Share Truth. Love Others. Offer Hope.
For nearly two decades, my mantra to "ShareTruth," "Love Others," and "Offer Hope" has served me well in every role I play... from Christian, husband and father to entrepreneur, teacher, and coach. Because when I receive these (i.e., I Seek Truth, I Receive Love, and I Choose Hope), I am uniquely equipped to give these blessings to others. Having said that, I developed a series of PEP (i.e., People Engagement Program) Talks around this concept and am now working on a companion book for those who want to take a deeper dive.
For more information:
“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.'" Matthew 22:37-38 (ESV)
SEEK TRUTH.
To “Seek Truth” is to embrace a lifelong commitment to learning and growth. We should hold truth like a baby: tightly enough that we do not drop it, yet gently enough that we do not crush it. This posture keeps us humble, teachable, and willing to grow.
RECEIVE LOVE.
To receive is to willingly accept what life and others have to offer. When we receive with an open mind, grateful heart, and humble spirit, we make room for growth. When we appreciate the value being poured into us, we become better prepared to pour it into others.
CHOOSE HOPE.
To “Choose Hope” is to believe that life has order, truth has authority, and good will ultimately overcome evil... ALWAYS. Hope directs our thoughts toward what is possible instead of allowing fear, doubt, anxiety, or despair to define what comes next. Our power comes from our choices.
"And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39 (ESV)
SHARE TRUTH.
To testify is to bear witness to the truth. In short, we share what we have seen, heard, and experienced... boldly enough to be heard but humbly enough to point beyond ourselves. From this perspective, our words and lives offer evidence of what we know to be true.
LOVE OTHERS.
To serve is to actively express and demonstrate the connection we have to life. When we serve others with our head, heart, and hands, our presence is felt. When we ADD value to the world, we attract more of it to ourselves. Put another way, "what goes in, comes out."
OFFER HOPE.
To offer hope is to help others see what is possible, even when they cannot see it themselves. Through our words, actions, and presence, we remind people that darkness never has the final word. Offering hope points toward what can be restored, redeemed, and made new.
About Romy
Romy Blystone has worked with youth, and in particular, at-risk youth, since he was one himself back in the late 80’s.
This includes working in a daycare at UW-Whitewater, as a “manny” for a family with three young children, as a director of an after-school program, at a local group home and shelter care facility, in a high school at-risk setting, in a jail program, and with high school students in an apprenticeship program. Romy has also mentored students with emotional issues and coached multiple sports every year for 30 years.
Today, Romy's passion is to teach character/leadership habits, social/emotional intelligence, and employability/entrepreneurial skills. From his personal testimony to his certification as a Habitudes® Master Consultant, to his current career path as a high school special education teacher, his message rings true no matter where you come from… or where you are going.
