Dear Friends,
Character, not circumstance, makes the person.
Booker T. Washington
I wish I understood economics. Right now, I'd settle for believing that anyone actually understands the complexities of a system that seems to be 50% science, 50% art, and 100% mystery.
I want answers. What, or who, caused this mess? How do we fix it? When will it end? Can we prevent a recurrence?
Beyond the oversimplified political sound bites and self-serving ideological rhetoric, one confronts a global system that's impossibly vast and complex. In a network with so many inputs, I seriously doubt whether detailed understanding of the interactions, causes, and effects is possible. There are simply too many players with too many conflicting motives and too many definitions of success.
And frankly, the numbers contain too many zeroes.
It's so easy to feel powerless, even hopeless, in circumstances so far beyond my understanding or control. But instead of immobilizing myself in a search for the perfect solution or whining about my inability to influence outcomes, I’m trying to learn a new paradigm.
Knowledge is discovering the facts of a situation.
Wisdom is discerning the right thing to do.
Skill is the ability to do it.
Character is doing it.
Knowledge, wisdom, and skill are either useless or dangerous without character. In fact, I’m starting to believe that doing what I believe is right may be the best path to a deeper understanding of what’s right. Following the truth I know may be the only way to discover the truth I seek.
I think that’s a working definition of character—deciding what’s right and then doing it. The really hard course involves taking action based on available, imperfect information and accepting responsibility for the results. People who do that develop wisdom.
I don’t want to be a prisoner of fear or circumstance. I want to get better about doing what I believe to be right, acknowledging and growing from my mistakes, and trusting God with the rest.
I've enjoyed and appreciated the feedback on my new series of reflections based on the imagery of Psalm 23.
Postcards
From The
Valley
Messages From A Fellow Traveler
I wanted to speak to readers who struggle with illness, injury, death, or any other significant loss. We've all been there at some point; perhaps you're there now, or maybe you know someone who is.
If you'd like to read these reflections or pass them along to someone else, please click on this link and complete the form. I'll reply via email with a link to a free e-version of the POSTCARDS.
If you prefer to read on your computer, Relentless Grace is now available as an ebook. Go to the order page to get your electronic version.
The book will also be available soon in a Kindle version and as an audio book.
I read the bestselling book Marley & Me on an airplane flight over Spring Break. It was embarrassing to laugh out loud at the antics of a loving, unruly Labrador Retriever that bears an uncanny likeness to my own companion.
Marley reminded me of the many roles Monte fulfills in my life. Here's a story about one of the more unconventional services he provides:
My quest for website hits from every continent is completed. Someone from Brazil visited within the past week, so now that particular obsession is resolved.
Thank you all for the kind words and ongoing 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 the 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)
April 16th: I'll do a live interview on KRFC (88.9 FM) at 6:00 pm.
May 1st: I'll speak to the residents at Good Samaritan nursing home in Fort Collins.
May 7th: I'll speak to the table, a wonderful ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Denver.
May 19th: Technical Assistance Partnership Symposium for nonprofit professionals, sponsored by United Way of Larimer County.
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.
November 5-7: TOUGH MINISTRIES CONFERENCE at The Woodlands United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.
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.
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
- Steven Covey
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
