Tag Archives: encouraging words

The Power of Positivity

In episode four of Project Afterlife, the power of positivity is credited as one of the main reasons for Dean Braxton being brought back to life.  Afraid that negativity might cause family members or friends to lose faith, Dean’s wife Marilyn surrounds her dead husband with encouraging words and prayer.  This spiritual warrior mentality, never giving up, eventually led the man that she loved to be resurrected.

Jesus said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him, Matthew 9:24.

As a coach of nearly twenty years, I’ve witnesses teams collapse due to a spirit of doubt.  All it takes is one key individual to become consumed with pessimism to turn the tide of a game.  Following a bad inning in the field two seasons ago, I called my baseball team into the dugout.  The body language displayed signaled the game was over, yet it had just begun.  Looking into the eyes of these boys, I asked “do you believe we can win?”  After hearing several no’s, I threatened to forfeit the game.  Negative minds kept this team from tasting victory.

Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live, John 14:10.

Whether you’re in school, working or retired, no one is immune from negativity.  This mindset can be contagious, contracted by oppressive parents, bossy siblings or Debbie downers.  If you’re not careful, you might join their misery or be brought down, sucking the life out of a room.  To avoid going down this road, its essential to clothe yourself in the fruits of the spirit.  Even when environments can be suffocating, the Holy Spirit has the ability to pierce the darkness through the power of positivity.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Humble Pie

Served when you least expect it, humble pie is a tough dessert to swallow.  As you lose your appetite for life, emotions can waver, pulsating beyond your control.  In these moments of spiritual indigestion, even Pepto Bismol can’t reduce the pain within your body.

While examining the plate that I have been given in life, I have come to the realization that “I’m not in Kansas any more Toto.”  Instead, I am on the run with a weak mind, wounded heart and diminishing traces of courage.  From the inside looking out, I’ve had my fill of humility for the year.  As I’m off to see the real Wizard, the Bible has some encouraging words for those of you tired and weary.

According to Hebrews 2:14, Jesus humbled himself, coming down to our level.  Other passages like 2 Chronicles 7:14 suggest humble pie is a blessing in disguise, leading the broken toward prayer.  In additional, God gives grace to the humble, Proverbs 3:34, guiding those who endure this in the right direction, Psalm 25:9.  Therefore, if you’ve been to the All You Can Eat Humility Buffet one too many times, do not fret.  God will raise you up, just where you are, on wings like eagle, carrying you til you taste eternal life, Isaiah 40:28-29.

by Jay Mankus