The Tragedy of Unneeded Tragedies

I was saddened today to hear the news of Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s death. What a tragedy that such a talented man would be self-destructive with drugs!  It has happened to so many – Elvis, Marilyn, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston…what is missing in the lives of these incredible human beings, so talented, yet so unhappy?  

Love.  Self-love.  When success and self-doubt rule over self-care and self-acceptance, the seeds of tragedy are sown.  This certainly underscores that success can be fatal, unless accompanied by a clear sense that we’re all equal, that there’s nothing to prove, and that we are loveable just the way we are no matter what the expectations of others. 

 How well are you treating yourself?  As you pursue your success, are you aware it is all a game, and that you remembering who you are (love) is more important than what you accomplish?  Wouldn’t it be a sad thing for any of us to reach the end of our life, and all we have to show for it is a bunch of achievements? 

Do not sell your soul in pursuing your dreams unless you also maintain the commitment that caring for yourself comes ahead of any achievement or fame one could attain.

Jesus was Freedom Fighter, not a Discriminator

The following is a response to a letter to the editor that appeared in the Albert Lea Tribune advocating acceptance of a Minnesota constitutional amendment to prevent gays and lesbians from marrying.

I appreciate Roger M. Nelson’s sincerity in his recent letter to the editor encouraging us to follow Jesus regarding the upcoming marriage amendment. However, I would like to suggest a different point of view from the conclusions he is drawing about what Jesus would have us do.

If Mr. Nelson had consulted his pastor or some other person who understands the nature of the contexts surrounding Bible passages, he may have discovered that the Romans passage he quotes was one that Jesus never read, and if Jesus had, it’s doubtful he would agree with Mr. Nelson’s interpretation of it. Mr. Nelson would have also likely found out that the writer of this passage was not referring to homosexuality as we know it today. In fact, he would have found that there is no word or phrase in the Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew languages to describe homosexual orientation at all.

The terms used in Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6, and 1 Timothy 1, which many assume refer to homosexuality, are inadequate assumptions lacking in substance, as the Greek terminology used was referring to adult sexual activity with youth and rape, which represent abuses of power and of disrespect, not consensual activity between adults who are expressing love to one another.

I suggest that following Jesus means looking at what he said and did, and then trying to emulate that. Jesus was a liberal who defended the disadvantaged and outcasts of society (like women, prostitutes, the poor, the sick, tax collectors, etc.) from the privileged or conservative and pride-filled religious folk he would often confront (Mark 10:21; Matthew 23:23). We who are Christians would be well-advised that those whom Jesus chastised were often the self-righteous, educated and wealthy people in power who tended to see themselves as superior to those of lesser privilege.

If we want to follow the Jesus of the New Testament, we would do well to focus on feeding the poor, taking care of the sick and protecting the rights of those discriminated against in our society.

In my opinion, the government should not use legislation to prohibit the freedoms of its citizens, but to protect them. I support the right of churches to not marry gays if they wish, but they should not support the government in oppressing any minorities, gay or otherwise.       

I am writing as an invitation for us to examine and follow the Jesus of Matthew 22:35-40 and Matthew 7:1, who calls us out of judgment into acceptance and love.

I join with Mr. Nelson in his enthusiasm in considering how Jesus would vote on this amendment and also caution us to be careful about what we determine that means.

I, for one, will stand with the Jesus who defends his loved ones under attack from those who think it their calling to judge and control others. I will instead choose to support and accept those needing my embrace.

I will vote “no” on the upcoming amendment.

Following Jesus Means Love Trumps Judgment

Throughout our history, we Christians have had difficulty agreeing on what Jesus is really calling us to do.  Many times, we have used the Bible to condemn behaviors different from our own.

In the 1930’s and 40’s, some Christians uncomfortable with playing cards defined such as sinful.  In the 50’s, Christian used the Bible to proclaim dancing as taboo (Exodus 32: 19-21, 31).  In the 60’s & 70’s, you were sinning if you married a divorced person (Matt. 5: 31, 32). In the 90’s and 2000’s  - and still today - some Christians use the Bible to condemn homosexuals (Rom. 1: 26, 27). 

How we understand the Bible changes over time.  And it should.  If we are truly becoming more like Christ, as we move forward to mature in our faith, we will change. We will grow. We will become more like Him – more loving, more accepting, more welcoming of those different from ourselves.  As He demonstrated with the Woman at the Well (John 4), Zaccheaus (Luke 19), the Woman Caught in Adultery (John 7:53ff), and those crucifying him (Luke 23:34), this was His role-modeling.  Christians today who truly want to follow Him seek to spend less time judging, more time forgiving, less time excluding, more time including, less time rejecting, more time accepting.

