Hello Good People,
Although I have realized this for a while, I must reiterate the fact that we live in a crazy world. I used to think there were rules in place to keep everything together. But the more I live the more I work out to my own satisfaction that anything can happen at anytime for no reason at all. The good news is I, and hopefully you, realize how crazy the world is. I believe that as long as you recognize how crazy and unstable the world can be you’ll be ok. As soon as you start trying to make sense of the world, you’re screwed.
You may be saying to yourself, “Rallo, what do you mean when you say the world is crazy?” Just look around and you will see the craziness is its ridiculous splendor. I never understood how a 20oz. soda costs more than a 2-liter. I can’t understand why the government let drugs in the country and prosecutes the people who use and sell it. Why do we kill people that kill people to show that killing people is wrong? Is “New York” (from I Love New York fame) cute in an unattractive way or is she unattractive in a cute way? I could go on all day but I realize that some things don’t deserve an explanation. Being human, I have a tendency to want to ask the eternal question, “why?” Then I get frustrated because I can’t find an adequate answer.
It’s natural to ask questions. As children our questions are rather simple. Why is the sky blue? A knowledgeable parent would say that the sky is blue because of light refracting off of debris in the atmosphere. Sure this question may be difficult for the uninformed but the answer is a science book away. Problems arise, however, as we get older and our questions get harder and the answers become vague. What is my purpose? Where was I before I was born? Where does my mind go when I’m sleep? And of course, what happens after I die? The answers to these questions depend on what you are willing to believe. I believe the world is a wide-open smorgasbord that will give you your fill if you’re willing to ask for what you want without worrying about the details. We sometimes concern ourselves with details because deep down we all are control freaks. Our attention to detail can function as a facade so that we don’t make an attempt to accomplish our goals. We won’t pull the trigger on an idea because we have to wait until we have ALL the answers and everything is PERFECT. We use the excuse of not being ready because half the time we are just scared of failure. The truth is your situation will never be perfect and without failure success is impossible. Most millionaires never knew exactly how they were going to become successful. They just knew. I don’t know how electricity works but I don’t have to know how it works in order for me to make an attempt to switch on the lights. We should approach life with the same carelessness. I’m not saying you should not plan. Planning is imperative. But it doesn’t take 10, 15, or 40 years to develop a strategy.
As I always say, embrace the chaos. The world is a ruthless place. You can’t even go to school without worrying about getting shot. When I was in school, the biggest crisis was teens killing other teens over Air Jordan tennis shoes. Now, kids shoot up schools for attention. You have criminals going on a shooting rampage, in a courtroom no less, and don’t get me started on suicide bombers. Security is a mirage, people. You should never feel that you are ever safe. Of course, I don’t want you to constantly worry about death. But you do have to realize that tomorrow is not promised. Every night when you get home you should be grateful that you made it. Don’t get used to taking life for granted. This world does not owe you a (fill in your own blank) thing and it will constantly remind you of that fact. Meditate on this word, satori. Satori is a Latin term that translates loosely in English as “attention to the moment”. All you should be concerned with is right now. The future hasn’t happened yet and the past can’t hurt you (unless you want it to but that’s another topic). It is a possibility that 5 minutes from now a maniac can end your existence and the next thing you know you’re walking the esplanades* of Heaven asking, “What the (fill in your own blank) just happened?” Like I mentioned before, my goal is not to scare you. I just want you to be aware that trying to make sense out of the universe is futile. Nothing makes sense. The sooner you take heed to this fact the better. As long as you try to make sense out of life, you’ll continually be confused. Have faith and live your life to the fullest every single minute of every single day. Remember: Faith is about letting go not holding on.
“Time is not a line, but a series of now points.” - Taisen Deshimaru
Dream Big. Live Bigger.
