"That’s all I have to say about that."

There are many life lessons’ we can find in entertainment.  Some examples aren’t what we may want but many out there are priceless.  Music gives us emotion quickly, books take us away into a new world and poems touch our passion.

Movies often give us an opportunity to be captured into another place.  This is perhaps why the movie industry is doing so well in our current economy.  Those of us trying to find a way back on our feet can find peace in moving to a different dimension temporarily.

Do any of you remember the movie, “Forrest Gump?”  There are many one liners and stories which give us a new perspective on life in this story.  The most common statement was, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”  So true; both the simplicity of the character and these words ring actuate.

Do you remember when Forrest was dressed in his military uniform and asked to address a large crowd?  He was discussing his involvement in what was an unpopular war to the crowd gathered.  He was an active soldier having had a different perspective than those assembled to protest.

As Forrest stepped up to the microphone, there was a technical difficultly which he was unaware of not allowing his words to be heard.  He delivered a passionate speech, covering (in his simple and honest approach) his feelings on serving our country.  None of what he spoke carried to the audience until the end.  Correcting the problem, the microphone went back on just as he said his final words, “that’s all I have to say about that.”

How often should we have waited for our circumstances to improve before delivering our heartfelt feelings, knowing others could hear?  On the other side; how often are we ready to espouse some great cause or share some personal feelings to find it would have been better if our microphone was not working?  How often do we innocently mistake our audience for one who cares or will listen openly?

Today’s world is filled with messages pushing the limit to gain popularity; the more outrageous the better for ratings.  If we find the words spoken to be truth; stand up for them.  If we know comments are taken out of context or exaggerated; why perpetuate them, fueling the fire?

We need to find commonality to get our country back on her feet.  There are about 99 shared aims for every 1 rare difference among us.  While it may not be as fashionable to find harmony; it does exist.

When you find the microphone working and have a willing audience; thank them for shared values.  Find ways to ensure our future.  Be an example to those who are following us; those who will make a difference in our world!

Jaren