"DEFINING MOMENTS" ON THE JOURNEY OF LIFE
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
SPECIAL NOTE: Therefore, the “Defining Moments” are the personal discoveries of the meaning of our experiences. We must take an introspective (internal) and retrospective (external view of past) search into the depth and meaning of our experiences, in order to gain greater understanding of who we are and what paths we must travel in order to reach our greater destiny. The real question is, how do we make sense of the complicated situations in our lives? Sometimes this becomes quite overwhelming, as a constant struggle and main issue that we must address. When we are able to define things, it is at that point that we have a sense of both clarity and understanding in regard to its meaning. Perhaps this is a part of each individual’s philosophical quest in life. We must discover meaning from what could become a “maddening” situation. The discovery of meaning becomes our “Defining Moment” and it is through this experience that we have a sense of tranquility, as well as closure to those questions that have been a part of our struggle to understand. We are then able to move forward with a more positive sense of support and the realization that we can reach our goals and fulfill our greater destiny. We must never allow others to define who we are. I was told that I would never be successful and that I lacked in intellectual ability, but I did not accept that. I countered others perceptions of me and made it my personal challenge to succeed. Muhammad Ali was defined as being loud and boastful, but he won back his World Heavyweight Championship boxing Title in 1974 by defeating George Foreman in the historical bout referred to as the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs were defined as being too old, but yet they won a championship by defeating Miami Heat in 2014. The Golden State Warriors, after 40 years without a championship, were told that it was too late. They shocked the basketball world by winning a championship over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015. In times of adversity the true character of an individual enables them to define who they are, as opposed to what others have defined them as being. “We are all on a philosophical quest in life for purpose, meaning and understanding. The personal discovery of God’s Definite Plan for us, becomes God’s gift and revelation to us and our "DEFIN ING MOMENT.” Elliott Lyons, M. Div.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The author’s purpose in the writing of this particular literary account of his life was to offer practical and useful tools that will assist others in making wise decisions and beneficial choices in life. He draws from his unique personal, as well as professional knowledge and experiences, in the attempt to shed light upon what it truly means to discover one’s purpose, plan and meaning in life. The discovery of that plan, provides for us a sense of direction and understanding of how we fit into this vast and complex world. It is revealing for us to be blessed to make such a remarkable discovery. This documentary gives a detailed account of how to overcome adversities and reach a level of success. It gives useful advice and offers practical tools to utilize, in order to accurately analyze and assess the best plan of action. The ability to gain a clearer perspective and arrive at workable solutions is never an easy task. Vital Information and keys are offered. – Spiritual Keys (Chapter 3) – Financial Management Keys (Chapter 4) – Keys of Enlightenment / Success (Chapter 5) – Successful Marriage / Relationship Keys (Chapter 6) – Pastoral Care Keys (Chapter 7) and – New Insights / Decision Making Keys (Chapter 8). It is the author’s prayer, that he will be able to offer helpful tools that will hopefully assist in the decision making process. The goal is to encourage, enlighten, inform and inspire others on their journey of discovery, to move towards a greater sense of self-fulfillment and self-actualization. The revelation of workable solutions and enlightenment about who we truly are; our gifts and abilities, then becomes what is referred to as our purpose and plan in life and our “Defining Moment.” Everything becomes a little clearer and more meaningful to us when we are able to discover just how we fit into this blessed and great phenomenon called life. This mystery is made clearer to us and can only culminate in our discovery of “God.”
About the Author
This book is dedicated to God and to Eretta Lyons, the wife of Elliott, for over 24 years of marriage. It is also a tribute to Elliott’s devout grandmother, Mrs. Rosa Brown, along with his family. He hopes that this book will offer enlightenment, self-help tools, inspiration, as well as a clearer perspective on how to make the best choices for our lives. Elliott was born in Chicago, Illinois to Reverend and Mrs. Elliott and Elsie Lyons and raised by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and Rosa Brown in Galveston, Texas. He is a survivor of three near fatal car wrecks, three near death drowning encounters and escape from the ghetto violence crime life. He was given a second chance opportunity to begin a new life. This was the “defining moment” in Elliott’s life, with the acceptance of the call to the ministry in 1968. He understood that God had a greater plan and purpose for his life and would often say that, “God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.” He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas and Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He holds numerous awards and certificates which include certification in Clinical Pastoral Education-Commissioner’s Award of Outstanding Service / DHR – Substance Abuse and Offender Rehabilitation Counseling Certification – MAC (Masters Addiction Counselor) and CCCJS (Clinically Certified Criminal Justice Specialist), by National Forensic Association and National Board of Addiction Examiners. He is a current member of Cambridge Who’s Who Honor Society. He recorded his first CD entitled, “Songs of Inspiration” in 2007. Pastor Lyons brings to this body of work over 47 years of ministerial experience, which included pastoring, counseling / intervention, consultation, speaking on various school / college campuses, as well as conducting seminars. He retired, after 30 years of service from the Department of Human Resources receiving an award for faithful service in 2008. In February of 2013, he completed his retirement after 4 years of part time service as a consultant with the Developmentally Disabled, serving as a Public Relations Officer. He is an author, having published several books entitled, After Retirement: A New Chapter of Life and Effective Communication Through the Gift of Listening. He has recently completed the writing of his third book entitled, “Defining Moments” On The Journey of Life (2015 Xlibris Publishing). He is married to a devoted wife, The Reverend Eretta B. Lyons (Assistant Pastor of Welcome Chapel). She is currently retired as a Certified Special Education Teacher. He has a beloved son, Elliott Lyons III. Pastor Lyons carries out his ministerial duties, serving as current pastor of Welcome Chapel of Decatur, Georgia. He humbly attributes all of his achievements to the “Glory and Honor of God.”