Scouting Out Of Uniform

Thursday, July 9, 2020

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

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

SOU070820 Learn Fron the First Kick

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

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.

Monday, July 6, 2020

SOU070620 Youre Immortal

Friday, July 3, 2020

Thursday, July 2, 2020

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.