Women in the LEAD

St. Valentine's Day: Symbol of Friendship and Affection

St. Valentine's Day has a story and a life behind it. Did you know? I can't believe it's been another year since I first shared this story, but it moved me. Changed how I see this day.

A dear friend, Bay Area Artist, Sally K. Green, introduced me to the story. It gave new meaning to February 14 and I wanted to share it with you. Regardless of your faith, it serves as a reminder to us all that few things in our lives have arrived without the sacrifices of others before us. May we add to its universal symbol of friendship and affection, a heart filled with gratitude.

in commemoration…

The Story of Saint Valentine
February 14th

Saint Valentine gave comfort and counsel to Christians who were in prison awaiting their execution during the rule of Emperor Claudian Caesar. In those days people were put to death for being followers of Christ.

In order to increase his army, Caesar forbid young men to marry, believing that single men made better soldiers than married men. But Saint Valentine refused to follow Caesar’s orders and urged young lovers to come to him in secret so that they could be married.  Eventually it was discovered and Saint Valentine was arrested and brought before Caesar. Caesar was so impressed with the young priest that he attempted to convert him away from Christianity to believe in the many Roman gods, but Valentine refuse, he held true to his faith and instead tried to convert Caesar to Christianity–Caesar was angry and condemned him to death.

While in prison waiting for his own execution, Valentine became friends with the jailer, Asterius, and his blind daughter. Asterius’  daughter was very kind to Valentine and brought him food and messages. They developed a friendship and toward the end of his imprisonment Valentine was able to convert both of them to Christianity. It is believed that Saint Valentine also performed a miracle by restoring the girl’s sight.

The night before his execution, Valentine wrote a farewell message to the girl and signed it “From Your Valentine,” a phrase that we use today. He was executed on February 14th, 273 AD.

On the list of Christian martyrs it reads,

             “At Rome, on the Flaminian Way,
             the heavenly birthday of the
             blessed martyr Valentine, a priest.
             After performing many miraculous
             cures and giving much wise counsel
             he was beaten and beheaded under
             Claudius Caesar.”

The valentine has become the universal symbol of friendship and affection shared on the anniversary of Valentine’s execution, St. Valentine’s Day.

Learn about other spiritual messengers and leaders with a lasting impression at Sally's online gallery.
She has a wonderful way of telling the little known stories behind her paintings and sculptures that give them new meaning.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

 

 

 

WOMEN: As we THINK, so we are

In the presence of many difficulties on many fronts, it's essential for us to remember just how important it is to keep a positive vision of our future. I always remember in Viktor Frankl's classic book, Man's Search for Meaning, he documented how those who survived the Holocaust were people who envisioned that they had something significant left to contribute. Over the years, I've witnessed and experienced how this positive belief works. I've been fortunate to know some courageous souls, who have transcended seemingly impossible obstacles to achieve and contribute in ways others never believed they could. Blessings flow! I also admit, I personally was influenced by Joel Barker's video, THE POWER of VISION video. There is an inspiring video clipfrom the film at the Global Dialogue Center Knowledge Galleryexhibit on Viktor Frankl.

Also, in most of the wisdom traditions, I've discovered that some version of this truth is taught in some way --- as we THINK, so we become. Our thoughts are powerful. What we occupy our minds with matters. This means the choices we make and the way we approach shaping our future, even from the worst of circumstances, can be greatly influenced by our thoughts.

It's often called the "Law of Attraction." My introduction to this principle came from a number of sources --- my mom, my spiritual practice, and my life. Two of my favorite writers on the subject were found by chance as they wrote in the first half of the 20th Century, long before me. They both carry wisdom and many fingerprints --- proving again that wisdom is knowledge with a long self-life, as friend and scholar told me once.

Earlier this year, I was again reminded about the Law of Attraction in a reading from one of my cherished books, Around the Year with Emmet Fox. Here is what it has to say about planting seeds through our thinking. Each year, when I read it again, its meaning is deepened:

"As soon as the subconscious mind accepts any idea, it immediately begins trying to put it into effect. It uses all its resources to that end. It uses every bit of knowledge that you have ever collected, most of which you have totally forgotten, to bring about its purpose. It mobilizes the many mental powers that you possess, most of which you never consciously use. It draws on the unlimited energy of the mind. It lines up all the laws of nature as they operate both inside and outside of you, to get its way.

