On display at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, is
an ancient door with a rough, hewn, rectangular opening hacked
in the center. Here's the story:
In 1492 two Irish families (the Ormonds and Kildares) were
involved in a bitter feud. Besieged by Gerald Fitzgerald (the
Earl of Kildares), Sir James Butler (the Earl of the Ormonds)
and his followers took refuge in St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The seige wore on for several weeks and Gerald Fitzgerald
concluded that the feud was foolish. The two families
worshipped the same God, lived in the same community, and
attended the same church--yet they were engaged in a life or
death battle. Fitzgerald went to the chapel door where the
Ormands were held up. He called Sir James and promised on his
honor that no harm would come him.
Sir James feared treachery and refused to respond. Fitzgerald
grabbed a spear and hacked a hole in the door. Then he thrust
his arm through it. In a moment his arm was grasped by Sir
James and the feud ended. It was from this gesture that we get
the expression "Chancing (risking) one’s arm."
"Chancing the arm!" Such and act involves the possibility of
great peril or tragedy. "Chance the arm" and somebody might cut
it off. On the other hand, if you do nothing, you will probably
battle yourself into oblivion. Some things that are worth the
risk.
To be successful in any of life's ventures will demand that we
cultivate the ability to take some risks in our lives. I
learned this 18 years ago when I attended my Senior Prom with my
date--the gorgeous captain of the cheerleading squad. No, I
wasn't a jock or Mr. Popularity. How did I get such a date?
Quite simply I took a chance. I asked the girl out and she said
YES!
I learned an important lesson. If you want something you've got
to go for it. There are no guarantees your dreams will come
true if you go for them. But one thing is certain! Your dreams
will never come true if you don't take a chance and risk
something. No matter how you slice it, SUCCESS demands RISK.
What do you want? Are you willing to take some risks to achieve
your desired success?
Do you want to be a successful in Network Marketing? Then
you've got to risk some rejection when you make your prospecting
phone calls.
Do you want to be a successful author? The you've got to WRITE
your articles and risk rejection after you SUBMIT THEM.
Want to have a successful romantic relationship with somebody
special? Then you've got to risk letting down your guard and
being emotionally vulnerable.
What risks are you willing to take today to make all your
tomorrows more successful?
Chance the arm!
Dr. Bill Nieporte is editor of "The Success In Life Newsletter."
Subscribe at http://ezinesuccess.com. Also subscribe to "The Sunday Sermon," and read Dr. Nieporte's weekly sermons as preached at The Red Bank Baptist Church.
