Words to SPARK your Heart-Song from our co-founder Sherry Douglas.

#uplifting #positive #encouraging #motivational

Hi everyone. I’m Sherry Douglas with Heart-Song. Last week we discussed that Heart-Song exists to prompt you to live the way you want to be remembered. One way we choose to be remembered is through our attitudes. A long time ago a friend was wise enough to tell me I was exhibiting a bad attitude. I was going through some difficult things in life and had allowed negativity to show up. Her words initially hurt me, but they also rang true. Life isn’t easy; and for many it’s extremely difficult. We all have a choice, though, in how we respond to our circumstances. I wasn’t choosing well. I’m not advocating for you or me to be artificial and act like all is well, when it’s not. We can still be real in our relationships with disappointments, frustrations, or concerns, but keep our attitudes in check. 

During the Covid and political seasons, let’s check our attitudes. Are we allowing, or even inviting, negativity into our thoughts, conversations, and social media feeds? Are our negative actions inviting agitation and discord? We can disagree with others but still exhibit a positive attitude. It all starts with our thoughts and thoughts turn into attitudes. 

The apostle Paul was in prison for almost four years when he wrote the book of Philippians. If anyone has a reason to have a bad attitude, it’s Paul. Yet, the words joy and rejoicing are used at least 15 times in this short book. He had a choice: to be joyful or not; to have a good attitude or not. Because of his trust in Jesus, he chose joy and a good attitude. His attitude was not dependent upon his circumstances. In Philippians 4:8, Paul says, “Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.” In Jesus, this mindset is possible, and you’ll impact others with positivity. This is the word of the Lord. Live the way you want to be remembered. Thanks for being here. See you next week.