Tag Archives: afraid

Behind Closed Doors

Posted on November 8, 2014 by expressyourself4him

With the advent of twitter, overreaction has a voice, tweeting out emotions, opinions and rage.  Subsequently, there is a growing fear among citizens of telling others how you really feel.  To guard against the next media frenzy, the truth is often found off the record, behind closed doors.

Growing up in the 1980’s, I was taught not to be afraid of letting others know who you are.  Nonetheless, deep inside there were whispers, “what if people don’t like me?”  Fueled by peer pressure, I blended into my environment, letting my guard down only when the timing felt right.  Except for a few friends, my faith was hidden behind closed doors.

One of the most difficult passages of the Bible to comprehend is Matthew 10:32-39.  Jesus is about to send his disciples out into the world for the first time.  As the Lord goes over a list of expectations, the words of this passage sends a wave of conviction, crashing over my soul.  Essentially, if anyone is ashamed of their faith, they will be left behind closed doors.  In view of this fact, open the door to your heart by sharing your faith today.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Don’t Be So Koi; Unleash Your Potential

Posted on September 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Koi fish, also known as nishikigoi in Japan, are domesticated carp kept for decorative purposes, usually in water gardens.  However, koi have an unique characteristic, growing only as large as their environment allows.  Thus, if you have a small fish tank, their size will be stunted to a few inches.  When given the opportunity, koi can grow to nearly 4 feet in size, but only in the right conditions like a large pond or lake.

In life, many individuals are afraid of the unknown, the areas beyond their comfort zones.  Subsequently, most people limit their potential, scared to take a chance or risk embarrassment outside in the big sea.  Instead of blossoming, souls tend to settle for mediocre lives, secure in the safety of their normal surroundings.  Unfortunately, this is not the plan God called his disciples to follow, Mark 16:15-18.

Today, Christians leave this responsibility for pastors, preachers and teachers, excluding themselves from Jesus’ command.  Although the harvest is still ripe for the picking, Matthew 9:35-38, the sidelines are flooded, me included, with believers too self-absorbed with life to get into the game.  In view of this unsettling truth, break away from patterns of idleness.  Don’t be so koi; rather unleash your potential by fanning into flame the gifts you have t offer, Romans 12:3-8.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Star Saved a Nerd

Posted on June 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

It was Friday afternoon as high school students began to filter out of the front entrance.  As Tim, the starting quarterback of the football team, began to think of his weekend plans, an unusual site got his attention.  Walking down the main sidewalk, a nerd was trying to carry all of his books home for the weekend, stacked 9 high.  Meanwhile, one by one, other students began to bully and tease this studious boy, causing him to drop his books.  Laughing initially, the second and third time this occurred, Tim became enraged.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWiQdb8vIMQ

Inspired to act, Tim moved out of his comfort zone, introducing himself to this boy with a ghostly face.  Before he finished talking, this nerd faintly responded, “I know who you are, everyone does!”  Feeling awkward, Tim began to make small talk, asking where he lived, how old he was and what he liked to do.  Realizing he lived a few blocks away, Tim suggested, “why don’t I walk you home, I live right around the corner so nobody else gives you a hard time?”  Afraid to reject this offer, they began to pass time in conversation.  As they approached the nerd’s home, Tim humbled himself, asking if his new friend could tutor him in Algebra.  Shocked by this request, this was the beginning of an unique, yet special friendship.

Two years later, this nerd went on to become valedictorian, nominated by Tim to give a speech at graduation.  Shy and afraid, this boy trembled at the podium, staring at his note cards for a moment.  Suddenly, the boy put his cards away, proclaiming, “I can’t do this!”  Sharing from his heart, this nerd dropped a bomb shell on those in attendance.  “Two years ago, I was on my way to commit suicide.  On a Friday afternoon, I brought all my books home so my mom wouldn’t have to clear out my locker.  On my way home, I started thinking about how I was going to do this until a stranger intervened.  Bullied for the last time, I wanted to make these cruel people feel bad.  Yet, Tim stepped in, befriended me and stopped me from carrying out my plan.”   With not a dry eye in the house, this was the day when the star quarterback saved a nerd.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Dark Places

Posted on June 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you think long enough, childhood memories from a scary place will trigger fear.  Whether you grew up in the country, city or suburbs, every neighborhood had at least one area, house or place where a presence of darkness was felt.  For me and my friends, it was a forest where strange things regularly occurred.

