Soul Food Revolution

For the next 7 day’s I’m going to do something out of the norm for me. I don’t usually ‘re-use’ another persons work but sometimes we find jewels that are just too good not to share. I was recently given a book. In fact it was as recent as Thursday. Saturday night I finished this 207 page book. It’s a very easy read. Most importantly, a very engaging read. Even more importantly, if one will apply the principle’s of this book, it’s a life changing read. Within this book are 7 principle’s. To be more accurate in the description, they are actually 7 decisions. Decisions that if you will meditate upon and apply them, your life will change…..drastically. For the next 7 days I will reveal one decision daily. As you read the new decision, add it to the others. Each day meditate upon the decisions twice. Do this for 30 days and you will be well on your way to drastically enhancing and changing your life. After the first 7 days, I am going to give you some other applicable ways to apply these decisions to your everyday living. Receive the 7 principle decisions. Apply them. Finally, be creative in how you use them. Your life will be opened to a whole new realm of opportunity.

I invite you to share these 7 decisions with everyone you know, then share your experience with our growing online community. Lastly, I invite you to purchase a copy of the book we are highlighting, entitled ‘The Traveler’s Gift’ by Andy Andrews, by following the link at the end of each passage. And now for the first decision: Continue reading

Over the years I have worked with many couples that are trying to ‘fix’ their marriage. My wife and I have gone through phases where we’ve tried to ‘fix’ our marriage. Maybe there have been seasons in your relationships that things needed ‘fixed.’

Just stop for a moment and think about this word ‘fix.’ Does it really make sense? Maybe when you need your car repaired. You can go to the parts store and get the parts you need to fix it. Maybe the air conditioner at your house is broken. You can call someone to fix it. Things can be fixed. But people? Relationships? Is it really possible for people to be fixed? I really don’t think so.

One myth we have bought in to that, I believe, has hindered so many relationships is this: I NEED you in order to live. Remember the movie Jerry McGuire? Think back on the famous scene where Jerry looks at his wife,  with all the emotion he can muster he says, ‘You complete me.’ All at once every women in the theater swooned as Tom Cruise’s character worked his magic. Don’t kid yourself ladies, you all wished that would have been you he was talking to! The problem with that statement is simple: how can I ever complete someone when I am just as broken and messed up as they are? Two broken, incomplete people CANNOT form one healthy relationship! It doesn’t work that way! Because of all this messed up thinking we have bought, I came up with a principle that really isn’t new. It’s in fact an age old principle that I just put in ‘Mitch talk’ so I could understand it better. I like to call it a ‘Mitchism.’ It is simply this: It is better to be chosen than needed. I would much rather be chosen by someone than be needed. I would much rather go into a relationship with someone that was willing than with someone that thought they had to be there. I would much rather have employees that chose to work for me than those that just worked for a pay check. I would much rather be a chosen employee than a slave.

You see, when we go in to a relationship knowing we are chosen, then we are more willing to participate in developing this relationship. We look at each other from a totally different perspective. We view each other in simple terms instead of seeing each other’s faults and failures. When relationships are chosen, they are full of grace, forgiveness and love. Whether it be a business or a marriage, it is always best to be chosen.

In light of the recent ‘tea bag’ protests happening in our communities tomorrow, those of us at the Soul Food Revolution put our heads together and came up with a revolt of our own! We’re inviting you to join! Here it is: This week’s top ten ways to make the world a more positive place, one person at a time! And by the way…feel free to add to the top ten list! Just make a comment to this post below. The best suggestions will be added to our next list!

Top Ten Things to Do Instead of ‘Drinking Tea’:

Creative Commons License photo credit: Dan4th

10. Open the door for someone. The easiest of gestures can also be viewed as the most appreciated.
9. Clean out your closet! Donate that dress you haven’t worn in 10 years to your local clothing shelter.
8. After you mow your lawn, mow your neighbor’s too! The gift of time is immeasurable.
7. When you grab some lunch at the drive through today, pay for the car behind you. Better yet wait for that tour bus to pull through!
6. Go out of your way to grab the shopping cart that is in the middle of the parking lot at the supermarket. You’ll save someone a dent and get some exercise!

5. Go to the bank, take a $10 bill with you, and exchange it for a roll of quarters. Then head to the nearest laundry mat and randomly pay for people’s laundry.
4. Call a young couple that has a child or children and offer to babysit for them tonight. They could use a night off, or at least a couple of hours.

Creative Commons License photo credit: gina pina

3. That wall you’re trying to redecorate….. get some canvas and allow your kids or grandkids to create a painting for it. You will never know how much it will mean to them….I promise. (only one rule, you can’t tell them what to paint!)
2. Ask your child’s or grandchild’s teacher if you could read to their class this week. They’ll love it!
1. Forward this to EVERYONE on your mailing list! Share this website. Remember, we are trying to start a revolution here, but we can’t do it without you!