Sometimes it succeeds in its purpose immediately. Sometimes it takes a little time, sometimes it takes a long time; but if the things is not utterly impossible, the subconscious will bring it about---once it accepts the idea.

The law is good for both good and bad ideas."  What we think about does matter; think good thoughts.

Going After Your HEART's DESIRE...
You may be familiar with this process and not even know it. Have you ever had a "heart's desire"? --- one you had no way of fulfilling, but you were sure that you would?--- deep inside you knew you were going to get that job, marry that person, get into that school, have a life that was full and happy? All these realities began with a Thought. I've also experienced the result of negative thoughts too, haven't you?---when I've let my fear and disbelief take over, ever so subtly, leading to disappointments and sadness.

Claude Bristol, author of The Magic of Believing, tells how Theodore Simon Jouffroy, the French philosopher once said, "The Subconscious Mind will not take the trouble to work for those who do not believe in it."  He goes on to give us the recipe that we have to think of ourselves as being successful---envisioning ourselves fulfilling our heart's desire:

"...it must be in the spirit that the work has already been done. ...while it is necessary for you to feel and think yourself successful, it is important for you to go one step further and actually see yourself as already success, either in the performance of some selected task or as actually occupying the position to which you are aspiring.  For the next and final step, you must wait patiently while the subconscious is assimilating the elements of your problem and then goes about is own way to work it out for you."

Over the years, I found this process of positive thinking very productive in shaping the future --- it works for individuals, for communities, for nations, and the world too! Right now, with so many situations in crisis, we need to keep ourselves focused on a positive vision of our future. Let the reminder inspire you... My long time colleague, Joel Barker left a lasting impression when he said, "You can and should shape your future. If you don't someone else surely will." --- Joel A. Barker.

How about you? Are you willing to give it a try---to go one that step further?

Warm regards...

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner**
Bronze - Human Resources and Employee Training

WOMEN: Letting Your Light Shine

I would guess if we sat down together, we would discover that most of us have longed at one time or another for acceptance, struggling to overcome the fear of what others think of us. I think this is a pretty common experience for most women ---- and perhaps men too.

One time, a mentoring partner gave me a book and tape called The Simple Path by Mother Teresa. One of my favorite messages in the book has helped me out many times when a wave of doubt caught me by surprise. I share it with you...

Deliver me, from the desire of...
being loved.
being extolled.
being honored.
being praised.
being preferred.
being approved.
being popular.

Deliver me from the fear of ...
being despised.
suffering rebukes.
being forgotten.
being wronged
being ridiculed.
being humiliated.
being suspected.

Interestingly, when you can let go of these longings and fears --- reaching inward, reaching out, reaching HIGHER, your life and work are opened to flow from the heart as intended. Good follows good. When our intentions are clouded by self-interests, it makes it difficult to let our Light shine.

Today, in a conversation with pianist and music educator, Jessica Roemischer, I was reminded of how quickly we can reach self-acceptance. As we talked, I remembered the miracle that takes place when she works with her students --- in just a few minutes, in a welcoming environment of belief and possibility, they reach inside to discover their own brand of greatness. Notice I didn't say hours or months of grueling work ... in just minutes, when we decide, the transformation can begin to take place. I, too, have witnessed this happen in my own work with dialogue across the world. It is a miracle available for all of us. Something magical happens when we have the opportunity to dwell in Possibility. 

Have you had this experience yourself?

If not, and it seems far-fetched, I encourage you to inspire yourself by visiting Jessica's moving exhibit at our Women's Gallery at the Global Dialogue Center. It pays tribute to her remarkable work, showing us the transformative power of music ...and the heart. We named the exhibit "DIFFERENCES in DUET." It features a beautiful self-learning visual exhibit, music, videos to watch, my personal interview with her, and links to her website and other resources. Be sure to put your headset on and let her amazing rendition of "When You Wish Upon A Star" guide you as you explore all the exhibit has to offer.

