The Best of Jack’s Winning Words 1/2/24 – reposts from the late Pastor Jack Freed’s blog
“As I walked out the door to my freedom, I knew if I did not leave all the anger, hatred and bitterness behind that I would still be in prison.” (Nelson Mandela) As we walk into the New Year, it would be well to follow Mandela’s example and leave behind that which has kept us from being the best that we can be. It is possible to let the past be the past and to live life in a new way. Let that be our resolve. 😉 Jack
Originally sent January 4, 2016.
As you begin a new year, perhaps focusing upon things that you decide not do are as important as making resolutions about things that you hope to do. If you can resolve to start 2024 by leaving behind the anger, hatred and bitterness in your life, you will have a much better year.
Instead of focusing upon getting even with someone else over some real or perceived harm that they may have caused you, focus instead upon forgiving them and moving on with your life.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity over poor decisions that you made in your past, focus upon forgiving yourself, learning from your mistakes, and moving on with life.
Instead of allowing fear and hatred to dictate your reaction to others who may no be like you, open your heart and your mind to the possibilities of new understanding, new learning and new friendships.
Instead of limiting yourself over concerns about what others may think, or trying to meet the expectations of others, be true to yourself and be the best that you can be.
Walk out of the prison of your past and begin a new life.
Have a great New Year in 2024.
Posted by Norm Werner 
the dark places in the minds of many; things which can be debilitating and cause them pain. Fear’s cohorts – anxiety and depression – can live there, too. Self-doubt at the dusky edges of the darkness can lead to self-loathing in the depths of the pit. The sense of powerlessness and hopelessness that may accompany these things can lead to thoughts that suicide as “the only way out”.
We saw on the news last night the story of a man, Jason Kandor, in Kansas City who withdrew from the race to be mayor there because he suffers from PTSD and depression from his time in the military serving in a war zone. The memories of that time had been living in the dark places in his mind for over 11 years and had pulled him into bouts of depression. For years he suppressed it, because that just what we do.
athletes began to realize the permanent, life-changing damage that concussions can cause. Before that, it was “shake it off and get back in the game.” We still don’t appreciate as a society the debilitating impact that depression can have on people. We are still saying to them, “suck it up and get back in the game.” We try to force them to push their depression back into the shadows of their minds. For most that really doesn’t work.
through depression believes in God or not. They may have doubts about that because of their depression, but just telling them to pray about it is not the answer. If you want to tell them to pray; tell them to pray for the courage to get these things out into the light and to seek the help they need to deal with them. Tell them to make the same decision that Jason Kandor did and admit to themselves and others that they need that help and will seek it. This is not something that they can shake off or that they need to suck it up about, nor is it something, for which they can play through the pain.
not for criticism. This is not the time for a “Get back in the game” pep talk, nor for a “Oh, you poor thing” pity party. Those who are truly Christians will open their arms and ask, “How can I help you?” They need more than a pillow to cry on; they need a pillar to lean on. Be there for them. Be there to listen. Be there to understand. Be there to comfort. Be there to encourage. Be there to accompany them on their journey out of the darkness. You will never do anything more important in your life.
from a dark place – a place in our hearts and minds where the sun doesn’t reach or perhaps where the Son doesn’t reach. Just as these preconceived notions, most born in ignorance and fear, could not stand the light of the truth, they also could not stand having the light of Christianity shined upon them. The fact that many words of hate and prejudice are hurled from the shadows by people thumping Bibles and loudly 
proclaiming to be Christians just shows the power of the Devil in their lives. They have allowed fear and hate to overcome the love and acceptance that Jesus taught.
a women wearing the Habib or those who look or dress differently. Perhaps you have allowed yourself to become a snob about some things and tend to discount the tastes of others who do not share you appreciation for that thing. Maybe your little shadow is just the indifference to your fellow man that allows you to turn away from the homeless beggar in the street, rather than reach out to try to help.
WWJD bracelets and start wearing it. When you find yourself in a situation where the shadow of pre-conceived notions is starting to darken your judgement, take the time to look at the bracelet and ask yourself that question. If you take the time to ask yourself What Would Jesus Do in those situations, you will find that the shadows go away. They cannot stand the light of the Son.
NormsMilfordBlog 