Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/alabaster-co-1lfJLuAdLn0-unsplash.jpg15001500Jonathan McNairhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngJonathan McNair2024-03-26 15:30:152024-03-26 15:30:17Bible Quiz: The Gospel
Author: Lexi Mitchell | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24
Mr. Tyler Wayne gave the Living Education students a forum that he aimed to be applicable to any aspect of life. The topic he covered can apply to situations while living in the dorm (in the case of the students), at work, interacting with family members, or even while standing in line at the grocery store.
His point was simple, but it is one that we all can struggle with from time to time.
We must take accountability for the things we can control.
What could we have done better?
His emphasis was on the idea that we all must acknowledge anything that we could have done in a scenario, and take responsibility for our shortcomings on that subject, regardless of how minor it may seem compared to the scenario at large.
He gave the students a formula for ownership that can be applied to almost any scenario in which a conflict has arisen.
We are to verbally apologize, using the words “I’m sorry”, “ it’s my fault”, or any other sincere variant.
We must express what we’re saying sorry for, and identify part of the problem that’s our fault.
We must explain what we’re going to do to fix the issue or change for it next time.
Finally, we need to believe it, because empty words mean nothing. In fact, it makes things worse.
At first, this mindset can seem unrealistic, because whenever things go wrong, we tend to blame others for the result. But once we assess a situation in an unbiased manner, we will recognize that we have more of a part to play in things that happen to us than we might think.
As an example, Mr. Wayne gave a scenario in which a student can’t get all their work done in school. Typically, the student immediately blames the teacher for being unrealistic or overbearing. Instead, the student can take responsibility and recognize what they can do differently. They could get better sleep, devote more time to schoolwork, or even lower their personal workload by dropping the class. Although that would be a drastic step, it is something that the student could consider in order to acknowledge their role in the situation.
Real-life scenarios
In order to thoroughly get his point across, Mr. Wayne wrote down several scenarios, and had the students formulate an extreme ownership response that takes responsibility for each conflict that occurs.
Scenario 1:
Not taking ownership: ”You consistently forget to take out the trash.”
Taking ownership: “I’m sorry, I didn’t let you know when the trash needed to get thrown out. Also, I know the garbage isn’t always filled at consistent times, so it can be hard to monitor. Next time, I’ll let you know when it’s ready to be taken out.”
Scenario 2:
Not taking ownership: “My boss didn’t give me the help I needed for a project I had to do.”
Taking ownership: “I’m sorry for failing to accomplish my task. I didn’t ask for the assistance I needed when I realized there wasn’t enough information and resources. Next time, I’ll be more proactive in asking for assistance when I need it.”
Practice makes perfect
As we do this, we will get used to taking responsibility, and with experience it will get easier over time. However, as with anything else, human pride and tendencies to gloat can impact how well our efforts are received by the other party.
So what happens if our attempt to be mature doesn’t work? What if the person is antagonistic and blames us for what happened, even if they had something to do with the situation as well?
Accept it! We should not let ego get in the way. After all, they’re only agreeing with what you’re saying. If we truly believe what we’re saying in our apology, we will be able to put our pride aside and be the bigger person in almost every conflict we are involved with.
Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/sarah-kilian-52jRtc2S_VE-unsplash.jpg10001500Jonathan McNairhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngJonathan McNair2024-03-25 13:58:352024-08-29 11:04:52It’s Your Fault—No Really, It Is.
Author: Lexi Mitchell | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24
“I didn’t fail 1000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1000 steps.” -Thomas A. Edison
“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” -Vince Lombardi
“I think it’s important to have a good hard failure when you’re young. I learned a lot out of that. Because it makes you kind of aware of what can happen to you.” -Walt Disney
Mr. Rick Stafford gave the Living Education students an inspiring forum, starting by describing the lives of notable people who went through hardship. The people he described are among countless individuals who have failed at something, but turned their lives around for the better. They did not let their failures define them; rather, they persevered and used their struggles as learning opportunities.
Failure and success: what do those words mean?
When discussing failure, Mr. Stafford explained, it becomes imperative to understand exactly what failure is. A popular definition of the word is a lack of success. But in that case, what exactly is success? Is it wealth, a good career, a happy family, or materialistic goods? Or is it something else entirely? Simply put, success is whatever you define it as for yourself. Your success is not dependent on the opinions of others.
Not your parents.
Not your friends.
Not society.
Regardless of how we define success, as individuals called into God’s truth, it should always center around living God’s way of life and doing what God would be proud of.
Why doesn’t everyone succeed?
Life can be hard. There are almost infinite hurdles that we as humans can face that hinder our forward trajectory. Some reasons include:
Their environment
Health
Intellect
Economy
Their childhood
Who they married
Wrong career choice
Bad habits
Of course, many of these reasons are out of our control. But it is a lack of discipline that prevents us from overcoming our hurdles and doing the best we can with what we were given. If we can’t control our minds, it will inevitably control us. This lack of control leads to the very failure we are so afraid of.
“If only…” is a common statement among people who suffer from many failures. If only I had been born into money, had more time, better health, or better luck.
Mr. Stafford informed the students of a harsh truth: These are all excuses.
But thankfully, once we understand our excuses, we can learn to apply the concept that our thoughts become our reality. In other words, the things we blame become the things that actually slow us down.
Can’t never did anything.
Many successful people had failures, but worked through them.They analyzed their failures, learned how to overcome them, and became better because of them.
In Hebrews 11 is a list of people who failed in some way. But at the exact same time, it is also a list of people who learned how to overcome their failures.
“Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.” Matt 24:46
What characterizes a failure?
In considering these points, two main reasons for failure can be gleaned.
For one, failures have no real purpose in life. Another main reason is that someone can become afraid, and therefore don’t want to try to improve their situations, whatever it may be.
