Character Compass: Can We Really Do This?
Written by Marti Vickery – Printed by permission
Determination – Is There an App for That?
de·ter·mi·na·tion - /də tərmə nāSH(ə)n/
noun: determination
firmness of purpose; resoluteness.
“he advanced with an unflinching determination”
synonyms: resolution, resolve, willpower, strength of character, single-mindedness, purposefulness, intentness
As I type the word, determination, certain people come to my mind. Ancestors who faced decades of struggle, friends and family facing adversity today. How many people groups are battling every day for acceptance and peace, stability, and sustainability? Stay with me, friends. I am taking this cart somewhere. There have been countless neighborhoods and communities ravaged by recent storms, fires, isolation and pandemic issues, and earthquakes. Small businesses are struggling to stay open and continue making a living, supporting their employees, and contributing to their community.
What’s the common thread?
Determined human beings!
• Determined to clean up, one small area at a time
• Determined to find food, or a safe way to school
• Determined to establish a better way of life
• Determined to mourn and find a reason to keep going
• Determined to do the right thing, even when it’s hard
What does this mean for you and me?
Do you have a goal you dream about or a larger-than-life vision? It doesn’t have to be grand and glorious – a dream that is yours. Stop dreaming and chart the course! What a tremendous task. It may seem too big at first, almost unattainable. However, by exercising determination in our daily lives, steadily plugging away in the right direction, our goals will be met, day by day.
How can we “make” things happen?
The truth is, we can’t “make” things happen. What we can do, is create an environment that is more apt to support growth and change. We can, as a group or as individuals, decide to take on a positive and determined attitude, and participate in things that are happening in the community. If we remain spectators, we cannot complain about what others are doing. We can disagree, of course, while we put together plans and ideas for tomorrow.
Can we do this?
Nobody said this would be easy. Perhaps it’s easier to complain and whine, than it is to take a hard look in the mirror, see who we are and how we fit in for positive change. Some folks aren’t physically able to jump on the bandwagon, or the supply truck, and get to work. Can they make phone calls for someone? Lift others up in prayer? Write notes of encouragement to put inside relief packages? We CAN do this if we do it together. We need to care. We need determination.
I am determined to make a difference – however small; visible, or invisible. Sometimes it’s difficult. Sometimes we have our own battles to fight. Yet most of the time, when I am engrossed in assisting someone else, my issues and challenges seem a little smaller. Anybody with me?
You may need a few ideas to get you thinking --- see the links provided below to area established and trusted organizations or simply reach out and help a neighbor or friend, a single parent with too much on their plate. You get the idea.
https://www.mainstreetmarianna.org/
https://visitjacksoncountyfla.com/
https://www.chipolahabitat.org/
https://jacksoncounty.com/
Thanks for listening.
Marti Vickery is a creative professional with DHM. She has a deep appreciation for music, the arts, and intelligent humor and enjoys living in Northwest Florida.