As I finish this, I keep thinking of my favorite childhood song, this little Light of mine, I'm going to let it Shine. Spring is a great time for this kind of renewal.

Warm regards to all who stop by...

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
home of Women in the LEAD
author, Putting Our Differences to Work:
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance

I would guess if we sat down together, we would discover that most of us have longed at one time or another for acceptance, struggling to overcome the fear of what others think of us. I think this is a pretty common experience for most women ---- and perhaps men too.

One time, a mentoring partner gave me a book and tape called The Simple Path by Mother Teresa. One of my favorite messages in the book has helped me out many times when a wave of doubt caught me by surprise. I share it with you...

Deliver me, from the desire of...
being loved.
being extolled.
being honored.
being praised.
being preferred.
being approved.
being popular.

Deliver me from the fear of ...
being despised.
suffering rebukes.
being forgotten.
being wronged
being ridiculed.
being humiliated.
being suspected.

Interestingly, when you can let go of these longings and fears --- reaching inward, reaching out, reaching HIGHER, your life and work are opened to flow from the heart as intended. Good follows good. When our intentions are clouded by self-interests, it makes it difficult to let our Light shine.

Today, in a conversation with pianist and music educator, Jessica Roemischer, I was reminded of how quickly we can reach self-acceptance. As we talked, I remembered the miracle that takes place when she works with her students --- in just a few minutes, in a welcoming environment of belief and possibility, they reach inside to discover their own brand of greatness. Notice I didn't say hours or months of grueling work ... in just minutes, when we decide, the transformation can begin to take place. I, too, have witnessed this happen in my own work with dialogue across the world. It is a miracle available for all of us. Something magical happens when we have the opportunity to dwell in Possibility. 

Have you had this experience yourself?

If not, and it seems far-fetched, I encourage you to inspire yourself by visiting Jessica's moving exhibit at our Women's Gallery at the Global Dialogue Center. It pays tribute to her remarkable work, showing us the transformative power of music ...and the heart. We named the exhibit "DIFFERENCES in DUET." It features a beautiful self-learning visual exhibit, music, videos to watch, my personal interview with her, and links to her website and other resources. Be sure to put your headset on and let her amazing rendition of "When You Wish Upon A Star" guide you as you explore all the exhibit has to offer.

As I finish this, I keep thinking of my favorite childhood song, this little Light of mine, I'm going to let it Shine. Spring is a great time for this kind of renewal.

Warm regards to all who stop by...

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
home of Women in the LEAD
author, Putting Our Differences to Work:
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance

Can I Join You in the Pool – A Question that Muslim Women Are Asking in France

I recently read an article about  a woman who tried to go swimming in a head to toe burquini.  Burquinis are swim attire designed for Muslim women to allow them to swim in public while following her religious requirement of being fully covered in public. The woman felt that she was being segregated. For many years religious attire has been a hot topic in France as many news agencies have reported about the banning of the headscarves in schools and public settings.

The pool officials insisted that it was not the woman who was being banned, but that her swimsuit was not allowed based on France’s strict hygiene rules for pools. The issue brings up some every interesting questions. Firstly, I have worked closely with a number of Muslim women and have always wondered how they can become fit while they participate in community activities that relate to sport. Many believe that Koranic law requires that women be covered from head-to-toe in public. When I heard about the Burquini it seemed to be a solution that could allow for physical activity that many women yearn for. As I read more about France’s hygiene requirement banning full dress in pools, I began to see a direct conflict. And that door that was beginning to open for Muslim women slammed shut.

How can these women get their needs met?  How can they swim and hike and participate in community life?  How different is a wetsuit that covers one from head to toe, but is reserved in most cases for pools or the sea from a burquini?  Is a traditional wetsuit condemned from pools?  How much of Frances’ hygiene rules truly relate to hygiene and how much of the rule is discriminatory or limiting?  Many believe that their recent banning of full head scarves in public was discriminatory?

I believe that it is time for Muslim women to speak out and to let their needs be known. It is essential that they stand up for their rights to use public facilities as they rest at ease the minds of those concerned with hygiene issues.  A mutually agreeable solution that can allow women the freedom that they need to create or maintain good health through physical activity and open participation in their community is possible. There must be a way to find common ground. 

