Purpose- the discovery of who you are and why, that leads into the understanding of why you do and pursue what you do. How does one find purpose? I once heard the quote, “Where purpose isn’t known, Abuse is inevitable.” I’m sure no one is interested in abusing themselves or anyone else for that matter, so if this is the case, how do we avoid this scenario? Purpose is about service- to others and to yourself. It’s about cultivating something that is beyond self. An ideal that inspires others to find and fulfill purpose as well. Going back to Moses (you’ll quickly learn that I find Moses’ story to be inspiring) he was always in the presence of his purpose, however, was not fully aware of what it was. When Moses murdered one of Pharaoh’s men it wasn’t the result of one isolated event but the accumulation of frustration the built up over time of seeing his native people, the Israelites, enslaved by his adopted family. It wasn’t until the encounter with God at the burning bush that Moses was able to make sense of his feelings and ultimately find his purpose. The desire within him that caused him to murder a man and become a fugitive was the very desire that lead him to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, but because he didn’t know his purpose for feeling the way he did, he abused those around him and himself. Many of us have these feelings and desires to do certain things but can’t seem to make sense of them. Here’s a place to start- “God, what am I doing here and why?”
Back in December, I did a Model Workshop at Opryland Hotel that was called “Strike A Pose”. It was for girls roughly 8 to 18. I have done model workshops before and honestly this was just another routine workshop where I was going to go in and tell these girls to just be themselves, be comfortable in their skin and have fun. But this time was different! As I walked in the room in which I was scheduled to turn these girls into ‘America’s Next Top Model’ something came over me. I started the workshop with the question- Why? Why are you here? Why do you want to be a model? Nothing profound in that question but I’ve learned it’s a question that we don’t often ask ourselves. We assume that if I want to do this, then I want to do it! No questions asked! The question ‘Why?’ led to the 3 keys- Purpose. Confidence. Posture. Over the next week I’ll speak in detail about these 3 keys but for now here’s a brief description: Purpose- the discover of who you are and why that leads into the understanding of why you do and pursue what you do. Confidence- the belief and assurance that who you are and what you are pursuing is true to you and beneficial to those around you. Posture- the manner in which you present and position yourself and the attitude that you carry in the process. If you’re wondering, the workshop was a success. A few of the girls found themselves a bit emotional in the process of self-discovery and many of the girls and their parents thanked me for being so honest and inspirational. None of us are exempt from the human emotions of asking the questions, ‘who am I?’ and ‘why am I here?’.
There’s a transformation that happens when you let things you hold so dear go. A transformation in you and around you. And in most cases this transformation can only happen by letting that very thing go! Let’s use Moses as an example. Now Moses lived an interesting life. He was an Israelite who was adopted as an infant by Pharaoh and as a young adult had to flee because he killed one of Pharaoh’s men after witnessing him beat an Israelite that was enslaved by Pharaoh. Long story! I’ll tell you later! Anyways, he runs away and ends up getting married and becoming a Shepherd. One day he wondered into a cave and noticed a burning bush. As he walked closer to this bush, he heard a powerful voice that kept calling his name, “Moses! Moses!” God was speaking to Moses through this bush. He told Moses that he would lead his people, who were enslaved by his adopted family out of slavery and into their promised land. Moses didn’t believe this for he was just a shepherd and besides he was wanted for murder back in Egypt. God told Moses that he was with him and not to fear. He also asked Moses what was in his hand. Moses replied by informing God that it was just his shepherd’s rod. God’s reply, let it go and throw it down. When Moses threw it to the ground, God transformed it into a snake. This of course freaked Moses out, especially when God told him to now pick up his rod. God said that if they doubt that I have sent you I want you to recognize what you are holding, stretch out your hand and recognize my transforming power. Moses went on to do many miraculous things with his rod in-hand and ultimately led his people the Israelites out of slavery and on their journey to the promise land. What’s my point? When we let go of the things we hold so dear and think define us we find more meaning behind who we are and what is ultimately in our hand. Moses ran away from his old life and found a new one as a husband and Shepherd. He had found what he thought was peace and comfort, but God had more in-store for Moses. I’ve learned we are no different!
There’s a saying that if you love something let it go. If it comes back to you, it’s yours forever. If it doesn’t then it was never meant to be.
I find it interesting that people will adopt this mentality with people but not so much with their passion and desires or even something as simple as a great idea.
We are quick to let some people go because we probably didn’t truly have a hold on them to begin with. What I mean is, our interest wasn’t as much about them as it was about us. But our passions and great ideas are different. Those things we see as being extensions of us- Our property! And for some of us, these things are who we are and what we use to define ourselves- It’s our identity!
