THE RELIGION CORNER: Nine Principles for Dynamic Living (Part 2)

Cleave to that which is good. — Romans 12:9

This week, I’m sharing Les Brown’s principle No. 2, which says: “Each of us has some basic goodness which is the foundation for the greatness we can ultimately achieve.” Through the ages, great thinkers have debated the nature of men and women. Are we inherently good or evil? I believe each of us possess goodness and decency – even the worst among us. And I believe that what we achieve in life is related to how much faith and goodness we bring to the table.

The goal of this column is to inspire you to achieve the maximum potential in your life. Consider this a coaching session that will help you to move forward and make those necessary changes in your life that are good. Believe in your abilities but also set clear goals toward achieving the life you want. Sometimes we limit ourselves and cap our potential. Many talented people develop the belief that they are destined to remain in their current situation.

I am convinced all great people, whether they’re artists, teachers, athletes, parents or house painters, all need to find and nurture their goodness in order to achieve their greatest potential. Jealousy, envy, selfishness and cynicism don’t grow on a “goodness” tree. This quote by Ojibwa, says “No tree has branches foolish enough to fight among themselves.”

Be strong by bending! It’s not so important to be right. It’s so much more important when you have a choice to be right or to be kind; to always exhibit kindness. Stay low; humility is the key.

A good traveler has no fixed plans; and is not intent upon arriving. A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants. A good scientist has freed himself of concepts and keeps his mind open to unlimited possibilities.

Goodness is biblical; scripture talks about goodness in Philippians 4:8 which say “Think on those things that are of good report.” Meanness, violence and negativity are contagious and spread to future generations. On the other hand, love will spread throughout generations, as well. Which one would you rather share with others by your actions?

There is a dandelion story that reminds us how our behavior affects others. It goes like this: A dandelion is a fuzz ball that grows in the wild; it’s a weed. Imagine if you want to end the problem of dandelions growing in your yard; so you take a shovel, and you turn it upside down and you begin to hit them with the shovel in an attempt to kill them all. They spread all over the place; and the next spring, you have even more; new generations of dandelions. This is an example of what happens when we use violence; we create violence among our children who watch such hatred; then their children watch them in violent rages, and so on and so on.

We must learn to be tactful in our conversations with others. You will get the cooperation of others more quickly with tact; which is also goodness. Never make demands. Always ask people if they will please do whatever it is you want completed. We don’t live in a dictator society, so goodness and mercy as the 23rd Psalm says shall follow me all the days of my life.

See yourself in others; it is essential! If we don’t get it, humankind as we know will not survive. According to news reports, since Columbine, there have been 74 school shootings. No matter how horrendous someone behaves there is something good in them. Why not create an environment of goodness, and we will stop some of this violence with goodness instead!

Lyndia Grant is a radio talk show host on 1340, WYCB AM, Fridays at 6 p.m. Visit her website at http://www.lyndiagrant.com, call her at 202-518-3192; or email lyndiagrant@lyndiagrant.com.