Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address, Springfield, Illinois/ January 27, 1838:

“At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected?

I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad.

If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.“

If you have read many of my blogs, you know I never discuss politics.

I don’t, however, consider this topic to be about politics.

No, it’s about Patriotism, The Constitution, Our Democracy and the sanctity of our electoral system.

Please pay attention to what’s happening!

If not today, when?

We are in the midst of volatile, uncertain times in America.

Our leaders are not showing the patriotism necessary to lead properly.

Nine hundred employees of The Mayo Clinic have contracted Covid-19 in the last two weeks.

Businesses are being shut down again in an effort to save lives.

Kids are being kept home again in many communities.

So, my question today is, “How are you doing emotionally?”

This is a one in a century pandemic that all those alive today have never experienced before.

Do you have faith in God? Do you call upon your Creator for help?

Stay close to each of your family members.

Don’t let a day go by without doing something productive.

These times shall pass.

You will emerge a better, stronger person on the other side!

If not today, when?

Yes, I am grateful for this day and every day!

We are here in this life as a hard begotten gift of our mothers.

Everything is a gift including the sun in the sky, the air we breathe, the abundant water and food bearing plants.

And, if even one person loves you, gratitude is the appropriate response!

I am also aware of the tremendous daily suffering of the great majority of the world’s people.

I don’t think we should be smug with our gratitude.

You and I, who have blessings in abundance, must lift up our fallen sisters and brothers.

We can help people know who need help or we can give anonymously through all the many charitable organizations in our communities.

Be grateful and lift someone up!

If not today, when?

Society needs you and me to be a ROCK!

In bewildering times like right now, we must step up!

What are your accomplishments since the introduction of Covid-19?

Are you too distracted by the virus and the election aftermath?

The best solution in these times of continued chaos is to be productive.

Stay busy doing things that positively impact your life and the lives of those close to you.

Be a calming influence.

Keep your emotions under control. We have too many people yelling at one another.

Be the adult in the room!

Your kids, regardless of age, look to your behavior in times of stress.

Don’t them down. Show them you can be in control even when events are out of your control.

And remember, there is always hope.

After all, Notre Dame beat Clemson!

If not today, when?

Is it possible to have HOPE in a time of bad news?

How swayed are you by current events?

What example are you to others, especially loved ones?

“To have HOPE is to want an outcome that makes your life better in some way. It not only can help make a tough, present situation more bearable, but also can improve our lives because envisioning a better future motivates us to take the steps to make it happen.” (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

So, every thought that enters your mind is of your choosing.

“Is your cup half empty or half full?”

So, your actions will reflect the thoughts you permit yourself to have.

And those actions and words will influence the thoughts and actions of others.

Do you want to be part of the problem or part of the solution?

Don’t underestimate the power of your behavior in times like these.

If not today, when?

It’s a topic most people wrestle with during the course of their lives.

The really interesting point is that you can be motivated or demotivated by fear of failure.

If you are a person who decides to start your own business, fear of failing could spur you on to relentlessly pursue and accomplish the desired outcome.

I think successful entrepreneurs will verify that experience.

Most people, however, are so afraid of failing that they never take the chance to realize their dreams.

I don’t know if the difference between those motivated and those demotivated is merely a matter of self confidence.

It may be the culmination of a person’s life experiences that makes them one or the other.

I’m always amazed at the life of Winston Churchill whose father demeaned him as a loser throughout his childhood.

Yet, he saved western civilization in its darkest hour.

Go figure!

Yes, most people have overcome or are currently dealing with obstacles in their lives.

Most heroes keep their struggles to themselves.

I recently met a woman who was raped when she was very young. As a result, she became pregnant and decided to carry the baby until a successful birth.

I know a young man who has been betrayed by his family, but remains loyal to a family of his own.

My grandmother lived alone with terrible arthritis for 70 years after the death of her husband at an early age.

How about the single mothers all over America who are trying to provide for their kids with a limited income.

Then, there is the employee who works for a boss who is a tyrant.

And how about those who have faced racial discrimination all their lives, but still carry on?

You never know the cross being carried by your neighbor.

BE KIND!

If not today, when?

You may be asking why I would ask that question in our chaotic times?

It would seem that we should batten down the hatches and wait for the storm to pass.

That’s what a reasonable person would do.

But, I’ve never been accused of being reasonable.

I invest a little money with a college friend of one of our sons. He loves uncertainty in the market.

He says that opportunities are more plentiful in chaos.

The Federal Reserve Chairman says we will return to a different, weaker economy.

So, what you think is certain may not be as you remember.

Be awake and alert for a new opportunity that might be better for your future.

Yes, it will mean leaving certainty for uncertainty.

THAT’S WHAT RISK IS!

If not today, when?

We all have them.

The dictionary tells us that a regret causes us to feel sad, repentant or disappointed over something that has happened or perhaps a missed opportunity.

It seems that regrets can linger for a lifetime.

I am not qualified to offer a professional diagnosis of the problem and its solution.

But, I can tell you what I do to minimize the effect of regrets in my life.

If the remedy is an apology, I apologize. Even if your apology is not accepted, you did what you could. Move on!

Some people are incapable of apologizing. That’s to their detriment and so they will continue to keep that regret as an impediment to their happiness.

Some regrets have no remedy. When that occurs, I use the regret as a learning opportunity that will guide me to never repeat that mistake!

The world will always be there to beat up on you.

Stop beating up on yourself!

If not today, when?

Dictionary definition of persevere:” Continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little prospect of success.”

We have been watching an interesting series on Netflix entitled, “The Chef’s Table.” We thought it would show stories of the exotic dishes created around the world by award winning chefs.

It was that, but it was really so much more!

In almost every instance, these great chefs were on the brink of imminent failure. They, however, believed in their mission and persevered until gaining the ultimate triumph!

Does this also describe who and what you are?

All of us are given certain talents.

But, I don’t think your talents will determine your success in this life.

I’m convinced, after many experiences in the business world, perseverance is the only thing that counts!

Do you have the passion to persevere?

If not today, when?