SOU & BSA part 2

In the last blog, we talked about the connection, or lack of, between the BSA & SOU. I wrote this in answer to several questions I received, asking how the two organizations were connected. Scouting Out of Uniform (SOU) was built to show how the principles found in the Scout Oath & Law can lead anyone, whether a Scouter or not, to a more successful life. The principles taught there are the foundation of all successful living. They are the bases for building good character and moral living. It is the fact that these principles work for anyone that is reflected in being “Out of Uniform.”

 The laws of success, as the laws of nature or the laws of God, do not change. They are dependable and when followed, they work every time. No matter what you believe or confess, if you jump off a building, you will hit the ground every time. Not because you did not believe enough, but because the law of gravity works every time – no exceptions. If you follow the teachings given in Scripture, you will have a fulfilled life. If not, you will deal with the consequences. It never fails and never changes.

 

 “The Scout Law is the foundation on which the whole of Scout training rests.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

 

The same is true for the laws of success. Many great books and teachers have given us the laws of success. They may use different words at times, but they all come down to the same basic principles. I have chosen to use the Scout Oath & Law because I think it defines these principles clearly and simply. The path to a successful life comes to those who practice being: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

It is one thing to be able to recite these 12 parts of the Scout Law from memory; it is quite another to be able to incorporate them in your daily life. Successful living has never been an easy way of life. That is why so few people do it. It takes work and years of making it part of who we are as people. That is one reason I supported Scouting, in that it taught these principles you young people and made it part of who they were as citizens and individuals.

No matter what happens to Scouting as an organization, the principles given to us in the Scout Oath & Law will remain a clear and simple map to a successful life of meaning and contribution. You do not have to be a Scout to have the Oath and Law work in your life. However, you do have to have the Oath and Law at work in your life to be a Scout.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU072920 Remeber the Light

SOU & BSA part one

I have been asked several times, just what is the relationship between the BSA and Scouting Out of Uniform (SOU). I wanted to take a quick moment to clear this question up. To make it short and sweet, there is no relationship between the BSA and SOU. SOU is my personal site where I discuss my thoughts on the Scout Oath and Law and how by following the principals they offer, we can all live a more successful life. SOU is not endorsed, connected to, or supported by the Boy Scouts of America. I do not speak for them, nor do I represent them or any of their programs.

I have long felt that Scouting was one of the best organizations to develop character and right living in young people. My bases for this is based entirely on the Scout Oath and Law. I have supported the mission of the BSA and what it, at one time, was committed to doing. The BSA mission statement is: “The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”

 “Our aim is to produce healthy, happy, helpful citizens; to eradicate the prevailing narrow self-interest; personal, political, sectarian and national, and to substitute for it a broader spirit of self-sacrifice and service in the cause of humanity; and thus, to develop mutual goodwill and cooperation not only within our own country but abroad, between all countries.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

Where my commitment to the Scout Oath & Law remains the same, I must say that over the last few years, I have lost a great deal of respect for the leadership of the organization. As with many organizations, their desire to be relevant to social conditions and to appease any that oppose them, they have lost their vision, and no longer live by the Oath and Law that made them great in the first place.

Over the past several decades or more, we have seen the BSA go from a reliable and vibrant organization to a bankrupt shadow of its former self. It does not take a great deal of research to see that this decline corresponds with the compromise of moral and ethical position the BSA held for years. The Scout Oath & Law has become a group of words to the leadership and sadly does not offer them the foundation for decision making that it once did.

In part 2 of this blog, I will talk about SOU and where we stand regarding the Oath & Law. My desire here is for you to understand that SOU and BSA are not affiliated, and the only common ground we share is the Scout Oath & Law.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU072720 Passion

Sympathy Without Tea

It is not a hard thing to offer sympathetic understanding to friends and loved ones. We feel they deserve it, and we are happy to stand by them in times of need. As the Greek poet Homer said, “A sympathetic friend can be quite as dear as a brother.” However, what about those who have been unkind or hurtful to us? How do we respond when we see these people hurting from loss or difficulties? That is another matter altogether for most of us.

Scouts and Scouters must be willing to show the same degree of sympathy to those who do not deserve it from us as we do for our friends. When people are hurting, and we can be a support to them, there is no getting away from it. As French writer Joseph Joubert said, “A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.” That is what being sympathetic is about – it’s about love.

“Kindness does not require us to be blind to facts or to live infancies, but it does require

us to cherish a habit of goodwill, ready to show pity if sorrow appears,

and slow to turn away even if hostility appears.”

Alexander Maclaren

1826-1910

Clergyman

Jesus gave us a command that we love others as He loved us. That means that at times we must show that love to people who may not deserve it from us. Scouts realize that showing that love will not only change the person in need but will change us as well. Barbara DeAngelis said, “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.”

