In the realm of personal development literature, few authors can inspire and motivate readers quite like Jon Gordon. His book “The One Truth” is no exception. Packed with wisdom and guidance, it delves into the essential aspects of life, reminding us of the power of faith, purpose, and connection. In this blog post, we will explore some main points from “The One Truth” by Jon Gordon and discuss the importance of connection in addressing mental health.

Point 1: The Power of Purpose

Jon Gordon emphasizes the significance of discovering one’s purpose in life. It’s a timeless concept that finds strong support in the Bible.

Bible Verse: Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

This verse reminds us that our plans may not always align with God’s purpose. It’s important to seek and follow the path He has set for us, as it is through our purpose that we find true fulfillment and meaning.

Point 2: Discovering the One Truth

In the context of “The One Truth,” it implies that there is a central guiding force in our lives, just as Jesus is for many Christians. The One Truth can be seen as the unchanging core of our existence, providing us with direction, purpose, and meaning.

Bible Verse: John 14:6 (NIV)  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

This verse emphasizes that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

“The One Truth that guides our lives is like a North Star, unchanging and constant. It’s the source of our purpose and meaning.” This quote emphasizes the idea that we all have a guiding truth, a core principle or belief that helps us navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life.

Point 3: The Significance of Connection

One of the central themes in “The One Truth” is the power of connection with others. As human beings, we are social creatures, and relationships play a crucial role in our lives.

Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

This verse highlights the importance of companionship and mutual support. In life’s challenges and trials, having someone to lean on is invaluable. Connection with others can provide solace, strength, and a sense of belonging.

Highlight: Mental Health and Connection

Now, let’s turn our attention to the pressing mental health issue. In today’s fast-paced and often isolating world, many individuals struggle with their mental well-being. The Bible and Jon Gordon’s “The One Truth” both underscore the importance of connecting with others, especially in times of darkness.

Mental health can be an incredibly isolating experience, but the simple act of reaching out to a friend or family member can make a world of difference. As the Ecclesiastes Bible verses mentioned earlier suggest, having someone to help us up when we fall is essential for our mental and emotional well-being.

Connection can be a lifeline for those facing mental health challenges. It offers support, understanding, and the reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. It’s important to foster these connections, both within our faith communities and our broader social circles, to help combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide a safe space for healing.

In conclusion, “The One Truth” by Jon Gordon, guided by biblical principles, encourages us to discover our purpose, have faith, and prioritize meaningful connections. These three pillars not only enhance our quality of life but also play a crucial role in addressing mental illness. As we reach out to one another with love, compassion, and empathy, we take steps towards a more supportive and understanding world where mental health is nurtured and cherished.

“Sheriff? I’m sorry to interrupt but can I have your keys, please?”

Never thought I’d say that.  But I did. Nor, did I ever think I’d take over half a restaurant to set up cameras and film an interview.  But I was there. I also never thought I’d get to edit (or even know how to edit) a video about the Tarrant County Sheriff’s thoughts on adoption and the church’s role in it.  But I was taught how. Being a part of the media team at FOTP has given me the chance to be a part of a lot of important – and fun – things that I hadn’t imagined I’d be a part of.

Stand Sunday, an initiative designed to stand up for kids in foster care, was on November 10th.  Prior to it, we planned, had meetings, asked questions, and brainstormed about how we could successfully make a video to show FOTP’s commitment to defending those in need.  It was decided that the video could be the bulk of the message during services that week if there was enough good content for it. We were pretty much given freedom to share the Sheriff’s story and use as much time as we needed.    

After the idea was born, a plan had to be hatched to make it a reality.  The entire team played a part. A script for the day was made. Each shot was mapped out.  Equipment and manpower were assembled. Everyone was gathered to poke holes in the plan and make sure it would still float.  During all this, coordinating and scheduling with the Sheriff’s office was going on behind the scenes. Everyone was involved.

Up until this point, everything had gone well.  But sometimes you have questions. Will this work?  Can we do it? Will they like it? There was one moment in particular that stands out to me.  During a meeting, someone said something to the effect of, “I don’t know, I just can’t make the connection and visualize this yet.”  I think that’s a shared experience we all have. Often. Maybe even daily. Can I do this? I’ve prepared and practiced but now I’ve got to step onto the field and perform.  Can I do this? In the end, I think it came down to faith. Faith in God, in each other, and in our abilities. Without that faith, Stand Sunday at FOTP would’ve looked different.  

