Courageous Kindness
Savvy Saturdays (1/30/21)
I finished a book recently called “Deep Kindness”, which introduces a revolutionary way of kindness.
It states that besides the kindness that is used out of respect (like please and thank you), or the kindness that people may post on social media posts, there is a kindness that is deep and permeates the soul.
Unfortunately, the kindness that impacts lives is not easy, and it is something that most people don’t act upon.
The book mentions that there are three potential reasons why deep kindness isn't acted upon; Incompetence, Insecurity, and Inconvenience.
Incompetence stops deep kindness because of unfamiliarity.
Insecurity stops deep kindness because of fear.
Inconvenience stops deep kindness because of apathy.
While reading the book, I couldn’t help but feel deep kindness to be difficult. It is easy to think of excuses and to think of thoughts like:
“I’m not competent enough…”
“I have insecurities I’m dealing with…”
“It’s such an inconvenience to my main mission…”
But the truth is, what’s lacking is courage.
Through honest self-reflection, we can recognize all the excuses we may have that may blind ourselves from the leap of faith we need to take.
Yes, competence can help.
Addressing insecurities can improve awareness.
And creating more time can reduce inconvenience.
But ultimately we must learn to care and have courage.
The impact that changes lives and captures souls requires a willingness to do what isn’t easy and to do what’s right.
For me, even as I write this, I can’t help but know that talking the talk is so much easier than walking the walk.
As the book states:
"Courage is a choice, not a gift."
In the moment when action is called, what choice will you make at the crossroads?
Will you choose the easy way out?
Or will you take the courage, to show deep kindness and make an impact?
The choice is yours.
Questions to ponder: 🤔
Which area (incompetence, insecurity, inconvenience) is stopping you from impacting lives and showing “deep kindness”?
What is one small way you can take courage to show “deep kindness” this coming week?
Weekly Collections
A collection of resources for you to enjoy… 📰 🎬 🎙️
Learning as a Programmer
Become a better learner and developer by:
Being an active part of the developer community
Starting your own blog
Building side projects
—Learn Something New Every Day as a Software Developer
Funny Programming Joke
Weekly Tidbits
Learnings, verses, & quotes to chew on… 🧐
Verse of the Week
“Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.”
—Psalm 119:73-77
Challenging Quote
“I tell my kids, what is the difference between a hero and a coward? What is the difference between being yellow and being brave?
No difference. Only what you do. They both feel the same. They both fear dying and getting hurt. The man who is yellow refuses to face up to what he’s got to face. The hero is more disciplined and he fights those feelings off and he does what he has to do.
But they both feel the same, the hero and the coward. People who watch you judge you on what you do, not how you feel.”
—Cus D'Amato
Weekly Update
Personal life stuff… 🔔
Hello friends,
Greetings from Austin! 👋
Last time I shared that I’ll be fasting this week and next for my church in order to help realign my heart with God, and it’s been good gaining clarity in my faith, questioning my beliefs, and being able to ground myself deep in truths about God and Jesus. 🙏
One resource that’s been insightful and helpful during the time is “Reason for God” by Tim Keller. This book challenges arguments against the Christian faith in a very intellectual way and provides a perspective to take faith more seriously, and even question beliefs if you’re not a Christian. (highly recommend👌)
On another note, this past couple weeks ago, I joined a community of entrepreneurs called the Underdogs. Created by Noah Kagan, an entrepreneur in Austin, this community has been amazing!😳
Even though the community is relatively small, there’s something special about how the people impact and encourage one another. I’ve experienced the multiplicative effect of a community of like-minded individuals who partner with one another, and personally grown 10xs in my communication, confidence, and care, and it’s only been two weeks! 💪
Who knows what 2021 has in store with this new community. Honestly, I can’t wait!
Anyways, here are several pictures from this past week: 📷
Thanks for checking in, and for those of y’all who joined this week, welcome!
With that, stay safe 😷 , keep it savvy 😎, and I’ll see y’all in the next update 😊
Eric
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Want to write a guest post? Have a cool article, resource, verse, or quote to share? Email me @ eric-lee [at] utexas [dot] edu.