Simple Truths

Simple Truths -by Kent Nerburn   a small little book i recently picked up for my birthday   Ellen at church gave me a gift certificate for our bookstore and of course i had to cash in     this wonderful little book is a must read   the following are a couple excerpts from the book:

Life is but a dream we renew each day, it is up to us to infuse this dream with light, and to cultivate, as best we are able, the ways and habits of Love.

ON STRENGTH

"We each have a different kind of strength.  Some of us are able to persevere against hopeless odds.  Some are able to see light in a world of darkness.  Some are able to give selflessly with no thought of return, while others are able to bring a sense of importance into the hearts of those around them.

     But no matter how we exhibit strength, its truest measure is the calm and certain conviction with which it causes us to act.  It is the ability to discern the path with heart, and follow it even when at the moment we might wish to be doing something else.

True strength is not about force, but about conviction.  It lives at the center of belief where fear and uncertainty cannot gain a foothold.  Its opposite is not cowardice and fear, but confusion, lack of clarity, and lack of sound intention.

     True strength does not require an adversary and does not see itself as noble or heroic.  It simply does wht it must without praise or need of recognition.

     A person who can quietly stay at home and care for an ailing parent is as strong as a person who can climb a mountain.  A person who can stand up for a principle is as strong as a person who can fend off an army.  They simply have quieter, less dramatic kinds of strength.

     True strength does not magnify others' weaknesses.  It makes others stronger.  If someone's strenth makes others feel weaker, it is merely domination, and that is no strength at all.

Take care to find your own true strength.  Nurture it.  Develop it.  Share it with those around you.  Let it become a light for those who are living in darkness.  Remember, strength based in force is a strength people fear..  Strength based in love is a strength people crave.