Overview

I’ve heard that nothing is worse than taking advice from a fool, but I can’t resist the challenge of giving advice to others. I use the term “challenge” because advice is like a bottle of wine: it’s best when it’s opened. It might be just what you need, or it could be spoiled and vinegary. For advice to be rich, full, and tasteful, it must be carefully sealed and aged. Wine that turns to vinegar can still be used in cooking, but you probably wouldn’t want to drink a glass. Similarly, advice can be rich, full, and tasteful, or it can be offensive and sour. It largely depends on the skill of the giver and somewhat on the recipient’s disposition, which I respect as your own judgment.

As much as I enjoy writing, it isn’t always what others want to read. Thus lies the quandary. Another issue is the ‘how’ of my writing, which resembles a meandering stream of consciousness. Readers often find themselves needing clarification about the point I’m trying to convey, or perhaps they give up, feeling overwhelmed in a deep rabbit hole filled with a downpour of cats and dogs. In this case, as it contains my reflections — some wise and some foolish — I leave it to you to decide if it’s worth your time to wade through it. My intention is to share personal thoughts and inspire readers to embrace the unknown while acting decisively and with strength.

Another intriguing issue is the struggle to concentrate and follow through. For centuries, people read text on paper line by line and were conditioned to take their time. However, the rapid evolution of society has conditioned a generation, including myself, to jump from one thing to another. Even when reading a paper book, I find myself speed-reading, skipping parts, and rushing through it, often lacking concentration, understanding, and appreciation. Embracing moments to slow down can help you reconnect with clarity and depth.

To be honest, I’m writing this for myself to help me slow down and reflect. I have a strong sense that this is what I need to do right now, and it brings me both satisfaction and joy. If you enjoy my sharing this with you, that’s wonderful. If not, keep searching to find your joy. Life without joy is tough.

Disclaimer

Some aspects of this are bound to offend you. I adhere to the teachings of the biblical Jesus Christ, so people today would identify me as a Christian. However, numerous interpretations and beliefs surrounding the Bible and Christianity contradict popular opinion and practices. As a result, my identity as a Christian may deter many from reading further, and my differing views will likely alienate even more. It’s amusing, as this might reduce the number of readers who continue. Typically, an author would want to expand their readership, not shrink it. We might envision a funnel guiding many readers into a narrow opening.

In this case, I’m not trying to market to increase readership. Rather than a funnel, it resembles a moonshine still in the woods—hidden and illegal. It starts with a lot of mash and water, then distills into something powerful. Like a moonshine still, my writing may not be easily accessible or widely accepted. Still, it holds the potential to transform those willing to seek it out. For those who take the time to understand it, it can become a powerful and transformative experience.

I pray that you will be decisive and, therefore, powerful. Not by your means, but by realizing something outside of yourself—something uncontrollable and accidental—that is more wonderful than you could ever dream or imagine. Faith plays a crucial role in trusting the process of embracing uncertainty, even when clarity is absent. The ultimate goal is to ignite a fire within you! While I can’t do that for you, I can inspire you. I hope my words plant the seed of desire in you, encouraging a willingness to be decisive and assertive, and a recognition that the unknown and uncontrollable can hold more wonder than you could ever dream or imagine.

I always conclude with this quote and can’t seem to move on from it. Edward Teller was a renowned theoretical physicist who significantly contributed to the development of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. Another legacy he left us is this quote:

“When you get to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.” - Edward Teller.

In conclusion

I hope this story inspires you to realize that, even in the darkest night, you stand on solid ground and can soar. My ultimate goal is to encourage you to embrace uncertainty and find strength in faith and decisiveness. I hope my words have planted the seed of this desire within you.