Quitters in the Bible - Quitters...The Series Pt.3

This is a repost by Jeff Smith titled Famous Quitters

We've all heard the statement that "Quitters never win." This is true because of their decision to give up and not try to gain the victory. Having this attitude has never worked in athletics, academics, or any other walk of life. It certainly won't work in the most important walk...our journey toward our eternal destination. Let's examine some "Quitters" found in the Scripture and see what we can learn from them.

w Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18)

After his great victory on Mt. Carmel, the prophet becomes afraid of Jezebel's threats and flees for his life. God must speak to him, reassuring him that there was still "7000 who had not yet bowed the knee to Baal." He was to go back, for there was still much work to do.

w Jonah (Jonah 1-4)

This prophet was not willing to accept his mission to preach to an evil and ruthless people, the Assyrians. He learned the hard way that one cannot run from God and the obligations He places on us.

w Some of the 5,000 (Jn. 6:1-66)

Having been the beneficiaries of a miracle the previous day, those who were fed by Christ come looking for Him, obviously wanting more (v. 26). Jesus lets them know that He offers something far more important than physical sustenance - the "food that endures to eternal life" (v. 27). After the Lord says much more, they validate what the Lord already knew. They quit following because they were not that interested (v. 66).

w Judas Iscariot (Mt. 27:3-5)

We know all about Judas' character and motivation - money (Jn. 12:3-6). What obviously started with Judas as another means to gain money eventually turned into the most remorseful moment of his life. He could not bear to keep the money. When the attempt to return the "blood money" failed, he could not bear to live with himself. He committed the ultimate act of quitters - suicide.

What do we learn from these accounts? Quitting isn't the end unless we want it to be. Nothing of any value is ever gained easily. Therefore, we must persevere. If we have quit, we still have opportunity to repent and come back to God unless we are like Judas. So don't quit. If you have, repent before it's too late!!

HQIC - Quitters...The Series

My father is a habitual Quitter. The HQIC (Head Quitter In Charge) This guy couldn't commit to life. He always had an excuse, always asked why someone else wouldn't do what he was tasked with. My parents are divorced and both of them are in the medical field. So as far as I can remember, say age 6 or so he would call me the week before he was suppose to pick me up and hype me for our weekend together. I would hear promises of skiing trips, basketball weekends, baseball games, Dad time; and come Saturday morning I would wait patiently with my clothes packed for my weekend boycation with my Father. A few hours later, I would be waiting...hours later still waiting. My Mother would would bring me food but I would not eat because he promised we would eat together someplace nice. Throughout my wait, if I was lucky he'd call and tell me he was on his way or stuck in traffic on the Pennsylvania Turnpike...but deep down I knew that meant he was not coming. Despite my feelings, I believed in his words and his promise, until it was dark outside and no Audi, no Bronco, no Explorer, no BMW, no recognizable vehicle to stop at my apartment entrance with an open door to pick me and my dreams up for the weekend; No Dad.

Sound familiar? If not then you are not among the millions of kids a year who suffer from these shiftless people. It's just like someone who has a cold, but doesn't cover their mouth when they sneeze. They just spread their sickness to others, but maybe the next person doesn't get a cold, maybe they get the Flu, or Mumps, or Mad Cow disease. The point is these Quitters come in varied forms and the only consistent thing in their life is, their habit of quitting.

If you are a quitter, then please seek immediate medical attention and stop infecting the GenPop.

The "I Quit" Syndrome!

Have you ever met a quitter? C'mon be honest..you know a quitter. Now I know you may be thinking that a quitter is someone who only quits on big issues, but thats not entirely true. A quitter can be a quitter on any level. A quitter can be someone who walks out on a family, never to return. A quitter can be someone who gives up on something after giving their all. A quitter can be someone who avoides difficult situations or conversations when things are not going their way, they just packup and leave.

My father is a habitual Quitter. This guy couldn't commit to life. He always had an excuse, always asked why someone else wouldn't do what he was tasked with. This guy is a loser....but I digress.

These people are generally nice, good, whole-hearted people. You may see them at times even championing a great cause but when the storm comes, the struggle comes, the disagreement comes...when things do not go their way, they say "I'll TTYL" and roll out, never to be seen again. They never want any responsibility, but yet have the nerve to complain or even have a thought about how to do something better than the leader is already doing it; they even go so far as to join a team and when asked to up their level of participation beyond what they want to do or thought they would be doing, they ask "Why can't YOU do it?" Or come up with a host of excuses. When left alone these people can be extremely beneficial to a project, team and/or family however, when their number is call up for duty they can be the cause great strees and strain due to their unwillingness to submit to their given authority and any subsequent tasks that are due them.