In addition, certain characteristics are found in people who can be described as “failures”.
Failures lack persistence. Rather, people who succeed have an abundance of tenacity and sticktoitiveness.
Failures lack conviction. Instead, we must recognize what we want and go for it.
Failures rationalize. They concoct reasons why they gave up and couldn’t do what they aimed for.
Failures dismiss past mistakes. But people who succeed learn from their mistakes instead.
Failures have a lack of self discipline. They lack self control, and give into their feelings.
Failures have poor self esteem and lack no self worth. They don’t do anything for themselves to be proud of.
Finally, Failures have a fatalistic attitude. They don’t accept responsibility and blame others instead.
The strongest people are the ones who overcome. They weren’t in a good place to begin, but they got there eventually.
Once we know our definition of success for ourselves, use God’s tools and knowledge to gain it.
God knows what He’s talking about!
Always remember: we’re just children under God. We may fall, but we should use the guidance of our Father to bring us up and take us where we want to be.
There is really only one way to be a failure. That is to quit. “Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward.” -John C. Maxwell
Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.
Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/tim-marshall-iBY2XCgPwDA-unsplash.jpg8441500Jonathan McNairhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngJonathan McNair2024-03-11 14:29:492024-03-11 14:29:53Bible Quiz: Facts Surrounding Christian Baptism
Author: Hyabiel Daniel | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24
The LE women recently organized a Widows Brunch at the dorm house, showcasing effective planning, professionalism, and teamwork. On Saturday evening, the students prepared the dorm for the event, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Each student contributed to a carefully planned meal. Sunday morning unfolded with precision as the students finalized preparations for the Widows’ Brunch. The event began promptly at 10 am, as excitement and the air was charged with excitement as the students put the finishing touches
A highlight of the brunch was the bingo games, facilitated with enthusiasm by the LE women themselves. The room was filled with laughter and fellowship as widows and students engaged in spirited competition.
As the clock struck noon, marking the conclusion of the Widows Brunch, the women expressed pride in their collective accomplishments. Gratitude was extended for their dedication and professionalism throughout the planning and execution of the brunch.
The Widows Brunch organized by the LE women was a demonstration of effective teamwork, creating a warm and enjoyable experience for everyone .
Hyabiel Daniel is a first-year Living Education Student. She is from London, United Kingdom, and typically attends the Seven Oaks Congregation. She enjoys studying social sciences and also loves spending time reading books, baking, and spending time with loved ones.
Author: Lexi Mitchell | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24
“May you live in interesting times”
Dr. Douglas Winnail began his forum for the Living Education students by reading this ancient Chinese “curse”. Although it has lost its spiritual nature, the concept still holds true to this day.
We live in increasingly secular and materialistic times. Before, religion was an integral part of society. Now, it is effectively nonexistent. The Bible is disregarded and laughed at, being considered a compilation of children’s stories and tales that simply never happened.
However, despite the rapidly increasing disregard for the Bible as a reputable source of wisdom, the world is still fascinated with the story of Noah’s ark.
The ark was a gigantic vessel.
The ark took about 100 years to build, and many elements and workhands were needed to construct the building in its entirety.
Dr. Winnail explained that, among many people, they would have needed people to act as timber cutters, pitch appliers, timber transporters, timber finishers, food growers and gatherers, animal handlers, among many, many others.
Since we have historical record of where the vessel finally landed- Mt. Ararat in Turkey, as seen in Genesis 8:4– many people have attempted to locate fragments of it even to this day.
But even though people claim to have found pieces of it, it is highly unlikely because there has since been 4000 years worth of time for the wood and all other materials to have decomposed.
There are a number of life-sized models of the ark around the world today, including one in northern Kentucky, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Wisconsin Dells to name just a few. And although they are not perfectly accurate, just being able to witness the sheer size and scale of the models is enough to put us in awe of its magnitude.
Which story is right?
The story of a worldwide flood is a popular one around the world, so much so that it has been adapted to regional myths. There are legends from around the world of an ark and a flood, with people and animals being rescued. In fact, there are over 270 versions of the account. Some of the origin countries include Persia, Greece, Egypt, Syria, Italy, India, and Russia, just to name a few.
Although there are many versions, one of the most highly debated comparative legends is the Epic of Gilgamesh from Mesopotamia. It contains an account of a great flood, similar to the Biblical account in Genesis. However, there are major differences, and to even consider the Epic as the original account is unrealistic.
In the Epic, human noise disturbed the gods, however, in the Bible, man’s folly and human sin was what angered God.
The Mesopotamian ‘ark’ was an unstable cube, but the true ark was as big as a modern ocean liner.
In the Epic, it rained for only seven days and was gone in one. In the Biblical account, there was rain for 40 days and receded in 150.
The Mesopotamian hero was saved by his own wisdom and courage, but in the Bible, Noah was blessed with God’s mercy and was saved by his righteous character.
The Mesopotamian gods were selfish and deceptive, but in stark contrast, the true God of the Bible is righteous and merciful.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
Simply put, if the Bible is credible, so is the flood story. All scripture is inspired by God, so we are not to be deceived by the legends of this world. We should all make sure to study history accurately to make these determinations for ourselves!
Modern parallels
“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matt 24:38-39
There are an alarming number of similarities to the days of Noah and our modern today. Noah was a preacher of righteousness, and worked to show the world the right way. But those who didn’t listen were destroyed in the flood. Although many recognize the problems in the world today, human solutions to the decline of society such as lighting candles, buying guns and gold, voting for who they consider to be the ‘right person’, running and hiding, and praying to false gods, are simply not adequate to solve these problems.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 15:16 Only those who do the will of God will be saved. We have been chosen as those individuals to bear fruit, and we are to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. Prepare NOW to show the world a better way.
Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.
