Lists to live by...

I love quotes, witty sayings, inspirational thoughts--collect them wherever I can. I have them jotted down in journals, in files on my computer, on scrap pieces of paper...I've been known to jot down--on the back of a bank deposit slip--a thought-provoking comment I've heard on a radio show...while driving! What can I say?...I am addicted to quotes! (My future d-i-l even realizes it--she bought me a book for Christmas, 1001 Smartest Things Ever Said--I couldn't wait to work my way through it! Almost didn't want to open the rest of my gifts!)

I guess I may have inherited this particular collecting trait from my mother--she loved poetry and collected poems and other readings. She was always sharing a poem in church, when she wasn't sharing a special song, that is. I have the three-ring binder with her collection she gathered over the years. None of my siblings was interested in it when she passed away, but how could I let that be thrown out? There are newspaper-clipped poems taped to pages (remember Grit--she loved it) and others she had re-written on notebook paper. I guess I view her collection as a look inside her heart and soul. Each poem had some meaning to her--spoke to her in some way. And when I read one of them, our hearts still connect, even though she's been gone almost 18 years (wow, doesn't seem like I've been without her that long!).

So I said all that to share this with you. I have a collection of books entitled Lists to Live By. I pulled one of the volumes out today while working at the church--I needed some filler for our bulletin. (I also do our church sign, so my quote collection comes in handy!) The following is the list I chose to use and thought I would share it with you all. Hope it gets you thinking!

Actions That Take Courage

• Admitting you are wrong.
• Doing what is right when everyone else isn't.
• Speaking to someone you don't know.
• Saying "no" when people are trying to get you to do something you know you shouldn't.
• Telling the truth and accepting the consequences.
• Standing up for something you believe in even though it might mean rejection or ridicule or even physical harm.
• Defending someone who is considered unpopular or unacceptable.
• Facing a limitation and giving it your very best regardless of pain or discomforts.
• Confronting a fear without running away.
• Giving sacrificially to protect or promote either someone you love, someone who has been wronged, or someone who is in need.
• Being the only one.
• Taking a risk.
• Sharing your heart honestly (including your feelings and fears and failures).
• Living your faith with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength regardless of the cost.

Dr. Steve Stephens, Psychologist and Seminar Speaker
Lists to Live By, The First Collection