So, I don’t dare compare my tough circumstances to what our men and women in uniform face, but I confess, life’s been a bit tough lately. I’ve been praying and considering what’s next and if I’m going to continue on. Discouragement has been a ready, willing friend to aid me in that conversation (isn’t it always?).
This morning, I headed for my quiet time and felt nudged to view this video my hubby had sent me a while ago. It’s Admiral William H. McRaven’s UT-Austin commencement address. Through the admiral’s words, God stirred in my heart determination to warrior on. I hope this will do the same for you.
Life Lessons numbers 10 and 4 spoke the loudest to me (they make more sense if you actually watch this 19-minute video). Which speaks most to you?
10 Life Lessons from a Navy SEAL
by Admiral William H. McRaven,
Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command
2014 University of Texas at Austin Commencement Speech
1. If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.
2. If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.
3. If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers.
4. If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.
5. If you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of the circuses.
6. If you want to change the world, sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle head first.
7. If you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.
8. If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moment.
9. If you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.
10. If you want to change the world, don’t ever, ever ring the bell.
Comments 3
What a great speech! Thank you for sharing it. The points that spoke most to me were #’s 1, 9 and 10. I’m so sorry that you’re struggling with discouragement and will be praying for you. I just finished reading “Beowulf” and Tony “Candyman” VanAllen’s story of how he overcame his life changing injury – although heart wrenching – was truly moving. It’s a HUGE risk for an author to put one of the main characters in such dire straits, but you did it with tact, respect and compassion. Thank you for reminding your readers that not all heroes come home unharmed. I am anxiously awaiting Raptor 6 and your many other books. Please, please, PLEASE don’t ring the bell!
Wow! What a great speech. Amazing thoughts and I pray they bring fruit for everyone who heard/hears. I guess #4 is my biggest challenge. Being uncomfortable is very difficult for me, not the physical discomfort but the discomfort brought on by other’s attitudes or assumptions and the discomfort they create. I’ve never been good with confrontation. 🙂 I hear what you are saying and I so agree, discouragement is always there to haunt us. That and feeling unworthy are what I battle most when I’m not busy writing. I always learn from those times but they sure aren’t fun. I do agree though that for those of us called, ringing the bell isn’t an option. I’m praying for you my friend and I know that God has something wonderful for you in the days/weeks to come. <3
Loved the speech. Every one of the 10 points spoke volumes to me. The two that grabbed me the most were 1, have always made my bed and I’ll look at the reason a lot differently now, and 9, love to sing and I know that in the midst of a storm singing to our God will help the tough times. Ronie, I’m singing for you during this season in your life. I only know you as an author and as a friend to others but I will pray and sing for you.