Blog 215 – 01.25.2016

I am a writer, speaker, singer/song writer. Now, I earn my living currently as a contract pipeline inspector. And the truth is I am many other things, a friend, a brother, a father, an uncle, a cousin, a nephew. The list goes on and on. I have planned that the next time I get to sing karaoke to do a tribute to Elvis Presley and to sing in order: Walking In Memphis, Don’t Be Cruel, and All Shook Up.

Walking In Memphis is as the two other songs actually sung by Elvis a favorite of mine. In the song about Elvis, Graceland, and Memphis the singer/songwriter says,
“Muriel plays piano every Friday at The Hollywood. And they brought me down to see her and ask me if I would, do a little number so I sang with all my might. She said, ‘Tell me are you a Christian, Child.” And I said, ‘Ma’am, I am tonight.” I love that line and thought of another favorite line of mine from the Apostle Paul where he says, “I am become all things to all men that I might by all means win some.”

I am not a soldier though I was one once. I am not a Boy Scout though I was one once.
I am not a Freemason though I was an apprentice Mason once. I also am not a Christian though I tried to be one for most of the first half of my life, calculating on a hundred year life, I am an optimist.

The United States Marine Corp teaches once a Marine always a Marine. The Mafia I understand does not allow their members to quit. Even the marriage vows say, “Till death do you part.” Upwards of fifty percent of marriages do not last till one partner dies. People change political parties, and even religions quite often. A very dear friend of mine that died a couple of years ago was raised a Jew and converted to Christianity as a young man and even became a Christian minister then later in life returned to the Jewish faith. You can believe what ever you wish and change your mind any time you choose.

If what you believe is working for you by all means stay with it. But, my friends, one of the Ten Intentions For A Better Life that I try to follow says “I discard any belief that is no longer serving me.” That perhaps may sound like heresy to some but it sounds like sense to me. Someone has said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

It is not just a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. We all get to change our minds as often or as seldom as we like. What thoughts you dwell on and choose to believe are up to you. It is to your best interest to choose the ones that serve you best. Some say, “You are what you eat.” But I think it is more accurate to say, “As a person thinks in their heart so are they.” I am what I am…

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White