Here’s an idea- Let it go!
Let go of the ideas that you have created to define yourself.
Why? Because you are not defined by what you do or what you accomplish. It all is just fading moments that are here today and gone tomorrow.
I don’t say this to discourage you but to inspire you to grab a hold of something that has meaning and substance. Something that truly builds you up instead of something that just allows you to endure.
Sometimes in order to do this and gain the very best we have to let go of what we’re holding onto.
But also understand this- it’s not so much about that thing being good or bad, right or wrong, its sometimes just the way we view it at that time that needs to change and by letting it go, it gives us the time to understand first ourselves better and then why we have chosen to grab a hold of that very thing to begin with.
The true blessing in all of this is understanding. An understanding of who you are and why?
There’s moments in life when we feel we have it all figured out and then what happens- Things change! We are expecting someone or something to come through for us and it doesn’t work out. Those moments are tough! It’s the very moment where you feel yourself at a crossroad. A decision has to be made- Is it or is it not worth it!
One of the things I’ve learned in this scenario is that sometimes the very thing that you see as a setback could very well be the thing you’ve been waiting or looking for.
A man by the name of Joseph had made plans to marry a woman name Mary. Through the process of preparing for this joyous occasion something unexpected happened that would ultimately transform the rest of their life. Mary finds herself pregnant; however, she was a virgin and had never had sexual relations with Joseph or any other man for that matter.
When the news got to Joseph, naturally he wasn’t in the best of moods. How could such a thing happen? How could the woman he had planned to spend the rest of his life with be with another man and find herself pregnant? Joseph, I’m sure, was also dealing with all the gossip and speculations in and around his community. People will talk and it’s not always the best of words.
Joseph found himself at a crossroad- Do I divorce the woman that I had planned to spend my life with or marry her with this feeling of portrayal? An angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream saying, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,t because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
Joseph married Mary and they had a son, Jesus! Joseph became a great husband and father teaching Jesus everything he knew from God to Carpentry. As the story goes, Jesus went on to die on the cross for our sins. Our Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, born in a manger. Joseph knew he was to live a great life, but he never knew that the one thing that seem to be the worst thing to ever happen to him would end up being the very thing to change his life for the better.
What may look like the curse in your life may very well be the Gift!
Dear Friend,
Sometimes I think about Moses and how he was trying to lead the Israelites to the Promise Land… They just wouldn’t listen and they kept complaining! It took 40 years for an 11 day trip. We have to learn to submit to those who have been called to lead and trust that they are capable of fulfilling their purpose. Some of us recognize our purpose and talents but have a hard time realizing that others are gifted as well.
The crazy thing is the Israelites witnessed Moses getting them out of a lot, including parting the Red Sea that ended up swallowing Pharaoh’s Army.
We desire change, growth, prosperity and all the things that we believe to be fulfilling in life, but are not willing to allow those around us to play their part. No one man, can go at it alone, no one man should have all that power. Even the King of Kings and Lord of Lords submitted to something- His Father! The man who never sinned knew that in order to do what was asked of him that he would have to allow people to play their part. From God’s will to Judas snitching on Jesus, everyone played a roll in the ultimate fulfillment of society.
This is what I desire for us all! To play our part and trust the ones around us to do the same.
Love,
Robert
Which way does the wind blow
and do you find yourself fighting it
or going with the flow
Looking back how far have you come
is it more like a steady pace
or a hop, skip and a jump
The breeze has caused the leaves to change
falling back to the place in which they came
Did you hold your ground or move around
trying to find a peace of mind
I guess patience was nowhere for you to find
When you look back what do you see
Is it really as bad as you remember it to be
No time to ponder for another storm is coming
Will you respond like all the others
Maybe this time you’ll stand for something
maybe even walk on water
But don’t try to determine
whether or not it’s meant to be
Stranger things have happened on the sea
I wouldn’t be surprised if drowning
led you to believe.
I’ve decided to write these words in the moment in which they flow freely. Inspired by the event that transpired today at the Frist, I must say, I witnessed a dream become a reality. For many years, five to be exact, I have envisioned a fashion scene in Nashville. I should probably refer to it as a fashion “Culture.”
Nashville has always been home to me. Quite frankly, it’s the only home I know.
Five years ago I had a vision of creating and cultivating the fashion industry in Nashville. This idea sounded so far fetch to me, considering that Nashville was known as Music City and its idea of fashion was a bedazzled jacket and cowboy boots. It wasn’t so much that such items are distasteful as it was that I knew those things did not define me or my idea of fashion.
