Today you can turn on almost any channel, open a magazine, skim a tabloid and find the latest dip on the pop star diva, Britney Spears. Today's news found that she was rushed to the hospital for another psychiatric episode.
Johnstown is no stranger to the hardships celebrities encounter as it is the home of former Pittsburgh Steeler great, Carlton Haselrig. From childhood to adulthood Carlton possessed great athletic prowess and went on to achieve fame as a football player and greco-roman wrestling.
Never did he ever plan to endure the challenges of drug and alcohol abuse an opponent that cost his liberty, to say the least. Carlton returned to his native Johnstown in November 2007, after a one and a half year stint in state prison.
Yesterday, January 30, 2008, in downtown Johntown, we ran into each other by chance and took some time to catch up. It was a cordial meeting, and one that found him focused and about his business at hand.
Just a week and a day after his 42nd birthday the former Pro Bowler said that he has a demanding schedule of work, coaching (he's great with children), and working with motivational speakers as he's entertained authoring a book. We didn't talk about a painful past as it's not necessary when one is close to the source. Yesterday is gone, and being able to stay positive and focused today is what's up.
It was also a time that he didn't have to look over his shoulder or in front of him to escape reporters, photographers, police, constables, or sheriffs and he certainly was not under any undue influences. As an observer of Carlton's ups and downs, victories and defeats, good and bad today is a good day as he is on recovery road once again. Any one close to the likes of Carlton Haselrig, Britney Spears, and countless others like them can practically empathize with the fame and hardships they and their families endure too.
Perserverance
We consider blessed those who have persevered.
James 5: 11
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance
Perseverance character, and character hope.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts
By the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
For those who have been trained by it.
Consider it pure joy, my Brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.
Blesed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test,
He will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
So that Christ's power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakneses, insults, hardships,
Persecutions and difficulties
For When I am weak, then I am strong.
Scriptures compiled by D. S. Haselrig
(All rights reserved)
Today we can say to anyone and everyone that is going through life's calamties, "persevere."
Be strong, steadfast, moving on to the goodness of life, tranquility, and the satisfaction of overcoming life's challenges.
