The other night my wife, my daughter and I watched the movie “The Help.” As the movie ended the tears continued. My heart was breaking for men, women and children entrenched in overt and covert human trafficking.

I remembered why I pray: Because I am desperate for a power greater than my own to do that which I cannot.

Josh Groban’s song The Prayer is one such prayer. He begins: 1

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know

All us us have to cope with the challenges of peer pressure. When we face peer pressure situations it helps to understand our motives.

Often we don’t let down the internal pressure because we feel that the expectations of others don’t let us — or at least that’s what we think.

We assume “making people happy” is a sign of being a good friend, when it really drives us to a dangerous place and perpetuates unreasonable expectations.

You have choices.
I have choices.

Choices

We have choices, more choices than we let ourselves see.

Prompted by my reading of Quiet by Susan Cain, this week we’ve explored introverts and extroverts their distinctive and their qualities. Including:

I Buy Coffee

An Introvert?!?

Introvert’s Confusion

And, Are YOU An Introvert or Extrovert?

Whether you’re a parent, a brother or sister, an aunt, uncle or neighbor, you know children. And, if you’re like me, quiet children can be a mystery.

Today, I’d like to let Susan Cain’s insights on introvert children speak for themselves. Oh, wait – let me say this first – my favorite quote from her about children is: “Don’t just accept your child for who she is; treasure her.”

Are You An Introvert or Extrovert (And Why Does It Matter)?

Do you ever wonder where you fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum?
Here is the place to assess yourself.

This quiz from Susan Cain’s QUIET: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking will help you self-assess.

Charles Dickens wrote, “A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.”

We are fascinated by secrets, rumors and gossip.

I used to be offended by a statement like that until it became obvious.

“Obvious?!?”, someone might argue.

Maybe secrets, rumors and gossip are not the fascination of everyone, but how else can you explain:
– The popularity of fantasy sports & their paid “Insider” features
– The popularity of TMZ & the volumes of celebrity gossip
– The illegality of insider trading
– The mumblings and rumblings as most school lunch tables

When I was a child I was heartbroken watching the Roots mini-series on TV.

I thought, “I sure am glad that the slave days are over.”

As an adult I found out just how wrong I was.

You can find more information about “end it movement” here and the International Justice Mission.

I always look for heroes to admire.

Helen Keller, and those who cared for Helen, especially Anne Sullivan are people worthy of admiration.

Helen Keller was not born blind and deaf; it was not until she was 19 months old that she contracted an illness which left her deaf and blind.

I read this quote from Helen Keller and felt inspired.

I want to say to those who are trying to learn to speak and those who are teaching them: Be of good cheer.

Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow.

“More Than a Bucket List will challenge you to go for that hole-in-one at Pebble Beach, to become an amateur chef, to scale K2. But it will also encourage you to view these accomplishments from God’s point of view and to make your bucket list matter eternally along the way. With each page, the dream inside you will be drawn out—the higher dream of what God has purposed for you.”

The author challenges her readers to choose positive values:
Pursue laughter.
Live your dreams.
Honor the strength of others.
Fight for love.
Be a Good Samaritan.
Become a more positive person.

I’m turning 50 this week.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just six days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

Intelligence

I want you to believe I’m smart.

I know it sounds so shallow, but it’s true.

I’ve never cared much about how my reputation is affected by opinions about my clothing, vehicles or income.

On the other hand, I hope you think I’m smart.

It’s good discipline to be a lifelong learner.

I’m turning 50 this week.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just seven days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

I Love Science

As far back as I can remember I’ve loved science.

Scotty the Scientist they called me.  My curiosity has reigned big in my life since I was little. 

Excursus – Let me express my thanks to my sister Kristie for all the great digital pictures of me she’s providing this week.  Thanks Kristie!