What do we believe in?

February 2010

It seems ever since I was a little kid, I have always listened and studied what people say to read and evaluate who they are. One thing that I have noticed throughout the years is the evidence of strong conviction for what a person believes about his life, environment, which results in how they conduct themselves. From an early age I believe that that is instilled in each of us in our upbringing when we are young. So, if the mom and dad, granddads and grandmas have strong convictions and beliefs in certain areas that will translate into the children. I find myself believing and saying a lot of things that my parents and grandparents instilled in me at a very young age. I find that most successful people in any walk of life have strong convictions and beliefs in God, have disciplined principles, are very positive minded and do not give in to fears or obstacles when they present themselves.

As I look at our current situation in our country, we have three types of belief systems. The far left, the far right and everyone in the middle. You have to respect the polar opposites simply because they are dug in to what they truly believe. Jesus said, "I would rather you be hot or cold but not lukewarm in your beliefs." Decisiveness brings results. Just look what they far left has done in the pursuit of their beliefs. That's only an estimated 20 to 30 percent of our population. The people that really decide who leads our country are the middle. They're sort of lukewarm in their beliefs. Those of us with strong convictions of what we believe have to encourage the boldness to stand for what you believe. What's the line in that old song? "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." I believe in God, family values, moral responsibilities and do what is right because it's right and then try to do it right.

God bless you,

Clay O'Brien Cooper