10 Powerful Phrases
Have you heard enough negativity? I sure have. Let me give you something positive to think about. In fact, I have a whole book of positive things to think about which I would like to recommend to you. It is Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People by Rich DeVos cofounder of Amway and Chairman of the NBA Orlando Magic. At 82 Mr. DeVos speaks from a vantage point of experience and wisdom that deserves a hearing.
Mr. DeVos grew up during the great depression. His father lost his job yet set an excellent example for his family staying positive. He learned to have a positive frame of mind which enabled him to lift up other people. He always looked for the good in everything and everybody and that made him feel better about everything including himself and the positive things he was doing. He said that when he graduated from high school his Bible teacher wrote a line in his yearbook that he never forgot. One simple line of encouragement set the direction of his life: “To a clean cut young man with talents for leadership in God’s Kingdom.” He was not a good student and was told he was not college material. But a teacher whom he admired saw him as a leader. He had never thought of himself that way before. He went on to fulfill that vision his teacher had for him and has inspired people in Grand Rapids and the whole nation to do great things. Bible teachers, look what an opportunity you have to shape lives!
Let me quote a paragraph from the introduction of his book that I think we all need these days.
“If everybody in this country started to have a positive attitude, started looking for the good and began to compliment each other rather than complaining and finding fault, it would cause a dramatic social change ?one in which we would all lift each other up. We would work harder, think better, come up with more ideas, dream bigger, make greater contributions and feel better about ourselves and our world. Our country and society suffer when we cannot find the good in anyone or anything. Our Congress and president must have some good ideas and be doing something right. But the politicians on both sides of the isle seem to find it hard to bring themselves to say so. When we avoid debate or constructive criticism and instead pin derogatory labels on each other, we are developing a culture unable to use positive phrases. I love the verses in Philippians 4:7-9, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable ?if anything is excellent or praiseworthy ?think about such things.” Think what our world would be like if everyone took those words to heart! That’s why I wanted to write this book and why I think a positive message is so important in today’s world.”
Let me close with one more quote: “I truly believe it’s time for a revival in our country. We need a shift in attitude toward positive thinking and positive actions that can heal relationships and bind us together for the common good.”
All I can add to that is, Amen!
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