For most Christians, it is no longer sinful to play cards, dance, or marry a divorced person.  Within a few years, most Christians will no longer consider it sinful to be homosexual.  We will instead refuse to participate in Sodom and Gomorrah’s sin (Ezekiel 16:49), and become ever more compassionate to those different from ourselves.

This will be a good thing.  Jesus prayed that we would all be One as He and His Father were One (John 17:9-11).  This can only happen when we stop our judging of others (Matt 7:1) and see us all as Children of God. 

Many gays are devout Christians.  Many of those who aren’t do not participate because when they sought the love of God in church, they could not find it there.

We all have the same Source, the same Creator.  And God does not condemn any of His children. Indeed, as Jesus said, “none have been lost” (John 17: 12).

The Prodigal Father  (Luke 15:20) was not interested in how the younger son was different from the older son. He was only interested in welcoming him home.  As we become more like the Jesus we follow, we too will be less concerned about judging others who are different, and more concerned about warmly accepting everyone into our midst.

I believe Jesus smiles as we become more like Him - when we recognize his Greatest Commandment  (Matt. 22: 36-40) trumps any other rule we may be compelled to embrace.

I share in Jesus’ hope that we will shed the responsibility we feel to be judges of each other. As we drop this judgment, we will finally become One, living the love of Jesus with all.

Are you living

Wide Awake?

The long-awaited collection of Kate and David's life-altering experiences shared in short stories designed to inspire, enlighten, encourage and challenge. You're life will never be the same. Find out more at:

callthecoach.com/18.html

This is one of the projects I completed this winter. Enjoy!

David Larson joins Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, & Dr. Denis Waitley in a new book,

Stepping Stones to Success!

Goals & Proven Strategies from the Industry’s Leading Experts

SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE— David Larson, keynote speaker and author, has been selected from a nationwide search to be featured in Stepping Stones to Success; a highly successful book series from Tennessee based Insight Publishing. The book features best-selling authors Deepak Chopra (The Power of Purpose), Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul), & Dr. Denis Waitley (featured in The Secret). Larson, Chopra, Canfield, and Waitley, are joined by other well-known authors and speakers, each offering time-tested strategies for success in frank and intimate interviews.

Larson is a psychologist, life fulfillment coach, and prominent workshop leader.

In this book, Larson describes the exciting elements of his Essence Leadership Program, developed with business associate Kate Sholonski.

The Essence Leadership program focuses on tapping into the strongest leadership qualities in each CEO or manager. “The uniqueness of each authentic leader is the gift he or she brings most powerfully to any organization,” says Larson. “Essence Leadership Training is about helping each leader become fully appreciative of the skill sets only he or she can bring to the table, emphasizing his or her priceless value to the company.”

To order a copy of Stepping Stones to Success, you can do so at his website, http://www.callthecoach.com/18.html

or from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Stepping-Stones-Success-David-Larson/dp/1600136052/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1301245393&sr=8-1 .

Larson is known for his ability to help people capitalize on personal growth quickly. His easy-going, insight-generating style enables each client to see their own magnificence and perform at the top of their game. 


A specialist in the management of anxiety and panic, Larson is the author of the popular anti- anxiety e-course, How To Stop Your Anxiety Now, also available in soft-cover from his website, www.callthecoach.com .

His recently produced relaxation training CD, Serenity: Guided Imagery for Health and Life, provides meditations for balance and clarity of mind for his students and clients.

As a motivational and inspirational speaker, David provides workshop experiences to audiences of all sizes to promote exceptional connectedness in relationships and extraordinary productivity in business environments.

A book-signing event is planned at Book World in the North Bridge Mall in Albert Lea on Saturday, April 16, 11am - 2pm.

Direct any questions to davidlarsonleadership@gmail.com or to David at this office, 507-373-7913

Where the Rubber Hits the Tarmac

Delta flight 4204 took off from Detroit International Airport for Elmira, New York without a hitch. The stewardess was pretty. She looked something like Barbara Streisand with sharp jawbones and blond hair shaped to accent her face. A guy up front flirted with her while asking for some drinks. I was sitting in row 7 of the Regional Jet, already reading my book, excited to prepare for next week’s study group.

About 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot came over the loudspeaker. “We’re having some trouble with the landing gear. We are going back to Detroit where they have the fire trucks and personnel available to handle our situation.”

Handle our situation? What was our situation? Couldn’t they handle this in Elmira? They don’t have enough fire engines there?

Some time passed and the pilot came on again. “We need to burn off some more fuel before attempting to land back in Detroit. Please remain seated and keep your seat belts buckled.”