Maureen Simon
Co-Contributor
www.maureensimon.com
http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/maureensimon
www.theessentialfeminine.com

WOMEN and MEN: Among my FATHER's treasures

This story came to my mind today as I've had the experience I describe this week. I wanted to share it.

There is a picture of my dad just across the room from where I sit at my desk in my office. He was in his 30s in the picture. It is a serious picture...not quite a smile rests on his face. But in his eyes there is a bright, hopeful glint of a visionary man. He was a man with deep beliefs...a man who demonstrated he was courageous in many ways.
He also was a vulnerable man, who riddled his life with mistakes he didn't intend... And like many of us, he had a hard time forgiving himself, long after others had forgiven him.

In the picuture, he seems to look into me sometimes.
When I dream...
When I am deeply touched...
When I am stretching to find a new level of courage.
When I am pulling myself up from some moment of dispair.
I look over my shoulder and he seems to be quietly whispering, "I know."

Among his treasures was a book of Peter Marshall's sermons, the famed Scottish minister with a vibrant message from another time. At one time he was the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. I kept this book and today, I opened it to a sermon, The Risk of Reach. Interestingly, it speaks about one's purpose. Hmmmm! Timely for us all. These were a few gems that seemed to jump out at me.

"You were put here for a purpose, and that purpose is not related to superficial pleasures.

The time for drifting
or sleeping
or wishful thinking
or daydreaming is over.
The state of our world today make that a very dangerous pastime.

This generation and all of you who are sensitive to
what is going on around you, are called to a supreme adventure.
There is a great stirring in society.
The upheavals of life and the revolutions of multitudes across the world in desperate motion are indications that our world can never be the same again.

...So do not ever underestimate what you can do.
You have the courage to cast off your acrophobia and
to dream big and to aim high...

Give us the long view in our work and our world ... for [the good of others] ...for the peace of the world."

What contribution will you make in thought, word and deed?

I leave you once again pondering this myself, promising to step forward today.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center 
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

WOMEN: REMEMBERING DREAMS COME TRUE

This has been a time for remembering and renewing what we know about possibilities. As I reach for new challenges in my life at this time of crisis and opportunity, I am again reminded to Nwakego's dream come true. I've been playing her music for inspiration again. Perhaps, her story will touch you too, so I am posting it again in remembrance:

NWAKEGO's DREAM COME TRUE
Life is always calling to us. Do you listen for it? Do you hear its whisper on the wind asking you to reach inside to be more, to bring out that special gift you have to offer the world? Sometimes, the call comes and we act right now ... more often I think it comes in incremental steps. We hear it. We respond. Then other things need to happen to make all the pieces come together into that DREAM of ours come true.

The story of Nwakego demonstrates this truth:

Nwakego is Igbo (pronounced e-bo). She speaks English and Igbo. Her motherland is Nigeria. She is a poet with a beautiful voice and a message of love and thanksgiving for the world. Her new CD, MMA-MMA in Thanksgiving and Love is a celebration of Igbo songs brought to life as a gift to her children and all Igbo children of the world --- and for you and me too! Nwakego explains it this way...

"After my baby, Chizaram, uttered her first Igbo words “Bia” and “hapu ya” I knew I had a sacred responsibility to raise her as a well rounded Igbo child, who will understand, speak, write and BE truly Igbo. I thought of all the Igbo children in America and Europe who are suffering identity crisis because of the loss of their mother tongue. By maintaining our Igbo mother tongue, we maintain our pride and ethnic identity as a people. Our language is our identity. It is whom we are. God made it so"

Nwakego's work on  MMA-MMA started in 2001. It was inspired by Fr. Eustace Edomobi came up with the idea of doing studio recordings of some of our traditional catholic hymns as a way of preserving them for future generations. So, the multi-talented group began recording with a mini home studio at the church basement of St. Antoninus Catholic Church of Newark, New Jersey. In 2002, Nwakego went to Nigeria and recorded in a professional studio. "When I returned to NJ, I listened to it over and over again. I decided to re-do the work sometime in future."