Fashion to me is about a lifestyle- a lifestyle that focuses on the highest quality of presentation. Not presentation in the sense of just what you wear, but how you wear it and why you wear it. But even still I am not just speaking of clothing. I’m talking about attitude, beliefs, creative expression and anything else that distinguishes a person from another. A wise man once told me “Fashion is knowing how to dress for the occasion and style is the creative manner in which you choose to present it.”
Tonight, listening to Karen Elson speak of her experiences in fashion and couture and seeing the massive group of people who attended the event, I realized that the seeds that have been planted by myself and others are finally starting to blossom.
In 2005, when I had a vision for such a movement, a voice within told me to build it and they will come. As cheesy as it sounds, I have discovered that voice to be true, with Nashville being the only city in North America to play host to such a couture collection as the one being presented at the Frist Center of Visual Arts.
The simple act of planting a seed and cultivating the land around it has shown to reap a harvest. The season has come and I must say that I believe the harvest will be plenty.
Here’s to Fashion in Nashville and the fruit that it will bear!
Love,
Robert
Dear Friend,
Two weeks ago I went and stayed at a monastery for a week and met two new friends- Silence and Solitude. I knew I would find them at the monastery but I didn’t think that they would help me discover myself. I went looking for a spiritual connection and a deeper understanding of God and his relation to me and found that I was lacking a spiritual connection with myself. Silence gave me answers and Solitude gave me time with myself.
I rejected Silence at first. Even though I was unable to talk, my mind never lost site of my current circumstances. I continued to worry and wonder what was happening back home. Solitude was a little harder to reject, especially when you’re miles away from anyone that you know and surrounded around people that have made a vow of silence.
Some kind of way Silence begin to speak words of peace that translated into comfort and Solitude begin to remind me that I’m never alone, if I so desire to acknowledge my surroundings beyond the noise and distractions.
They are so subtle in their approach. Silence never raises its voice and Solitude never bombards you. Despite all the trends of how our world connects, they have chosen to stay true to who they are. They encouraged me to do the same. They’re just great companions! I hope to visit them frequently and occasionally plan for an extended stay. I hope that you are able to meet them one day and that you find them to be true companions as well.
Love,
Robert
Dear Friend,
I leave for The Abbey of Gethsemani tomorrow. It’s a monastery but don’t worry, it’s not for good. I’ll be back! Physically that is! I hope to be a different man mentally and spiritually. The entrance of this monastery, shown through photos online, reads, “GOD ALONE” and that’s exactly why I’m going. I just want to connect with Him. Before I try to connect with others, I think it’s best I connect with the one who knows me better than I know myself.
No Phone, Internet or TV! Never in my life have I lived without at least one of the things mentioned. Tomorrow, I will begin my journey of being more in tune with what God is doing through me and around me ultimately revealing my purpose in life. Tomorrow I will begin living out my favorite Bible verse- “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2
I’m not saying that using or having the things of this world are wrong or bad, but many times they distract me from really hearing what it is God is trying to tell me. Sometimes I rely to much on my own knowledge and gathered information than listening to the one who knows all and created all. It’s tough because He is not one to demand attention through loud bells and whistles. In His own calm, cool and collective way, He speaks, but in a culture where everything and everyone is competing for attention it’s tough to hear Him. I am retreating for the sake of getting to a quiet place.
I will be taking many books. Another friend of mine gave me a book to read about a year ago and I never got around to it. It’s called “Listening Below The Noise- A Meditation on the Practice of Silence”. How fitting? I flipped the book open today while packing it and read this passage from it-
“We manufacture counterfeit necessities… Thus we spend moments and hours and days, weeks and months and years of our precious lives overworked, overbooked, and overcommitted, cramming more into every fragmented day. In the process, our perceptions are dulled and we are deaf to much of life around us. As psychologists and sociologists have noted, we have become human doings and not human beings.”
Yep! That has been my life story. But it appears I’m calling a timeout, taking a commercial break. Five days with GOD ALONE.
Love,
Robert
Dear Friend,
I’ve started reading this book by John Maxwell, “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect”. I must say when I saw the title I knew this book was for me. I just finished the first chapter and though John’s suggestions so far are broad and what I feel to be common sense, I do like the direction in which he is going.
Communication is a natural act of being a living, breathing creature, even if your act of communicating isn’t really even understood. We communicate with dogs and other animals all the time and for the most part they just stare back at us with somewhat of a puzzled look. We communicate all day-everyday, however, we are not always connecting.
