engage the movement … to engage is to move, to act, to react … explode in motion, the earth shakes when you Ignite a reaction … move forward, feel the beat, release the energy, step up…and engage the movement … blaze the stage and engage the change, and take that which is still and make it “for real” … engage the movement … live your life in motion … seize the moment … move yourself … believe yourself … take hold of yourself, jump to the center, dance in the middle, live large, … Go big, or go home … engage the movement … to prove the truth … in the pursuit of your youth, engage the movement … engage a moment to notice the change that lies beneath the surface … engage an expression and move the world…
encounter the movement … be found and rebound, receive and believe the need to achieve …reflect the reflection, direct to effect, detect and accept, Encounter the movement … hold the moment …Pause! stay in the word, remain, notice … discover the truth, hold it, keep it, believe it, receive it…encounter the movement … you gotta feel the moment, take it, sense, it … believe it to see it, dont see it to believe it, look at the sights and sounds and feel the stage of life.
respond to the movement … Take heed and believe that you need to receive, come forth and go out, breathe in and breathe out … respond to the movement … your choice is a voice, respond and belong to the beat of our heart…pick up your mat and walk the path, its the road less traveled, the narrow not wide … pick up your cross for the loss of yourself and respond to the movement … trust and obey, for theres no other way to live a life of change … Engage!
I’ve heard that music can be defined as the harmonic connection between all living things–the melodies and harmonies of sounds that fall on the ears of all living things somehow connect. If you think about Harmony, it’s the combination of sounds that are considered pleasing to the ear. That’s what makes a song sound good. It’s those notes, that when played in tune create harmony.
Could it be there’s more to music than just musical instruments and musical notes. For instance, a bird sings a song to his mate, a coyote howls at the moon, a bee buzzes to a flower, the locust sings in the summer. These sounds make up the songs of our environment, and it’s constantly communicating. As these creatures live their lives they sing their song. The mountains, the rain forests and the oceans; their awe inspiring beauty sings of his glory. Maybe life is this great symphony and we’re just instruments that make up the song of God.
I think the same is true for us. We were created to sing this beautiful song that eventually becomes the story of our lives — connecting with the story of God. We’ve all been invited into this song. I like to think of my life like a story or a song that’s been written out. I’m convinced our song is the story of our lives, and as we live each day another verse is sung. If our lives are like a song than what song are we singing? What does it sound like to the people around us? What does it sound like to God? I believe the things we do and say make up the lyrics to our song. The way we chose to live our life is defined in our actions and our words.
The book of Psalms; written perhaps by the greatest song writer ever, were songs written to express his life and relationship with God. These songs of emotions and feelings towards God were his way of worship.
Psalm 40:1-3
I believe freedom is a word that resonates with all of humanity. Somewhere deep down in the human spirit is a voice that screams out to know it. Freedom is a place we all dream of and a destiny worth pursuing. Freedom creates the path to life and gives hope to the oppressed. It’s a path made for the feet of runners and dreamers, thinkers, and originators. Freedom is a craving that burns in our souls and whispers the place of rest. A life fully alive is fueled by freedom. It allows us to be challenged and encourages us to persevere.
Inspiration is a unique dynamic that challenges and encourages the human spirit to create. It can take us to places we never thought we could go. It challenges our curiosity and fuels our dreams. When someone inspires you to do something, often times you use that to create your own unique experience. I think it’s only natural that this element can be used to influence. Influence is a powerful structure that carries the potential to shape culture.
Think about the Renaissance period. This was a cultural movement that inspired art, architecture, music, education, politics, poetry, ethics, science, and religion. Some of the greatest painters, scientist and philosophers came out of this era. Can you imagine if Michelangelo had never painted the Sistine Chapel? Think about how many artists his work inspired. What if the Beetles, Elvis, or Johnny Cash had never been inspired to write music? Most likely rock and roll would never have been born. Think about all the musicians that came after them. I’m sure in many ways they thank them for being pioneers.
There’s something about someone’s talent or gifting that captures your attention. Have you ever been intimidated by someones greatness; it’s like every time you’re around them you get nervous? Maybe it’s a coach, a professional athlete, or just someone you really admire. But whatever it is you always seem to be inspired just by being around them. I believe that we’re drawn into inspiration through excellence. When we see people shine in their environments it gives us a peek into the future that we could be something great.
Growing up I played soccer. There was this kid who was an amazing player. His skills were far beyond anyone in our city. I remember going to his house for some private lessons. I just thought to myself, if only I could be as good this guy. I figured I could at least try. Till this day I remember his talent inspiring me to play at a level that became my very best. I may not have been as good as he was but it took me to a place of contentment where my best became enough.
