Confessions of a Wimp

I guess you can call me a closet wimp. What you say? Yes, I am by definition a wimp, if you consider a person who relies on a spiritual power for support and sustenance.

I am like a lot of guys that have endorsed and lived a macho life. I am talking about being an ex- Marine, a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a rugged individualist, a cancer survivor and whatever.

I didn’t intentionally try to be a macho person. It was just my natural bent. I just fell into it. If you get my drift. In fact, most people I know, that don’t run from fear, are like myself, very unassuming and humble.

In case you are wondering, the “wimp” part in my headline relates to my recent grasp of bringing God into my life. There is a segment of society that categorizes people of faith as being wimps. Getting closer to God has changed my whole persona. You know what I mean? human potential In brief, this God business has made me “bullet proof”. I kid you not.

What do I mean by this? I can with stand twice as much abuse and punishment now. I don’t get worn down by adversaries and critics. I feel my future and its potential is twice as great. Before my embracement of “faith”, I let reason and logic dictate too much to me. When you get to be an old guy like me, you get “burned out”.

I give credit to the “new Jack” to Joel Osteen. Joel OsteenI caught a few of his tv programs. What I like about his is the fact that he is not a holier than thou character. He is not a bit dogmatic or intimidating. This is pretty good from a guy that hasn’t set foot inside a place of worship for forty years.

Don’t get me wrong. I am no goody goody kind of guy, maybe a wimp.In fact, just about 18 months ago I was battling colon cancer, radiation and chemo in a hospital. I was in the hospital for 18 days, accompanied with nausea, diarrhea, pneumonia, and all around misery. Finally, when I began to recover, the main man Doc came into visit me with a cute nurse. He introduced me as a real “hard core” kind of guy. I am very proud of that. Being an ex-Marine…hoorah! I didn’t “wimp” out.

When I read in Books of Inspiration that belief as small as a muster seed can move a mountain, I got turned on. Or, just using a little concentration and focus can split a mountain in half, really excited me. Come on you little wimp.

Matter of fact, I did a little “positive projection” for my son recently, and he is now living an incredible successful life. How does that grab you? I will tell you, it certainly has my attention.



In terms of human relations, I do a “slide and glide” routine now. I was raised in the Judio-Christian upbringing, so that’s where I am coming from. I am of the firm conviction that it doesn’t matter what religious thought anyone has. The world’s great religions provide all of us the “same basic tools” to cope with life. Our cultures play a big part in this.

Oops. I almost got side tracked. Let’s get back to “slide and glide”. My reference source comes from Biblical Scriptures. I call them my Wisdom Books. I get all kinds of practical advice in dealing with people. For example, lets say one of my neighbors does some stupid wacko thing. And, it really pisses me off, even for a wimp like me.

My initial reaction is to give this “neighbor” a piece of my mind. I am mad and my ego has been put down. So what do I do? Start screaming and yelling and make a big jerk out of myself? No way. At least not with the new Jack. (That’s me…I’m Jack) My wisdom book consuls me to keep my mouth shut. In fact, it goes further then that. My Reference says in effect, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”, and “ He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city.”


So, what do you think about that? I’ll tell you what I think. Because of these wise words of restraint, I can still speak to my neighbors. No one thinks I am some kind of hothead. My blood pressure stays normal and I am an all around happier and healthier person.

I consider these Biblical Scriptures, my Wisdom Books, my new martial arts. Yes, I am a 2nd Degree Black Belt-TaeKwonDo. They keep me in check, serene, out of trouble and happy. This leaves my energy level strong and dynamic. Therefore I can deal effectively and resourcefully with other more constructive and positive issues. Hoorah! Stand Great

How To Win With Supernatural Power

Want a leg up on life?

Then start using supernatural power. I am talking about using the power of belief that taps into the supernatural. Traditionally, this means accessing the power of faith through religion.

This means taking any of the World Religions-Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity as described by Huston Smith in his book, The World Religions, and applying the power of belief in terms of getting what you want in life.

How many people would be interested in getting an edge up on life? You know what I am talking about…like getting an “advantage” over your competitors. Relax, it’s not really cheating. Actually, it’s quite legit. Yeah, you could say it’s downright admirable. Just use supernatural power.


I am a Christian and all of my context comes from this source, Christianity. I am of the conviction that all world religions lead to the same destination. And, I believe, these religions can empower its believers to achieve their hearts desires with supernatural power.

We know the power of belief works wonders with peoples health.