My first encounter there involved snakes, like the movie Snakes on Planes.  Located a couple of hundred yards from my house, a dense forest possessed a short cut to my favorite arcade.  When the path wasn’t trimmed back, you had to walk in Namaans Creek to avoid sticker bushes.  On this particular day, a snake swam between my legs, another fell out of a tree right above my head and a third I nearly stepped on, slithering right in front of me.  Whether I entered a haunted forest or not, this was the first of several experiences which brought chills and goosebumps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldXdymGCShg

According to Asaph, dark places do exist, Psalm 74:20.  These signs are obvious with violence being the major factor.  You don’t have to live in the projects to witness such a place.  Somewhere along the way, the devil, demons and dark powers have established a foothold in these arenas of life, Ephesians 4:27.  If and when you stumble across such a place, remember to arm yourself with the right weapons, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  Until then, take the apostle Paul’s advice in Ephesians 6:10-12, putting on the armor of God as a canvas of protection from dark places.

by Jay Mankus

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The Emotions of Praise

Posted on April 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon what church, temple or mosque you attend, an increasing number of people are reserved, afraid of letting others know what’s inside of them.  Meanwhile, Pharisees still exist in most places of worship, putting on a show for others to see, Matthew 6:5.  Therefore, when you enter a house of praise where emotions are on display as a genuine act of worship, outsiders struggle to accept or embrace this movement.

Music causes unique styles of expression like individuals moved to toe tap, gradually turning their bodies into human tambourines.  Others begin to snap their fingers and clap their hands.  Those with rhythm may follow the beat, dancing and swaying side to side.  When touched by the lyrics, one might lift their hands high, closing their eyes to heighten their focus on God.  Tears often fall as you reach this stage of worship, moving some to fall to their knees or bow at the altar.

While numerous churches are spiritually dead today, void of these emotions of praise, a remnant remains alive and well.  The sons of Korah highlight acts of praise in Psalm 47 including clapping hands, shouts of praise and cries of joy.  The moment the human soul approaches the throne of grace, Hebrews 4:16, with a humble heart, the emotions of praise break out.  This act of worship is what you offer up to God on the Sabbath.  You may bring a tithe or appreciate the biblical message, yet the emotions of praise is where you meet and experience the presence of God.

Have you ever been moved by the Holy Spirit to let your guard down?  Please share a story of your own emotions of praise.

by Jay Mankus

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Relocating Your Voice

Posted on March 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Freedom of Speech isn’t what it use to be in America.  Today, fear of public opinion is silencing many, afraid their beliefs will lead to a feeding frenzy in the media, falling out of favor like a fading star.  Thus, individuals are forced to relocate their voice, finding other avenues to express how they really feel.

In an episode called State of Grace, the writers of Joan of Arcadia present a show focusing on a junior in high school who stutters.  Though intelligent, he is unable to communicate what is in his mind without severe stammering.  Subsequently, he turns to writing to voice his opinions.  Joan played by Amber Tamblyn encourages her new friend to relocate his voice from the debate team to writing for the school newspaper.

As graduates enter the work force this spring, its harder than ever to discover where you can maximize your God given talents.  Though money is an important factor, failure to apply your gifts in a position can stifle your joy.  Until you locate a place that values your assets, people will continue to search for an ideal match.  May you enjoy the journey as you relocate your voice to find your place in this world.

Please share how or who has influenced you to stand up for your belief in the comment section below.

by Jay Mankus

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How Bad Do You Really Want It?

Posted on February 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If I had to take an honest assessment of my goals in life  and compare this with how I actually spend my time, my actions display a lack of hunger to make my American Dream a reality.  While playing on a  Florida mini-tour in 1995, I met several individuals who were willing to risk everything, sacrificing food, shelter and wants to one day make the P.G.A. Tour.  Clearly, they wanted it more than me as some ate peanut butter and jelly 3 times a day, 7 days a week, a few lived in their cars and many more worked the night shift so they could play in golf tournaments during the day.  In essence, I’m the only one to blame for not fulfilling this desire of my heart.

Cover Photo

Nearly 20 years later, I not willing to let another dream slip through my hands.  Back in the late 90’s, I had a 45 minute phone conversation with Max Lucado’s editor, set up by a mutual friend who owned a Christian Bookstore.  At the time, I was a freelance writer trying to break through, asking as many questions as possible without being rude.  Two of his statements serve as a glimmer of hope for this amateur author: “If you want to get noticed, the average professional writes full time for 7 years before getting paid or if you can only afford to do this part time, you must be willing to invest 15 years of your life.”  Over the past 3 years, I am in the process of paying my dues, with over 700 daily articles, 1 complete 90 minute movie script and currently a third of the way through my first book called Behind the Devil’s Door.  Though I could probably devote more time to writing each week, this time around the block I want it more than ever.