The All-American
www.rallostyles.com
http://thecatalystexperience.blogspot.com/
*Word you’ve never heard…
esplanade /ESS-pluh-nahd/ noun - a level open stretch of paved or grassy ground; especially : one designed for walking or driving along a shore
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Catalyst
Happy Valentine’s Day,
I hope you all will take the time today to make sure the one(s) you love feel appreciated. Myself, I will be joining the million members of the Lonely Hearts Club. You may have heard me speak glowingly of the First Lady in past Catalysts. I spent a full month talking about relationships only for my mate to dump me a few weeks later (talk about irony). I would go into detail but I will save that philippic* for The Catalyst (book). For once, there is a topic I have absolutely no clue about. Love is a strange paradox. You look for it although you know it is only a matter of time before it brings you pain. Love doesn’t always lead to hate but you can’t hate someone you didn’t have love for at some point.
I think I speak for everyone when I say that heartbreak is the worst pain you will ever feel. If you haven’t had your heart broken, you will. It is an inevitable part of life. I was naïve enough to think I could get love right on the first time. But I soon learned that no one is exempt. There is nothing like giving your all to someone only for them to tell you, in no certain terms, that your best is not good enough. For most men, it’s hard to be naked (emotionally) in front of their significant other. You don’t want to show your girlfriend/wife how vulnerable (human) you are. You don’t want to share your fears, regrets, or subjects that makes you sad. Men are supposed to be tough, right? I’m a little different, though. I’m brutally honest. If you want to know something, just ask. As a faithful reader of the Catalyst, you know that I speak truthfully and I’m highly critical. But just as I’m critical of others, I am equally critical of myself. Though I’m aware of my flaws, I don’t sit around all day and focus on them. This normally brings up a HUGE problem in my relationships. I’m an extremely secure person. I learned to accept myself a long time ago. I love my balding head, my big nose, my hairy exterior, and my obsession with non-fiction literature. The problem arises when I, being secure, get involved with an insecure female. People that hate themselves normally want you to hate yourself as well. If you don’t complain about your job, criticize the way you look in the mirror, or get jealous of others you get labeled as vain. However, there is a difference between confidence and conceit. It’s not that I don’t think my (fill in your own blank) stinks; I just realize that everybody (fill in your own blank) stinks and there is no reason to think mine smells any better or worse than anyone else’s.
Before you can love anybody, you MUST love yourself. No one will love you like you. My self-esteem is so high it floats into the atmosphere. I know that if I don’t love and respect myself, no one will. You can’t possibly expect someone else to make you feel valuable. You have to already know. You may say, “Rallo, I love and respect myself but my man still don’t treat me right”. I’m going to give you another example of my brutal honesty. If your man doesn’t show you appreciation or respect, you probably don’t show yourself appreciation and respect. Do you want to know how I know that? If you respected yourself, you would listen to your mom and not be with that knucklehead in the first place. You would know that you are too precious to be letting just any fool get next to you. In the past, I’ve always attracted damaged, insecure women in my life. Being the Dean of Positive University, I would blindly believe that with my attitude I could “save” her. With time I could show her that she is beautiful and that she is important. I felt that no matter how low her self-esteem was I could “fix” her. It never worked. In 2008, I’m no longer into science projects. I no longer look to “save” or “fix” anybody. The next woman I take a gamble on will not be emotionally high maintenance. She will have to accept herself including her flaws. I don’t mind giving compliments but I shouldn’t have to convince the lady of her worth. I now realize that if she can accept her shortcomings, she will also accept my shortcomings.
Don’t ever succumb to the belief that there is something wrong with being single. Your friends that are involved with someone probably wish they were you. When you are single you have options. You can date as many people as you like. Now, when I say date I don’t mean you have to have sex with everyone that invites you to dinner. Dating is the same as courting. I think that is the problem with couples. They choose to involve themselves with one person exclusively. After 8 months, they break up and have to start all over again. Save some time and date as many people as possible. Like I said, you don’t have to have sex with them but you can evaluate while getting to know them. You need to compare and contrast to narrow down your search. If one doesn’t work you have more to choose from. You have options. One more thing, get out of the house! Your future wife/husband isn’t going to come knocking at your door. It wouldn’t hurt to lose a few pounds and update that wardrobe a little, either. Despite what you think, your personal appearance is the most important thing. What better way to get noticed than to have a toned body encased in stylish threads? You just separated yourself from 90 % of the single population because you care how you look. To me, there is nothing sexier than a woman who takes pride in her appearance. But that’s just me. Some guys are into the sloppy, “I-ain’t-trying-to-impress-nobody” look. Fellas, it wouldn’t hurt to add a nice jacket and tie to your wardrobe of white tees, Timberlands, and Air Force Ones. Again that’s my opinion. Some women are into the “Grown-man-dressing-like-a-teenager” look. You may be thinking, “Rallo, a person should focus on the inside and not what I look like on the outside”. If you think like this, chances are you will be single for a very, very long time.
