Redempton

I am a true lover of stories of where a person overcomes obstacles and self-doubt to gain success and a calm mind. I love the concept of redemption. I hope that each of you will see Russell Crowe portray James J. Braddock, in the film "Cinderella Man." A great and emotional film where he suffers badly to care for his family during the depression and nearly loses all. He finally gets his chance, a long, long chance to fight again. He comes back to win his fight against the arrogant, young German champion, Max Baer. He won against overwhelming odds- and I love this kind of story. Unless, I am the one with the odds stacked against me. At the end of the fight he wins not only for himself , but for every suffering soul. I freely let the tears flow. They flow because I love the idea of the underdog stepping up into a moment in time and exceeding the overwhelming predictions. Gaining redemption, dignity and saying goodbye to self doubt. This fight was a life changing event, an important point in a life where a loss could tip into pain, hunger or total loss of dignity.

In Great Britian the homeless are called "unfortunates" by many. In these economic times I see many unfortunates on the streets of Las Vegas. Every corner has a guy with a sign. In homes there are many people who are silently and secretly suffering. They are unfortunate with the current economy and job market. The TV commercials are almost unbearable here- dirty political ads, lawyers to handle your bankruptcy and charlatans seeking to cash in on the collective community pain. I know many who will file bankruptcy, lose homes and lose faith in themselves and others in the near future. I feel for them and of course I feel sorry for myself-times are tough.

I believe that so many suffer from depression and self doubt in these crazy times that they lose perspective. Depression is a cruel mistress and is often obvious to others and not to the sufferer. It is real and it is damaging to our souls. I know that we are here to embrace the moments of true joy in our lives. I know that pain is what allows us to understand happiness. We need balance.

Thank goodness for kind friends who seek to know and act-intervene on behalf of those in need. We all need a friend. When I see my true friends that show up for my family and seek my well being, I know I am blessed. If more people in this world could be so blessed.

If we want others to be happy- be compassionate! If we want to be happy-be compassionate! That is the advice of the Dali Lama and it must include compassion for ourselves. We must allow ourselves to make errors and be accountable for our errors. That will assist us to keep us balanced in life.

Next time you see a great success- be genuinely happy for the lucky soul. Respect their journey and effort-be a cheerleader for the positive and the good. Next time an acquaintance fails- be gentle, be genuine and show compassion. Tommy Lasorda, long time manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers stated, "80% of people do not care about your problems, the other 20% are glad that you have got them!" Find yourself in the minority-care! Embrace the success stories and forgive the failures. There is not perfection in any living person yet we are all redeemable. That concept must never, ever be forgotten.

Redemption-what a concept-what a story!