Make Your Bed

Have you read the book "Make Your Bed" by retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral William H. McRaven. Possibly you've listened to his commencement address on YouTube; however, I think the book adds much more meat to the 10 lessons he learned as a Navy Seal that impacted his life, mine and so many others.  

There are so many sayings I could quote from this book that took me under an hour to read; but, the one that stands out is Chapter 9 "If you want to change the world...start singing when you're up to your neck in mud."  He talks about an encourager, a motivator, a hope-giver.  Someone who propelled the men on when they were in a muddy situation - literally.  The team learned "the power of one person to unite the group, the power of one person to inspire those around him, to give them hope." He ends the chapter saying:  "We will all find ourselves neck deep in mud someday.  That is the time to sing loudly, to smile broadly, to lift up those around you and give them hope that tomorrow will be a better day."

Do some around you feel neck deep in muddy problems and unable to move?  Are some losing hope in a brighter future without racism, sexism and all the other  - isms?  Have some stopped singing out of despair that tomorrow will be no better than today?  It's time to sing!  It's time to be the hope bringer.  It's time to smile.  Even if it is you, fake it until you make it.  You will make it!  God will not let you down.  I won't either.  If you need encouragement, here I am.

When I was little and my Godfather took me to the front pew of the church to show me off, our fire and brimstone preacher banged on the pulpit and said, "We shall have hope!"  I yelled back at him:  "Here me are!"  Well I'm here to tell you we shall have hope; and a little better grammatically, here I am.  God and I are on your side.  Remember 1 John 1: 9 confirms that "God is faithful and reliable."  Count on it!