“The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.” Author Unknown
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into his grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5
Encumbrance: “a burden or impediment” New Oxford American Dictionary
In 1996, Ted Williams' road to success diverted down a road of alcoholism, drugs, and homelessness. He had hopes of entering the radio business and using his voice to earn a paycheck, but his dreams were encumbered by damaging addictions. As a result, for more than a decade Ted made the streets of Cleveland his home. However, in 2010 he celebrated two years of sobriety and said he found a “new sense of spirituality” to help him deal with future success. Still, Ted Williams was homeless, the damages of drug and alcohol abuse could not be undone overnight. But providentially, in the first days of 2011 a reporter of a local station discovered the “golden voiced homeless man” panhandling, and was so impressed he recorded him on video. The video went viral on YouTube and in a matter of days, if not hours, Ted Williams received high level job offers from many sources and was even interviewed on the Today show. Ted's mother, who never gave up on her son, never stopped loving him, says it was all an answer to her prayers. Ted Williams is an example of how a life can change completely is just moments. Let's try to remember Ted while we go through tough spots in life. Let's remember that we have a source of ultimate wisdom and power able to drag us out of the deepest holes if we just grab the rope. “What rope?” You may ask. The rope that God has made available for all of us. His love. His love provides true hope. It was the love of God that gave Abraham Lincoln hope during the darkest hours of civil war and gave him the ability to utter the famous line, “This too shall pass.” Whatever we're going through. Whether it be challenging, sorrowful, or joyful, remember God's love is there through it all. And it's His love that provides a joy that is remarkable, astounding, and unexplainable. And it's available for all of us!
Daily Journaling Questions:
How did I help someone in kindness today?
What did I learn today?
What am I thankful for?
Who did I love today?
What am I dreaming of?
What about today do I want to remember forever?
What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thank you for reading.
Jake
PS: Continue hoping and praying for Ted Williams.
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Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. III
Non-FictionThis is the third in a series of interactive journals designed to help people grow personally, spiritually, and possibly even professionally. There is a daily message that contains a motivational quote, a Bible verse, a vocabulary word, and a messa...
