Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Below is a rough draft response my youngest daughter Morgan wrote to a question on a scholarship application. I am sharing this with you, not because of pride and feeling good about her response, but more importantly of the greater message.

We go about our daily lives responding and reacting to what life throws at us usually without giving much regard to what others see. We can choose to run and hide from the problems, or we can face them head-on and work through them. At the time we may not know or realize we are being watched. We do not know how others will interpret our actions. Morgan’s response to the question “Who are some of your favorite role models? Why?” reminded me of this.

My pain “anniversary date” is 31 JUL 94. This JUL marks 17 years of chronic pain that has impacted every facet of my life: physical health, ability to provide for my family, emotional impact on family, spiritual, daily activities, etc. Morgan was not yet 2 years of age when my pain started. Essentially, all of her memories are of a dad with pain. Yet, through it all, her young eyes and ears were observing me. Most children see their dads as “Superman” and can do no wrong, and then one day they realize that dads are merely human. Thankfully, most of them overlook that fact and still love unconditionally. I messed up a lot, yet she saw the good in my actions. There are many things I would love to take a mulligan, but sadly I cannot. I am proud of both of my daughters. They have had to deal with a lot in their lives, but each day they get up and go about life.

Morgan. Spring 2011.

As you read her words below, I ask you to think of your life. How are you dealing with “life”? What do others see? What can you do differently? So remember, someone is watching and as the old adage states, “Actions speak louder than words.”

Who are some of your favorite role models? Why?

Morgan Gilley: Without a doubt, my father is my biggest role model. While most children can consider one of their parents as a role model, my reasoning far extends past a parental/child bond. For the past sixteen years, my father has been physically disabled. He is also a chronic pain patient. From this, I have learned the most important lessons about life. On several occasions, I have heard people ask my dad how he can handle it. How can he deal with constant pain 24/7? Over the years, his actions and attitude taught me that quitting is never an option. No matter how hard life becomes, or what obstacles come your way, you work through them. You do your best with the hand you have been dealt and leave the rest up to the Lord. While it would have been the easy path for Daddy to throw in the towel over a decade ago, he will never give up. He clings to his faith and wakes up every day determined to be the best he can be. Lessons like these of perseverance, faith, responsibility, I cannot learn from any classroom. I only hope that one day, I will be able to impact a single person in the way that my father has inspired all of those he comes into contact with.