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Dear Friends,
Remain strong. The news of the last few weeks is discouraging at best and devastating to some. Many people are only marginally affected while others are impacted to a greater degree. I guess it is a recession if your neighbor loses his job and a depression if you lose yours. I have heard from a few people who are nervous about their future and a few others who are frightened. Remain strong. Our best times are in our future, not our past.
In these uncertain times, it is important to look to examples of how others have successfully dealt with problems and overcome obstacles. There is always opportunity in adversity. There is always hope in despair. Keep your eyes wide open and your attitudes positive.
After reading Playing with the Enemy for the first time, Director, David Ranes, a truly brilliant young man, said something to me that I found quite interesting. He said, "I am struck by the way your dad dealt with his loss, both in good ways and in bad. He was far from perfect, but he learned from it all." David continued, "Your dad suffered the loss of his career but did not become a loser. We all suffer loss but we do not have to lose."
It did not hit me immediately how profound this statement is. Millions of people have suffered losses over the last few weeks. Some were losses of value in their investment portfolios and some have lost jobs, careers, homes or businesses. The important thing is not to let these losses turn into permanently losing situations.
The key to loss is how we respond. I am a business man. Like you, I am watching the news, wondering what is next, but I know from years of experience, whatever is next is not as important as how we respond to what is next. The only certainty is that something is next and what we do with that something... how we respond will determine if it is positive or negative.
In every tragedy, there is an opportunity. With every loss, there is a potential gain. We must remain optimistic and keep alert for the opportunity that the adversity is causing. I am a believer in my God and I know two things. First of all, God never gives us more than we can handle and God never closes one door without opening another. If your door has closed, do not stumble or fall. Look around for the open door. It is there. We just have to look for it and recognize it when we see it.
Let me leave you today with this. "Pray as if it is up to God but take action and work as if it is up to us!" Remain positive and optimistic. What is happening is not the end but a new beginning. If the idea of me, praying for you might offend you, then do not read past this point.
Here is my prayer for you.
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Heavenly Father,
You are amazing and awesome in ways we cannot begin to fathom. You are all knowing, all seeing and love us in ways that others can never understand. With You and through You, all things are possible. I pray for all of those who have been hurt by, or are frightened about the current financial crisis in our country and the world. I pray for all who are in turmoil to recognize the opportunities that are being presented and pray that You will provide peace and understanding for all who are troubled.
Lord, these are difficult times but we rejoice in these challenges as they pull us closer to You. Dear God, I pray that you will bless those adversely impacted and expose those who are responsible. I pray for your peace, understanding, wisdom and guidance for those who are hurt and justice for those who might be responsible.
Lord, we thank you for our many blessings and for your presence in our lives.
I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen
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I hope I have offended no one and know that my prayer is for you in times of trouble and instability. We are all in this world together and together we will overcome and win. Stay positive. Look for the opportunities and if you are so disposed... pray.
Warmest Regards,
Gary
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