”You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”-- Buddha
Dream Big. Live Bigger.
The All-American
www.rallostyles.com
http://thecatalystexperience.blogspot.com/
*Word you’ve never heard…
philippic /fuh-LIP-ik/ noun - a discourse or declamation full of bitter condemnation: tirade
I hope you all will take the time today to make sure the one(s) you love feel appreciated. Myself, I will be joining the million members of the Lonely Hearts Club. You may have heard me speak glowingly of the First Lady in past Catalysts. I spent a full month talking about relationships only for my mate to dump me a few weeks later (talk about irony). I would go into detail but I will save that philippic* for The Catalyst (book). For once, there is a topic I have absolutely no clue about. Love is a strange paradox. You look for it although you know it is only a matter of time before it brings you pain. Love doesn’t always lead to hate but you can’t hate someone you didn’t have love for at some point.
I think I speak for everyone when I say that heartbreak is the worst pain you will ever feel. If you haven’t had your heart broken, you will. It is an inevitable part of life. I was naïve enough to think I could get love right on the first time. But I soon learned that no one is exempt. There is nothing like giving your all to someone only for them to tell you, in no certain terms, that your best is not good enough. For most men, it’s hard to be naked (emotionally) in front of their significant other. You don’t want to show your girlfriend/wife how vulnerable (human) you are. You don’t want to share your fears, regrets, or subjects that makes you sad. Men are supposed to be tough, right? I’m a little different, though. I’m brutally honest. If you want to know something, just ask. As a faithful reader of the Catalyst, you know that I speak truthfully and I’m highly critical. But just as I’m critical of others, I am equally critical of myself. Though I’m aware of my flaws, I don’t sit around all day and focus on them. This normally brings up a HUGE problem in my relationships. I’m an extremely secure person. I learned to accept myself a long time ago. I love my balding head, my big nose, my hairy exterior, and my obsession with non-fiction literature. The problem arises when I, being secure, get involved with an insecure female. People that hate themselves normally want you to hate yourself as well. If you don’t complain about your job, criticize the way you look in the mirror, or get jealous of others you get labeled as vain. However, there is a difference between confidence and conceit. It’s not that I don’t think my (fill in your own blank) stinks; I just realize that everybody (fill in your own blank) stinks and there is no reason to think mine smells any better or worse than anyone else’s.
Before you can love anybody, you MUST love yourself. No one will love you like you. My self-esteem is so high it floats into the atmosphere. I know that if I don’t love and respect myself, no one will. You can’t possibly expect someone else to make you feel valuable. You have to already know. You may say, “Rallo, I love and respect myself but my man still don’t treat me right”. I’m going to give you another example of my brutal honesty. If your man doesn’t show you appreciation or respect, you probably don’t show yourself appreciation and respect. Do you want to know how I know that? If you respected yourself, you would listen to your mom and not be with that knucklehead in the first place. You would know that you are too precious to be letting just any fool get next to you. In the past, I’ve always attracted damaged, insecure women in my life. Being the Dean of Positive University, I would blindly believe that with my attitude I could “save” her. With time I could show her that she is beautiful and that she is important. I felt that no matter how low her self-esteem was I could “fix” her. It never worked. In 2008, I’m no longer into science projects. I no longer look to “save” or “fix” anybody. The next woman I take a gamble on will not be emotionally high maintenance. She will have to accept herself including her flaws. I don’t mind giving compliments but I shouldn’t have to convince the lady of her worth. I now realize that if she can accept her shortcomings, she will also accept my shortcomings.