Well you may be asking, what can you do to fix this issue? I'm glad you asked the question. The only thing that you can do is roll with the punches. That means take it on a case by case basis. Quitters are everywhere in life; bosses, parents, kids, husbands, wives, governements, businesses, baby mommas and baby daddys. Generally you should limit the amount of involvement that you have with these people if at all possible. If you can't, then you must evaluate what impact their "Syndrome" will have on your life and then plan/act accordingly. In the past I have been known for ejecting quitters from my circle. Given the current state of the world, no one can afford a quitter. They are just too expensive to keep around. They cost millions in productivity and time both of which, you can never get back. The biggest problem with the "I Quit" syndrome is that it is contagious. It can travel through sound and through sight; it can and will eventually spread to others if something is not done.

The most important thing about Quitters is that they are not consistent in their quitting. If they are quitters at home, they are loyal at work. If they are loyal at work then they are quitters in their hobbies. They are not bad people, just complicated. So because I love quitters so much, I have provided a guide to Quit "Quitting".

If you or a loved one is currently a victim of this horriffic syndrome and want help, then you must do the following

1. Admit you have a problem - Be honest with yourself

2. Find the root of your "Quitting" for each circumstance - There is a reason you are giving up

3. Begin today a renewed committment to being a follower - Followers are loyal and valuable, quitters are not; just look at Twitter

4. Don't Quit - No matter what the issue is, stick it out, work it out

Remember "Quitters" make ineffective leaders because they have yet to succeed at following. No matter who you are, we all have quit on something. What have you done to turn your life around Quitter?

Black History Month

So, we are just into February and as everyone knows; this is Black History Month in the US. This is the month when we as people are to celebrate the accomplishments of our community at large. Ironically though, this month already has seen some of our biggest "accomplishments".

1) Rihanna & Chris Brown Situation


First up is the whole Rihanna & Chris Brown situation. I do not condone domestic violence...against men or women. Due to the delicate nature of this situation, I am not going to really say who did what to whom...because frankly I do not have all the details. I will say this though, It is a shame what happened to Rihanna. It should never go so far as to beat on a woman in any way. My heart goes out to Rihanna, and Chris Brown. Rihanna is looked upon by many as your sister, she's fine, funny and handling her business and it's just puzzling to me how this could happen. I feel for Chris because he has yet to reach the pinnacle of his success and has so much ahead of him but, with this current situation; it looks like its curtains for Chris and his bangin career. We'll have to wait and see what happens. For the record as a producer and a consumer, I am a fan of both artist. Click here for the link.

2) DMX On Lockdown.


Last month DMX was sentenced to 90 days in county jail. Well on Feb 8, he was sent to solitary confinement for 23 hours a day following a verbal altercation with Maricopa County Sheriff detention officers. He could possibly be in solitary confinement for a month. I'm a DMX fan as are many other people and I'm tired of seeing X go through this revolving door. Click here for the link.

3) Faizon Love Charged With Assault


Okay, now Faizon has been doing his thing for awhile, he's extremely talented. But come on yo! Dude was booked Monday in West Hollywood over the alleged altercation that happended outside the Standard Hotel on Jan 7. If convicted he could face up to four years in state prison. Click here for the link

Please pray for our people. I want to see everyon succeed. We live and die by the choices we make. We are all human and have our moments but please, for the love of God, can we use a little bit more wisdom and have our "moments" outside of Black history Month.

Is There a Recession of Heart & Love?

Last night I was talking to a friend of mine and she was telling me about her somewhat recent breakup. She was with this guy for a few years and she is about to experience her first Valentine's Day Alone. It saddened me to hear how her little heart was broken. She just needed an ear and some words of encouragement. So in closing, I pose the question to you.

Is there a recession of heart & love in these rough economic times?

If so, is there any bailout that will help fuel recovery?

Who Am I?

Hey family. Welcome to my blog. It's been a long time coming and finally after much debate, this day has come. My blog will cover a variety of topics, mostly my observations on technology, the job market, starting my own business, Apple, cars, and life. While you may not agree with everything that I say here it will definitely be interesting.

My name is Rudolph Valentino. I am a graduate of Howard University, with my BBA in Management Information Systems & Analysis, Class of 2004. I am currently in the beginning stages of my startup while looking for employment in LA from DC. I am also a Social Media Consultant for a few non-profits and high profile clientele in the entertainment industry in LA and NY.

I have GINORMOUS dreams of owning my own businesses and being able to give the gift of employment and creativity to people so that they can not only express themselves but take control of their future.

I will be blogging quite frequently. So tune in, bookmark us and enjoy