Winning Words 7/5/11
“Interdependence follows independence.” (Stephen Covey) One of the problems associated with being independent is the realization of our dependence on others. A poem by John Donne begins, “No man is an island.” What affects one of us affects all of us…in America, and on this planet. Like it, or not, we are related to each other. Maybe there should be a day to celebrate our interdependence? ;-) Jack

CALVIN COOLIDGE: Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.

FROM JH IN OHIO: like it!////FROM JACK: "We are family," as the song goes.

FROM HS IN MICHIGAN: Clever////FROM JACK: It's just common sense.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Great idea.////FROM JACK: Question to ponder today...Where do ideas come from?

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: i'm in on that!////FROM JACK: I was depending on you.

FROM DB IN MINNESOTA: Thank you--and thanks for the pithy thought for today. (My, you do get up early!!)////FROM JACK: The word, pithy, has a variety of uses. I like this one: "pithy phrases of almost poetic quality."

FROM PRJM IN MICHIGAN: I like that suggestions of celebrating our interdependence. More often than a holiday, though, more like once a week at least! Thanks for your words of wisdom and inspiration!////FROM JACK: 175 nations now observe Earth Day on April 22. While "Earth Day" is a good name, maybe "Interdependence Day" speaks to the issue. To reinforce it, how about choosing the first day of spring, March 21, as the date?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Ah, yes, "Do not ask for whom the bell tolls....it tolls for thee!" Interesting idea of celebrating our INTERDEPENDENCE! Surely a worthy cause...I am doing a program today, "Treasures in Pots of Clay" using Jeremiah 15:1-6, of course, pointing out how God makes and remakes us, smoothing out our imperfections, so that we are worthy vessels to bring blessings to others. Life is indeed all about interdependence, AND dependence on the Almighty Potter's Hands: firm, but gentle!
cheers! We "depend on YOU to bring us little gems of inspirational thought!////FROM JACK: Winning Words, by themselves, are only words. They take on meaning when the sender and receiver interact...like the potter and the clay.

FROM PRFM IN WISCONSIN: Your word applies not only to our nation, but to our church . .. . we need more affirmation of our interdependence – congregation to congregation, and pastor to pastor.////FROM JACK: Once upon a time I "learned" a poem about the folly of over being self-interested. I think it was called, "Me, myself and I." Now, I can't recall it, but the truth is in my mind.