Below you will find the lyrics to the new song by Christian artist, Mandisa, “Bleed The Same.” The other day I heard it for the first time on KLOVE riding down the road. Like many things, it made me start thinking…
We say this, and we say that, only to get and keep the same results. We say we want more or better, but we do not put the effort in to change. Many times we might even be influenced by others who do not want to change. I/we want to…. I/we wish… I/we… The “want list” just goes on and on.
When it comes to the lives we live, they are the sum collections of thoughts created from experience or instilled as a way of life. However, the funny thing is, we are all in this together. At some point, we must acknowledge that everything in one way or another, affects everything else. The ripple effect might have diminished very small by the time it got to us but rippled it did.
Our world of humanity has its foundations based on morality. Sooner, rather than later, we should all know the difference between right and wrong. Yet we continue to make the same choices that enable our lives to stay the same, while at the same time always wanting more or better. The system can only be blamed so much. The issue becomes that we want the spotlight on others and their faults. We never want to turn the spotlight on ourselves. The last thing we want is for our inadequacies to be shown in the light.
I figure the best way to handle all of this, is to start with me. What am I doing to make it better? The “it” is anything that divides. It is united we stand. Can we (you, I, whoever) choose to work for a greater good? How many times does each of us have that one opportunity to do just that? Actually we have many opportunities. We just wait on someone else.
As you read the lyrics below, I would dare say that each of us would agree with everything it says. So many solid truths. Whatever change you want, let it start with you. Most of all, let others see it. Go out and prove it. Your essence of leadership does one of the two… it unites or divides.
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We all bleed the same We’re more beautiful when we come together We all bleed the same So tell me why, tell me why We’re divided
Woke up today Another headline Another innocent life is taken In the name of hatred So hard to take (hey!) And if we think that it’s all good Then we’re mistaken ‘Cause my heart is breaking
Are you left? Are you right? Pointing fingers, taking sides When are we gonna realize?
We all bleed the same We’re more beautiful when we come together We all bleed the same So tell me why, tell me why We’re divided If we’re gonna fight Let’s fight for each other If we’re gonna shout Let love be the cry We all bleed the same So tell me why, tell me why We’re divided
Tell me, who are we To judge someone By the kind of clothes they’re wearing Or the color of their skin?
Are you black? (black) Are you white? (white) Aren’t we all the same inside? (the same inside) Father, open our eyes to see!
We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same) We’re more beautiful when we come together We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same) So tell me why, tell me why We’re divided If we’re gonna fight Let’s fight for each other (fight for each other!) If we’re gonna shout Let love be the cry (be the cry!) We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same) So tell me why, tell me why We’re divided
Only love can drive out all the darkness What are we fighting for? We were made to carry one another We were made for more, said Only love can drive out all the darkness What are we fighting for? yeah We were made to carry one another We were made for more!
We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same) We’re more beautiful when we come together (let’s stand united!) We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same) So tell me why, tell me why We’re divided If we’re gonna fight Let’s fight for each other (fight for each other!) If we’re gonna shout Let love be the cry (be the cry!) We all bleed the same(we all bleed the same) (bleed the same) Let’s stand united (let’s stand united) Let’s stand united!
So Father God, I pray That our families will come together right now And seek Your face You will forgive our sins And You will heal our incredible land In the name of the only Savior, Jesus Christ Amen
“We cannot control the when of opportunity, we only control what we do with it.” – J. Clay Norton
“Oh, I wish I could go back and…”
I have made that statement many times in the past. You know what, I cannot go back and neither can you. We can only learn and put ourselves in a position to do better when a new time comes. Believe it or not, most times, it will come back around again.
I am not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. Our pastor, Dr. Greg Belser stated once in a sermon that “… if something was important to do, then go ahead and do it.”
I believe this is pretty solid advice. We live in a world of instant gratification. We want a lot of stuff now, so why is it typical for each of us to wait to do something for others or for ourselves?
So, why does a new year matter? I can only answer for me. Maybe you can have a thought or two on this as well. A new year matters because it allows for opportunities that should never wait.
An opportunity to understand even more that it is not about me.
An opportunity to appreciate the little things that make someone happy.
An opportunity to be kind-hearted and serve.
An opportunity to care and value others.
An opportunity to just do the right thing.
An opportunity to…
The above list can go on and on. Most importantly, we must understand that each of these can and should add quality to your life. If you want them, why not put them into practice? Why wait? Your opportunity to do any of this is waiting for you.
Also, wanted to say thank you to everyone who subscribes to the blog and to those who read it via email. Your support is very appreciated. To those that follow on Twitter, thanks as well.
“A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.” – Wade Boggs, Former MLB player of the Boston Red Soxs
“Hey! I like what you have…”
“Ok… what do I have?”
“Passion.”
“Passion?”
“Yep… Passion! If you did not have it, we would not be having this conversation.”
“Ok…”
“If you are not careful, it could cause a chain reaction and when it does, it is going to affect a lot of people.”
A small fictitious dialogue that has a lot of meaning.
Almost all of us are passionate about something. But, let’s ask two questions regarding your passion…
Do others see it?
Does it cause a chain reaction?
Question two will not have an answer if the answer to question one is NO.
So… Do you know your passion? It is easy to figure out, determine what you value. Find that one thing which “stirs the heart” (compliments to Doug Dickerson for this phrase) and let it be life transforming, for you and others. Defining your passion is key to leadership success. If leadership is to be effective, passion has to be one of the most important characteristics. The time and effort we invest in our passion allows us to burn a blazing path. A path that does not wander but one that focuses in a single direction with purpose.
As leaders, we have to know that everyone is not always on the same level when it comes to passion. Many times we are not sure what directions our passion will or should take. Will it inspire and resonate with others?
To have someone’s passion visible is inspiring. You are able to see their passion in their lives as pure joy. If you love something, then show it. If we use our passion for fulfillment of others, it will in return provide fulfillment for us as well. Passion creates happiness for all stakeholders. Start that chain reaction of passion and see how many people it can affect. One thing is for sure; it is exciting to see how one’s passion evolves into a leadership mindset.
Passion also allows leaders a reason to persevere, even during the hardest times. Having that blazing path of passion gives an inward drive that we can reach down deep inside and use. See it as a baseline for what “stirs the heart.” There has to be something that creates a fire in a leader. Passion is that fire.
Believe in your passion. Let it be enjoyable. Please, let it become a chain reaction.
The alternative… It’s boring to be around someone who doesn’t even seem to care about what they are saying or doing.
Here is a great video about how something so small can cause a chain reaction. Let your passion be as such…
The Book Chamber 