134. Don’t criticize.
Offer help.
Find something good to compliment.
Use the event to mentor.
135. Don’t cross arms, legs.
You look defensive.
It shuts off discussion.
Open yourself up to other possibilities.
136. Don’t demonize others.
Stay focused on issues.
Don’t deal in personalities.
The devil gets too much credit already.
Ansel and I were next door neighbors on Woodruff Street in Woodruff. He is two years older and was my hero and mentor long before I knew what mentor meant. Ansel was good at everything and naturally I wanted to follow in his footsteps. We had some great adventures together and he beat me up on a regular basis. Our families were very close and his parents felt almost like my parents. He was very active at Northside Baptist Church and has a wonderful singing voice. He introduced me to classical music when I went with him to see the movie, “The Great Caruso.” We both graduated from Furman University and he went into the military and later the ministry. We maintained contact through his mother. He eventually came back to South Carolina as pastor of Parisview Baptist Church and we re-connected. Ansel has been a forceful voice for racial harmony and a moderate voice opposing the fundamentalist takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is devoted to his wonderful wife Susie. Today I am very thankful for the gift of Ansel McGill in my life.
Thankful Thursday is a day for saying thank you to those people who have influenced your life. Let him or her know how grateful you are. Write a note. Call her or him on the telephone or send an E-mail. Just be sure to do it. It is too important. Don’t put it off.
On this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for Dewey Easler. Dewey has been my friend and mentor for as long as I can remember. He and his brother, Dan, were always special to my mother. They are the sons of my great Uncle Mitch. Uncle Mitch was my grandmother’s brother. Dewey is knowledgeable about most everything and is one of the most level headed individuals you will ever meet. He had the good sense and good fortune to marry Betts whom he met while stationed in South Dakota during the Second World War. Betts is a delightfully charming, very attractive and creative woman. She fit into her new southern family with the greatest of ease. Dewey worked with the railroad for many years. Since his retirement, he and Betts live on Lake Greenwood. Barbara, his sister, lives nearby. Dewey is the spark behind the Easler Family Reunion held each year on the second Sunday in June. Today on this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for Dewey Easler.
Thankful Thursday is a day to be thankful for the presence of some special person in your life. Let him or her know. Call her or him on the telephone. Send a special note by snail mail or send an E-mail. It does not matter how you do it. Just do it before you get distracted by other things.
On this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for my friend and mentor the Rev. Paul Pridgen Jr. Paul grew up the son of a well known fundamentalist preacher. He is proud of his father and all that he accomplished, but Paul has explored a different path and has influenced so many people. He helped found the Baptist/Catholic Dialogue and as pastor of the First Baptist Church of North Charleston brought needed health services into his church for the surrounding community. He is a tireless worker in fostering better racial relations. He continues to strive for the improvement of his city and county. Most of all he is a voice of reason in a climate of angry voices. Paul is respected by all who know him. He and his wonderful wife, Millie, make an unbeatable team. I am proud and thankful to call Paul Pridgen my friend. My only regret is that I didn’t get to know him long before I did.
Thankful Thursday is an opportunity to select someone who is meaningful in your life and tell him or her. Make a telephone call, send a card, send an E-mail or pay him or her a visit. You will be glad that you did. It is an easy way to say thank you. All of life is relationships. Appreciate those who have contributed to your life and pass the blessings forward.