Don’t ever succumb to the belief that there is something wrong with being single. Your friends that are involved with someone probably wish they were you. When you are single you have options. You can date as many people as you like. Now, when I say date I don’t mean you have to have sex with everyone that invites you to dinner. Dating is the same as courting. I think that is the problem with couples. They choose to involve themselves with one person exclusively. After 8 months, they break up and have to start all over again. Save some time and date as many people as possible. Like I said, you don’t have to have sex with them but you can evaluate while getting to know them. You need to compare and contrast to narrow down your search. If one doesn’t work you have more to choose from. You have options. One more thing, get out of the house! Your future wife/husband isn’t going to come knocking at your door. It wouldn’t hurt to lose a few pounds and update that wardrobe a little, either. Despite what you think, your personal appearance is the most important thing. What better way to get noticed than to have a toned body encased in stylish threads? You just separated yourself from 90 % of the single population because you care how you look. To me, there is nothing sexier than a woman who takes pride in her appearance. But that’s just me. Some guys are into the sloppy, “I-ain’t-trying-to-impress-nobody” look. Fellas, it wouldn’t hurt to add a nice jacket and tie to your wardrobe of white tees, Timberlands, and Air Force Ones. Again that’s my opinion. Some women are into the “Grown-man-dressing-like-a-teenager” look. You may be thinking, “Rallo, a person should focus on the inside and not what I look like on the outside”. If you think like this, chances are you will be single for a very, very long time.
”You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”-- Buddha
Dream Big. Live Bigger.
The All-American
www.rallostyles.com
http://thecatalystexperience.blogspot.com/
*Word you’ve never heard…
philippic /fuh-LIP-ik/ noun - a discourse or declamation full of bitter condemnation: tirade
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The Catalyst
Hello All,
Did you happen to see the Super Bowl? It was watched by close to 100 million people so chances are you were one of them. Being a football fan I can truly say it was the best Super Bowl I’d seen. I didn’t really care who won. I was caught in a bitter scission*. I didn’t want New England to win because I don’t like their team’s overall attitude. I didn’t want NY to win because I know a lot of New Yorkers and I didn’t want to hear their mouth for the next 6 months. The story line for the game fits into what I wanted to talk about this week. Despite the name “Giants”, the public gave them a small chance of winning against the undefeated (18-0) Patriots. I can relate to the Giants. I know what its like to be written off because of past performances.
Experts picked the Patriots to not just win but dominate the Giants,. Very few people believed in the Giants this season, including some of their players. Throughout our lifetime we go through similar situations. I’m sure you have had people tell you that you can’t do something. “You can’t go to college because not only are your grades below average, you’re poor.” “You’ll never be a supermodel with that nose.” Sadly, we are labeled during our formative years and we spend the rest of our lives placing limits on ourselves. Even worse, instead of trying to accomplish a goal to see if the detractors were correct in their assessments we won’t even try. “What’s the use of trying out for the basketball team? I’m not even 6 foot tall.” It is pretty much a guarantee that if you establish a low self-esteem as a child, you will carry that weight like an anchor your entire life. On top of that, you’ll grow up to be a detractor yourself. Anytime you see friends or even complete strangers attempting to better themselves you’ll bring up all the reasons why they can’t accomplish their goals. I love when people tell me I can’t do something. To be honest, I don’t get motivated about an idea unless someone tells me it’s an impossible feat.