The day we filmed was one I won’t soon forget.  Every moment was great. That doesn’t mean it was easy.  To get the audio during the car ride, we had a chase vehicle following the Sheriff’s squad car, trying to stay close.  The chase car had a camera connected to the wireless mics in the Sheriff’s car so we could monitor the audio during the drive.  It didn’t take long for the mics to start cutting out, thus ruining the audio. We pulled over and almost decided we’d throw Matthew Martin in the back of the squad car with the camera so he could monitor the audio from the floorboard.  But that wouldn’t work because he’d be visible in all the shots. So, more faith, this time in our equipment. We left the camera in the back of the squad car and trusted that the audio would get captured without issue (and without being monitored).  It worked.

Once at the restaurant, we met up with the manager who allowed us to use their space.  The lunch rush was winding down, and he gave us the green light. We took over a good chunk of his dining room, moved some tables, set up lights and cameras, and promptly scared away any remaining diners nearby.  During all this, I realized that the GoPro cameras in the Sheriff’s car were still running. It was weird, I didn’t hesitate to ask for his keys. And he didn’t hesitate to give them to me. When I was close enough to unlock the car with the remote I saw two police officers riding towards me on bikes.  It was obvious that I’d end up at the Sheriff’s car at the same time they would. Surely they’d see me opening his car and climbing inside, right? That would be awkward. Should I delay so they ride past and let me rifle through the squad car in peace? Drunk with power (I’ve got the Sheriff’s keys for cryin’ out loud!), I decided to go for it.  I’m in a hurry, I figured, they’ll understand. I was equal parts relieved and disappointed when they rode by without noticing. Maybe I looked like the valet guy.

I went back inside and the rest of the day was smooth sailing.  The Sheriff and Chuck were both amazing. Our crew was amazing. Editing the video was occasionally tricky (I’m probably not shooting with a GoPro’s color set to FLAT anytime soon) but overall it wasn’t that difficult.  The planning made it simple. The story was already there and the only thing left to do was put the last piece in the puzzle. We learned a few things (mostly about GoPros) but that’s what makes it so great.  

We can do it even better next time.  When can we start?!   

I’ve been blessed in my life to have had the opportunity to travel. I have a job that allows me to travel with ease and my daughter, Rayah, lives in Europe. This has afforded me the opportunity to explore, here and abroad, various cities and towns. The depth of history in Europe is astounding to me, though I’m especially fond of exploring old churches. If left to my own devices, I’ll spend hours roaming around old church grounds absorbing the past. I find it awe-inspiring. 

I’ve visited many churches of vastly different ages, styles, and dissimilar cultures. All have a unique testimony to tell, if you listen for it. For example, the Vatican spoke to me through a 400 year old Raphael painting—a fresco that displayed a broken statue of a man shattered upon the floor, with the cross on the pedestal it once stood. Oh my soul, to lay broken at the foot of Jesus daily! 

In Barcelona, Spain I found myself on the rooftop of a 700-year-old cathedral at noon. To my delight the old bells on the tower started to chime—then the bells on an adjacent church started to chime. Then another, and another… The Holy Spirit rang out, calling all to come and worship. I became overwhelmed again by the immensity of a church’s testimony. 

Later that same trip a storm rolled into town leading Dawn and me to slip into the doors of another medieval time period cathedral to escape. The sound of a children’s choir filled the sanctuary as it had probably many, many times before our own visit but it froze me in place. I could almost close my eyes and hear the angels sing. So beautiful. 

In a series of small chapels in Italy, the skeletons of 3,700 Capuchin Monks testify that “What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be…”. Their skeletal remains arranged decoratively, with hands holding a scythe and another holding scales, is not as macabre of a display as you’d think. It was a deliberate timeless testimony from them that life is short and death is certain. 

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Most recently, I took a stroll through Ixworth Village in England. I found myself, as usual, drawn to the church. I walked in and was welcomed kindly by Pastor Francis Brown, who graciously allowed me to wander through the building unescorted. She asked if I had any questions and eagerly told me answers. Her joy and kindness of sharing her church heritage were infectious and inspiring. 

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Closer here to home, in Alabama exploring an antebellum cemetery, I stumbled upon a headstone that had an incredible statement on it: “By faith, our loving Pastor, still speaks to us.” I was instantly overwhelmed with the love and overpowering presence of the Holy Spirit. It was a life-defining moment for me. 

The inscription on the headstone is a reference to Hebrews 11:4. 

“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.” 

Pastor Justin Paulk shared with us one Sunday morning about his own visit to Westminster Abbey. He described a scene I so easily recognized and long to experience again. Justin described it as his “Thin moment.” He went on to explain that a thin moment is what the Celt’s call experiences when we feel in our bones that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. It’s a sacred place. Holy ground. 

The awe and wonder of God’s love for His church are so deep and prevalent throughout history. Every church has this history. Every church has a thin moment to experience. 

So much of what we do here at Fellowship of the Parks will echo past our lifetime: reaching the disconnected, restoring families, defending those in need. What an absolutely beautiful mission for our church: Our thin moment is now. 

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me.
Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4