Angelus' Quote: A Dropout Will Beat A Genius Through Hard Work

Besides Gaara, one of my favorite characters in the Naturo Anime is Rock Lee. Why? Because on the surface, Rock Lee is not the strongest or the coolest person in comparison, says, with Naruto, Neji, or Sasuke. He cannot even use any form of ninjutsu and must solely rely on his taijutsu skills in battle. However, I think, Rock Lee’s inability to use ninjutsu is what makes him a standout character. Because of that, he becomes a man with the most determined and hard-working character. He was often made fun of because of his inability. Even the adults doubted the possibility of him becoming a ninja. But, with the help of his mentor, Might Guy, Rock Lee became one of the strongest ninjas! "A genius, huh? What does that mean? 'Genius'?," Rock Lee reasoned, "So I was not born with a whole lot of natural talent, not gifted like Neji... but I work hard and I never give up! That is my gift, that is my ninja way." Wow!

Many of us like Rock Lee: We don't have impressive natural-talents like others, we have flaws and handicaps, we often laugh at, not so good looking (or as beautiful), and people may doubt our ability. But don't let these be your excuses. We can be geniuses. In fact, as Rock Lee once said, "A dropout will beat a genius through hard work." Don't look down on yourself, improve yourself! Don't let your inability be your incapability - you're capable to work hard!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Angelus' Quote: Is Your Busy Life Making A Difference?

You're probably busy now. In fact, your week is full of a busy schedule. Being busy is not wrong. It is being busy without a purpose that's the problem. By letting this question, "Is your busy life making a difference?" examine the PURPOSE of your busyness. By the end of the day, are you making a difference?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Angelus' Quote: Quit Now or Don't Quit Later

There is nothing wrong with quitting. Quit smoking. Quit heavy drinking. Quit being a bully. Also, there is nothing wrong with quitting your work or quitting negative relationships. Quit focusing on your weaknesses and focus on your strengths is a good idea. But then, once you're committed to doing it, when you see the end goal is worth the fight, when in the long-term you see the better you - and for the glory of God - don't quit! For example, I can play the guitar and sing well, so I thought I want to be a worship leader. But I also love to study and teach God's Word. I can do both but I won't be great at either, so, I quit becoming a worship leader and concentrate on teaching. At first, I have difficulty in delivering a message, I was somewhat shy, stutter, and disorganized. But I practice, practice and practice. I know this is my calling so I don't quit. I'm a much better teacher than a worship leader. So, Quit NOW (while it still early) or don't quite LATER (persevere, endurance, don't give up). Araso?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Angelus' Quote: Be A Lifelong Learner

To know is to arrive; to ask questions is to embark on a quest. People whose lives are characterized by a question mark (?) rather than a period (!), who look for learning opportunities everywhere they go. I say again, "To be a lifelong learner is both fun and functional, and all we need to travel along that path is a humble heart and a curious mind." Every person we meet, a situation we are in, books we read, etc. can teach us something; each experience holds within it an important lesson; in every moment is a message waiting to be discovered. When we embrace the spirit of inquiry and curiosity, we embrace life. How wonderful it is that this life is an inexhaustible source of wonders. How exciting to learn that the excitement of learning can last a lifetime. Even young Jesus “listening to [the Jewish teachers] and asking questions” and they in return “were amazed at his intelligent answers” (Luke 2:46-47).

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Angelus' Quote: A True Warrior Can TAME the Lion of Fear

I didn't say you need to kill the lion. I didn't say you have to surrender to the lion. I didn't say you run away from the lion. I say "TAME" the lion. Nobody can really get rid of fear, let's be realistic (motivational and inspirational quote like this can be unrealistic sometimes).

Confident people have fears; Successful people have worried; Godly people have doubts. But what they - the warriors - do is they don't let these feelings stop them. It is not necessary to try to get rid of fear, worry and doubt in order to be a true warrior.

I still fear of public speaking even though I did it 3-4 times a week on average. I sometimes doubt if people ever read my blog or not, but I do it anyway. I still fear to share the Gospel to strangers but God gives me strength and boldness. Don't kill, surrender or run from fear... A true Warrior can TAME the lion of fear.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Angelus' Quote: Fail, Fail, Fail

Fail, fail and fail some more. Find inspiration in children, how many times does a child fail before they get something right, children are constantly trying new things and failing. Learn from them. Go out and try new things! No one has ever been good at something without failing.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Angelus' Quote: Encourage Yourself!

We all need encouragement from time to time. All of us at some time or another face a crisis when everything seems to fall apart and/or as of nobody is there to support you when you needed the most. There are times of discouragement when things go wrong even when we are trying to do right.

I love the Scripture. In 1 Samuel 30:6, when David was distressed, the Scripture says that he "encouraged himself in the LORD his God." Instead of waiting for someone to encourage him, he encouraged himself. Nobody encouraged me to write a blog. Nobody tells me to keep on writing even when it seems like nobody is reading it. Nobody can fully appreciate hard work, commitment, energy and time spend that you have poured out to keep the group momentum alive. Nobody asks for your wellbeing, finances, challenges. Nobody, fully. So, what you have to do? Encourage yourself! Better, like David, encourage yourself in the Lord. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.