Tag: love

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motivation Quotes

Courage is Contagious

Quote from Billy Graham: "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened."

Today would have been Billy Graham’s 103rd birthday. There appear to be other people that have made this statement. Looks like my former governor wrote a book with this title. But I think Graham says it best.

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”

Billy Graham

I see courage as less of an emotion and more of a virtue. You can be afraid, yet courageous. The odds may be stacked against you, and your anxiety is high, yet you can still be courageous. First responders and soldiers show courage every day thanks to their commitment and training.

The average man or woman can show it as well. It may be less because of training, but more of a commitment to virtue or a cause. When we know what we stand for, we are willing to stand up for it. That commitment to courage can inspire others to do the same.

When courage is combined with commitment and kindness, the world is a much better place. Billy Graham showed that kind of courage. May we show commitment, kindness, and courage on his birthday.

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love motivation

Find Some Ways to Spread Some Love

Cartoon of a girl and boy. The girl has notes with hearts on them. She says, "I'm trying to spread the love. Sticky notes help me do that."

The girl in today’s cartoon may not be practicing social distancing, but it’s okay. Stickie notes may be a way of spreading love without coming into close proximity to someone. Besides, there will be a time in the near future when she will once again get to spread the love using all the stickie notes she wants in any way she wants.

We are going through some challenging times right now. If you are quarantined at home right now, or if you suddenly find yourself with lots of time because you are out of work, find some ways to send encouragement and love to others. We still have electronic means of doing that. Perhaps, we can start posting encouraging words to combat all the doom and gloom that is going on right now.

Find some ways to help others. We are better when we offer help and encouragement rather than succumb to all the bad news. Find some ways to spread some love. It will lift your spirits, and it will remind you of what is good and really important.

Cartoon of a girl and boy. The girl has notes with hearts on them. She says, "I'm trying to spread the love. Sticky notes help me do that."
Categories
motivation

A Day of Love

When I drew this, I could just have imagined how my seemingly tough grandfather would have reacted to such a get up. Yes, he would have balked, pouted a little, then retired to his shop where he could put on his dirty overalls and chew his cigar.

Yet I knew he loved and cherished his wife. One of the best memories I have of the two of them was when I asked them how they met and got married. Both of them smiled bashfully and made eyes at each other. It was as if they were reliving those romantics feelings all over again.

Today will be a different kind of Valentine’s Day. My valentine is in the Southwest while I help my father. He is a guy who has shown me through the years what a valentine is supposed to do.

He and my grandfather have shown me that love is patient and kind. It isn’t proud and not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs and true love never fails.

Thank you to my parents and grandparents for showing me how be a decent valentine.

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motivation

Modern Communication

Texting anyone? Or do you tweet, post an update or prefer only to communicate with chatbots? Do you email your request? Or do you prefer to snail mail your correspondence?

We have so many easy, fast ways to communicate now. We can send instant messages to someone across the world. Yet, do we stop to consider if our favorite mode of communication is effective?

A handwritten note from a hundred years ago can still speak effectively. Books printed centuries ago can still give wisdom and insight. Some communication is good for the immediacy of the Internet. Some are meant for more permanence.

As we near Valentine’s Day, consider what mode of communication you are using. There are times a quick text to my wife is an appropriate way to say I love you. But the handwriting in a note or card may last longer than I’ll ever know.

Categories
motivation

I Never Met a Man I Didn’t Like

Cartoon of a boy and a radiant girl. The boy says, "How can I keep my bad attitude with you glowing like that?"

I never met a man I didn’t like.

Will Rogers

The other day, I read the book, I Never Met a Man I Didn’t Like: The Life and Writings of Will Rogers. I’ve been interested in his work since I was a teen because he had a way of sounding plain-spoken, funny and thought-provoking all at once.

I find this quote quite profound. Is there truly something likable about everyone no matter how bad or evil they appear? Can you say the same about a serial killer? A dictator?

To me, this is another way to say, Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. There is something in the soul of every man and woman that is good, whether they show it or not. At the same time, each human heart has an evil, dark side, whether they show it or not.

During this Christmas season of love, hope, and joy, may we find the likable in everyone. May there be peace on earth, goodwill to all.