DISCOURAGEMENT
Former heavy-weight boxer James (Quick) Tillis is a cowboy from Oklahoma who fought out
of Chicago in the early 1980s. He still remembers his first day in the Windy City after
his arrival from Tulsa. "I got off the bus with two cardboard suitcases under by arms
in downtown Chicago and stopped in front of the Sears Tower. I put my suitcases down, and
I looked up at the Tower and I said to myself, 'I'm going to conquer Chicago.' "When
I looked down, the suitcases were gone."
Today in the Word, September 10, 1992.
The American painter, John Sargent, once painted a panel of roses that was highly
praised by critics. It was a small picture, but it approached perfection. Although offered
a high price for it on many occasions, Sargent refused to sell it. He considered it his
best work and was very proud of it. Whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his
abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, "I painted
that." Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.
Bits & Pieces,
September 19, 1991, p. 9.
Statistics and Stuff
Discouragement is dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust
of the future. It is ingratitude for the blessings of yesterday, indifference to the
opportunities of today, and insecurity regarding strength for tomorrow. It is unawareness
of the presence of beauty, unconcern for the needs of our fellowman, and unbelief in the
promises of old. It is impatience with time, immaturity of thought, and impoliteness to
God. William Ward.
Today in the Word, April, 1989, p. 18.
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