That's All I Can Stands...

How many of you are old enough to remember Popeye the Sailor Man? Well, Popeye had an expression that was classic. When he saw injustice or something that stirred his adrenaline, he would state, "That's all I can stands. I can't stands no more!" He would eat his spinach, grow super large biceps and take care of the injustice (usually with force).

While this may be a cartoon character, there are real people that we are all aware of that were motivated in the same way to tackle an injustice or seek to bring about change.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was stirred by the injustice of racial discrimination. Mother Theresa was stirred by the heartbreak of the sick and dying being alone on the streets of India in their last moments of life. Moses was stirred by the oppression of his people and, when asked by God at the burning bush to lead the Israelites to freedom, said yes even if he had concerns about his own abilities.

Family Missions Company serves the poor

I have been listening to recordings of talks from the Willow Creek leadership summit and specifically a talk by pastor Bill Hybels that addressed this very discontentment. Bill challenges us to consider what God has placed on our heart that we "can't stands no more". Where might God be calling us to make a difference in the world, whether in my home, neighborhood, church, community or the wider world. I believe we are all called to answer this call.

I realize that my discontentment has come from watching people be devalued by our society, in relationships, by our consumeristic society or even by those who are suppose to be healers, like some in the medical community. This discontentment goes back to my teen years when, feeling somewhat misunderstood and devalued, as I am sure all teenagers feel, I felt the tug to bring affirmation and understanding to other teens through retreat work and church ministry. This discontentment, and desire to somehow bring value to others, has directed many choices in my life.

One reason I write this blog is to share affirmation, hope and to empower you, my readers, to embrace the beauty that is you. You are nature's greatest miracle, and God's masterpiece. Do you believe this?

Each of us has the ability to change our physical health, our thoughts, and these will quite naturally lead to a change in our emotions. When we embrace our own value, then we are not afraid to step out and bring value to the lives of others.

How does better health influence this call? Quite simply, when I feel better, I am less self-focused; I have more energy and a clearer vision. I spend less time in bed, the doctor's office or complaining about my health challenges. Finding my discontentment can also motivate me to want to make better health choices too. I want to "get to work", so I value feeling better.

What can't you stands? How can taking better care of yourself assist you in bringing positive change to the world?