Baby Chizaram's inspiration resulted in a new album with nine songs --- eight are Igbo. Nwakego's intention is to clear and her call-to-action to parents of Igbo children is compelling. She says to them:

“Let us begin to speak Igbo, eat and drink Igbo, wear Igbo, SING Igbo and BE Igbo! It is our birthright and ebere emegbuorelam onye tufuru birthright ya!"

IGBO: Spawned, sustained and graduated on a stalk of HOPE
As I've listened to the beautiful sounds, voices and the call of the African drums, I am reminded of Nwakego's dream come true. Perhaps it is the example of the Igbo people that makes their sounds so precious. If you are like me at one time, you may not know that the Igbo people survived The Biafra-Nigeria Civil War that lasted 3 years back in the 1960's. A dear friend of mine, Igbo visionary, Dr. Oguchi Nkwocha from Biafra/south-eastern Nigeria, shared these insights with me to help me appreciate the strength being Igbo people; it also has made each of Nwakego's songs be an echo of strength and hope of the Igbo people: |

"While the world watched or stood by the Nigerian government made a decision that "starvation was a legitimate instrument of war" --- at least two million Biafran people starved. However, in the years that followed, they emerged from the hope to start again. The Igbo lifted themselves up from nothing. Many Biafrans alive today were spawned, sustained and graduated on that stalk of hope. Today, I look at the pictures of starving Biafran children from that era. Perhaps, it's me, but I can still see that lingering ray of hope hiding in their faces... ' ...give me hope. Any hope at all, and I can sing a song for you..." Learn more from Dr. Nkwocha

With Dr. Nkwocha's mentoring, I have learned to see the power of DREAMING and also to more fully appreciate Nwakego remarkable new gift to the Igbo children, mothers, families and the people of the world. For in each song --- in the sweetness of the voices and each beat of the African drum is Nkwakego's calling ---- her DREAM come true ---- her personal contribution with the potential for sweeping influences on the lives of others.

WON'T YOU SHARE IN THIS GREAT WORK?

Nwakego
MMA-MMA in Thanksgiving and Love
Visit Nwakego's website
BUY a copy; listen to MMA-MMA in Thanksgiving and Love
Let it move you...and its proceeds to benefit Igbo children all over the world.

To You, My Love
A Collection of Love Poems
by Nwakego Ihenacho Ezeanuna
Buy at Amazon.com

A beautiful collection of life and love, expressing the feelings we long for as humans.

I listened to MMA-MMA while I was writing this message to all of you. Imagine this coming as a gift to Igbo children all over the world, emerging from that distant stalk of hope. ...and for Nwakego, bless your contribution as a woman in the lead!

With love and gratitude for this work...and its inspiration at a new time.
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center 
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

WOMEN: Positively Making a Difference

RELATED Recorded Program from DEC 9:
REINVENTING YOURSELF: Taking a Closer Look
http://www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com/dialogues-library.html
Join me for other online conversations; sign-up here

This is a great time of year to begin taking inventory of our actions and behavior.  Because of the circumstances we find ourselves in in 2008 with both economic crisis and great opportunity resting at our feet, it seems even more important.

Interestingly, this morning in one of my treasured books by Emmet Fox, he also brought up this great truth about the power of our thoughts:

"Like produces like. What w sow in thought we reap in experience." He goes on to say that we all know these things, yet our negative thoughts creeping in when we least expect it or perhaps even notice can be a constant source of holding us back or destroying all that is working for good in our lives. "We wouldn't dream of pouring water in the gas tank of our cars or adding broken glass to our food, but we do something as foolish every time we think, speak, or act negatively. Know whatever you do that is good, the same will be received."

Last night, I watched the movie, Evan Almighty again. It is a crazy movie with a few great messages. One that stuck with me is that sometimes we aren't given what we want directly. We are given the opportunity to achieve it. We aren't always given peace or prosperity, for example, but we are given the opportunity to generate peace and prosperity. We aren't always given positive thoughts, but we are blessed with the opportunity to change our habits and renew our direction by catching ourselves thinking negatively. In Evan's case, he wanted to "make a difference in the world" as many of us do too. His opportunity wasn't easy. Some of its tasks asked much of him, including trust, faith, belief, overcoming ridicule, and conviction when he could not make sense of it all. In the end, all the seemingly crazy concoction of happenings came together to save lives, strengthen a family and fulfill his longings to make a difference.

