What guides you?

Soul -> Heart -> Mind -> Strength

From the inside -> out.

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Could it be that our actions, the physical part of us, the strength, if you will, is a result of the very being of who we are?

Think about where our actions come from.
Our strength is mustered up by, and through, our thought process and decisions to act.
Our strength being a direct result of our decision making process.
The mind being a source of guidance for your strength, and consequently your actions.


But where does that process start?

Think about your thoughts.

As paradoxical and strange as that might seem, it is possible. Since we are a very self-aware creature we can consider from where our thoughts derive.

Almost all your thoughts stem from your true feelings on matters; your passions, your desires, etc.
The heart of you, being the source of guidance for your mind.

But what shapes our hearts?

What gives you that sense of love, hate, morals, ethics, emotions, etc?

Typically our feelings on a matter are a reflection of what we truly believe, of what makes up your soul.
Your soul being the very root of who you are, at your core.

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Your single genuine tear during a chick flick gives your girlfriend a glimpse at the kind of man you are. (which, by the way, she may like)


Your anger and tension when hearing political news may tell your friends a little about your deep patriotic convictions.



How you act, think, and feel may, more often than not, point to who you are!

And

If you're satisfied with the end result and display of your actions, you may be very satisfied and happy with life right now. And I'm happy for you, truly!

But

Consider this:

If you're unhappy, unsatisfied, depressed, regretful, ashamed.... then I challenge you with this:

Consider looking within yourself.
Trace your thoughts.
Determine not only who you are, which guides your actions,
but work at the core.

What do you truly believe?
How do you wish to be defined?
What can you do,
in practice and habit,
to shift your feelings, your thoughts, and your actions?


And know that you're not alone.


You are who you surround yourself with.
You are the books you read.
You are the music you listen to.
You are the games you play.
You are YOU as a result of what you do and what's been done around you.
You shape your being by the tools you allow to be worked on you.

For just as we are outwardly working creatures, acting upon our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs,

We are also inwardly influenced.
actions shaping minds,
thoughts shaping feelings,
and feelings shaping belief.

Soul <--> Heart <--> Mind <--> Strength

(From the outside --> In... And back again)

Fairly "simple" response for fairly "complicated" concerns.

I have received some debate and criticism for things I've posted online, like many others, in the wake of recent acts of violence around our country.

I have posted and "shared" opinions online, and I understand that those limited forms of communication simply leave areas open for assumption, and they don't always include everything we are trying to say.

I'd like to respond here honestly with my thoughts.

This response in-particular is to a question of relevance of recent second amendment debate and support, as well as a concern about the much needed answers for the families of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary. It's also in response to a question of why I even post such things as I do.

These are my thoughts on the matters:

"Unfortunately there are no easy answers for the families (of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting victims). It's not necessarily about the 2nd amendment, nor even having the right answers. It's setting in motion principles and morals and ethics that lead our society toward a respect for liberties and life.

Not only do we have a right to defend against such atrocities, but we also have a right to life, a right to establish a society that stands up against those who wish to do us harm, no matter their motives. It's not about guns or knives or bombs, it's about what's right, justice, and truth.

The problem is not the liberals or conservative, nor the democrats or republicans, nor gun rights or gun bans. The problem is a degradation of the human experience, the desensitizing to violence, and a selfishness at the heart of our upbringings, that leads us to do such evil things, and even accept these things as "normal" and expected.

We need to not expect mass murders, we need to stand up against them, we need to teach justice, righteousness, liberty, and interdependency in a civilized society.

Enough of the selfishness.
Enough of the "me first" education.
Enough of accepting evil deeds as common-place.

To those families (of Sandy Hook): I am truly sorry for what has happened. It should not have, and should never happen. If there's anything we could do to go back and prevent it I'm sure any of us would. I am deeply remorseful for you and your lost.

But we must move forward.
We need to realistically seek principle-based solutions.
We need to fix the roots of our society.
Teach truth.
Teach family values.
Teach respect.
Defend righteousness!"


These are my personal thoughts on these matters.

Through it all,
Consider This:
Be patient, be kind, don't be envious, don't boast, don't be proud. Don't be rude or self seeking. Be slow to anger. Don't hold grudges. Don't delight in evil, but rejoice in truth.
Protect. Trust. Hope. Persevere.
Consider This.
For this is love.
And Love never fails.