I dream big. It’s not just a motto it’s a way of life for me. If you knew me personally you would know that I have a lot of ideas. My mind is constantly going. If you talk to me for just 5 minutes I will throw some many hair-brained schemes at you that you would think I’m insane (or drunk or both). But, I believe in me. I believe that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. The only problem I have is getting people to buy in to what I’m trying to do. If you’re a big idea person you probably run into this problem, too. It’s not that my ideas are that big. It’s just that 97% of our population thinks small. I’m sorry but I don’t think becoming a billionaire is impossible. But if I told someone my plans they would be like, “Man, how you gonna be a billionaire and you don’t even have a bank account (a true fact by the way)?” That’s the problem with small thinkers. Instead of thinking how possible something is they will focus on all the reasons why it can’t happen. If you know a person like this you need to distance yourself from them. Dead weight keeps you stationary. I know it’s hard to cut these people off because more times than not they are your closest friends and family. These are people who should encourage but instead they have such a low opinion of themselves that they see all of their failed attempts in your dreams. Sure, you all probably partied when you were younger but as you matured you wanted more out of life and your buddies became critical. A lot of times these detractors, or as we say on the street “Haters”, don’t even try. They just assume that anything that is not done already can’t be done. You must let go of these haters because you will NEVER succeed with these people in your life. I’ve gotten to the point that if a person isn’t striving to move ahead (seriously) I don’t even hang around them. I don’t visit. I don’t call. I used to try and motivate others to action. I have so much positive energy that I can give some to 4 people and still have more than I can use in a lifetime. However, if an individual lacks ambition it’s pointless. It took me a long time to realize this but thankfully I did. These so called friends will drag you down with them or at the very least keep you in place. I know what you’re thinking. “So and so had a bad childhood and I’m their only friend.” That may be true but that is not your problem. “So I should just turn my back on my friends?” If your friends aren’t helping you move toward your goals they are a hindrance. If your relationship is so close that you will sacrifice your dreams for your friend that is your business. But since your reading this Catalyst, you can never say you didn’t know any better.
Once again I would like to congratulate New York Giants fans for their victory. Nobody gave you all much of a chance. I, being the CEO of Positivism Inc. (fictitious), said that a Giants victory was, at least, possible. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! The Patriots were perfect throughout the season. However, as we all know, the past is meaningless. You used to be so popular back in high school. Does that popularity have any benefits now? History lets you know what happened, THEN. Today is a new day. Make the most of it. You may not have been perfect in the past. Your past may have been downright (fill in your own blank) up! But how long will you use that excuse? There are people who have overcome tremendous obstacles to become successful. I’ve heard it said that success is a journey not a destination. If you’ve ever been on a road trip to the beach, you understand that the drive to the beach can be more fun than actually being there IF you’re with the right people.
“The things we hate about ourselves aren't more real than things we like about ourselves.”--Ellen Goodman
Dream Big. Live Bigger.
The All-American
www.rallostyles.com
http://thecatalystexperience.blogspot.com/
*Word you’ve never heard…
scission /SIZH-un/ noun - the state of being cut, divided, or split
Did you happen to see the Super Bowl? It was watched by close to 100 million people so chances are you were one of them. Being a football fan I can truly say it was the best Super Bowl I’d seen. I didn’t really care who won. I was caught in a bitter scission*. I didn’t want New England to win because I don’t like their team’s overall attitude. I didn’t want NY to win because I know a lot of New Yorkers and I didn’t want to hear their mouth for the next 6 months. The story line for the game fits into what I wanted to talk about this week. Despite the name “Giants”, the public gave them a small chance of winning against the undefeated (18-0) Patriots. I can relate to the Giants. I know what its like to be written off because of past performances.
Experts picked the Patriots to not just win but dominate the Giants,. Very few people believed in the Giants this season, including some of their players. Throughout our lifetime we go through similar situations. I’m sure you have had people tell you that you can’t do something. “You can’t go to college because not only are your grades below average, you’re poor.” “You’ll never be a supermodel with that nose.” Sadly, we are labeled during our formative years and we spend the rest of our lives placing limits on ourselves. Even worse, instead of trying to accomplish a goal to see if the detractors were correct in their assessments we won’t even try. “What’s the use of trying out for the basketball team? I’m not even 6 foot tall.” It is pretty much a guarantee that if you establish a low self-esteem as a child, you will carry that weight like an anchor your entire life. On top of that, you’ll grow up to be a detractor yourself. Anytime you see friends or even complete strangers attempting to better themselves you’ll bring up all the reasons why they can’t accomplish their goals. I love when people tell me I can’t do something. To be honest, I don’t get motivated about an idea unless someone tells me it’s an impossible feat.