Being sympathetic, the giving of love and kindness to others works on the same principle as the giving of finances. It is the natural law of sowing and reaping. Someday you may need to receive help from others, and you do not want to be found empty. George Washington Carver said, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU072220 The Heart of the Problem

Wanted: People Who Need Kindness

We all know that there are many in the world, country, and our neighborhood that need help. Widows, children, and the ill may not have enough to get by. During these tough economic times, even those who are working may need help. However, did you know that there is another need out there that must be met? That is the need to give.

Scouts and Scouters learn that with blessings comes responsibility. God blesses us so that we can bless others. Despite what you may be told by media or government officials, the financially successful in America are the most generous people in the world. That is a fact – look it up. Successful people give billions of dollars to charities and organizations each year. That does not include those who they help one on one without anyone knowing of their kindness.

“The unfortunate need people who will be kind to them;

the prosperous need people to be kind to.”

Aristotle

385-323 BC

Philosopher

So why are people willing to give away what they have earned? Roman poet Seneca put it this way: “No man can live happily who regards himself alone, who turns everything to his advantage. You must live for others if you wish to live for yourself.” As I said earlier, people need to be generous just as much as some need to be helped.

Scouting teaches that there is a natural law of sowing and reaping. If you give, you will receive it. You do not give to receive, but it is a natural law that cannot be changed. Likewise, I believe that for the greedy and those who fear giving will receive nothing in return. You see it all the time. Many who have nothing are that way because they give nothing. As Andrew Carnegie, a man who gave away his fortune, said, “No man becomes rich unless he enriches others.”

Scouts need to understand that we all must be willing to be generous. Generosity has nothing to do with our income level. I know some incredibly generous people who have very little. It is a matter of the heart. Be wise in your giving, but be generous. Eighteenth-Century poet Alexander Pope said, “Many men have been capable of doing a wise thing, more a cunning thing, but very few a generous thing.”

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU072020 Catch the Right Train

Really Amazing Grace

As a believer in Jesus Christ, we know what a wonderful thing grace is. Grace is undeserved favor. You cannot earn it, and you cannot live without it. I need no one to tell me how unworthy I am to receive forgiveness and the mercy of God. I know all I have done; I know more of what I have done than anyone else because I know me. Yet I can say without a doubt that Jesus died to set me free and to give forgiveness for all my sins. I agree with John Newton, author of the hymn Amazing Grace, when he said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior.”

The twelfth part of the Scout Law is that A Scout is Reverent. Scouts learn that just as Christ showed grace to you, so you must show grace to others. That is easier said than done. Our expectations of others are often too high, and they fall short over and over again. We try to overlook faults and mistakes, but they keep doing them. Our desire for success can make us impatient with others. But then, we must remember that we, too, are full of mistakes and failures. We try to do right and fall short time and time again. But the grace of God never fails to be there for us.

“Grace means undeserved kindness. It is the gift of God to man the

moment he sees he is unworthy of God’s favor.”

D.L. Moody

1837-1899

Evangelist

As a Scout or Scouter, you must strive to be gracious to all and help people to be their best. Grace does not overlook mistakes as if they never happened. It replaces the punishment of mistakes with the correction to be better. Grace is loving and caring. It may not be easy, but it is necessary to be your best. Helen Keller said, “This world is so full of care and sorrow that it is a gracious debt we owe to one another to discover the bright crystals of delight hidden in somber circumstances and irksome tasks.”

The best way to be gracious is to remember the grace you received from the Lord. If you have not received that grace as of yet, it is there for you. The grace of God is available to all, no matter who you are or what you have done. God’s grace is free and waiting for you.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU070120 Work Matters

To The Tenderhearted

Sometimes the most crushing burden to carry is that of a tender heart. Tenderhearted people are those who genuinely feel the pain of others. It is more than compassion or a willingness to help in times of need. These are the ones who feel the burden of the hurting and who genuinely do care for the rest of the human race. These are great men and women who make a difference in our world.

Scouts and Scouters learn that we are not all so blessed as to have a tender heart. For some of us (I am included in this), it takes an effort to feel on that deep a level. Not that we do not care, but our emotions are not that strong as those who possess a tender heart. One of my favorite descriptions is from American author and clergyman Lawrence G. Lovasik: “A gentleman has his eyes on all those present; he is tender toward the bashful, gentle toward the distant, and merciful toward the absent.” There is an awareness of those around you that is so important to your success.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see.”

Mark Twain

1837-1910

Author

Being tender is to care for the feelings, thoughts, and dreams of others. It is to be ready to encourage and support those around you. Scouts learn that everyone is different, and therefore you cannot treat all people the same. Yes, all people deserve courtesy, respect, and kindness, but how you do that is different to different people. Communication styles and temperaments may change person by person, but kindness can conquer all. Albert Schweitzer said, “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”

Scouts understand that tenderness will accomplish more than all the determined ambition in the world. No one has achieved greatness by running over the feelings of those they must deal with. Poet Robert Frost said, “There was never any heart truly great and generous that was not also tender and compassionate.” Tenderness is not a weakness but a great strength to those who see its value.

Remember that we are all on a rough journey in life. The people you meet, each have a story of trial and difficulty. Be kind to all and do your best to feel the struggles others are facing and help them through. As Ruth Graham said, “Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart.”     

