Kia kaha

I saw the movie 'Forever Strong' for about the 5th or 6th time while on a layover in Brazil. It has taken the number one spot on my list of favorite movies. There are some wonderful take-aways in the movie. One of the big ones for me was the way Coach Gelwix related to Rick, the main character in the film. Coach Gelwix to Rick: I'm not concerned about the past, what happened yesterday or even today, I'm concerned with what you can become. Don't waste your years ...like I did (with his father). Forgive your father; when you free him you free yourself.

The 'Pygmalion effect' is a true principle. If what one continuously holds up as a reflection of another is a picture of their weaknesses and failures it has a profoundly negative effect on that person. Yes, that person is ultimately responsible for their actions. Just as the Lord will hold church leaders, teachers, and parents accountable for failure to properly lead or worse, for misleading those youth entrusted in their charge, do you think he will hold each of us less accountable if we, with our influence on those close to us, by our actions and manner of relating to that person, reflect back to them an image, not reflecting their ultimate good and potential, but one focused on their weaknesses and failings? To say we have no responsibility for our influence on another when we are involved in their lives is to deny a simple truth. Like Rick's father,and like coach Gelwix, we do have an effect on those we are close to, one way, or the other.
Regardless of how we have been treated, our own happiness and well being will increase as we reflect the great potential in others back to them, inviting and challenging them to become their best selves.