Do you believe in destiny?

I do.

I believe that each one of us was given special talents and a calling all our own. 

We all know it deep inside. It's there when we are quiet enough to listen, when we shut off the media, the noise, the busyness. Perhaps it scares us. Perhaps we don't think we're worthy. Maybe we don't want to be held responsible. But it's there. Trust me. 

So why do so many run from it? Why are ears plugged and eyes tightly closed against any possibility of the greatness of our inner potential? Why do we suppress the divine spark with decadence and shallowness?

I decided to tabulate a list of the things that people hide behind in order to avoid the doing of what theySistine-chapel-picture were put here to do. It's a farcical tale acted out by idiots, who are beautiful but flagellate themselves to keep anyone from discovering it. They fasten down tightly the bushel over their light. 

Here's my list. Feel free to get offended, or add to it (or both). Your choice. Look closely, though, and you'll see thousands of people hiding behind each of these, maybe even someone you know.

1. victimhood

2. sickness

3. the burning need for money to satiate pathetic spending habits (materialism addiction)

4. self-dramatization and the over-amplification of problems

5. relational combat

6. media fixation/entertainment binging

7. addictions

8. behavior designed to gain attention

9. failure and the need for pity

10. self-deception 

11. self-sabatoge

12. laziness

13. debauchery

14. psychological escapisms

15. sports fanaticism

16. career

17. status

18. the pleasing of others/approval fixation

19. fear/timidity/doubt

20. procrastination

21. distractions of all stripes

22. poor focus

23. lack of introspection or thought of any meaningful kind

Make the decision to wake up now. Hide behind nothing. Face your destiny and charge after it with all you've got. You'll never feel better, have more fun, or make more of a difference any other way. After all, you're supposed to be all you can be! Nothing less will do.

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13 responses to “Hiding from Destiny”

  1. Rich Avatar
    Rich

    This is awesome! Thank you Chris!

    Like

  2. Monty deMayo Avatar
    Monty deMayo

    Love the call to action, Chris! Hey, I just saw this video and thought this woman is definitely a Rascal. Thought you’d enjoy it. God Bless and Go Rampage!
    http://growingbolder.com/media/technology/vehicles/romancing-the-road-259598.html

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  3. ian Avatar
    ian

    The journey/process in removing these things in our lives have a endless amount of teaching for us all, you can learn from those around you as they work on them and yourself, thanks Chris for sharing the truth!!!

    Like

  4. Skipper Avatar

    You make me think of the “wizard of z” The lion stood behind his lack of courage. The scarecrow and the tinman had their excuses. But then Art Williams came along and told them “Just Do It”

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  5. Sunil Malhotra Avatar

    Great post Chris! Much of this comes from feeding our baser instincts and not rising above. Preoccupation with the future (aka destiny), without dwelling on the true import of the word, makes is live a life that’s make believe and not in the NOW!

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  6. Dave Nelson Avatar
    Dave Nelson

    Hi Chris,
    Destiny is a word that explains the new “Alice in Wonderland” movie. Does Alice do the things that only she can do?
    you’ll have to see it to find out.
    Sincerely,
    Dave

    Like

  7. Zenon Berg Avatar
    Zenon Berg

    Hey Chris,
    I like your 3rd party mentoring techniques ๐Ÿ˜‰ I would say that your list may lack a little focus too though; I feel that many items are the same excuse. Procrastination is not an excuse, it is an action taken because of your excuse. Although some people may avoid their destiny be “getting to it later”, I feel that it can be fear holding them back. Fear of success or failure. What if our calling is not a popular one? Many of us would like to achieve the respect earned by Mother Theresa, but fear being tried like Joan of Arc.
    I think the most elusive here would be your last point. Nowhere in our schooling are we taught the art of introspection. Quite often we are schooled OUT of it. Students who don’t socialize properly are taken to counselling and outcast by many, unless they are also a great pupil. I find that introspection has to be taught, as many don’t know where to start, or how to start. I believe with enough of the last point (with faith and grace), our destiny would be in reach for all of us, and all the others would disappear.

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  8. Kirk and Cassie Birtles Avatar
    Kirk and Cassie Birtles

    Chris…
    Thank you for the reassurance that what we are doing is the right thing. In our God-given heart of hearts we always know it is, but the guy with the horns is very astute at distracting and deceiving us. Your example, growth and leadership is duely noted and appreciated. Keep fighting the good fight and chasing after your destiny! I trust your treasure is growing in heaven.
    God bless, kb

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  9. Phyllis Hoff Avatar
    Phyllis Hoff

    Wow! This 23 item list will definitely give you a wake up call. Pondering over each one really opens your eyes and makes you question, “Which ones am I hiding behind.”
    Thanks Chris.

    Like

  10. Jonathon Jones Avatar
    Jonathon Jones

    I found it interesting that you put things on the list together that seem at a glance to be unrelated or random. For example, you have fear and addictions, distractions and approval fixation, etc. It actually reminds me of the end of Romans 1 where being faithless is in the same list as murder and being a hater of God is listed alongside disobedient to parents.
    I read this and was instantly convicted because I am in a world of many things on your list and although I struggle with seeing my way out of it I know it was by my own creation and many others have gotten out.
    I think I am going to print this out and stick it on my wall next to my computer where I am always at so I don’t forget about Destiny in all the noise. Thanks Chris. Hebrews 6:10
    Jon

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  11. Bill Newton Avatar
    Bill Newton

    Chris,
    Great article, but you were a little insensitive to my situation.
    I fear that you may be right, however, I don’t think I can over come because I have had long term problems. they keeps me focused on overcoming them. Additionally, the Texas A and M football team may never be this good again, so I cant miss a minute of the aura and comradery of the radical fans.
    Besides all that Jann has a burning desire to shop for expensive things, and it takes all my focus on the job to earn enough to keep ahead of her spending habit. If she could focus more on our business, we would be better off.
    Bill Newton

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  12. Chris Brady Avatar

    Bill:
    Hahahahahaha!!!! You ALWAYS crack me up!! Keep the fun spirit no matter what, my friend!!!
    Chris

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  13. Jean Crozier Avatar
    Jean Crozier

    Thanks Chris,
    You always have the amazing ability to say EXACTLY what I need to hear, whether from stage, CD or in print…
    Your timing couldn’t be more perfect as I had been sitting here pondering why I can’t get DO what I know I am called to do…
    Why am I wasting time worrying about the “fallout”
    from those around me who may or may not understand or be on board…
    Jean

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