Often times I’m most inspired by the people around me. In many ways that’s what attracts me to them in the first place. When their character reflects God’s heart, it’s contagious. I’m usually inspired by art, music and culture, but with them its different! I don’t think I have been inspired very many times by someone to be a more passionate follower of Jesus. You ever been around someone like that? It’s like when you look at them you see God in their eyes?
There have been a few people in my life who have become iconic figures and have pointed and guided me to a deeper love for God. These are the people we need on our lives. More importantly, when I read and think about Jesus’ life I’m inspired to become more like Him. As believers we’re only able to love because he first loved us. We should be compelled to give because he’s given to us. His character is like a magnet that propels us into a life of inspiration; not only for us, but for the world.
Take time to notice the people around you and the affect they have on your life. Sometimes its fun to just sit back and watch them inspire.
Life’s far too important to not make an impact.
March 1st, 2008 :: 1 Comment
Lately I’ve really been thinking about the word influence and what it means to become a person of influence. What does it look like and why is it important? I started thinking about the people over the course of my life who influenced me in some way that left a lasting impression. I looked at people who invested their time and energy into my life so that in some way I might become a better person. As I look back there were people who definitely left their mark on my life and I’m a better person for knowing them.
Have you ever met someone or known someone who inspires you? Have you ever been around someone who you knew was destined for greatness? Every time you see them they seem to motivate you in some positive encouraging way. Maybe it’s through their talent or because of their stature, but because of their greatness you seem to be captivated. They even somehow challenge you to become great. How can someone you barely know have that much of an affect on you? I think this is the affect that originators have on people. It’s because of their extraordinary lives that inspire you to become fully alive.
Recently I met someone who completely captured my attention. Like a “deer in headlights” kind of way. Has that ever happened to you? You’re walking along going through your daily routine and then out of no where, Bam! They stop you dead in your tracks. I was totally amazed by how talented and creative they are. Sure, I’ve met plenty of talented people before, but there was something that seemed to set this person apart from the rest. Maybe it was because of their approachability and no matter how busy they were they always seemed to make time for you. Whatever it was I noticed!
I’m convinced that what really seemed to captivate me about this person was their character. They were genuinely authentic, humble, relatable, and just seemed to care. This is definitely the type of person who would quickly over look an offense and be quick to turn the other cheek. Seeing the humility that this person possessed caused me to crave the need for more of a servant-attitude. I can see how this obviously had a lasting impression on people because I noticed how influential they were. People were looking to them for direction and instruction. It was almost as if people wanted to follow them. It was refreshing to see my friend leading people while serving at the same time.
Ok, so how does someone become a person of influence? I think that when people live their lives in such a way that it gains the attention of others, it’s because of their character and who they are at the core. It’s really just a reflection of what’s on the inside, so it becomes a matter of the internal vs. the external. If people allow you to influence their lives in some way it’s because they trust you. It’s also because you’ve inspired them. When we “Inspire” people through our gifts and talents, deeds and actions, they notice our “Character”. If our Character is reflective of Jesus Christ then we become the attraction to those who are searching for the message of Jesus.
As Followers of Christ one of the greatest things we could ever do is to become a person of influence, to reflect the character of Christ as His light shines in and through us. It’s His light that brings life to others. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.”
–In what ways do you inspire people?
–Do you think people notice something different about your character?
–Are you reflecting God’s light?
–What kind of mark will you leave on people?
Trapped….you ever feel like that? Like you can’t move, cause the weight of the world is holding you down and you’ve only found that there’s no where to run and no where to hide and your just left feeling empty inside?……Paralyzed, and suffocating…
You’ve been swimming in this ocean of life, the current is strong as the waves curl over they crash and break and seem to take the balance we need to reach our dreams in the face of the unseen…
Yeah, well….that’s me…Trapped….somehow locked inside a box of small dreams and untold things, surrounded by walls and no windows, a small place I can’t erase, I’ve got burnt bridges and cloudy images…It’s been a long past that’s seemed to last a lifetime of fear…but through all of that still I’m here?
And then, I remember…..that I was created within, in the image of him, it’s He who spoke and it came to be, whose love has set me free. And I believe it’s he who uses the dazed and confused, the lost and the lame, and those with shame, to tell the light of his glory through the love of his story…but that’s just me, that’s what I believe…
You know were often told that we should fit the mold and live a life less than ordinary, a life of mundane that’s always the same, and there are times when we conform and wear a uniform that says “look at me I’m just like him.”
And if you say you’re not conforming, you’re really just ignoring, the voice inside that’s keeping you alive. Why can’t we breakout and believe that it’s He who needs the world to receive. See, your potential is essential to be the one he redeemed, to create and to dream…to be a face in the crowd who stands up and is loud…
The Creator said, the greatest thing we can do is to love him and serve them…if you want to reach the world you have breach the gap….and if he’s the reason for believing then we have to reach out and start receiving.
