Chapter 5: All That Jazz

Erica here, back with chapter five of Make the Impossible Possible. We're halfway through already! I've really enjoyed reading your comments and discussing the book; sharing with the group makes me look forward to "Book Club Monday." This chapter, The Secret to Success, really spoke to my heart. Strickland relates living out passion and pursuing dreams to the magic of jazz. As a jazz fan I understand. I hear variations on a theme. Riffs and musical rides depart from the melody and weave back into it. In a similar way, we can make our lives a rich song. "We all have that kind of song in our hearts," Strickland writes. "A song that tells us who we are and what we genuinely want from life." It's a matter of taking the time to listen for the melody, pausing long enough to pick up the rhythm and synchronize ourselves to the beat. Before long, we might notice other people tapping and humming along. What stayed with me was Strickland's comment, "Life is tangible, immediate, and precious." I remembered we're living in the now. Each day we live and each life we touch can be a precious gift from the Creator. Strickland sums it up well: "You either choose to impact your environment or your environment will define you." I hope you find courage to sing your song and sensitivity to listen for how it can harmonize with others' songs; may the melody be pleasing to the Creator of all that jazz! Jazz Sky photo by Elizabeth O. Weller. Used with permission. Post written by Erica Hale.

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More on chapter five: LL's Is it Safe to Come Out and Sing? Erica's Jazz and Balance. Note: Next week, let's accelerate a little and read both chapters six and seven!