You should know that I've thought of you and the next few subjects I'm going to write on literally dozens of times--at least several times each day. I'm constantly running across new material, subjects, questions and topics. Hardly a day goes by without me thinking, "I need to blog about that." Isn't it amazing, if you really stop to think about it, how much TRIUMPH we're all surrounded by? I know, I know.... the economy stinks, unemployment is up, jobs down, not to mention spirits. I'm well aware of all this. But I'm not down and I hope you aren't either. So many of us are still persevering. So many of us are like the intrepid explorers, soldiers, adventurers and more of yesteryear, who stared into the eye of the storm or the enemy and said, "Give Us Your Worst. We Will Not Back Down, No Matter What You Try Throwing at Us, We Are Stronger Than You!"
As I look back on my own life, many, many examples come to mind of resilience for which I am very grateful (it is Thanksgiving week, after all). Three quick examples:
Dan O'Steen, a wonderful sales manager of mine with Trendwest Resorts many years ago, is a true gentleman who reminded me "people don't care what you know until they truly know you care." He also used to say, "you don't have to be high pressure to be highly effective." Dan, my hat is off to you. You're a great man, a great manager, and also one heck of a saxophone player (Danno's band, Blues Union, is simply amazing).
A second example that comes to mind is Dan's counterpart, Rick Winings, the Project Director of the Alaska TRI office. Among many things, Rick taught us that "if you're not enjoying life, if you're not making the most of every day and truly "sucking the marrow out of it," you're missing the point." I can still remember him, with his feet up on his desk, a glass of wine in his hand, telling funny stories. He's often say, "You're not getting any younger, Patrick." At 50, he's still a big kid, and I love it.And then there's Mel Horowitz, a dear friend of mine who is practically bursting with enthusiasm pretty much every time you see him. In his mid-70's, he lives life to its FULLEST, staying healthy, keeping busy, pretty much loving every minute. Lately he's been selling loads of stuff on eBay ... last month he was working in a Costco Warehouse collecting leads for LeafGuard NW (the well-known rain gutter company). Mel doesn't need the money; he's retired many times over and is paying to take 45+ people on a Bahamas cruise tomorrow ... (his entire family + his ex-wife and her husband; how's that for Triumphing [over sadness / divorce]?) Mel, more than just about anyone I know, teaches me often how to "Triumph over adversity." His example is inspiring to us all.
Speaking of inspiring, I wanted to share with you a clip and story from another powerful example, Wintley Phipps, real quick. Whether you're Christian or not, religious or not, or even a spiritual person or not, it doesn't really matter. I think you'll be touched by his story and song.
Wintley Phipps is the founder of U.S. Dream Academy, Inc., a non-profit organization which helps children who have had a family member behind bars. They're doing some really neat things, helping these kids Triumph over their set of circumstances and thrive. If you'll watch the YouTube clip below, you'll see three things that stood out to me and probably others that will have a similar or even greater effect on you:
1. Did you know most African American spirituals are played using only the black keys of the piano? I found that very interesting. The haunting feel of an all-black-key melody is mesmerizing, and interestingly appropriate.
2. Wintley is a world-renowned vocalist and performs one of the most stirring renditions of Amazing Grace I've ever heard. (Did you know Amazing Grace is the best selling / highest grossing black spiritual of all time)? *3. Lastly, did you know the timeless hymn, Amazing Grace, was written by a former captain of a slave ship, John Newton? His story is touching, and very aptly portrayed in the movie, Amazing Grace, starring Ioan Gruffud and Albert Finney.
Mr. Phipps' mission, his message and his organization are impressive. You can learn more about them at http://www.usdreamacademy.org/. And Happy Thanksgiving, whoever you are.
Be grateful.....
River
Amazing Grace performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfGytXRpfho&feature=youtube_gdata_player
P.S. I'm going to do my best to write at least 3 times each week, if not more, from here forward. This way, if I miss a day or two, it's not the end of the world. I might be able to put a little more meat into the posts as well. From the feedback I hear, folks seem to be enjoying them and I'm enjoying doing this. I hope you're getting a lot out of them.
I appreciate your reading. Please spread the word and come back and visit real soon. JPL
* Wintley Phipps has performed for American Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Regan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Glinto, George W. Bush and Barack Obama at severl National Prayer Breakfast events and other distinguished celebrations. He performed for: the 1984]], and 1988 National Democratic Conventions, Rosa Parks' 77th Birthday gala at the Kennedy Center, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, and President Nelson Mandela. He has appeared on various programs such as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. television special, Dr. Robert Schuller's Hour of Power Telecast, the Billy Graham Crusades, at the Vatican, was guest soloist at Diana Ross' wedding ceremony in Switzerland, and on Saturday Night Live, Soul Train, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. He has also conducted lectures in Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa and North and South America.
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