Strength is finding the courage inside of you to step forward, to be seen, to be heard, to be understood. It is reaching out to grab the hand next to you. It’s expressing the hurt and feelings inside of you. Strength is regaining the life you lost. It’s taking a moment to notice the change and that lies beneath the surface. Strength is being able to love again, to trust again, and to live again.
Opportunity…..it starts with a question, then an invitation. It’s often unexpected and comes when you’re looking the other way. It’s a surprise with in a flattering moment that takes you away to imagination. Opportunity is a place where you’ve often dreamed and thought about going. It’s almost as if you saw yourself there once before but never really remembering. The memory seems distant but real, cloudy, yet finally clear. Somehow you saw it happening in the past and expecting to see it in the future. Or maybe you saw it in the future and now it’s in the past, either way, its happening.
Here it is, the time has come, what will you do? Have you moved on so much that it might pass you by, or will you remember again until you try? Opportunity is only but a moment, a short story with an open ending. Give it a glance or give it a chance, either way you choose.
I’ve been siting here in this empty apartment just staring at the white walls in front of me. I even write on them. I sit here on the bare floor with the carpet to touch. It’s quiet. The silence confronts me. In the still of the moment I’m content. How ironic. Can you be bored and content at the same time? I guess I am. So where does that leave me? Still sitting here…What to think? What to do? This is becoming routine. Day in, day out. I feel stuck. This place feels like an addiction I once knew. The “high” seems controlling and the solution is nill. Why is that? Life feels stagnate. Why? Is it because I’m motionless? Lazy? No! It’s something bigger. Somethings changed.
The boredom is killing me. I’m unaccustomed to this contemporary feeling of loneliness. Where did this come from? I feel as if I’m changing. I no longer know the once “happy larger than life me.” Or as they used to call me, “Bigshow.” What happened to the show that used to be so big, it attracted life. Back then it was natural. It happened without me even knowing. Then, I knew me. I still know who I am, I just feel like a stranger to myself. Drifting alone I don’t recognize what is happening. It’s foreign. Even though I hate the “old me” I miss “me.” I was fun! Exciting! Daring! Life of the party! I’d do anything, only because it felt natural! But now I struggle to look for what seems normal, or what should be normal. So now what? I can’t keep sitting here on this floor sipping coffee from my one and only cup. I have to move. Even if I’m not sure where.
The boredom is killing me! If I could only find the excitement of me. I love life! I love “The Life!” So why can’t I go back to what I once knew? My life has changed, yes, my heart is new, but I’m bored, lonely. Why? Could it be the loss of friendship? What once was so prevalent, is now nonexistent. What was so perfect and pure is now gone, its tainted. A shift has occurred. The standard’s changed. There are friendships yes, but are they “friends?” There are relationships, but are they “real?” Have I withdrawn so much that I have created this distance from myself? How could I have known? I thought I was doing the right thing.
The boredom is killing me. Sitting here, I pause….what now? Is it time to break out? To unleash the sleeping giant that lay dormant within. All is screaming, waiting to exit. Is it time go and create the life of my dreams? What are my dreams? I think I know. At least I thought I did? Maybe they got lost along the way? Or maybe they were never born? Which is it? Either way I’m not sure. What a predicament!
In the aftermath of this boredom, this disinterest, is left behind a boy who once was wild at heart! No fears, only courage! Now grown up, life has become still, restrained, and mute. The end of this fatigue lies in between breaking out and finding the ambition I lost. It’s also seizing the one opportunity that will launch me back into the wild, and out of civilization. I want to walk around with my eyes wide open, not missing anything. Where’s my compass? I know it’s here somewhere?
Things were different then, all is different now. I try to explain somehow. And now… I’m killing the boredom.
October 9th, 2006 :: 1 Comment
What if we had no imagination, no creative visions that somehow kept us looking to the future and reaching for more? Life would be boring, uneventful, maybe even superficial. However, it’s the creativity with in each of us that separates us in our uniqueness apart from anyone else. The fingerprint of our lives is like no other. Creativity is a process by which we have the capacity to create what we see, hear, and think. It’s our own interpretation and expression of us.
In my dreams I’m free. I have no boundaries, no limits, and no expectations. I have the freedom to design and create what I see and feel. My dreams are a constant reminder that Im alive and that my potential hasn’t even been maximized. My dreams keep me wishing and pursuing the things I long for most. They’re worth fighting for. They keep me up at night, smiling and laughing. They even comfort me. My dreams are mine. Sometimes their clarity is all too real, and suddenly they begin to move from the invisible to the visible.
Dreams fuel passion, and passion fuels purpose! They liberate us in a time of mediocrity, pushing us to inspire. Don’t neglect you gifting and talent. It’s what makes you, you! Go and create the life of your dreams. We’re all waiting …