In Psalm 27:4, King David asks a similar question, but from a spiritual perspective: “How badly do you want to spend time with God?”  Are you happy with your current relationship or are holding back, not ready to commit fully to the Lord?  Based upon verses 1-3, if you are afraid, faithless or weak, you’re likely missing essential pieces.  What’s holding you back, keeping you from experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit daily?  Perhaps you don’t want God as bad as He longs to be with you, Luke 15:20.  May the words of Matthew 6:33-34 provide the assurance you need to re-prioritize your life as soon as possible.  While every human feels the pain of unfulfilled dreams, I pray that gazing upon the beauty of the Lord will transform your perspective on life.  Your actions in the days that follow will answer the question, how bad do you really want it?

by Jay Mankus

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The Melting Point

Posted on February 13, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the compound or matter, melting points vary reaching 2500 degrees Fahrenheit for steel, 113 for wax and a mere 32 for ice to begin to melt.  However, if you referring to the melting point of individual’s, this fluctuates daily as each day provides various fuels to ignite or cool someone off before tempers flare.  Essentially, there is only so much a person can take before they snap, as the emotions inside boil over at, into and toward another soul who just happened to say the wrong thing at the wrong time.

From a spiritual perspective, the melting point can also refer to depression, when someone has suffered so much heart ache that their desire for caring melts away like a candle without any more wax or wick.  Thus, a callous heart is formed, afraid to love or let love in, unwilling to be burned again.  King David eludes to this in Psalm 22:14, “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.  My heart has turned to wax, it has melted away within me.”  When you feel that God has forgotten about you or passed you over in favor of someone else, you may reach a similar melting point.

This same factor can also be applied to spiritual fire, mentioned by a teenager pastor in 2 Timothy 1:6, a byproduct of putting into practice the gifts God has given you.  Beside anger and depression, applying your talents daily can provide purpose for individuals looking to grasp one of life’s certainties.  Despite what goes on around you, when you are in sync with God, the other things that use to bother you seem to fade.  Therefore, as long you know your part in the concert of life, Romans 12:6-8, you’ll be able to distinguish what note to play and when to play it according to C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity.  Until you discover this balance, you just might reach your melting point.

by Jay Mankus

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Trying to Understand a World Turned Upside Down

Posted on January 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon one’s worldview, the beliefs you develop will reflect how you see the world.  Thus, one religion might view a suicide bombing as a righteous act.  Meanwhile, someone who saves a whale is deemed a hero.  On the other hand, a similar attempt to save an unborn child’s life might result in persecution, earning a reputation as a bigot.  Either the world has been turned upside down or worldviews have poisoned the minds of this generation.

Humans tend to form their opinions based upon personal experiences.  The more someone encounters attitudes, behaviors and ethics, ideals slowly take hold, shaping the individual as they absorb the world around them.  Therefore, the adults, fatherly figures and leaders one comes into contact with on a daily basis will influence who children become.  Whether its the music they hear, shows they watch or conservations they observe, all play a factor.  If a mind is a beautiful thing to waste, warped worldviews is a major reason why the world appears to be turned upside down.

Jesus faced a similar crowd early in the first century.  When Pharisees placed so many regulations on the Sabbath, their hearts turned cold toward healings Jesus performed on the Lord’s day.  Instead of rejoicing, the zealots forgot what being a follower of God was all about.  This convoluted belief blinded many of these religious leaders from seeing Jesus for who he was, the son of God.  However, if someone like Nicodemus can be transformed from a Pharisee in John 3 into one of 2 people not afraid to bury Jesus in John 19:38-42, then our minds can also change today.  Help play a role in changing the world right side up, one mind at a time.

by Jay Mankus

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Not A Clue?

Posted on January 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

I’m not sure who has a worse track record: global warming predictions or the daily weather forecasters?  According to Al Gore, you know the guy who created the internet, polar bears were suppose to be near extinction due to the last of the polar ice caps melting by now.  Meanwhile, meteorologists have become so dependent on technology and weather models, they’ve overlooked common sense and God given instincts like Bill Paxton’s character in the 1996 film Twister.  I wish someone in either of these 2 groups would just be honest, professing to the world, “I don’t have a clue?”

Based upon actual scientific data, global cooling and warming is influenced by major volcanic eruptions or lack there of.  Temperature patterns going back to the early 1800’s reveal the world wide temperatures decline the year following a major eruption, decreasing between 1-4 degrees fahrenheit on average.  A modern example of this occurred following Mount Saint Helen’s explosion on May 18, 1980 as scientists began to suggest the world was heading toward its next ice age.  In the year’s following little or no volcanic activity, ocean temperatures often rise creating an El Nino affect.  However, computers can only make an educated guess on the future, often not having a clue to God’s daily forecast.

Having confidence in an ability, skill or talent is not a bad thing.  However, there is a growing trend in the media to avoid showing weakness unless you are a politician who has just been caught in a scandal.  Then, consultants will encourage individuals to go an Oprah, spill their guts and shed a tear or two to show the American people your sorry.  Yes, its important for college professors, guest analysts and professionals to be well informed, but what’s wrong with a little humility.  I want real people who aren’t afraid to proclaim “I don’t know,” instead of fake people hiding behind a facade.  Feel free to express your opinion or stand out up your soap box for a few minutes.

by Jay Mankus

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