I recently had a significant pivot point in my life and I wanted to share it with you for two reasons. Firstly I believe it might make Americans think but secondly because the outcome is going to be very hard to live and follow on a daily basis.
I have a long history of stomach and bowel problems and I am on medication for it. I also have a family history of cancer with my father and uncle getting and subsequently dying from bowel cancer so I have to keep a close eye on things. I have accepted these as part of my life but in the late summer things seemed to be getting worse and I was now also getting very tired and weak. I ignored them and hoped they would just go away after a period of time, but they did not. I eventually went to my G.P. who sent me for additional tests. I was extremely lucky that I only had to wait nine days for these tests as I was getting worse and even plain potatoes where making me very sick. I thought it was a blessing from God I only had to wait nine days and convinced myself I was being seen so quickly because something was seriously wrong.
I checked into the hospital as a day patient and the thinking began. I was lying in a hospital bed with nothing but one of those uncomfortable ugly hospital gowns on, in a ward full of people who are waiting to find out there fate. When I looked around I noticed everyone was older than me, some were maybe ten / fifteen years older and some were in sixties and seventies. One of my first thoughts was, “WHY ME”? I am so much younger than all these people. It can be so easy to feel entitled to things, even life.
As I was thinking these thoughts, one of the doctors visited the man in the bed beside me to inform him things were not so good, he would have to go for additional tests and possibly be admitted into hospital that night. I then remembered a colleague in work telling me about her neighbor’s son who had cancer at seventeen. It was then I asked myself, “Why not me”? Why was I so special that I could avoid serious illness? It can happen to anyone, at any time and at any age.
As I lay in that hospital bed, I started thinking about the tests I was about to have and what the potential results might be, and how I would react if it was serious. I thought briefly of all the things I wanted to do, the wasted opportunities and ways I could have done more. I then had my pivot point.
I thought about dying and I asked a very vain question. What will my family, friends and everyone who knows me remember? What stands did I take? My life is very political so it was no surprise when mostly political thoughts entered my head. The only thoughts I had were the things I was against and despised – things like being opposed to Obama, Democrats, Washington and politicians in general, laws and regulations, Palestine, authority, welfare programs against this Pope and religion in general and I was an anarchist.
I had so many negative thoughts running through my head I actually had to shout at myself internally, “SHUT UP”!!! I tried desperately to think of the positions I was for but at that time and mental space I could only think of three – I am a Christian and follow Scriptures, I love America because I believe it is the greatest country in the world and I am very pro-Israel because I believe it is God’s country.
I racked my brain looking for more. It seemed I could think of an endless list of things I was against but only three things I was for. It was at that point I realized I was on the wrong path and things needed to change because a lot of those positions are not really accurate. Let me give you an example.
I am very critical of a lot of laws and regulations and have been known to call them laws like speeding limits, EPA regulations stupid and wrong and income taxation immoral. There are times members of my own family have called me an anarchist, but nothing could be further from the truth. I believe the U.S. Constitution is one of the best pieces of literature ever written and I also try to follow The Ten Commandments. How can someone who believes in them ever be considered anything like an anarchist? The answer is simple – optics and what I am saying.
I made a promise to God and myself that day that I was going to try change, regardless of the results of my tests. I fully know my role on this planet and know I am no one important, and only a handful of people will remember me when I am gone. However for those who do remember me, I want them to remember me for standing for something positive and not something negative and against something.
It is so easy to be negative today especially with the way the world is going. I see so many people pointing out what is wrong with the world, but how many are sharing the “Good News” and the way forward. I see so many (myself included) who are talking about what they are against, but how many are focusing on what they are for. The recent mid-term elections were a clear vote against the current administration and their policies. I hope in the next elections America votes for something, I hope and pray that something is real Freedom, real responsibility, real understanding and real love.
This world is so full of hate, why don’t we all try to make a change? I am the worst offender at this, because how easy is it to call someone a name when discussing an issue or when it’s someone you don’t like. I have lost count how many times I have called people like Barack Obama, Harry Reid etc. morons or quoted the Great One by calling them Big Dummies. How many people on social media do you see un-friending someone just because they disagree. This path is sometimes so much easier but what does it really accomplish? How can we change the world, if the lines of communication are closed? It is time we all reflect and decide on the path we want to follow.
