Mozambique in 11 days

Folks, I'll be headed to Mozambique in 11 days. I ask that you please pray for me and the team that I'm taking over. Thanks so much. Pictures and stories in plenty will follow.

Josh

phoenix

mi novia, min kæreste, my girlfriend

Folks, I have met an amazing woman and I just need to share it with the world.

Her name is Carrisa. If you need to know more . . . . you'll have to call as you know I never publish such personal thoughts or ideas on the internet! :)

foolish things

The duality of the word fool is something worth pondering and I found myself there recently.

Before you read this, you may ask, “Josh, what duality? Fool only has a negative side.” Hmmmm, that’s an interesting point. In asking the average man or woman on the street, they would describe the word with negative connotation. If someone calls you a fool, that is generally not considered a compliment.

But there is something important to note about the definition of fool. Unlike calling the grass green or a skyscraper tall, the idea of being foolish is a subjective concept. It is a judgment call on the part of the person making the statement.

Websters’s describes a fool as a person lacking in judgment or prudence. But as I mentioned early, this is based on the perspective of the person making the statement. Based on their knowledge and experience, they are assessing a situation or person.

So, now the statement “fool” is not only about whom it’s being said to, but also about the person making the statement.

This is a critical aspect to understand. Knowing this, being called a fool could actually be a good or bad thing, depending on who is speaking.

It is without a doubt that you have been or will be called a fool at some point in your life . . . . but it is up to you how you respond. It is important to evaluate the speaker and their worldview. Let me share an example.

I have a friend and we often compare and chat about the films we recently seen. But there is an odd thing about the discussion: we are almost always in disagreement. If he tells he liked a given film, I’m almost certain that I will not like the film. And vice versa. He infrequently sees eye to eye with me and the movies that I prefer. Instead of trying to convince him to change sides, I’ve come to realize that we simply have different worldview and perspective on movies. I never take offense if he dislikes one of my favorite films.

And the same principle applies with the word fool. In being called a fool, before taking the statement to heart, evaluate the speaker. What is the worldview and perspective of the person making the value judgment? Is this someone that you respect?

If this person has credibility in your life and they are operating out a similar worldview, then perhaps you need to heed their helpful criticism.

However, if the person calling you a fool is operating from an opposite perspective in life, then breathe a sigh of relief, you must be headed in the right direction.

Josh

Phoenix, arizona