Did you know that it used to be illegal to say the word "God"? Also… Did you know that is used to be illegal for people of color to join the ranks of certain faiths? Absolutely true: Up until 1978, certain religions enforced a policy that forbid the ordaining of people of color priesthood. Though certain churches professed an open membership policy for all races, some did not allow people of color into the leadership positions. Then, as abruptly as it was inane, in 1978, new trailblazers within the church’s senior ranks announced an earth-shattering revelation: They had been instructed (by god) to allow men of color into the “clergy” of the religion. Really? I mean really?! Okay, the headline of this e-course is “Two Little Words.” And, to be sure, I have pressed us all to dig deep, reach far, and push ourselves into a far-out place called reality. Moreover, this e-course is brought to you by The PIE Group – the acronym for Positive Information Exchange - an organization dedicated to sharing (and exchanging) positive information. So why this? Why this latest e-note on the touchy subject of religion (and race)? Well… I’m glad you asked. As the two-word title suggests, today, I encourage you to focus your hard-earned efforts on an entity that we don't see… yet we know is here... and there. Am I talking about God? Or am I talking about the belief in God? Actually... I’m talking about your attention. Attention is the literal definition of NOW. In case you don’t believe me… Ask yourself what you are doing right NOW. You are paying attention to these words. Full stop.. A few hours ago, you were paying your attention to (fill in your activity here). And tomorrow, you will pay, pay, and pay more attention to whatever your heart desires. But make no mistake: When you pay attention, you spend NOW. So why the racial and religious reference to kick off a note about attention? Well, if I need to paint that picture for you, consider this: Religion, race, and personal politics have accounted for more deaths than just about any other form of war. Why? Who decided which religion was best; which race was worst; and whose politics were superlative? Ironically, you and I pay penance into a painful pot of purported preferences. But those preferences are just that: inclinations toward inklings; preferences for preaching a certain way; and legislation that leans toward corporate welfare of social welfare, both or neither of which have their merit. And in the final analysis, we are broke, bankrupt, and ruined as a (human) race… all because we didn’t pay attention… we simply gave it away to the pandering people who seek not just your attention… but also all of your SELF, including your mind, body, and (dare I say) soul. Oh… and your hard-earned money, too. But today, I ask you to step back from the fray… and see life for what it is. Life is... Now! Life is… Wow! Life is… How? Life is not made by a god who changes his or her mind about who can be a leader in the church. Life is however you make it, mold it, mend it, and send it. YOUR life is made up of whatever you pay your attention to. Today, I am asking you: Please don't just don’t give it away. PAY attention to what YOU pay YOUR attention. May God continue to bless you. Oh, and… As you continue to receive those blessings... Accept what is.
Adapt to a changing landscape. Achieve the best possible outcome. |
My purposeInspiring a worldwide community of optimistic realists. Archives
July 2024
Categories |