When we learn to connect, success is inevitable.
Consumerism is a huge part of our culture because it is used as a connecting tool. Products are used to make us feel as if we are apart of a group, a culture and we can prove our residency by the products we obtain. What makes Apple more appealing than DELL? NIKE more appealing than New Balance?
We can dwell on the comparison of the products and try and determine which is better, but at the end of the day, they’re just byproducts of what we are really after. No one really thinks that an APPLE computer is going to change their life, so why do we purchase?
I guess what I’m after is why do we consume what we consume and how does it get us closer to the very thing we strive to connect with? What are we trying to connect with? Maybe we do it to find ourselves? So many questions…. My journey to CONNECT started years ago, I’m sure, but now my desire has grown to a point to where I must begin asking, seeking and knocking until answers are given, solutions are found and doors are opened.
I hope you find these words challenging and that they lead you on a journey of self-discovery on the art of Connecting.
Love,
Robert
Dear Friend,
I know I haven’t written in awhile. So much has happened that I haven’t had a chance to document it. This past weekend, I witnessed the largest rainfall in Tennessee history, I believe. What a crazy weekend! It just kept raining and the water just kept rising. Houses and cars completely flooded. Luckily, no flooding or major water damage occurred to my house or car, but I watched the news as people watched as the water took their house floating down stream.
I couldn’t help but think that’s how many see things come and go in other aspects of life as well. Many dreams get built up only to find themselves drifting away by some uncontrollable force.
It’s so important to build on a strong foundation! The foundation may not be the most attractive element of the overall structure but it is the security and stability that allows for the creative expression of what is built to be worthwhile.
No one is ever praised for their foundation but without it their is no structure or purpose. I say all this to say, you don’t know what the forecast will be for tomorrow, but you can prepare yourself, just in case some uncontrollable force decides it wants to blow by. If you are planted on a strong foundation, even if you get knocked down, you have something substantial to stand back up on and continue moving forward. Just hold on!
Love,
Robert
Dear Friend,
I’m not really a writer, more like a thinker or a dreamer
I see life as pictures, some a little more clearer
I hope for the poetic scenes, where the music plays
offering a rhythmic touch, to my every phrase
but I understand, life needs a fall, for a heroic stand
So even when I can’t comprehend
the picture that surrounds my current plans
I think and dream that one day
these words I scream
will be turned into songs
that nations sing
of a risen King!
Love,
Robert
Dear Friend,
For months I have been meditating on Moses’ experience at the burning bush. I can’t seem to get the words that God spoke to Moses out of my head. “What is in your hand?” Moses, I’m sure a little puzzled, responds with simply saying a Rod. God goes on to show Moses the power of what happens when you release what is in your hand and allow Him to transform it. God asked Moses to pick it up and told him that anytime someone doubts who sent you or attempts to discredit you, “Stretch out your hands!”
So, hear I am, trying to understand what is in my hand. God revealed to me years ago the power that dwells in a name and what my name means. I’ve come to understand that my name, Robert, means “Bright with Glory” and my middle name, Edward, means “Guardian of Prosperity.”
With this understanding, God showed me that I hold the “KEY” to prosperity and that I will be known as having the source to unlock that potential in others.
So, what does this mean? This is the promise of God, that he created me for a purpose and that on this journey called life, what is in my hand will ultimately show me who He is as He activates this “KEY” to do things that I never thought possible. The Key is the tool in which God’s spirit works through me. It all reminds me of a song I use to sing as a kid. ‘He’s got the whole world, in His hand! He’s got the whole world, in His hand!’… Well, He placed a Key in my hand! Maybe God has given you a ball, a pen, a surgical knife, I’m not sure. But God wants you to know there’s no reason to doubt or fear that you are not good enough, or not qualified.
Stretch out your hand! But first lay it down and allow God to transform it. I promise it will be worth your while! Moses use to use his Rod to guide sheep but when God transformed it, it was used to guide the Israelites out of Egypt and into their “Promise Land.” The Rod also performed one of the biggest miracles to date, it parted the Red Sea.
