Encouraging Treats

So, it was just a hoax. Whew! Earlier today, I read tweets and posts online about the death of Cesar Millan, the “dog whisperer”. It didn’t really sink in until after I got home from work. However, after checking his official Facebook page and reading more updated articles online, I learned that it was just a false report. No wonder it didn’t make the headlines of newspapers worldwide. Usually, when celebrities pass away, everyone immediately gets informed — thanks to technology.

This event reminded me of a song that I heard recently while I was browsing through YouTube. It was written and sung by Danny Gokey (third place finalist on the eighth season of American Idol). I wasn’t able to watch that season, but I learned about Danny’s story online while watching his interviews. Four weeks before he auditioned for American Idol, he lost his wife due to complications of a routine surgery for congenital heart disease. It was a devastating experience for him, but by God’s grace, He used Danny’s darkest moments in life to bring out good and give hope to others who are also experiencing similar struggles. Praise God for you, Danny Gokey!

One of his songs called “One Life” talks about the reality of death and how important it is for us to maximize the life that God has blessed us with. In the song, he mentions tragic events that people experience all over the world – those that lead to death. However, he also comforts the listeners by encouraging them to be serious in extending love to others while we still can, while we’re still alive and breathing.

I’ve been listening to this song since Monday this week and it has been such an encouragement to me. I love it because its sound remind me of my favorite songs in the 90’s, but more importantly, the message of the song helps my heart re-focus on more important things in life – like, living for God, loving Him and others, and sharing the hope that I have in Him to the people around me.

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” –James 4:14

“How was she to know as she ran and slammed the door
That the angry words she spoke were the last words she would breathe
How was she to see eternity between the red light and the green
It all ended suddenly

Cause tomorrow isn’t promised
All we have is one life, is one time
To live and love and make it right”

[One Life – Danny Gokey]

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” –Mark 12:30-31

P.S. Dear Cesar Millan, I’m glad you’re still alive. May God bless you and use you to be a blessing to more people. I pray that you will also know Him more each day. :)

Encourage yourself one treat at a time. :)