The Inscription
I watched the motion picture epic "Lean on Me" on cable television last night. This movie was inspired by the real life story of one man's unwavering determination to help a population of academically deficient students exceed the State of New Jersey's required literacy test standards. Enough of the background history lesson. I'm sure that most of you are familiar with the story of Joe Clark. In the midst of viewing the movie (for the umpteenth time) something unique occurred to me. Last night, was the first time I was actually able to understand why Principal Clark left a seemingly peaceful, controlled elementary school environment to return to the trenches of the worst school in New Jersey. His decision was influenced by a simple challenge. He was challenged by the Super-Intendent of schools to finally do something "significant" with his life.
Wow! I pondered about that phrase for a second ... 'a significant life'. Then I thought of a few questions that I want to pose to you. I know what my personal views are but I'm especially interested in hearing yours. What criteria do you think should be used to gauge the significance of one's life? Have you lived in such a manner that would allow you to leave a positive mark on the world as a significant individual? Has your existence made the life of any non-relative more comfortable, convenient, pleasant, or peaceful? Who are three individuals that you feel have led significant lives? Finally, do you think you could find three others who would attest that you have led a significant life?
Many people, including myself have a tendency to get caught up in the endless cycle of pursuing wealth, prestige, and popularity. Ironically, it often seems that the most significant stories derive as a result of what an individual has been willing to give to other, (i.e to personally sacrifice) as opposed to what they have amassed. Can you imagine what type of world we would live in if people placed more value on significantly impacting the lives of others? Perhaps that idea is a bit far fetch but guess what... on this blog "I am the H.N.I.C" and I say anything is possible. Be Blessed.
Corey R.
Who Knows?
I get nostalgic feelings reminiscing about the days of old when I sat as a young boy and held insightful conversations with my Grandmother. I always marveled at the way my Grandmother's wisdom seemed to precede her. A remarkable woman, she returned to school; a wife and mother of seven... in pursuit of the high school diploma that eluded her in years prior. What is even more impressive is that she accomplished this feat minus the support and encouragement of an often missing in action spouse. Fortunately, she was a self-motivator. Interestingly enough, I have actually gained more knowledge conversing with my Grandmother than I ever did listening to any college professor's lectures.
My Grandmother had an amazing knack for helping me put things into proper perspective. Take for instance, our conversation regarding the first time I thought my heart was broken. I entered the house with my mind in a daze. A single tear formed in corner of my right eye. My Grandmother coaxed me into telling her about my dilemma. She was great at pulling information out of folk because she was so easy to talk to. I revealed the details of my best friend double-crossing me so he could date the girl he knew I had a secret crush on. My Grandmother looked me straight in the eyes and told me one of the wisest and truest statements the I've ever heard. She told me that "time heals all wounds" and not to worry because eventually I would meet prettier fishes :-)
You see, it was those tiny chucks of knowledge my Grandmother always managed to impart that made even my colossal problems seem minor. The "Good Book" tells us to seek knowledge rather than choice gold; wisdom instead of silver. What is your resource for knowledge? In this digital era, most people rely on various media outlets as a means of staying informed. Radio, television, and internet all serve as information highways. Does being informed equate to being knowledgeable? How much of what we see and hear through the media is valuable information? What small percentage of that information is actually relevant to you? Knowledge is power. Be sure to align yourself with well informed resources. Never hesitate to challenge the opinions of others. Always seek to discover new knowledge for yourself. After all, there is a pretty good chance that your Grandmother is either too tired or too old to come to your rescue. Be blessed.
Corey R.
Dream chaser...
Every Monday through Friday, I arrive at my office and proceed to work my a$$ off, eight hours at a time ... chasing someone else' dream. Ten years ago, the president of our company envisioned himself starting a business that would provide a necessary service to a growing online testing community. At the outset, it was merely himself and two colleagues in pursuit of a common dream. Today, that same dream has created a revenue stream that funds the salaries of more than 50 employees and provides services for an even larger number of corporate clients. So you see, my boss has successfully recruited a plethora of others to help chase his dream.
Well, what about my dream? I mean, sure... I could potentially earn a pretty decent living in my current position. However, the fact still remains that working diligently to expand someone else' fortune will never be a self-fulfilling experience for me. Ultimately my current career path doesn't bring me any closer to obtaining my own dream. So, at what point am I supposed to "throw caution to the wind" for the sake of pursuing my own dream? It feels like I lose a little bit of myself and my dream with each passing day.
This time last year, my soul burned with a fervent passion to leave a mark on the world as an acclaimed author. Lately, I have become so immersed in workplace responsibilities (which align with someone else' vision) that it has become increasingly difficult for me to muster the necessary energy to commit to my personal dream(s). Today's "WOD" is affirmation however (for those of you who were the least bit concerned) that your boy still has a true desire to reach out to an audience through scribe. Every once in a while I just have to remind myself that my dreams are just as important as the next man's. That being said... I'm back! Be blessed.
Corey R.
