up." I am not referring to religion. I am referring to God. Often times religion is a substitute for God. This should not be the case. Religion and God are two separate entities. God is perfect. Religion is not. Religious organizations are run by men, therefore they have weaknesses. Men do not "run" God, He is omnipotent. He does not depend on humankind for His power. He already has it. He will always have it. God is eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. He is perfect, pure and holy. He has absolutely no flaws. He is kind, loving, and merciful. Nothing is impossible with God. My statements are based on my faith. I do not call people fools. God does when He sees that they do not believe that He exists. Atheism is the antithesis of faith. A person is an atheist because he is so egocentric that he thinks that his so-called intelligence does not permit him to stoop to the level of believing in God. He is an atheist because he is upset. He didn't get his way. He is hurt. He is upset because the world is not a better place to live. Does he know how to make it a better place? Since he is "mad at God," he declares God's nonexistence. Solomon tells us that a person is better off running into a female bear who has had her cubs stolen than to encounter a fool and his folly. "The fool has said in his heart: there is no God." Pray for him. Be kind to him. Do your best. God will do the rest.