“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job.” Harry S. Truman
Happy Monday!
Many Americans celebrate Presidents Day by taking the day off. If you’re one of them, well done! If you’re not, I hope you found time over the weekend to rest and engage in some self-care. We all need refreshment to keep up with the demands of our work and family commitments.
In preparing for this installation of MM, I reviewed several quotes from former presidents. They discussed honor and responsibility, wisdom and hard work, and learning from the past while remaining in the present to provide for a better future. All were impressive and had salient points we might consider reviewing in light of the current world stage.
One of the thoughts really resonated with me. Harry S. Truman wrote it, and it’s included here:
Courage, imagination, and unbeatable determination are the hallmarks of nearly every success story I’ve encountered. While the protagonist faces obstacles and experiences countless delays, courage and imagination ultimately stem from a steadfast determination to do the right thing, overcome the antagonist, or save the day in one way or another. This holds true not only in fiction. Every day, individuals from all walks of life engage in incredible battles to maintain their physical or mental health, support their families, or create policies and protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of others.
These narratives relate to fictional characters, individuals, and governments. I wonder how many of us allow fear to command our attention on a daily basis instead of mustering the courage to enlist our imagination and foster peace and harmonious living. It’s a risk, for sure, but do we live in fear and harbor resentments, or would we be better served speaking truth with kindness? It’s a timeless question.
Another piece of the puzzle is how we choose to employ courage, imagination, and unbeatable determination. A key element is controlling our anxieties and worries. In a book on Ignatian Prayer by Kevin O’Brien, SJ, I read that we can think of the anxiety we hold like we’re waiting on a subway platform. The train opens, all the cares and worries are inside, and we can choose to let the doors close and the anxieties go on without us. They’ll still be there, but we don’t have to entertain them and allow them free reign in our minds. I love the visual O’Brien’s thoughts conjure up and have added it to my toolkit to use and share with others.
Scripture has some guidance, as well:
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 6:23 (NKJV)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)
How lovely to have a means to release the tension we hold on to so dearly. Whether through prayer, meditative imagery, or another method, we don’t have to hold such a tight grip on the thoughts that cause us distress. With unbeatable determination, we can release toxic thoughts and realize a peaceful existence, even amid what appears to be chaos.
As we remember our American Presidents today, let’s take a moment to release any resentments we may be clinging to. Let’s purpose to treat one another with dignity. Let’s allow differing opinions to be expressed without feeling the need to defend our position. As I reflected last week, let’s follow I Corinthians 16:14 and do all we do in love.
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
