September 03, 2020 by Jermaine E. Martin
Passion is a powerful force. Like other powerful forces in nature, if the energy from that force is able to be harnessed, it can take us to new heights in life.
Passion is also a gift- a gift from God. One that we don’t often get to choose, but rather chooses us. Its presence is often unexplainable, but its power can often make the difference between happiness, success, and even failure. All of us have something that we’re passionate about, but typically, we don’t know how to use that passion or share it successfully. Oftentimes, it’s a lack of courage that prevents us from opening up about the things we are passionate about. Like most things that emanate from the heart, we have a natural tendency to protect or even hide our passions. This is usually out of concern for being vulnerable. Suffice to say –“Show me someone who’s passionate, and I will show you someone who’s brave.”
“A person or movement without passion has no more value than a candle without a flame or fire without light.”
In our world, passionate people and passionate movements rarely go unnoticed. They can serve as beacons of light in a dark crowd or a much needed spark that ignites our flames. During tough times, like our country is experiencing today, it’s nearly impossible to escape the abundance of “passionate” debate in the public arena of ideas as to how best to solve our nation’s problems. However, it should be pointed out, as stated so eloquently in this powerful quote -“To be of value, passion must be illuminated by knowledge. Before giving our heart, we must make sure the object of our passion is ennobling, not destructive.” If there has ever been a time in our lifetime that these words needed to be heeded, today would be the day.
“Passion that is ennobling” is how the battle of ideas in won. Consider the battle for the very foundation of this country. It was won heavily because of the power of passion. One side was unquestionably superior in military strength, but the other side had the strength of passion on their side. The leaders that led the movement for America’s independence channeled their passion towards an ennobling cause -the cause of FREEDOM. As a result, they were able to unleash the courage and will power that was strong enough to overcome the world’s mightiest empire.
Of course, I wasn’t around during the battle for America’s independence, but I was around during another time period when America was extremely “passionate” about a cause and more united than ever. It was during the 1980’s and there was a “Cold War” going on. America was looked up to as the “good guys” who stood up against communism and the big, bad Soviet Union and won! America was united. We were a beacon of freedom, hope, and inspiration to the rest of the world. At home, we had a renewed sense of passion for who we were as Americans. Even with our differences, we were appreciative and proud of our home.
A lot of the rekindling of patriotism during those scary years was due in part to American leadership at the time. It was passionate and unapologetic for standing up for America’s greatness. The thing about passionate American leadership, steered by our Founding Principles, is that it transcends politics, unites us, and pours into all aspects of our culture.
As Americans and as individuals, we must always remain passionate and maintain an offensive position when it comes to standing for our values and principles. However, we must always be mindful of passion that is not ennobling or grounded in truth. No matter how well intended, ill guided passion will always put your cause at a considerable disadvantage.
Remember, Passion gets it power from the foundation of truth that it stands on.
Jermaine E. Martin is an empowerment leader, speaker and author of “American Mindset: Unstuck & Unstoppable” (Amazon), out now.