Sorry maybe the hardest word, but I believe love and understanding are the hardest actions! God Bless.
It was so interesting to read about your pivot point, especially after hearing what Glenn Beck shared yesterday. I’m sorry you had to go through such a scare, but God uses those times in our lives for reasons. Sometimes we don’t know the reasons, but in yours (and Glenn’s) we at least know part of it. Glenn has been talking about a gentler, more conciliatory tone for a while, though I didn’t know what was bringing him to it. But I too have been convicted about calling those on the other side idiots, morons, etc. it’s a fine line to walk, keeping true to our principles,but not being so confrontational with those who disagree. But if we pray for each other, we can do it. Maybe that’s at least part of what Jesus meant when he said in Matthew 10:16 to “be wise as serpents, but innocent as doves.”
Thanks for your comment Dawn. It was horrible at the time but I have done a lot of thinking over the last few months and seeking ways to make myself a better man but also ways to help your great nation :-). We all need to have a good long look at ourselves and see what type of person we want to be and what path we wish to choose. We need to pray for eachother, love eachother and support eachother. However we also must remain steadfast in our principles and never alter and still be able to call it the way it is. God Bless you
I have never communicated directly John but GOD works in mysterious ways. He surprises me regularly. I recently cultivated a relationship with a man I admired who also happened to be a devout Liberal! Was such a surprise to me that he seemed open to discussion about politics with me, a loudly outspoken conservative. Used to consider myself a Republican but they moved away from me a few years ago. My favorite description of myself is a Traditional American. Anyhow, our discussions moved deeper into the differences and shortcomings of the Socialism that the Liberals are pushing openly today. Anyone who actively attempts the impossible task I assigned myself experiences the devolvement of Liberals when backed into a corner with facts which unmask all the lies with which they cover themselves, eventually will counter with either name-calling or race-baiting. This episode was no different. My response, however, was one that I now am embarrassed to have used. Instead of taking the high road and ignoring his accusation of racism, I first told him to find someone who would agree with him and by the way, “You can Kiss My A__”. After a day or so I was struck with shame at the possibility of having the last word anyone heard from me one on one would consist of that hateful pronouncement.
Due to reading your “Pivot Point”, I will apologize to this man tomorrow. I too worry about what I am positive about and also how much I focus on the negative things surround me.
Thanks, Freedoms Disciple! Hope your health continues to improve!
WOW Ron THANK YOU. Your comment makes everything I do worthwhile and I am so happy I posted this article. Thank you so much. One of the reasons I published this was because it is now on the record and hopefully it will hold me to account on the hard road I am traveling on. I (like so many others who are on social media) have been called every name under the sun and even had people wish I die from Cancer – I am a deeply flawed man and a sinner and I find it very easy to react to those in a similar way. I am trying my best (and honestly failing) at only saying constructive things. I know when I speak to friends about POTUS, I always have an urge to call him a moron because of what he has done to the country I love so much. I believe we all need to reflect and try become better people. Even the biggest change, requires a first step to happen. God bless you on your path Ron and BTW I am always on social media (or my email is on my about page) if you ever want to contact me directly. I would love to hear how your got on your liberal friend. God Bless. JD
I’m not so sure I recognize the person you just described. I look forward to the inspiring quotes you post. In truth, you’re a bit of both. You’ve also had a difficult year. Losing a beloved pet is painful. Health issues are a physical and spiritual fight. I hope all turns for the better.
