Archive for December, 2024

Killing them with Kindness – Part 2

Posted: December 26, 2024 in Inspirational
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OK Guys, so last time I posted a blog about kindness that talked about the “why” we should choose to respond with compassion versus the alternative. In my previous post, I promised you how to execute this kindness response proposition into real action. 

If you are like me, talking about a big topic like this without giving me practical ideas of how to apply is like sitting down at the dinner table with a HUGE meal and no utensils. I may ultimately figure out how to eat, but the process could have been far easier with a fork.

Take a look at these 4 bullet points below and see:

  • Listen More, Judge Less: This is SO hard to do because sometimes, people lash out because they feel unheard or misunderstood. Focus on trying to listen with understanding can help diffuse tension and show that you value what they are saying.
  • Respond, Don’t React: Again, take a deep breath; when you are confronted with negativity, take a moment to pause. Think first, then respond. A calm, kind response can completely change the tone of a conversation.
  • Be Generous in Small Ways: A smile,  a thoughtful comment, or a small gesture of help can brighten someone’s day—even if they don’t deserve it.
  • Lead by Example: Guys, this is where it should hit the mark for you. If you demonstrate that kindness is a strength and not a weakness, your actions will inspire those around you (even your kids) to act with compassion as well. This is our goal.

Why all of this Matters

Finally, I have written 25 posts in 2024, and most centered on being a better Father, or I tried to inspire you to be better dudes. Why? Because the world doesn’t need any more arguments, any more grudges, or any more division. It needs men and women who are willing to rise above all the clattering noise of this crazy world and choose kindness, even when it’s hard. Christ, right before He was crucified gave us this simple, life-changing verse that all of us should apply. He said, Love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 22:39

Again, not easy. I get that…But when have you ever backed down from a challenge? What I am asking will require effort which is my charge to you in this new year.

Focus your responses with a “killing them with kindness” mindset. Remember that you don’t just “win” at the moment— rather you are planting seeds of positivity that can grow far beyond what you see.

Guys…so the next time someone tries to bring you down, remember this: you don’t have to meet them on their level. Instead, rise above and respond with kindness. You might just change their day—or even their life.

Think of it this way, kindness isn’t just an action. It’s a superpower.

Until next time Guys-

Killing them with Kindness

Posted: December 24, 2024 in Inspirational
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“Kindness is a language we can all speak. Even the Deaf can hear it and the Blind can see” Mother Teresa

Guys, in the entire history of this blog, I have never quoted Mother Teresa, but in this instance, with this topic, it is completely appropriate. I have been thinking about this topic for quite some time  and decided for this New Year, I wanted to share this alternative idea of responding to anger and frustration with kindness and compassion.

I have broken this post into 2 parts, so it can be read and consumed a little easier. The second post is my application of this kindness topic called “Practical Ways to Kill with Kindness” and it will be posted very soon.

Our world is marked by competition, conflict, and negativity, and the phrase “killing them with kindness” carries a HUGE meaning. It suggests a simple yet powerful truth: 

Kindness can disarm hostility, dissolve tension, and create connections in ways no other force can. 

Honestly, kindness is the complete opposite response to what we see every evening on the news.

But what does it mean to truly “kill with kindness”? And why does it make sense for us to practice it, especially in situations where kindness seems undeserved? I have compiled a short list for you to consider.

The Unexpected Strength of Kindness

So as men, kindness is often mistaken for weakness. Sometimes, people assume that being kind means letting others walk all over you or ignoring an injustice. In reality, kindness is a conscious choice that requires core strength, resilience, and HUGE patience. It’s about responding with grace, even when faced with negativity or a conflict. 

Choosing kindness is taking the high road when everyone expects you to do the alternative.

When you meet rudeness with kindness or counter aggression with a calm compassion, you do more than just take the moral high ground—you alter the angry energy of the entire interaction. This change can have a ripple effect, influencing not only the person you’re engaging with but also those who witness the exchange. I want you to remember because this is exactly what Christ did. He disarmed His foes with kindness and love.

