News

YOUR OBLIGATION TO YOURSELF

by JoAnn Foxx

Some mornings as I sit with my DDH (dear darling husband) and our loyal canine "Sammy" we talk, listen to Native American flute music, and eat breakfast, surrounded by various media clamoring for our attention. Richard with The Wall Street Journal, Facebook friends and emails; me with The Drudge Report, the FoxNews App and my fashion, wellness and skincare blogs. We banter back and forth in discussion sharing bits and pieces from what we have read. From this melange a valuable theme often surfaces.


 

A friend posted on Facebook her impression that some of the people she meets think she is "weird" because she is a true cowgirl, lives a cowgirl life and follows a code of honesty, trust and authenticity. In spite of that, she wrote, she wears her weirdness as a badge of honor. She knows her obligation is first to be herself so that she can give the best of herself to others.

 When I read that, the first Republican debate was set to air that evening and I began to think about weirdness, differences, and authenticity. Why you ask? Because each candidate is, first and foremost, an ordinary human being. Just like you and me. Yes the spotlight will be on them. As it should be. They want the job of being Commander in Chief of The United States of America.

 It makes no difference your political persuasion. We all, as citizens, should listen to both sides. But in truth, they owe us something greater than politicizing. Have they fulfilled their obligation to themselves? Are they authentic, honest, and trustworthy? Have they found their true calling for why they are on this earth? Is the passion in their soul pure? Will their authentic "weirdness" shine through as the debates and the campaign wears on?

 These are questions we each must take time to answer about ourselves. Stand in front of your mirror and ask yourself. Does your own authentic "weirdness" speak back to you?

 

 
THE MAN IN THE GLASS
Peter Wimbrow, Sr. (1934)
 
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Who judgement upon you must pass;
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people may think your a straight-shootin' chum
And call you a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life
And get pats on your back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.
(Often recited by the late, legendary Ray Hunt)

Sign Up to Get Blog Updates

Leave a comment

← Older Post | Newer Post →