Dear Friends,
You never really understand a person
until you consider things from his point of view.
- Harper Lee
Fossil Ridge is the newest of Fort Collins' four high schools. In their first three years they've established a tradition that says a lot about their vision and identity.
Each year, FRHS hosts an annual Abilities Day. Students have the opportunity to interact with people who face a wide variety of challenges. It's a wonderful opportunity to break down barriers and focus on what unites us instead of what divides.
Even the name of the event reveals something important about the heart of its organizers. Abilities Day places emphasis on awareness that we can all do some things well and some things not so well.
The essence of a meaningful education lies in inspiring each individual to ignore perceived obstacles and aspire to the impossible. Education equips and points toward achieving our maximum potential.
Christopher Reeve once said, "Initially our dreams appear impossible. After we work at them a while, they become improbable. Then, when we summon the will, they become inevitable."
I also encouraged my audience to avoid allowing what they can't do to prevent them from doing what they can do. Everyone has limitations, strengths, and weaknesses.
I really enjoy talking to young people. In a culture focused on conformity and appearance, these kids are willing to look past differences and challenges to see strengths and possibilities, in themselves and in others. As is so often the case, I'm sure I received much more from them than they learned from me.
It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.
- Harry S. Truman
To read more about this day, click here for an article from the Fort Collins Coloradoan.
I've been itching to get going on the next big writing project. Between getting the blogs going, producing articles, speaking, and promoting Relentless Grace (and still teaching two classes of middle school mathematics), I haven't carved out time to really get serious about it.
Several people have suggested a more in-depth discussion of the process involved in overcoming adversity. I've done a bit of outlining and pondering, and I've finally come up with a possible approach.
I've started a series of reflections based on the haunting imagery from Psalm 23. My working title is:
Postcards
From The
Valley
Messages From A Fellow Traveler
It's definitely a work in progress, but I've cleverly discovered the rather obvious principle that you cannot complete a project without beginning.
I'd like to offer readers of this newsletter a free e-version of these reflections. Please click on this link and complete the form. I'll send the POSTCARDS as an email attachment.
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.
Readers of Relentless Grace comment frequently on the humerous episodes in the book. I often tell them that my life seems like a long sequence of embarrassing incidents.
Here's a story that I originally wrote for the book but decided to omit for reasons that'll be clear after you've read it.
Set your alarm on March 22nd for 7:00 AM (Mountain time) to hear 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.
I appreciate the kind words and ongoing support through “word of mouth” recommendations to friends and family. I'm still looking for a website hit from South America. If you have a South American contact and wish to indulge my fascination with this bit of trivia, please pass along the information.
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)
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 3rd I'll speak to the residents at Good Samaritan nursing home in Fort Collins.
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.
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
