By Nancy Virden (c)2022

In the 1970s, a famous man died by suicide. He was a funny man who is still missed by those who remember him, including me. His name was synonymous with comedic acting and I wish it had stayed that way. Now his memory is equated with suicide. Once a person is dead, there is no means to redeem a legacy.

A man in the 90s became known for partying and self-destructive living. He was an up-and-coming actor with several movies out already. As I recall, his reputation became tantamount to recklessness and terrible choices. After stints in jail, prison, and rehab centers, he grew to become one of the most successful actors of all time. His name is synonymous with talent and fresh starts. His legacy will be that of an overcomer.

No matter what a person has done, one’s reputation is only as good as the acts that follow. We each make mistakes, some more publicly shameful than others. Change is the keyword. Stick-to-it-iveness is the new-reputation creator.

Who are you today? Who do you want to be?

How are you perceived?

Admit wrongdoing if it is true. Hold your head up high if you are falsely accused. Take your next steps deliberately and carefully so as to introduce a high-quality version of yourself to the world.

There is no guarantee everyone will forget the past. However, your reputation can be a success story along the line, “Do you know what he came from? He is simply inspiring. I want to be like that.“

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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