Research scientist Dr. Louise Hawkley has been studying 200 Cook County residents for six years and believes people who have a strong relationship with God have more resilient nervous systems. They handle stress better and see significant health benefits.

"People who had this religious well-being, they had not had heart attacks," Hawkley said.

Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, Muslim, whatever the religious tradition, a growing body of research shows a strong connection between spirituality and health.

Prayer Power With Supernatural Power.

The use of prayer in promoting good health, long life and recovery from illness is not just a New Age fad, but very old ideas that are being rediscovered, medical experts say.

More and more doctors are coming to appreciate the role faith can play in medical matters, says a report in Reader's Digest magazine.

The publication cites a study by Dartmouth University researchers indicating that "deeply religious" heart patients are far less likely to die during surgery and a Yale University study showing that regular churchgoers' hospital stays are far fewer than those of individuals who never attend church.

Harvard Medical School's Dr. Herbert Benson says the facts are there. A relaxed state induced by prayer and meditation reduces the impact of stress hormones on the body and "lowers blood pressure and even slows brain waves, all without surgery."

Prayer seems to reassure patients they are not alone in their struggle, says Duke University's Dr. Harold Koenig. Such an attitude counteracts the psychological isolation that often undermines recovery for the seriously ill, he says.

The publication says a healthy respect for faith can also serve to remind doctors that their patient is a real person, not just a collection of symptoms and medical tests.

Apply belief power to any area of your life.

A couple of examples of supernatural power:

1. Want to knock them dead and move a mountain? “Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17.20 - Christianity

2. You can do the same thing with Buddhism… “A monk who is skilled in concentration can cut the Himalayas in two.” Anguttara Nikaya 6.24

Use supernatural power for something down to earth!

Like getting a good job that pays lots of money. You can do it, you know. Maybe you would love to get a good job for someone you love or who needs help badly. I did it for my son. Just a couple months ago, prayed that my son would have some wonderful things happen to him.

Guess What? It did! Now he has a fabulous job and more money that he knows what to do with. I honestly couldn’t believe it.

I am walking proof!

Two years ago, I was being treated for colon cancer. The radiation they gave me, almost killed me. Here I am today, a picture of health. My Good Lord cut me some slack and dispatched the Grim Reaper.

I may have a few more dents in me, but I am happy to be alive and kicking. Sure I am cocky. I told my surgeon I was going to kick butt and live forever.

So try Belief Power. What is there to loose. Speaking from personal experience, you have an awful lot to gain. Stand Great

Do You Think Religion Has Value In The 21st Century?

Religion has value, if it is not abused or misused.

For instance, the other evening I was watching the Republican presidential candidates on national TV. A few of the candidates espoused their religious convictions. Well, we all admire men of conviction. At least to a point, even if you don't believe Religion has value.

What does raise one's eyebrow, is when a presidential candidate emphasis the point, that a person’s religious convictions will definitely affect his governing strategy. I say, yes and no. I still think religion has value.

Critics tried to hang that number on John F. Kennedy, when he ran for the presidency. They thought the Pope would be giving him orders about running the government. JFK set his critics straight. He told them that he doesn’t take orders from the Pope when it comes to running the United State of America. You recall, JFK was a Roman Catholic and he believed religion has value.

It’s obviously a terrible abuse of religion when senior men, who know better, use religion as a weapon to get their followers to martyr themselves for the sake of a political cause. Yeah, like they are doing in the Middle East. I suppose anything can be rationalized. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to swallow. I suppose to the terrorists, religion has value in a perverted way.

Culture has a tremendous influence on religion and the people involved.

Take the pre-historic period. You had all kinds of religions going on. Most of those religions dealt with surviving the very harsh environment that was the “world” back then.

You had gods for just about everything. Just about all of it pertained to surviving…like having enough food to eat. Not being torn apart by the wild beasts of the land. Or, not being killed by other people or tribes. There was a definite purpose and reason for religion. The focus was “outward”…physical survival.

As time progressed, and culture and society evolved, religion became an excellent tool to help people become “civilized. The aristocracy of the times recognized that religion had a strong influence on its subjects. Thus, society and its culture, was encouraged along religious lines.

All religions provide for peoples' needs.


Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Christianity, and Islam historically speaking, followed each other in time frames. They all provided their peoples' needs, certainly culturally speaking.

No where was this more self evident then in Hinduism. The art of developing an introspective life within oneself for the sake of acquiring wisdom in order to master ones outer world and oneself became a guiding light. Subsequently, men of unusual skills developed, which are referred to as Yogis.

