My newest book is entitled
"The Ultimate Gift." It is a novel that deals with discovering the 12 gifts that
make our lives complete and fulfilled. Readers instantly understand the gift of family,
the gift of friends, the gift of money, etc. The one gift that baffles most people at
first glance is the gift of problems.
In light of current national and world events, it is important that we realize that in
every tragedy and in every problem, there is a potential gift and a seed of greater good.
This is what I call the adversity advantage.
While recent events are tragic and have caused great pain and suffering, there are
potential benefits that can come from the devastation. Who among us has not felt closer to
friends and family? Who among us has not felt more patriotic and a heightened sense of
pride in our country? Who among us has not come to value the job done by police, fire, and
emergency workers?
The damage is done. There is nothing any of us can do to reverse the death and
destruction. What we can do is commit ourselves to moving forward with a new sense of
appreciation for the life we live and the freedoms we have.
Those who tried through senseless acts to destroy our spirit and our freedom have,
instead, rekindled an even deeper appreciation for these things among all freedom-seeking
and peace-loving people around the world.
When we think about the adversity advantage, it is important to remember that the
adversity carries no automatic benefit with it, but our reaction to the adversity can make
all the difference. For every person you can show me defeated by circumstances, I will
show you another individual facing the same circumstances who has turned the adversity
into an advantage and moves forward as a better, stronger person with a heightened sense
of destiny for their life.
Today as you continue to grieve and search for a sense of meaning, begin to look for
the adversity advantage in the current circumstances. The only lasting tribute to those
who have lost their lives is for those of us remaining to value and maximize the life we
have even more.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a
published author, columnist, and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South
Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082, or by e-mail at JimStovall@aol.com.