Tag Archives: crushed

A Window Into the Soul

Although opinions vary about talk radio, there are moments that are enlightening, original and refreshing.  While driving home from work the other night, a caller made a comment about the host.  Going into specific details on a random topic, the caller replied, “this reveals a window into your soul.”

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles, Psalm 34:17.

Sure, everyone possesses at least one hot button issue, an interest which you are passionate about.  However, the more I ponder this comment, I’m convinced conversations do give strangers a peak into your heart.  Yet, what happens if your words are few and far between, empty of any substance?  Does this suggest your soul is broken, crushed or wounded?

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake, Psalm 23:3.

As I experience an arid period of conversation, what use to be important doesn’t excite me any longer.  Perhaps, this is merely a phase,  something that will pass overtime.  Nonetheless, words are like a pulse, providing a window into your soul.  Thus, the next you feel like the cats got your tongue, pay close attention to the words that you do profess.  If they are not pleasing to Lord, seek guidance from the Lord, leaning on God’s mercy and ask the Holy Spirit to transform your lips.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Don’t Quit Your Day Job

Unfortunately,  no one knows for sure who first coined the phrase, “don’t quit your day job.”   However, we do know how to interpret this figure of speech.  If you are mediocre at best with a favorite hobby, this term is used to sarcastically warn friends or foes to stick with their current occupation.  Although, if you work nights, hobbies become your day job as individuals attempt to maintain balance in life.

When family members aren’t honest, people will either be crushed, devastated or humiliated.  If you don’t believe me, just watch American Idol, America’s Got Talent or the Voice.  Perhaps, some know they suck, but are simply trying to obtain 15 seconds of fame by making it on television or should I say shame?  Either way you put it, only the most skilled can risk quitting their day job if they truly long to follow their dreams.

As for my current situation, I have the best of both worlds, working at night and pursuing my goal of publishing a book/seeing one of my movies on the big screen.  Nonetheless, I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon since  perfecting my projects is years away.  In the meantime, I am striving to fulfill Ephesians 5:15-16, seizing the hours I have on earth to make my mark.  Therefore, don’t quit your day job until the Lord provides a door for you to walk through.

by Jay Mankus

 

The Grind of Life

Inside a coffee grinder, beans are crushed, pounded and smashed into submission until the process is complete.  Sometimes circumstances in life performs a similar act on individuals, grinding and pressing people until their energy is sapped.  Drained, exhausted and spent, my joy for living has been misplaced by a sea of despair.

Perhaps anguish is the guilty party, sucking souls of contentment, fun and thanksgiving.  Despite being known as a man after God’s own heart, 1 Samuel 16:7, David wasn’t exempt from this emotional state.  Psalm 31:10 expresses the toll the grind of life takes on the human body.

Lately, my faith has been void of joy, left behind during my healthier days when work was something I took for granted.  If you take James 2:26 literally, you can’t have one without the other.  Thus, joy is a byproduct of faith, a fruit inspired by the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23.  Like the Samaritan woman, I need to go to the well of living water, John 4:10, so that the grind of life doesn’t crumble my faith.  If you’re thirsty for something more in life, absorb the words of Jesus in John 4:13-14.

by Jay Mankus