Shortly thereafter, Buddhism took a strong hold on India, China and eventually Japan. Buddhism served the needs of its culture regarding dealing with the extreme hardships of life.

Martial Arts and Buddhism.

I was an active martial artist for ten years. Consequently, I have great respect for Buddhism. Especially, I like the use it was put to in Japan. Specifically, Zen Buddhism. And, I will tell you why. The ruling aristocracy of the times, made sure that the Zen teachings were internalized by the Samurai Class of society.

The Samurais were the soldiers of those times. Their role in society was to protect the rulers, the people of influence and wealth. We know these aristocrats as Shoguns. Basically, the Samurai was a man of the sword. He literally lived and died by the sword. Through the teachings of Zen Buddhism, the Samurai learned to live with the idea and reality of his immanent death.

Subsequently, the Shogun had a fearless warrior. He wasn’t afraid of death. And, ironically, this made the Samurai an incredible fighter with the sword. Why? Not fearing death, freed him to boldly execute the skills of superb swordsmanship.

You can't beat Courtesy

Interestingly enough, as a side note, Courtesy became a very prominent use in Japan because of the Samurai. How? Simple enough. The Samurais of those times mostly lived in temples. And, a Samurai never was without his sword! Subsequently, these hard chargers would periodically bump into each other in their living quarters.

Guess what? With just a smirk or the wrong kind of gesture, a fight to the death would occur. And, with the skill these men had, fights were finished in seconds. Subsequently, the shoguns who owned these temples, made hard and fast rules for their Samurai…everyone was required to give each other the most courtesy and respect!

So, if you as a Samurai, accidentally bumped into a fellow Samurai, you immediately apologized and bowed. This ended the losing of valuable soldiers because of personal arguments and disrespect.

Unification

Religion certainly had an unifying force on the tribes of the semites; namely, the Jews and Arabs concerning Judaism and Islam.



Additionally, a refinement of ethics and morality were given great prominence by both societies. Also, both religions lent a new emphasis on the “inner” life of mankind. Skill sets on living an introspective life were given recognition. There are many examples in this very interesting history that demonstrate that religion has value.

Certainly Yahew, the God of the Jews, was responsible for the unification of these semite tribes. Here are many examples of where religion has value. Judaism is directly responsible for leading the Jews, who were slaves in Egypt, to their own country.

It took an incredible prophet named Moses to steer his people through an seemingly unending journey in the desert for 40 years. But the Jews proved to be a tough resilient group, and they stuck with Moses. They were rewarded with their “Promised Land”, known as Israel.

Many great historians credit the Judeo-Christian principles and heritage for the greatness of the United States of America. As an American, it is hard not to argue that religion has value.

Islam is another great religion that has stood the test of time. The worship of Allah. Like Judaism, Islam served to unify great Semite tribes in terms of their religious belief systems.

A Golden Age during the Dark Ages

No question about it, Islam helped civilize a strong people in terms of ethics, living a honorable life, and dealing with justice. Ironically, during the Dark Ages of Europe, the civilized society of Islam was creating unparalleled achievements in the fields of science, literature, and spirituality.

If you want an expanded and detailed view of the world religions, check out Huston Smith’s book, “The World’s Religions”. I am a big fan of his. Trust me, you will be glad you did. Yes, religion has value in the 21st century.



In summary, yes, I believe religion has value. Like anything else, it has the potential for misuse and abuse. If feel that as long as religion fulfills the needs of people, then, religion has value. On the other hand, if culture continues to change and subsequent needs of society changes, then, religion needs to “watch out”.

Simply stated, people will loose interest and go on to something else that more readily helps them live their life with integrity. I had a wonderful writing teacher that once told me, “God will be dead in maybe 10,000 more years”. Yeah he was an atheist. He simply felt that humankind would have the desire for worshiping a supernatural being weaned out of them by then. I still believe religion has value.



Perhaps a Futurist could have fun with this line of thinking. I am intrigued by the idea right now. I can see advances in science and medicine get to the point where people no longer need to worry about sickness, aging, or death. Therefore, who cares about a HEREAFTER? Or, concepts of a Soul? Ah yes, there is your Brave New World!

Clergies of the world certainly would be challenged to come up with some Answers?

I’ll never forget when I was in high school, a friend of mine, informed me that Dr. Frued and his theories, had replaced the need for religion. Oh my, what happened to religion has value? Stand for Your Greatness

Religion And Human Potential Movements Will Knock Your Socks Off!

