TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022 - TRANSFORMATION

 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022 - TRANSFORMATION

PART I

So, what is “transformation”?

A marked change, as in appearance or character, usually for the better.

Transformation is the process of change. An example of a transformation is a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

Transformational leadership is defined as a way of guiding people that uses high levels of passion, energy, and enthusiasm to make changes in individuals, societies, and systems.

An example of transformational leadership is guiding a group of people to make changes in their life to increase their ability to earn more money.

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First, let me give an example.  In South Dakota, I had some great students - and some of lesser greatness.  From one family I had about five students.  They were generally hard-working and good students.  The youngest girl was maybe not as strong as the others, but a good student, but to the same standard of the rest of her family.

At some point, this young lady had gotten overweight and diagnosed with diabetes.  What resulted was one of the best transformations I have ever seen.  She now is a slim and super fit woman.  She runs marathons, and is a leader at work and in her community.  Something “smacked” her and she came to the realization that she had the power to transform herself.

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Butterflies are frequently used as describing transformation.  I’m not sure if there has ever been a caterpillar that decided “I don’t want to build a cocoon around myself, I don’t want to change.  I like eating leaves, and growing bigger. I want to stay a caterpillar for the rest of my life”.

Somehow in their DNA, a caterpillar reaches a point where it automatically weaves a cocoon around itself and in a period of time forces out of the cocoon as a butterfly.

I frequently quote Romans 12:2 “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”.  

How do you renew your mind?  In the example of my former student, she was backed up into a wall of obesity, diabetes, and unhappiness - and she fought back. She had an option - give up - or fight it through.

Can a convict be transformed into a model citizen?  Can an alcoholic be transformed into a sober community member?  I think so!!!

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PART II

For several years, I've written and believed that LOVE WINS!!!  That is ‘agape’ love - the Greek form of love (in addition to ‘eros’ and ‘philia’ love).  

I urge you to love one another, love your enemies, love your friends, love your neighbors, love your non-neighbors, and love EVERYBODY!!!

About a week ago as I was thinking about LOVE WINS, I was looking at the (self-made) poster on the wall “Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind”.

Can love transform a person?  

We’ve had fictional examples.  The Grinch in the Christmas Story is transformed when he hears the Who’s down in Whoville still singing - even though he stole all their Christmas presents and decorations.  The story says, ““And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through!”

Belle, in Beauty and the Beast, learns to love the Beast and that love transforms the beast into a prince.  

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Then the wording changed for me.  LOVE WINS seemed to jump to “LOVE TRANSFORMS”, or LOVE IS TRANSFORMATIVE.  

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I talk of being “smacked” by a two-by-four, having a “ton of bricks” fall on me, and being “run over by a Mack Truck”, (and then a road roller).  

I was changed.  I was transformed.  (almost)

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We all have self-talk.  It might be oral or just in our mind.

The easiest self-talk is “I can” or “I can’t”.  I can do this - or I can’t do this.  Simple - right?  (Okay, not simple!!)  

TALK TO YOURSELF in a TRANSFORMATIVE WAY.  My student said “I can do this” and she did.  

There are times when I still say “I can’t do it” - and then realize I’m short-changing myself!!!  I am capable of better things.!!

I need to not allow doubt and negativity in.  (Yes, I can make a free throw!! <grin>) (Yes, I LOVE to clean up my apartment!!! - <remember and say that Karen>)

LOVE WINS - AND LOVE TRANSFORMS!!

Karen White, © November 8, 2022