I’ve always been a fan of great quotes. They are a thing of beauty in both prose and provocation to reflect on the matter at hand. Enjoy this brief movie from my friends at Simple Truths:
Life's Great Questions
The On-Purpose Leader Experience
Starts October 30 — December 11. Learn more at: www.onpurposeleading.com or click the logo below:
Raise the Trajectory of Your Life in Six Power-Packed Weeks
Soul searching begins with sole searching.
“Who am I?” is one of the most profound questions you will ever seek to answer. Much of our identity is erroneously formed by others’ opinions of us and shaped by experiences that reinforce and refine our sense of self.
Yet, the true answer to the question is found from above and within. It takes quiet time and solitude. Oddly, being contemplative is harder than it looks—I’m so programmed to equate action with productivity that rest feels like I’m playing hooky from life.
Being alone is not the same as solitude. When I’m alone I can fill the emptiness with television, email, web surfing, reading, or any number of business related activities ill-intended to avoid confronting the real me.
Soul searching is a time of resting in God’s presence, listening for His voice, and seeking His will. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is within and we are to seek it first. Yet, most of us pursue fame and fortune “out there in the real world.” Eventually, even precious Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz discovered, “There’s no place like home.”
And when my sole searching leads me to my soul, indeed I have found the kingdom of God. I’m home where God intends me instead of where the world might like me to be.
“A ‘Balanced’ Life” a Poem on Life by Kevin W. McCarthy
A "Balanced" Life
A balanced life is what I sought,
Only to have a life that was not.
My battle for balance was constantly fought,
Yet, time and again I found myself caught.
I planned, I managed, I strove to obtain.
With burnout, frustration, and a worn out brain.
Time I did “manage” with feelings distraught,
Where the harder I tried, the less I got.
A balanced life captured my thought.
Advice and coaching I often sought.
So coaches and counselors I did retain
To inspire, encourage, and help me retrain.
I listened and learned and did as I ought,
Yet my sense of my self continued to rot.
Day after day I did not obtain,
A life in balance – I could not sustain.
Daily my Father saw my deep pain,
Finally, he asked of my earnest campaign.
I told of the experts and advice I had bought.
He listened long. Then, I asked what he thought.
“A balanced life you will not obtain.
It’s an illusion sure to drive you insane.”
About the balanced life I so anxiously sought.
In essence he said, “All is for naught.”
Could my experts’ advice be words all in vain!
Dad’s contrary words were too simple and plain.
Defensive and righteous, I took a pot shot,
“If not balance, what else have you got?”
He answered, “A balanced life is what you’ve sought.
Instead, try this one simple thought:
Live your life integrated. It will go as it ought.”
A different perspective my Father had brought.
Intrigued and delighted his words fell as rain,
To my parched soul truly going insane.
How do I integrate? How do I maintain?
Were questions resounding deep in my brain.
“In the beginning, when you were begotten
A purpose was given, you’ve long since forgotten.
Search your heart and all its terrain.
Your purpose lies dormant, yet steadfast and fain.
“Ignoring your purpose causes work with strain.
Why worry about balance if it isn’t germane!
Align to your purpose, live as you ought.
Listen, my love, to the words that I’ve taught.”
His words were startling, and hard to contain
For Balance, my idol, he had just slain.
No more was my stomach tied tight in a knot.
For a balanced life I no longer sought.
In the heart of my heart I had learned a lot
Of ordering life on Dad’s integrating thought.
Gone were failings and feelings distraught
Where the harder I tried, the less I got.
I’m sparked by my purpose so simple and plain.
Integration, not balance, now keeps me so sane.
The gift of hope in my heart does remain.
For being on-purpose I can surely sustain.
© 2011, Kevin W. McCarthy
Recovering the Diamonds, a short film by Nic Askew
Nic Askew of Soul Biographies produces gently disturbing films on-purpose. Having been in a maximum security prison for three days (not nights) as part of a Kairos Prison Ministry, I related to Juan's initial reaction to the prisoners. Recovering the Diamonds provokes a natural prejudice for self-defense within an extreme and dangerous environment of criminals. Yet Juan offers hope and insight juxtaposed with Nic's compelling questions.
Invest 8 minutes to view Nic's film. What if you are committing an imprisoning crime upon persons who don't fit your concept of a person worth knowing?
RECOVERING THE DIAMONDS from Nic Askew on Vimeo.
On-Purpose Profile: Hugh MacLeod of GapingVoid.com
permissions granted for use of the above cartoon by Hugh MacLeod
In spite of my classic business education and conservative ways, I have a deep appreciation for artists who tear into the essence of the human condition to challenge the traditionally held views of society. All is not right since that one bite in the Garden of Eden.
A recent post I saw in Copyblogger.com by Hugh MacLeod inspired me to dig into his story. His artwork brought a smile of irreverent recognition for the prevalent challenges with so many in the workforce. Hugh's website, GapingVoid.com, includes a number of edgy "Cube Grenades" that he fiendishly lobs into the lives of his corporate captive audiences. Take a scroll around his cartoon log. Be sure to subscribe to his daily cartoons for an emotionally explosive reminder of how your work can be a noble expression of your purpose… or not!
If you're a fan of the hit TV show The Office, then for sure, Hugh's artwork will curl your lips upward. A bit of parody mixed with a dose of purpose may be just the recipe for prodding you to be on-purpose.
Hugh provides us with a great example of a person with a love and talent for something that doesn't fit the mold of what's expected. Instead of compromising who he is to become someone he isn't, he's growing who he is in order to be more of whom he can become. Sure, he's working hard at it! Sure, you're working hard too. Hugh provides yet another profile of a person building a life where the inner work and outer work are aligned and integrated in a productive and profitable manner.
Thanks Hugh for your Cube Grenades that blow holes in the facade of living with contented, unexamined mediocrity. You're encouraging us all to step into the boldness of being on-purpose: Be Yourself> Prosper> Make A Difference.
The On-Purpose Leader Experience Preview
- Are you searching for answers in all the wrong places?
- Do you question if you're on the right path for your career or life?
- Has your life plan not gone as planned?
- Are you wondering, Just who am I?
- How many times have you tried to figure out what you should do with your life and gotten it not right?
- Do you find frustration has become an all too familiar friend?
- Do you have a blessed life and want to make it even better?
Sounds like you're ready for The On-Purpose Leader Experience! Preview it by CLICKING HERE!
Thank you to the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this event. This On-Purpose Leader Experience will be led from a Christian worldview.
Science & Faith with Billy Graham. Yes, THAT Billy Graham!
Billy Graham speaks on the relationship of faith and science. Pure faith meets technology! Who wins? You decide! But you have to watch to learn.
