Has Beens
The old man looked up and said, “People look at me and think ‘has been,’ but I know that my life has been full and I truly “has been.”
In retirement many move to new communities with resources and amenities designed for the aging process. New friends, new experiences, and new locations bring opportunities, but also separate from memories and histories. Often not until we read obituaries do we truly grasp the stories and accomplishments of residents.
Job presents an excellent example of looking back and summarizing a lifetime. He stands and recalls the position he held as counselor, guide, and provider. He outlines the leadership roles and the reputation he had as an elder worthy of respect.
Looking at him sitting on the ground scraping his infected skin, no one would guess at his history, would they?
Recently I read a bio of an acquaintance and was stunned. The accomplishments were startling; the achievements were those of a renowned professional. Yet, this man is now disabled, with physical limitations which hide everything that bio revealed. His cognitive disorder denies him the ability to engage with others. That sterling bio describes someone none of us ever knew.
He has a background which very few rival. He truly “has been,” but time and bad health leave him with so little to share with others.
When we see others, let’s stop to listen to their stories, especially the elderly. Their experiences, their wisdom, their journey has much to offer us. We have much to learn from them. We need their stories; we need their knowledge. We, too, will one day be a “has been,” but God has given us lessons from Him which will strengthen and encourage.
Prayer Network
by Brenda A. Smith, BWFLI.com, BreakfastWithFred.com
“How grateful I am for the opportunity to serve the Lord by serving our students, faculty, and staff.”
These words from a University President encouraged the group gathered to celebrate another year of academic and spiritual achievement. Our American culture suffers from the denial of absolute truth, the reality of God, and the possibility of living a full life with the focus being on Jesus Christ, not material prosperity and personal identity.
The students of our Christian institutions are blessed with administrators and faculty who understand excellence supported by Biblical principles.
Let’s pray for strength, courage, and boldness. The “world is too much with us” said the poet. But “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is the word of our Lord Jesus. We are surrounded by trial and temptations, but we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who leads and directs.
Thanking God for Those Who Have Blessed Us
by Bob Deffinbaugh, Bible.org, BWFLI.com
1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:1-5, NAS).
This is the time when we celebrate Thanksgiving. Most often, we (at least I) focus on what I perceive to be blessings I enjoy – good health, enough to live on and pay the bills, etc. But reading these verses I had to ask myself, “How many times can I recall doing this – giving thanks in my prayers to God for others?” And beyond this, telling those for whom I have given thanks to God that I have done so?
This may be the right time for you to consider those people God has put in your lives who have blessed you, and then to thank God for them. And, then, telling them so. Some of these may be fellow students, others, teachers and staff. And then there are your parents.
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Controlling The Ego
Weekly Thought – November 4, 2025
Fred often remarked when questioned about a troubling situation…”Follow the ego.” He had great discipline and self-control. He understood his giftedness, and his responsibility to steward it without an inflated ego.
Controlling The Ego
I remember an embarrassing situation that occurred one night at a business meeting with a group of high-profile executives. One man, who considered himself as an authority all because he read the newspaper, popped off about the energy situation and its easy solution.
Unbeknownst to him, another man in the room had just returned from chairing an international conference of major oil companies. After the first fellow finished spouting off (only proving his ignorance), the second man quietly but effectively exposed him for the fool he was.
I quickly said to myself, “I hope that never happens to me.” I left that meeting determined to make sure in my speaking I always remember that someone in the audience may know a lot more about the subject than I do. The memory of that business meeting has stayed in my mind and tempered many remarks I’ve been tempted to make.
On the other hand, sometimes speakers are too impressed with who is in the audience. One night I was in a church listening to a preacher when I saw a well-known university president slip into the sanctuary. Clearly, the preacher saw him enter, as well, for he changed his style considerably. I could tell he was preaching for the benefit of just that one individual. He went from preaching to giving an intellectual performance, trying to impress with his learning. He seemed to forget the rest of the audience.
Being impressed with ourselves or with the celebrity of another blocks the power of good communication. In our work and in our speech, we should always remember that God is listening and He is our ultimate audience.
It is never far from my thinking that God is present. If He isn’t, we ought to dismiss early!
Carefully consider this week: 1) When I speak is it to express or impress? 2) How well do I understand myself, identifying my ego potholes? 3) How well do I listen before speaking?
Words of Wisdom: “In our work and in our speech we should always remember God is listening and is the ultimate audience.”
Wisdom from the Word: “The fear of the LORD provides wise instruction; and before honor comes humility.” (Proverbs 15:33 NET)