I dream big. It’s not just a motto it’s a way of life for me. If you knew me personally you would know that I have a lot of ideas. My mind is constantly going. If you talk to me for just 5 minutes I will throw some many hair-brained schemes at you that you would think I’m insane (or drunk or both). But, I believe in me. I believe that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. The only problem I have is getting people to buy in to what I’m trying to do. If you’re a big idea person you probably run into this problem, too. It’s not that my ideas are that big. It’s just that 97% of our population thinks small. I’m sorry but I don’t think becoming a billionaire is impossible. But if I told someone my plans they would be like, “Man, how you gonna be a billionaire and you don’t even have a bank account (a true fact by the way)?” That’s the problem with small thinkers. Instead of thinking how possible something is they will focus on all the reasons why it can’t happen. If you know a person like this you need to distance yourself from them. Dead weight keeps you stationary. I know it’s hard to cut these people off because more times than not they are your closest friends and family. These are people who should encourage but instead they have such a low opinion of themselves that they see all of their failed attempts in your dreams. Sure, you all probably partied when you were younger but as you matured you wanted more out of life and your buddies became critical. A lot of times these detractors, or as we say on the street “Haters”, don’t even try. They just assume that anything that is not done already can’t be done. You must let go of these haters because you will NEVER succeed with these people in your life. I’ve gotten to the point that if a person isn’t striving to move ahead (seriously) I don’t even hang around them. I don’t visit. I don’t call. I used to try and motivate others to action. I have so much positive energy that I can give some to 4 people and still have more than I can use in a lifetime. However, if an individual lacks ambition it’s pointless. It took me a long time to realize this but thankfully I did. These so called friends will drag you down with them or at the very least keep you in place. I know what you’re thinking. “So and so had a bad childhood and I’m their only friend.” That may be true but that is not your problem. “So I should just turn my back on my friends?” If your friends aren’t helping you move toward your goals they are a hindrance. If your relationship is so close that you will sacrifice your dreams for your friend that is your business. But since your reading this Catalyst, you can never say you didn’t know any better.
Once again I would like to congratulate New York Giants fans for their victory. Nobody gave you all much of a chance. I, being the CEO of Positivism Inc. (fictitious), said that a Giants victory was, at least, possible. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! The Patriots were perfect throughout the season. However, as we all know, the past is meaningless. You used to be so popular back in high school. Does that popularity have any benefits now? History lets you know what happened, THEN. Today is a new day. Make the most of it. You may not have been perfect in the past. Your past may have been downright (fill in your own blank) up! But how long will you use that excuse? There are people who have overcome tremendous obstacles to become successful. I’ve heard it said that success is a journey not a destination. If you’ve ever been on a road trip to the beach, you understand that the drive to the beach can be more fun than actually being there IF you’re with the right people.
“The things we hate about ourselves aren't more real than things we like about ourselves.”--Ellen Goodman
Dream Big. Live Bigger.
The All-American
www.rallostyles.com
http://thecatalystexperience.blogspot.com/
*Word you’ve never heard…
scission /SIZH-un/ noun - the state of being cut, divided, or split
Friday, February 1, 2008
The Catalyst
How’s it going?
First, let me say thank you to everyone who has been open to follow me where I’ve been going with these last couple of Catalysts. To be honest, I’ve wanted to touch on this subject for a while. I was hesitant because I know people never like to be challenged. No one is relaxed outside of his or her comfort zone. For many people, religion is taboo and should never be scrutinized. I know because I’ve fallen victim to this train of thought. Once again, I do believe in God. I go to church, religiously (pun intended). I believe that the Bible is an incredible work and the philosophies that are shared within the covers are invaluable. However, when you break it down, the Bible is a book. And like any other book, the reader gives it meaning.