As you review your own actions and behavior, ask yourself ...

What opportunities do I have to think more positively?

What opportunities do I have in front of me to make a difference in my own way?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

WOMEN: Unexpected "Renewal Party"

"With all the sad stories brushing our lives as we continue to feel the implications of this time of economic meltdown and uncertainty, there continues to be small signs of goodness, HOPE, and promise about tomorrow. Each one seems to show up like the first crocous in the Spring or new orchid blossom, surprising you when you weren't sure another would bloom. Here is one of those unexpected "blossoms" that found its way into my life.

Last week, a friend shared a poem that was written by his daughter's 3rd Grade Class at The San Francisco School. --- a group of eight year-olds. I was so touched by its message. It was a momentary renewal party all my own where I remembered all the things that are important in life. I share it with you...

Peace Poem
Peace smells like a newborn baby.
Peace smells like a warm blanky that’s dirty, raggedy and soft.
Peace looks like a tree alone in the dark night
with a beam of light shining on it.
It looks like a kid hugging his sad dog.
It looks like a flower blooming in the sun,
waking up on a winter’s day.
Peace looks like my grandpa
driving his tractor with my brother and me.
Peace sounds like my old grandma
reading Thomas the Tank Truck when I was a young child.
Peace sounds like the quiet chink of my grandma’s knitting needles.
Read the entire poem posted at the San Francisco Zen Center...

What a wonderful teacher Laura Burges must be! Learn more about her work and teaching at this link.

What is your one line contribution?

Mine is ... Peace is the goodness, HOPE, and promise that comes when I pay attention.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

WOMEN: Receiving Abundance

With the economic meltdown touching all of us, I've been focused on thinking an idea ahead. How about you? Interestingly, this effort has seemed to attract the reminders I need most.

This morning in one of my cherished books by Emmet Fox, I read a message entitled "Divine Abundance":

"When you go down to the seashore, you find what is practically an unlimited supply of sea water at your disposal. There are billions upon billions of gallons there, but the amount that you can carry away will depend upon the vessel with which you have provided yourself. If you take a ten-gallon can, you can get ten gallons, but if you have nothing bigger than a thimble, you would not be able to take away more than a thimbleful.

So it is with divine abundance. The only limit is the limit of our capacity to receive."

This message tells me that working on making sure you are ready to receive abundance is a big part of our struggle through this economic crisis --- we have a chance to use this time to rethink, renew, and reinvent ourselves.

RELATED: TUESDAY, DEC 9 Online Virtual Dialogue
Economic Series: REINVENTING YOURSELF: Taking a Closer Look

CHANGE, UNCERTAINTY, HOPE and OPPORTUNITY rest at our feet. By popular demand and the continued economic crisis touching all of us, we are continuing our "what you can do" series, taking our ideas right down to specifics. Join me on December 9 as we take a closer look in our dialogue focused on YOU. Our global conversation will be seeded by an executive guest interview with Lane A. Michel...read on here...

WHEN:  
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET - NewYork) 
Informal "Virtual Break" follows. No fees; register so we can send you the login info and show-up.

 
To register to attend, click on link below
Note: Allow a few seconds for the registration to come up. 

https://www.livemeeting.com/lrs/0000011799/Registration.aspx?pageName=lfkj0hbjwkqvdd3t 

Hope you can join us!

Debbe

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
and Leadership Solutions Companies
author, Putting Our Differences to Work 

 

WOMEN: Always go right ahead

It is amazing how the right messages show up when you need them. I love coming back to familiar ones that have passed the test of time. This is one of my favorites from Emmet Fox...

"Never look back. Always go right ahead. Even if you are quaking, go right ahead. ...No matter how unattractive or how dangerous the road ahead may be, it is better than the road back. The road ahead may be veiled from sight---but you must teach yourself to regard the unknown as friendly. Remember God is on the road ahead."

This is a time for moving ahead. Rethinking, re-evaluating, renewing ourselves even in the worst of times. This is how you discover the promise of the road ahead.

I'm rootin' for you, too!

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work