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU071320 Miracles

The Power of Words

Encouragement is too often seen as just a slap on the back, a “good for you,” or “way to go,” and even a “you can do it!” to those we want to help. These things are fine and important in their place, but they are not sincere encouragement. We encourage one another when we genuinely believe in each other, and when we use positive and uplifting words in our conversation. I have mentioned before that one of the most encouraging people I know is a man in a Michigan State prison. When I would visit him, I am always encouraged and leave feeling so blessed. It is because he is positive, hopeful, and grateful from his heart. He has much to complain about but only allowed himself to see God’s blessing in his life.

Scouts learn that how they are on the inside will always show on the outside, mainly in their words. German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “If you wish to know the mind of a man, listen to his words.” I suggest that you listen to your own words. Pay attention to what you say when you are talking to friends and people you are relaxed with. It is easy to be aware of business settings, but it is when we feel relaxed that the truth about us comes out.

“Kind words do not cost much.  Yet they accomplish much.”

Blaise Pascal

1623-1662

Mathematician

Are your words uplifting, grateful, and encouraging to others? Or do you complain, fuss, and talk of discouragement? By controlling your speech, you can control your life. Pastor Joel Osteen said, “You can change your world by changing your words…Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.” How you talk matters a great deal. You cannot take words back or change their influence on others. Scouts should know that they must think before they talk and not allow their words to hurt them or others. Napoleon Hill said, “Think twice before you speak because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.”

Speak life and hope to all you talk to. Be known as an encouraging person. Have a grateful heart, and you will naturally speak in positive and encouraging words. If you find you have not been encouraging, it is not too late to start. You can even let people know you are sorry for what negative things you said, and you will now be more encouraging. Winston Churchill said, “In the course of my life, I have often had to eat my words, and I must confess that I have always found it a wholesome diet.”

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU070820 Learn Fron the First Kick

Compassion: The Driving Force

It has been stressed many times now that Scouts and Scouters care about others. Medical Missionary Albert Schweitzer said, “The purpose of life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” It is the responsibility of every Scout to see those in need with compassion and a desire to help. The thing to remember is that helping is not just tossing money at a problem.

For those who are hurting and in need, the most compassionate thing we can do at times is to just come alongside of them with friendship and support. Those struggling through the hurts and difficulties of life can feel very alone and lost. They need someone to come alongside of them with time to listen, to cry with them and to support them. Compassion is not giving things it is giving our self. One of the best examples we had was Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Her mission to the sick and dying was to show love and care to some of the most unloved and uncared for people on earth.

“Kindness can become its own motive.  We are kind by being kind.”

Eric Hoffer

1902-1983

Author

Scouts and Scouters understand that God has never wasted our time. We have all been through difficult spells and understood heartbreak. We can take this understanding to help others who are traveling down roads we have been down. Christian singer Amy Grant said, “But my experience is that people who have been through painful, difficult times are filled with compassion.”

It is easy to think of compassion applying only to the mission field or some charity that you have no responsibility for. We can give a few bucks and be done with it and feel good we have done our part. However, what about the neighbor who lost a spouse to death or divorce? What about the parents of a sick or rebellious child? What about the family member who is depressed and lonely? The need to show compassion is all around us. You will not have to look far to find a need that you can fill and a person who needs your love and support.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said, “A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair.” This is the Scout who is ready to care for those who need him or her, whether around the world, down the street or in their house.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU070620 Youre Immortal

To Be Kind

People who purposely pursue being kind and caring are looked at the same way people who pursue good manners are as if there was something wrong with them. We have gone from a society where manners and kindness were drilled into us, to one where they are seen as oddities. We are told we must always look out first for number one. Scouts and Scouters understand that is true; they also know that they are not number one. That is the other guy.

Scouts are taught that as good manners open many doors in the business world, kindness is a vital part of success. American Philosopher Samuel Johnson stated, “Getting money is not all a man’s business: to cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business life.” People want to be around kind people; they trust kind people. You may think that no one notices, but kindness speaks more about you than your looks, education, or title. As advice columnist Ann Landers said, “Keep in mind that the true meaning of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.”

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world.

 For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

Margaret Mead

1901-1978

Anthropologist

When we show kindness to those around us, we improve them and our self. Scouts do not show kindness to get ahead in life; they do it because they are kind people by nature. Scouts understand they must work at their kindness, and it is the fifth part of the Scout Law. The Greek Philosopher Aesop said, “No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.” 

Remember that all actions have consequences. That is true if you show kindness to others or if you are unkind. The only thing that changes is the type of consequence you receive. When we mistreat people, it will always come back to bit us in the butt. Do not think that the person you are treating unkindly is unimportant or will have no effect on your life? It is not the person who brings the consequence; it is the action itself.

Singer Annie Lennox said, “Ask yourself: Have you been kind today! Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.” Have you been kind? Your acts of kindness can and will change your world. All you have to do is perform them.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU070120 Work Matters