Does religion have a place within the human potential movements of the 21st Century? I am referring to all of the human potential disciplines and pop psychology culture that is “out there”, when I mention human potential movement.

**When I refer to religion, I specifically have in mind the great wisdom teachers that are referred to by Huston Smith in his book, The World’s Religions. Namely, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the Primal Religions.

**I agree with the internationally celebrated author and Buddhist Priest, Thick Nhat Hanh, “No single tradition monopolizes the truth. We must glean the best values of all traditions and work together to remove the tensions between them. If we do, peace will have a chance.”




**Where do I get this “liberal religious” viewpoint? When I was a young man in the Marine Corps, I was stationed for thirteen months in Japan. Here I ran into the Japanese population. These people were mainly participants of the Shinto religion and Buddhism. I found the Japanese people to be very honorable and friendly.

They were no different then my neighbors living where I grew up in Normal, Illinois. I decided right then and there, that if these people were misguided and wrong in their religious practices, and going to hell, then I wanted no part of the Christian orthodoxy. At that time I didn't now about religion and human potential.

**I am sure if you ask Joel Osteen the question, “Does religion and human potential have a place in todays society? His answer would be a definite yes!

Who is Joel Osteen? He is one of the most successful young pastors in America. By successful, I mean he has one of the largest and fastest growing congregations in the United States. His church is located in Houston, Texas.

Pastor Osteen’s message, in my opinion, is that to be Christian, means using the teachings found in the Old and New Testament, to help individuals live a successful and inspired life. I think this guy is great. He doesn’t mess around. Yes, he comes right out with it.

Joel Osteen says the inspired word of God can help us live life in the 21st century wisely and passionately. No question about it. I love the guy. He televises his ministry on Sunday mornings. I listen to him, whenever I get a chance. He has a firm hand on religion and human potential.joel osteen

**Again, I ask the question, does religion and human potential have a place in the 21st century? My answer, is a definite yes.

Admittedly, I am biased. My parents brought me up in a great Christian environment. There are many people who don’t have a clue of what Traditional Religion has in the place of peoples lives. Specifically, whether religion is a positive or negative force. This is mainly, because they have no familiarity with religion.

I believe religion can be a dynamic positive force of nature, if handled wisely. It can transform peoples lives in a very positive manner. I am referring to all traditional religions, not just Christianity! Religion and human potential is a dynamite combo!

**Religion’s explosive potential is based in the nature of faith and belief. Take the power of belief, which science has proven is awesome. The positive effects that belief has on health is a fact. Religious people, generally speaking, live longer and are more healthy. For one thing, they are a more positive group to be around. They don’t complain or bitch as much. That's the effect of religion and human potential for you.

Most people will agree, that the general self-confidence level of many people is not too high. Here again, religion comes into play. I have seen people perform seemingly miraculous feats, while under the influence of a positive expectancy, often derived from their deep core religious conditioning.

The above miraculous performing powers emanates from both a personal God belief system and an impersonal God belief system.

**How can one get comfort and strength from an impersonal God belief system? Simple…if you are diligently following the tenants of your religion, you develop a sense of peace and self-confidence that fortifies you when you face challenges.

I have observed my Confucian/Buddhist fellow martial artists perform extraordinary feats under tremendous dire circumstances with beautiful perfection and artistry. Here again,is exemplified the tremendous character building traits nurtured by religion and human potential.

**Being a 2nd Degree Black Belt, I started Tae Kwon Do when I was 57 years old,so I have great respect for the practice of the Traditional Martial Arts. After I got into martial arts, I enjoyed the quiet confidence that this practice instills into its participants.

**Juvenile delinquents do very well in traditional martial arts. It has transformed many youths into positive constructive people. They gain self-respect and character building traits, that aren’t obtainable through other menus, including religion. It's not that these great qualities can't be found in religion, the problem that is solved in martial arts is handling the issues of fear and authority.


A majority of these kids have strong aggression patterns and they are carrying around a lot of fear. This fear comes often from abuse and a terrible environment. Not always, but in many cases. The practice of martial arts helps integrate the aggression, respect, and self-confidence to a positive level, where fear is no longer an overwhelming threat.



**Interesting enough, a positive force of religion and human potential that is compatible with meeting 21st century needs, I feel, has a positive effect on a religious adherant. By this, I mean, you enjoy a self-discipline, strength, and power that can’t be denied! In another words, you have a form of positive self-control that helps you interact with other people.




**There is little doubt in my mind, that successful religious leaders of the 21st Century will be jumping on board the explosive religion and human potential movement. Relevancy is the key. People today hunger for answers and solutions to their stressed lived lives.