Thanks Judy. At that point in time is what I felt and even if it was only partly true, would still upset me. I am trying to become a better man and this is just the next phase. I really want to be part of a movement that is for something and the principles America was founded on. Yes this year has been really hard Judy…. Thanks for all your kind words. God Bless
Thank you for sharing this John. I am about two thirds recovered from my third neck surgery (this one adding level T-1) in three years. I am fortunate to have loving family and great doctors. I have been foolish in taking care of myself after the previous two operations. The timing of Glenn’s and your “pivot piont” declarations are impecible for me in that they add perspective to my situation. I hadn’t looked at my life with this “pivot” concept before and now I realize how important and what gifts that these situations really are. Almost eight years ago, I pivoted towards sobriety. Now,realizing even greater, how important health, family and the need for restoring character to myself and my surrounding relationships, I find myself pivoting once again.
Thanks for your kind words. Firstly congrats on pivoting towards sobriety – I can’t imagine how hard that was. I think we should always be taking a good long hard at ourselves in the mirror and changing what we don’t like. However some of us don’t do that (hence the need for pivot points) in our lives. I will pray for your full recovery and your new pivot point. Keep me posted on your neck. God Bless you.
I’m sorry you had to go through such an ordeal. The Good Lord works in mysterious ways, beyond our understanding. I also have been thinking about all this negativity. Your words about your ordeal was eye opening. We all have but a short time here on Earth, and living it negatively doesn’t make sense. I have been about as negative about what’s going on in politics, which covers everything from border security, government scandals, misuse of the military, to welfare and lack of leadership in Congress and the Executive branch. I’ll try to attack these issues in a positive manner instead of a confrontational negative manner. Who knows, maybe something positive will come out of it.
Thanks Adrian. Being sick is and was not fun at the time. However I am glad it happened because it woke me up a little bit more. I think we all need to find the fine line between being positive but also calling out the things that are wrong. We must never ever compromise on our ideals and principles. I pray you find your path and be positive. God Bless you 🙂
I think most of us who care go through this at one time or another in our life, I know I have. I am guilty of all that you mentioned. To stand for something we have to stand against something else. We can try and understand the other side though and I force myself to do this every day. I believe we all have allowed the two parties to get inside of our head and push us toward voting based on our personal beliefs instead of voting for what is best for our nation as a whole. I may be wrong but I am trying harder every day to see all sides, to use wisdom and understanding and try to find common ground. Hope you are OK and enjoy very much reading your post and blogs.
Thank you :-). I think you are onto something about politics. We need to stop discussing people, parties and policies and focus on the principles. We all need to pray for wisdom, understand and love. God Bless you.
Glad you had a good turn out on your health issues. I have found that the more a person goes through the stronger it makes them, or that’s been my personal experience. Have been where you were with not as great a turn out but was always grateful mine was caught early. You can always look around & find others who are in worse conditions, and don’t usually have to look too far. We all have our battles in life to deal with whether health or other problems. God Bless you & yours Patriot.
Thanks Carol. Sorry to hear you did not get good news. Prayers that you are a lot better now. I agree with your comment about a hard life. I know my life has sucked for years but in that time I have changed a lot, hopefully on the road to becoming a better person but also more awake than ever before :-). We all have a cross…. some are light and some are very heavy – I am going to focus on my cross and making it better and forget comparing my cross to others. God Bless
Great article, Jonathon. I do hope that you get relief healthwise, and feel better soon. It takes something like this for most of us to take a hard look at what we are doing in life. I will look forward to your future messages! Your writings will even be taken more seriously once you “rise above” and stop referring to your opponents as “idiots”, etc. Maybe those with a liberal view will read as well. May God bless you and keep you, brother! Praying for your health and message!
Thanks Heidi. My health is okay but not great. I am just thankful it was not more serious. I am a sinner but I am trying very hard to rise above insults etc. It is hard but I am trying my best. God Bless you.
Thanks for this great post. So happy to read this and so much to say. Where to start? 1) I have pivoted so many times I think I am a whirling dervish. 2) I had a great teacher in my life nearly 20 (!) years ago. He was the most non-judgmental person I have ever known. I needed him because that is not my nature. 3) Both “sides” are disrespectful. I realized recently that democracy requires listening and listening requires respect. 4) I am working to write my tweets positively. My success is limited. Not using not is not easy.5)I am from another “side” altogether”. When we are arresting people for serving people who are hungry, I think the whole system has a problem.
