Be an Old Oak

“An Oak tree is a daily reminder that great things often have small beginnings.”

-- Matshona Dhliwayo, philosopher, entrepreneur, author

I took this photo in the front yard of my parent's house.  It seems representative of many people I have met; their lives defined by amputated limbs of failed paths and subsequent scars that have started to decay due to the natural course of neglect.  Yet, here amidst the decay, we see new life has taken a foothold.  This ancient Live Oak is nowhere close to being dead and this new life will make full use of what the old oak has to offer at little expense to the oak which already supports a myriad of other life.

When we think of our lives as older, or even as decaying, scarred, and useless, we forget to consider the life we give to those around us.  We forget how much people we know rely on our strength like life clings to the branches of the old oak.  Where others may fall to the wayside in the course of life, our strength may soldier on many more years giving hope and life to future friends, family, and passers-by.  Our strength can stand as a beacon of hope and light for countless others.  From a small acorn, a mighty oak emerges, grows, and nourishes the life around it. Be an old oak!

Never sell yourself short.  You always have so much more to offer for those with so much less.  Be strong like the old oak.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.