experience becomes intelligence!
Lately:
I've been putting myself in other people's shoes as my greatest attempt at best understanding them. It works! For example, if you are in an argument with someone...take a moment to determine his motives and imagine that you are inside of his mind, thinking what he is thinking. This process allows you to have more empathy for your opponent than you did before, and in some cases-even to realize that you are in the wrong, not them. Try it!
On the TV series "Wilfred", the dog Wilfred says, "everything is everything" on several occasions. I instantly took a liking to this quote because it's true! Everything does matter. It wasn't until one weekend last month that I truly realized the power of influence and example. In the words of Ms. Wallace, "We're living in a world of imperfect human beings where greed, jealousy, and envy are manifested by what other accomplished in life." Biggie was in the position to help, position to share, and the position to give to others. Ms. Wallace's words could not prove to be more true. Unfortunately, a large portion of our country focuses on greed, jealousy and envy. I learned from first hand experience that these feelings will eat you alive. If you allow them to manifest inside of you, you are in for a long and painful ride.
When we die all that we leave behind is our legacy, whether it be a heroic one, or one of selfishness and pride. Rebecca was one of my good friends from middle school, and on June 8th this past summer she was in a car crash on her way home from work. Her funeral was packed with friends and family, as well as all of the officers from Nacogdoches Police Department. Her older sister Rachel spoke of Rebecca as if she were a saint. In tears, Rachel shared with us how anytime she wore an article of Rebecca's clothing, Rebecca would smile and say, "it looks better on you! Keep it!" Rachel would often give the clothes back anyway, then later find them hanging neatly in her closet. I want to leave a legend behind where people remember me for my big heart and unconditional love..Rebecca was 19 years old, yet that didn't stop her. She was a junior in college majoring in criminal justice and serving her internship at the Nacogdoches Police Department. Rebecca's dream was to work for ICE, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to defend the rights of those who can't speak for themselves. She had also started her own ministry, Rendered Hope Outreach...and one of Rebecca's favorite quotes was as follows: "I may be one, but I am one. I may not be able to do everything, but I can do something..." --Helen Keller. This semester I decided to take up criminal justice. Most days as I'm walking into my criminal justice class, or listening to a lecture in class, I think of Rebecca and hope that she can see me sitting there, and I remind myself of the impact that she made in her short time here.
Until next time,
SB
renderedhope.org
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