Brush the dirt off your shoulders

The other day, on my way home from school, my parents asked me to pick up dinner from Ledo's Pizza nearby. As I walked into the restaurant, I was caught by disbelief to see one of my high school friends working at the register. My friend, Jake (name has been changed), had received a full scholarship to play football at Wake Forest University, was a straight A student back in high school, undoubtedly one of the most popular guys around.

Shocked to see him at home, I proceeded to ask why he was not in North Carolina, he hesitantly explained that he had gotten in trouble with the school and got his scholarship and football contract taken away. After calling himself a "failure" he continued to pour his heart to explain that his parents couldn't afford to pay for his education and felt that he had lost all his chances in succeeding in life and had lost all hope in a bright future.

We bid our goodbyes and made promises to see each other again, but as I was leaving with pizza in one hand, and disappointment in the other, I couldn't stop thinking about Jake and the lack of hope he had for himself. In my opinion, the only way Jake would truly "fail," is if he were to give up right now. Yes, everyone makes mistakes, yes, his mistake unfortunately cost him his scholarship and an education, but it's what we do with those mistakes that determine if we ultimately learn and grow from it or sink to the ground. If we do not move forward, it is then that we have failed.

I wonder how many times we "fail" and give up completely. Sometimes, that "failure" is the stepping stone to something greater, something better, something bigger. I know at times, we lose all hope when something tragic happens and feel that there are no possible ways to mend our pain. But will you be give up and lose all faith? Or will you wipe the dust off your shoulders to create an action plan?

We do not just have one shot (as Eminem would say) but we always have opportunities for redemption. It is ultimately your choice.

And We're Back!!

Hello All!! We'll be switching to a twice weekly posting from now on, because we want YOUR growth updates!!

Post below and let us know how YOU are growing!!!! Until then, here's some food for thought....

"You can't become who you want to be, by remaining who you are."

So, below, tell us- Who do YOU want to be??

When I think about who I want to be, I think about character.  Having character is something that many people assume without ever really thinking about it.  What does it mean to have character? Is it doing what you say you will?  Is it treating everybody you come into contact with well and with respect?  Is it having an inner sense of what is right and sticking to your morals no matter what?  I think that character is a way of life.  It's not simply a trait that somebody has.  It is something that is molded and developed.  Every day we make choices and we shape ourselves.  I am choosing to be someone with character.  Are you?