People think that when I discuss topics like free will and God’s Will that I’m being argumentative. Not so. I’m just bringing fresh new ideas. If you believe the same truths now that you believed 5 years ago you haven’t grown (mentally). You mean to tell me that you were never wrong about an idea and forced to change. If that’s the case chances are you probably have the same friends you’ve always had. You only hang around people that agree with you. You go to the same places to have fun and if this describes you that is fine. Live your life. But I wrote these past Catalysts for those who love radical, outside-the-box thinking. People look at religion for answers. Too bad you won’t find them because the source of all learning begins inside you. You have to know yourself before you will ever learn anything. Your perspective filters all the information your brain receives. Have you heard the term of looking through “rose (red) colored glasses”? If you’re wearing glasses with red tint, everything you see will have a reddish shade because that is the perspective you’re looking out of. The same thing happens in life. When you have a certain perspective, this point of view will filter everything you sense. That is why we disagree on topics such as religion. We all look out of different colored lenses. Remember when I said that you and me have different Gods? That is not true (see, I accepted a new truth in less than 2 weeks). We have the same God we just look at Him differently. It makes sense when you think about it. If you have brothers or sisters each of you will have a different image of your parents. That is why it is so important to begin inside when you’re seeking answers. If you want to change your circumstances you have to change your thinking. NO EXCEPTIONS! It’s that simple yet it’s that difficult. One of the hardest things to do is change your thinking or paradigm, if you will.
Change can be scary. You have become accustomed to behaving a certain way. If you were raised in the church like me you’ve been conditioned to act accordingly or face hellfire, brimstone, and eternal damnation. That is why you are scared to question the Bible. I can agree that the Bible is holy but it is still a man made book. God did not write it. He influenced it. God did not translate it. Men did, and hopefully, correctly. Can I keep it real? I don’t believe that God interferes in our lives. I believe God has given us all the power we need to dominate in this world. He’s given us the power to heal ourselves. We have the power to bless and curse. We can give and take life. You don’t pray for a cut to heal but you’ll pray if you get diagnosed for cancer. Your body is designed to heal itself. You pray for a new car but all you have to do is save your money. I’m not taking anything away from God. He has blessed us with tremendous abilities. It’s just sad that we are so dependent on Him we rarely utilize them. We are like 30 year olds who still live with Momma (no offense to whom this applies). If we would just act right we wouldn’t need God to perform miracles all the time. Everything God is going to do for you has already done. The rest is up to us. You’re sitting there waiting on God to act and in reality He’s waiting on you. Don’t foozle* your life away. You have developed your identity based on your routine thoughts so if you change your thoughts, you will inevitably change who you are. To some, that may be liberating. To others, that is frightening. You will think to yourself, if I change I will no longer be me. If I’m not me, who will I be? What will the church folk think if I don’t agree with the pastor on a particular point? Will my friends like the new me? Probably not. Trust me, I know. But the new you will bring new, better friends. And even if you don’t (which is highly unlikely), as long as you love yourself you will have all the company you need.
If you haven’t learned anything just remember this: God is not going to be mad at you for asking questions. He wants us to understand Him. One of my main questions is how come God doesn’t help everyone in need. I’m not talking about a little extra money until payday. I’m talking about Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. He had the power to prevent these catastrophes but He didn’t. What up with that? True story: I lived in an apartment and I heard a man beating his wife and kids. One would expect that I do something. I knew I had the power to go over there and interrupt the tumult. I could also call the police. I could have minded my own business but what would that say about me? I prayed. I asked what I should do. God told me that the decision to act would be completely mine. He also said that my choice would not lead Him to view me any differently. Then I asked why He didn’t do anything to help. God replied that help was already there. I asked where it was because I didn’t see it. The Lord said the help was praying and waiting for answers. Sometimes it’s better to act than look for signs. If you truly have faith you will never need anyone to validate your decisions.
“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.” - Galileo Galilei
Dream Big. Live Bigger.
The All-American
http://www.rallostyles.com/
http://thecatalystexperience.blogspot.com/
*Word you’ve never heard…
foozle /FOO-zul/ verb - to manage or play awkwardly: bungle
First, let me say thank you to everyone who has been open to follow me where I’ve been going with these last couple of Catalysts. To be honest, I’ve wanted to touch on this subject for a while. I was hesitant because I know people never like to be challenged. No one is relaxed outside of his or her comfort zone. For many people, religion is taboo and should never be scrutinized. I know because I’ve fallen victim to this train of thought. Once again, I do believe in God. I go to church, religiously (pun intended). I believe that the Bible is an incredible work and the philosophies that are shared within the covers are invaluable. However, when you break it down, the Bible is a book. And like any other book, the reader gives it meaning.
