"Ugly giant bags of mostly water." This is how humans are described, according to the crystalline life form in the 18th episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." And, when you get right down to basics, it is really what we're mostly made of. Mostly. Recently I had the unfortunate opportunity to pick up my dad's ashes from the mortuary after his cremation. The bag weighed in at around 5 or 6 pounds. No pun intended, but it speaks "volumes" about our bodily water content. Whether we're ugly or not, however, is still in the eyes of the beholder.
Psychologically, it can be said that our circumstances define who we are. I suppose that depends on how weak of mind you are. I prefer to think that we're better than that, or should discover the truth of this as we mature. Knowing we're better than our circumstances is a life lesson we should be taught by our parents, our teachers, our mentors, and for some of us, our military trainers, supervisors, and commanders.
We are defined by how we handle our circumstances, especially the bad ones. This is what shows those around us what we are made of. Do we cut and run, lie down and give up, or do we choose to bravely meet the enemy head-on? And how we handle our "good" circumstances can define us, as well. If life is perfect and we go around bragging, our nose in the air with a haughty attitude, this also defines us, to others, as "better than thou." Your better circumstances are evidence, whether by luck or design, that you were able to succeed where many others failed.
But rather than lauding your success over others, perhaps mentoring those less fortunate so they also have an opportunity to better themselves might be a better tact and will define you to others and, more importantly, to yourself, in a much better light.
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.
We are defined by how we handle our circumstances, especially the bad ones. This is what shows those around us what we are made of. Do we cut and run, lie down and give up, or do we choose to bravely meet the enemy head-on? And how we handle our "good" circumstances can define us, as well. If life is perfect and we go around bragging, our nose in the air with a haughty attitude, this also defines us, to others, as "better than thou." Your better circumstances are evidence, whether by luck or design, that you were able to succeed where many others failed.
But rather than lauding your success over others, perhaps mentoring those less fortunate so they also have an opportunity to better themselves might be a better tact and will define you to others and, more importantly, to yourself, in a much better light.
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.
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