Guys, here is why I think that using a kindness response will work for you;

1. It Breaks Down Barriers

When you respond to someone with unexpected kindness, it often catches them off guard. It is hard to maintain anger or hostility when faced with genuine goodwill. Over time, this can disarm negativity and also improve a mutual respect between you and them.

2.It Builds Bridges

Kindness can transform your adversary into an ally, literally. I have seen kindness create a foundations of trust even in the most difficult relationships. In your business, in your families, and in your friendships, simple kindness will open doors that would otherwise remain shut.

3.It Strengthens You

This is the biggest reason why choosing kindness is the right plan because it isn’t just about the other person—it’s about who you are. It reinforces your ability to stay grounded, stay true to your core Christian values, and maintain inner peace in challenging situations. 

Guys, this is fundamentally what Iron-Man-Strength.com is about and has been since the beginning. Yes, my goal has been to encourage and support you through all of the difficult times. I also wanted to remind you that you have an enemy, Satan, who is looking for every chance possible to help you fall off the cliff. 

This is why choosing kindness as your reaction to any situation will change you as a man before God. I wont lie to you and say this is easy to do because it isn’t. When we get mad or upset, emotions take over and even the very best men on on this have or will earth fail. BUT…and this is a big one. IF you allow God to help you, you can change.

As I mentioned up top, the second part of this post is the practical application of “Killing with Kindness” and my hope is that these will be simple steps you can use to help you when these kinds of situations arise. I promise you this is not Rocket Science. It is instead, easy and practical. The process just requires execution on your part.

Merry Christmas, Guys-

Until next time-

Are you making Plans?

Posted: December 21, 2024 in Something to think about
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Guys, first of all, Merry Christmans and Happy New Year to you and your families. I wish you nothing but the best in 2025.

If you can, please take just a few minutes and read this story in the book of Acts. This is about the beginning of Christianity and how once Christ had ascended into heaven, the Apostles were treated very nasty by the Pharisees. 

Acts 5: 17-41

In the story, the Apostles angered the high priest because they kept preaching in the name of Jesus and this man was looking for a way to kill them. During this angry meeting of the Pharisees, another Pharisee leader stood up whose name was Gamaliel (the same man who the Apostle Paul studied under), and gave the council some very wise words which are summarized in the verses below:

…So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God! Acts 5:38-39

As Christian men, we encounter obstacles everyday. Unplanned problems rise up in front of us and seemingly work to destroy carefully made plans every time I turn around. Does this ever happen to you? The plans you spent all your time on get squashed in front of your eyes? 

What I found was a huge encouragement when I read these verses above is what I want to share with you today…the very simple realization of: 

If your plans are just YOUR PLANS, they will fail…

But if they are of God, NOTHING can stand in your way.

Guys, let that resonate for a moment here. How many times have you made great plans for a project or a vacation or for that matter, your entire life? You may be busy organizing your finances or changing directions because of information YOU have that matters or refinancing or getting a line of credit or whatever…I can go on and on.

You are probably planning right now.

Guys, Please hear my words today…planning is NOT a bad thing…in fact, it is a very good thing to plan and look forward to the future…what I am suggesting to you today is to make your plans WITH GOD INVOLVED. Look to Him for the guidance in those plans, because as was said above in Acts, if your plans are with God, He will be your guide and get you there in once piece.

Now there is one caveat to this conversation which is your understanding that God has plans for you too and if you get Him involved, He will want to guide you towards His higher plan for your life which trust me, is the direction you want to go…

My plans and God’s plans don’t always align. But, when I’m in the midst of God’s plan for my life, I always emerge stronger and in a better situation than before.

So consider what I am telling you today because God is very clear when He tells us this from Jeremiah 29:11:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Remember the image above says, “We plan, God Laughs” so as you make your PLANS for this coming New Year, remember these words above. God has plans for you and for me…

Until next time guys…