Most significantly, boomers and seniors maintain an avid hunger for wisdom and insight in this area. And, why not? Most of us are closer to the Great Unknown then to youthful vitality and invincibility. Some of us have already danced with the Grim Reaper. Yes, we have experienced a few “close calls“. (To be continued)


p.s. I am not implying that many disciplines within the human potential movement carry a negative influence. I know there are many wonderful current programs out there, that offer invaluable insights into human behavior and its potential.See Stand for Your Greatness

You Can Win With Spiritual Power!

People can win with spiritual power, no doubt about it.What is spiritual power? Traditional religions, new age, law of attraction. Like it is all "spiritual".

Cultures change, people change, and so do societies for that matter. In the 21st century, a great deal of importance is placed on “what can religion do for me”?

We are bombarded with all kinds of messages from the religious, new age, and contemporary self-help communities.

I like Jesus Christ’s teachings. Why? I think Christ’s principles can be applied very successfully to today’s problems. Matter of fact, I think Christ was a great Revolutionary. Turn the other cheek, Love your neighbor as you love yourself, forgive others as you would have God forgive you, it goes on and on.

It took a lot of courage to talk this way during the lst Century A.D. The middle east back then was a harsh place to live. Old Testament style living dominated back then-eye for an eye. It still does, at least according to the newspapers.

Matter of fact, I find living like a Christian to be very much like living as a Martial Artist. I kid you not. What do I mean by this? Incidently, I am a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.


It’s like I am walking around with a support system or a body form support system. More specifically, I carried around with me the Tenants of Tae Kwon Do while I was doing the martial art.

The Tenants gave me sense of moral direction in conjunction with Tae Kwon Do. A sense of self-discipline and living with intergrity.

For example, my aggressive nature sometimes would lead me in the desire of wanting to whack some smart aleck in the mouth. But no way! This is a definite "no no" in any Traditional Martial Art school. You are instructed to be a positive force in society. No anti social activities allowed. Otherwise, you can get into deep trouble with your Master teacher.

Same thing is true with Christianity. Venegence is mine saith the Lord. Love your neighbor as your self. Forgive others as you want to be forgiven. Here is my
“harness” again. That’s what motivates the self discipline.

Controlling your temper is a great virtue in the Bible. In fact, self control is more important or more favorably looked upon, then, being a general of an entire army. God knows, this is a weakness of mine. I am sure I am not alone. This is how you win with spiritual power. It keeps you out of trouble and allows you to stay positive.

What’s curious about all of this is that other great people of history have taught similar principles. Just for openers-Great Teachers from India, China, and the Middle East. I believe a person’s “spiritual reality” is greatly dependent on the culture they were nurtured and matured in. The Truth is relative to the culture to a strong extent. So you win with spiritual power.

My spiritual upbringing was Christian orientated. However, being an ex-marine, I lived in Japan for a few years and observed the Japanese population and its practice of Shintoism and Buddhaism. I honestly feel their religious principles are just as valid as mine. How does that grab you? I mean the people in their home towns are just as “decent” as the people in my home town. And, you win with spiritual power.

So, I am not about to make any judgments of who is right or wrong. I think this same cultural validity of religion or spiritual wisdom applies to most societies.

What I do know for sure is that you can take the teachings of Jesus apply them to living today and experience a dynamite life. For example, if you want to succeed in anything and win with spiritual power, just take Christ’s teaching-that faith will move a mountain. No questions asked! Just believe in the power of belief and you can do it!

What I love about Christ is he was not a picky picky kind of guy. That is, a never gave anyone the 3rd degree when someone came to him with a problem and wanted it fixed! In those days, it was mostly “cures” from blindness, sickness, or what have you. He would grab those people by the lapel and tell them that they are healed, their faith has made them whole. Go and tell no one! You see, you win with spiritual power.

I ask you, how can you not love, respect and honor a person like this? You can obviously tell I am a Christian “Liberal”. In another words, I don’t loose any sleep over the finer points theologians may fight over in Seminary.

Book mark this page if you want to follow the happenings of the power of belief and man’s spiritual and religious evolution. check this out

Culture Says What It Is Like

The value of a religion to a people depends on the culture they are from, generally speaking. There are always exceptions to this rule. I don't believe there is one correct or right religion. I believe God works through various cultures in the world to reach the heart of man.

As time progresses, I may change my mind on this subject; however, I doubt it. All comments are welcome. thanks, jac