The passengers looked at each other with confused faces. What does he mean “attempt to land?” Doesn’t he think we are actually going to land? What could be the reason to burn off more fuel before touching down?

A buzz was building throughout the cabin, and I realized I was making eye contact with nearly every other passenger I could see. It seemed we were all checking out each others’ faces, trying to get clues of how serious the situation was. I remembered what the flight attendant had said about each of us noticing where the nearest emergency exit was. Mine was right behind me.

My seat partner cracked a joke, trying to ease the tension. I, too, turned back to the fellow behind me in row 8, the exit aisle. “Looks like you may get some action,” I said, suggesting he may need to actually do something with that 40-pound exit window the flight attendant had told him he may be needing to handle.

“I’m ready,” he fired back with confidence.

I could see the stewardess up front, talking periodically on the phone, presumably with the pilot, and each time hanging up and managing to look quite relaxed. She knew we were watching her for clues. Was she trained to look calm like this?

I pulled up a few pictures quickly of my wife and daughters on my iPod, and smiled with awareness of my love for them.

I looked at the cover of my book, almost laughing at the irony of its title, Your Immortal Reality. I must admit this was comforting to me in that moment.

I remember being asked one time by a friend if I was ready to die. I found it challenging to answer that question. I didn’t think I was afraid to die, but sometimes I wish I could do some things over, with another chance to get it right. How does one know until you are actually faced with it? After all, none of us knows for sure when we are actually going home.

We could see the flashing lights of the fire engines and ambulances lined up on the runway now.

I noticed the calm in my body and the peace I felt inside. I thought with gratitude about the vast experiences of my life, and realized I had learned a lot this time ‘round. If it was my time to go, I was grateful for the chances I had been given to leave the world a better place than I found it. I had loved, and I had been loved. What else could be more important? There was nothing to fear. I knew I was safely in God’s hands.

As we braced for impact, I was still at peace, and smiling, thanking the Lord for His many mercies.

When the wheels finally hit the runway, it took us only a few seconds to realize the tires were rolling! The landing gear held! The plane came to a stop and we all exited onto the tarmac.

Delta assured us we would be put on another plane as soon as possible. We were. And we were grateful for the care that each employee of Delta Airlines took to assure our safety.

And then I smiled once more, realizing I had been given yet another chance to love again.

(David Larson, M.S., C.P.C.C., is a licensed psychologist, life coach, and leadership trainer. He can be contacted at the Institute For Wellness, 507-373-7913, or at his website, www.callthecoach.com.)

What To Do With $100,000,000?

In a recent interview with Howard Stern, a reporter asked the radio icon about his wealth, “How do you spend $100 million?” He responded, “You don’t spend it, you hang onto it.”

Our country’s leadership had already proved how common Stern’s attitude was when they instituted the deep tax cuts of 2000, giving 50% of the tax breaks back to the top 5% of those who already had the most.

The stated philosophy was also a familiar chant: The wealthy need the tax cuts because they will spend it investing in our economy, creating jobs, and moving our country forward (trickle-down theory). The true result was that our country lost 8 million jobs, increased the national debt by nearly $5 trillion, and suffered the worst economic devastation since the Great Depression.

Big Business has also clearly demonstrated they are also in Stern’s camp. Businesses have now have amassed $1 trillion they are not spending but saving idle in bank accounts. The money didn’t trickle down. It was stored in their pockets.

By recently renewing the tax cuts to business owners making more than $500,000 per year, and those on a salary making more than $250,000 per year, Congress chose to deepen our national debt by an additional $500 billion. Instead of applying the critical wisdom we learned from the previous administration’s economic experiment, we chose instead to repeat the behaviors that have brought our country to its knees in the first place.

There is no doubt that some great things are being done by the very wealthy. This, I celebrate. However, I wonder if more great things could be done for our country by responding directly to the needs of the other 95% of Americans as well. If we took that $100,000 a year tax break given to the average millionaire, and put that money into the hands of those who need it most, they will spend it (not keep it) because they have to to survive. Customers then purchasing more products increase the need for manufacturing and services, allowing businesses to create more jobs, reducing unemployment, and bringing our economy back. Rather than just assuring the descendents of the wealthy can have their American Dream, this would assure that the majority of Americans have a shot at it as well.

Will you pray fervently with me this year, and get involved in the political process in a way that’s meaningful to you by promoting and encouraging our elected leaders to cease combating one another, and focus on what’s best for all the citizens they represent? America will move forward most effectively when egos, lobbyists, and political self-interest take a back seat to unity, cooperation, compassion for all, and a reminder we are our brothers’ keeper.

David Larson