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Be grateful in the midst of adversity.
but we had survived. We lived through a storm that killed people. We have to be grateful for that, and we have to find a way to persevere. Most people have a servant’s heart by nature.
The Sunday after the storm passed, Carol Joy and I were at church Sunday morning. Our preacher, David G. Price, gave a special talk. After the experience of such a destructive storm, we didn’t need a sermon. We needed a talk — something that gave us a personal connection to one another. He reminded us and the congregation that there is nothing in our lives that will be 100 percent bad, and every terrible experience evokes a lesson. The storm was horrible, but it gave us an appreciation for things we took for granted, like hot water and hot meals. He referenced Romans 5: 1–4, which read, “Rejoice in hardship because even hardship in itself brings about blessings because it is hardship that teaches us perseverance.” We have to focus on what’s really important in this life, as our preacher taught us that Sunday, and those important pieces are encompassed by faith, family, and friends. I was once again reminded of how grateful we should be when I went with a gentleman I know to see a FEMA representative after the storm. He and his mother’s home was destroyed, displacing them from their house. A few times during our conversation, the representative said, “Congratulations on being a survivor.” Our homes had been destroyed. Power was cut, and waters ravaged our streets. People were suddenly without human necessities for survival — best you can. And one of the best ways to do that is to mirror the most successful communicators. Especially salespeople. Sell or be sold. That's your choice. And now that you know how the game is played, you finally have the power to choose which side you'll be on. Choose wisely, my friend. So, there you have it! When you use the right words and combine them with great vocal tonality and inflection , you'll have the raw tools needed for some seriously dynamic and powerful communication. With that, you'll be able to influence just about anybody you talk to — often without them even knowing what you're doing. Yes, this can be used for dealing with anyone from sellers, buyers, and bankers to brothers, mothers, and kids, etc. Please use these new “superpowers” responsibly — for good. Because if you don't, you'll have to listen to Ben Stein teach you all about “voodoo economics,” and that's just not sexy at all.
I’ve been amazed in just two weeks since Hurricane Florence. I’ve enjoyed hearing and witnessing stories of our residents helping each other get back to life after this storm. I remember seeing billboards from businesses in our Carteret County that read “Carteret Strong,” referencing strength and encouraging support for our local community. Our entire community, family, and friends have been brought closer because of this tragedy. It was a blessing in disguise that taught us the power of our collective strength. This is a feeling I won’t ever forget and a lesson that has amazed me.
Going forward, I hope we take Hurricane Florence’s lessons with us. What should we do when we’re ravaged with disaster whether physical, emotional or spiritual? In the midst of everything, no matter what’s going on, give thanks, for there is always something to be thankful for. Make sure you find it.
–Jay Conner
Have You Heard the Good News … As it relates to learning lessons?
Psalm 107:28-29 "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, And He brought them out of their distresses. He caused the storm to be still ..." 1 Peter 5:10 "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Until next time, Tony Pearl
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