People think that when I discuss topics like free will and God’s Will that I’m being argumentative. Not so. I’m just bringing fresh new ideas. If you believe the same truths now that you believed 5 years ago you haven’t grown (mentally). You mean to tell me that you were never wrong about an idea and forced to change. If that’s the case chances are you probably have the same friends you’ve always had. You only hang around people that agree with you. You go to the same places to have fun and if this describes you that is fine. Live your life. But I wrote these past Catalysts for those who love radical, outside-the-box thinking. People look at religion for answers. Too bad you won’t find them because the source of all learning begins inside you. You have to know yourself before you will ever learn anything. Your perspective filters all the information your brain receives. Have you heard the term of looking through “rose (red) colored glasses”? If you’re wearing glasses with red tint, everything you see will have a reddish shade because that is the perspective you’re looking out of. The same thing happens in life. When you have a certain perspective, this point of view will filter everything you sense. That is why we disagree on topics such as religion. We all look out of different colored lenses. Remember when I said that you and me have different Gods? That is not true (see, I accepted a new truth in less than 2 weeks). We have the same God we just look at Him differently. It makes sense when you think about it. If you have brothers or sisters each of you will have a different image of your parents. That is why it is so important to begin inside when you’re seeking answers. If you want to change your circumstances you have to change your thinking. NO EXCEPTIONS! It’s that simple yet it’s that difficult. One of the hardest things to do is change your thinking or paradigm, if you will.
Change can be scary. You have become accustomed to behaving a certain way. If you were raised in the church like me you’ve been conditioned to act accordingly or face hellfire, brimstone, and eternal damnation. That is why you are scared to question the Bible. I can agree that the Bible is holy but it is still a man made book. God did not write it. He influenced it. God did not translate it. Men did, and hopefully, correctly. Can I keep it real? I don’t believe that God interferes in our lives. I believe God has given us all the power we need to dominate in this world. He’s given us the power to heal ourselves. We have the power to bless and curse. We can give and take life. You don’t pray for a cut to heal but you’ll pray if you get diagnosed for cancer. Your body is designed to heal itself. You pray for a new car but all you have to do is save your money. I’m not taking anything away from God. He has blessed us with tremendous abilities. It’s just sad that we are so dependent on Him we rarely utilize them. We are like 30 year olds who still live with Momma (no offense to whom this applies). If we would just act right we wouldn’t need God to perform miracles all the time. Everything God is going to do for you has already done. The rest is up to us. You’re sitting there waiting on God to act and in reality He’s waiting on you. Don’t foozle* your life away. You have developed your identity based on your routine thoughts so if you change your thoughts, you will inevitably change who you are. To some, that may be liberating. To others, that is frightening. You will think to yourself, if I change I will no longer be me. If I’m not me, who will I be? What will the church folk think if I don’t agree with the pastor on a particular point? Will my friends like the new me? Probably not. Trust me, I know. But the new you will bring new, better friends. And even if you don’t (which is highly unlikely), as long as you love yourself you will have all the company you need.
If you haven’t learned anything just remember this: God is not going to be mad at you for asking questions. He wants us to understand Him. One of my main questions is how come God doesn’t help everyone in need. I’m not talking about a little extra money until payday. I’m talking about Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. He had the power to prevent these catastrophes but He didn’t. What up with that? True story: I lived in an apartment and I heard a man beating his wife and kids. One would expect that I do something. I knew I had the power to go over there and interrupt the tumult. I could also call the police. I could have minded my own business but what would that say about me? I prayed. I asked what I should do. God told me that the decision to act would be completely mine. He also said that my choice would not lead Him to view me any differently. Then I asked why He didn’t do anything to help. God replied that help was already there. I asked where it was because I didn’t see it. The Lord said the help was praying and waiting for answers. Sometimes it’s better to act than look for signs. If you truly have faith you will never need anyone to validate your decisions.
“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.” - Galileo Galilei
Dream Big. Live Bigger.
The All-American
http://www.rallostyles.com/
http://thecatalystexperience.blogspot.com/
*Word you’ve never heard…
foozle /FOO-zul/ verb - to manage or play awkwardly: bungle
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