Thanks for putting your thoughts out there. Always risking to be vulnerable. And sorry about your pet. m
Thank you for your lovely points. I think we all pivot, the difference is whether we notice or not and whether we use the pivot point to learn something. A great teacher is very important – we need people to teach everyone HOW to think and not what to think. Politics is a horrible business – they really are the lowest of the low (there are some exceptions). Awesome job on the tweets – keep me posted on how you are finding it. Really glad you enjoyed the column. God Bless 🙂
Sorry that u went through what you did but glade you are fine.but i have been through what you are talking about.when i think of sometimes wanted say something about someone.i really have to think about it and i say i can’t do because the bible says do not judge.and i try my best to keep the 10 commandment. I also don’t like what going on in the white house.but i would never dream of this happening to our Nation like it has in these 6 years.Obama i really through he would do good.but what got me they put him back in.so i just say something but nothing very bad. i have learner to talk it over with the Lord.I will say one thing I think that their is one man up their now that is going to fine out what is going on and what has been going on.I was glade i read your your post.May God bless and always give you good health amen.
Thank you for your lovely points. I think we all pivot, the difference is whether we notice or not and whether we use the pivot point to learn something. A great teacher is very important – we need people to teach everyone HOW to think and not what to think. Politics is a horrible business – they really are the lowest of the low (there are some exceptions). Awesome job on the tweets – keep me posted on how you are finding it. Really glad you enjoyed the column. God Bless 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your “pivot point” with us, I was also taken back by Glenn’s pivot point. Praying for both of you! I agree we need to think more on the positive, less, if any, on the negative. It’s difficult but it’s worth it. At least I think so.
I have recently gone through a “pivot point” also and because of it I am starting a new job this coming Monday, This job pays a little less than I really would like, definitely less than where I work now, for at least the next 2 days. Why. My stress level was so high because of the nonsense of the current job, constant schedule changes, micromanaging from a corporation bag of ceo’s that have never done the job I’m doing, along with the other supervisors, so their ideas just don’t work like they think they should. If I have to, I’ll take a small part time job at a $$ store or something like that. But I just couldn’t stay where I was. I prayed and when I happened upon this job by “accident” (thank you Holy Spirit), I prayed some more for God to either open the door or shut the door. There were so many things that fell into place so easily. I knew it was time. I am trusting God to supply my finances, one way or another. I’m almost 60 (in just about 4 weeks) and I just can’t deal with such high stress anymore. Granted, skinny finances might be another kind of stress, but I’m not going to worry, I’m going to plan and budget, get rid of stuff I don’t need, and trust God, Elohim, to supply my needs.
Thanks for sharing Anologay. I wish you every luck with your new job and pray God helps you with your finances. Being poor is stressful but you would be surprised what you think you need and what you actually need. Keep us posted on your new job. God Bless you.
Thank you Jonathon for sharing, may our Lord bless you with wisdom and courage as you journey through this life. I have had more than one pivot point, trial in my life and each one God has used to mold me into a better person. Now I am one day post opt for cancer surgery after two months of tests and waiting for results. This time God has been revealing to me my strengths and weaknesses. He is helping me to learn to trust even when someone has made an error and caused pain. God is in the midst of everything we go through no matter how difficult and when we cry out to Him, He hears our pain and softens it. Like Glenn I am trying to count the blessings at the same time look where I can make a difference by helping those I can. Love can make a big difference in someones life and especially when shown to someone who has harmed you. We are now associated with a lot of wonderful people in the Freedom Hut, a place where patriots can gather support and pray for one another as well as looking at areas where we can improve the state of our Nation. I look forward to future comments from you, and you will soon be completely healed.
Thanks Rusty. I don’t know how wise and how much courage I have. I do know whatever small amount I have is not really mine – it belongs to God. Will you please send me a message on FB or Twitter as I would love to know how you are post opt. I will say a very special prayer for you and your family as you got thru this very tough time. The freedom hut is a wonderful place and I am so very lucky you have all welcomed me and have many great friends there. Please keep me posted. God Bless you and please stay strong during this very tough battle.