So here I am, holding this Key… What happens next? I’m not sure, but I know God has a plan. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Love,
Robert
Dear Friend,
Which way does the wind blow
and do you find yourself fighting it
or going with the flow
Looking back how far have you come
is it more like a steady pace
or a hop, skip and a jump
The breeze has caused the leaves to change
falling back to the place in which they came
Did you hold your ground or move around
trying to find a peace of mind
I guess patience was nowhere for you to find
When you look back what do you see
Is it really as bad as you remember it to be
No time to ponder for another storm is coming
Will you respond like all the others
Maybe this time you’ll stand for something
maybe even walk on water
But don’t try to determine
whether or not it’s meant to be
Stranger things have happened on the sea
I wouldn’t be surprised if drowning
led you to believe.
Love,
Robert
Dear Friend,
As I look back over past letters I have written you, I notice that my desire has not changed and neither my view on things. I am not sure whether this is a good thing or bad thing, but I feel as if maybe I did not grow as much as I wanted over the last year. I’m still trying to walk on water like Simon Peter and recognize what is in my hand like Moses
I believe that this year will be a season of “BOLDNESS!” That’s why it’s so important that I understand what it means to step out of the boat and along with recognizing what is in my hand and the power is possess. Both acts require submission and trust.
So, hear I am, seeking the heart of God and trusting that I will see His love unfold in front of me and in me. No doubt in my mind 2010 will be a year of first. I can only hope the good days outweigh the bad. I wish the same for you on this journey called life.
Remember “PATIENCE.” There’s no point of trying to rush something you really have no control over. I know the idea of having ‘no control’ is not something we are really interested in, but maybe in the losing of control, we will find the peace and joy that we so desire.
I hope these words find you seeking life, love and the truth!
Love,
Robert
(originally written in 2009)
Dear Friends,
I came across this homeless man and just when I thought he was going to ask me for a helping hand he shares with me a piece of his mind.
“I’m am short on words but my thoughts are many.
My dreams seem cold and somewhat heavy.
Can God save me from this spiral down?
The darkest hour my heart has found.
No one knows the pain I feel.
Is this the path that leads to hell?
Redemption I fear is a thought of the past.
I have reached the last grain in my hourglass.
Shall I jump this ship and end it all
and save myself from the agony of trying to hold on?
What left is there to live for
when life has thrown you its greatest storm?
I am short on words but one comes to mind.
I wonder if He will hear my cry?”
Everyone is looking for CHANGE, some the kind that jingle, but all the kind that SAVES!
Love,
Robert
(originally written in 2009)
Dear Love,
I speak in silence, because sometimes words just aren’t enough.
A moment passes like a mother’s touch
A woman hurt by a man’s failed approach
Love, where have you gone
I miss you so much
I scream hoping you would hear
hoping not to scare you from drawing near
but needing answers of how I got here
lost in what use to be so clear
I write these words with intentions of you reading
knowing that it is you that I need
as I search deep within my very being
I run from the lies of my past
that try to tell me that we will never last
‘cause relationships are like food served fast
great for the moment but substance it lacks
I cry for those fooled by the false reality of our society
thinking change lies in democracy or any other political party
save us from ourselves love
and the desires of our fleshly bodies
I speak in silence, so I can hear you more clearly
and listen to the voice that defines me spiritually
asking you to lead me as I travel down the road to destiny
Love, where have you gone
I miss you so much
Love,
Robert
(originally written in 2009)
Dear Friend,
Beauty is I do not know
but the site of her I can’t ignore
She wears a smile of porcelain glow
and her hips move with a seductive flow
Her eyes they shimmer in a confident demeanor
as she stares in the distance hoping I would see her
But love I see is something she can’t remember
a warm touch in the cold of November
or the gentle whisper of you and me forever
So if I decide not to pursue her
will she loose that which has drawn me to her
Is her confidence based on the amount of onlookers
or the nature of who she is, was and will become
Will she ever experience the beauty of love
Love,
Robert
(originally written in 2009)
Dear Friend,
I drifted into a coffee shop
hopefully to find that which I had been looking for
That which I had been looking for I’m not sure
but the mystery draws me deeper than before
Pull out a book hoping to find insight
into a world that sells false realities
of things that really are a reality to us all
but confusion takes us captive
and I know this is a run-on
but this is kind of how we run along
on a journey that leads nowhere
but back to where it all begun
So I look out the window of my corner coffee shop spot
notice a girl that’s kinda hot and day dream
about the possibilities of things that are not
Doesn’t hurt to dream
all we really need is a King
not a doctor or a Martin Luther
not even a Protestant Revolution
Love is the key to unlock the possibilities
of a king that’s a mystery
and a world with a revolving history
So I’ll take my place in history
and start right here in the midst
of all these things that are confusing me
and pray to God the he would save me
from making the same mistakes
of those who came before me
The future is mine for the making.
Love,
Robert