Dear Friends,
A few post-Valentine's Day reflections:
We are all born for love. It is the only principle of existence, and its only end.
- Benjamin Desraeli
I think that “wanting to make a difference” comprises one of the most basic human desires. We want to believe that our actions and choices matter.
As the culture becomes bigger, faster, and more impersonal, it's easy to lose any true sense of personal power. After all, I'm not a CEO or a political leader. How can one unremarkable life really make any significant impact?
As the economy moves from local to national to global, how much control do I really exert over my financial circumstances? In a world where information bombards 24/7 from every direction, does a single voice alter anyone's opinion? How effectively can individual choice and preference swim against the tide of perceptions shaped by mass media and sophisticated advertising?
In a culture that reveres wealth and fame, it's awfully easy to feel insignificant. Where leadership devolves into a quest for power and control, we’re seduced into the belief that we don’t really matter.
Power and control are fleeting illusions, poor reflections of authentic influence. Each of us holds the power to influence those around us. That's because each of us holds the power to love.
Unconditional love radiates like ripples in a pond. The initial splash may be small, but its ripples alter the entire surface of the water and touch anyone in their path. The ability to love is the ability to change the world.
Sometimes we see the impact of the ripples, but often we never know how lives are changed and destinies transformed because of an apparently insignificant act of love. Wealth, fame, and power fade into obscurity in the light of love.
The next time you're tempted to ask, "Where's my influence?" I suggest changing the question. If you ask, "Where do I express love," you'll have your answer.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.
But the greatest of these is love."
(1 Cor 13:13)
Several readers commented on the beautiful story of the veterans who received service dogs to assist with their adjustment as they returned from war. I thought you might chuckle at this photo of initial contact between our dogs. I only hope that Monte didn't destroy months of training.
I'm also pleased to report that Allen and Paul are back home and doing well with Frankie and Samba. I hope that these partnerships flourish and that these brave young men find peace and comfort. We all owe them a tremendous debt for their sacrifice. They inspired me to take my freedoms a bit less for granted.
If you missed this amazing story, click here.
As the circle of readers expands, I'm humbled by the number of people for whom the story strikes a very personal chord.
More than 250,000 people in the U.S. live with a spinal cord injury, and each of these folks have a support network of friends and loved ones who are directly impacted. Beyond this large circle, the story seems to touch those affected by cancer and other serious diseases, depression, and all sorts of grief and loss.
It's a continued reminder that everyone has a story and that we all face grief at some point in our lives. I hope the book makes every reader a bit more sensitive to those around them who may suffer in silence. You can never know how powerful your small expression of love might be to someone else.
I survived my initial radio interview for You Get The Blessing at KOA in Denver. I have no idea what I said, but the host, Kyle Dodd, was very kind. We discovered that I ramble a lot, and he's not very good at math. The show is scheduled to air at 7:00 am (Mountain time) on March 15th. See additional details below.
I realized this week that the website has been viewed by at least one person on every continent except South America. Since I'm fascinated by the world map that tracks such details, I'm hoping someone can pass along the information to a South American contact. Thanks once more for continued kind words and support through “word of mouth” recommendations to friends and family.
I'm still seeking speaking opportunities with both general and faith-based audiences. I’d welcome the opportunity to visit your community and share a bit of my story. As summer and more predictable weather approach, I'm eager to travel a bit and expand the circle even further.
Talking to individuals and groups about hope, love, and fxthe story of Relentless Grace continues to be an enriching and meaningful experience. If you've read the book, please visit the Relentless Grace blog and join the conversation or send me a note at rich@richdixon.net.
On-going shameless self-promotion: If you enjoyed the book, please visit AMAZON.COM and contribute a five-star review. For more simple ways to help with building the buzz for Relentless Grace, this page has some suggestions.
Calendar and News
Here are links to recent articles.
HEAVEN: Today's Pentecostal Evangel (Mar 8, 09)
NOT ABANDONED: The Lookout (Jan 18, 09)
GRANDMA'S CAR: Mature Living (Feb 09)
LE TOUR de POOCH: New Mobility (Feb 09)
On March 6th I'll speak to students at Fossil Ridge High School on their annual ABILITIES DAY .
March 15th at 7:00 AM (Mountain time) is the broadcast of my interview with Kyle Dodd on his show YOU GET THE BLESSING on KOA radio (850 AM in Denver). If you're not in the Denver area, you can listen online. Click this link (KOA radio) and click the LISTEN LIVE button on the right side of the KOA home page.
On April 16th I'll do a live interview on KRFC (88.9 FM) at 6:00 pm.
On June 13th I'll speak at Men & Boys BBQ, First Christian Church, Loveland, Co.
June 25th brings an opportunity to speak to the inmates at Larimer County Detention Center.
If you know someone who is looking for a motivational speaker, please contact me or forward this information to an appropriate contact.
If you are engaged in raising funds for a group or individual, send me an email and let’s discuss using the book to support your efforts.
Thanks for your continued encouragement and support.
Blessings,
- Please visit my web site:
http://www.richdixon.net or www.relentlessgrace.com - I’d love to hear from you. Send me a note at: rich@richdixon.net
- If you haven't seen it yet, please click this link to view a short video trailer for Relentless Grace.
- Join the conversation about Relentless Grace at: Relentless Grace blog
- Read my blog post every Friday at: SetFreeToday.com
- To update your contact information: rich@richdixon.net
- I promise I won’t distribute your information to anyone for any reason.
- Take a moment for an Interview With God
