The National Anthem

Today, allow me to ask you a question: when was the last time you thought about your National Anthem?

Having witnessed the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the memories still linger with me.  You and I get to hear the various national anthems each time a winner is announced for bronze, silver, or gold.

The opening Ceremony for the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milano Cortina is no different, with a sense of pride throughout the Olympic village.

I’m sure that while we are watching the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, there will be at least one event where everyone can agree there were only winners: the Opening Ceremony, which took place this past Friday, on February 6, 2026.

“Held primarily at Milan’s historic San Siro Stadium, the Opening Ceremony is a chance for the host country to show off a bit of local pride while honoring all nations, starting things off with a bang and a moment of unity as the Olympic torch relay culminates in the lighting of the cauldron. Or in this case, for the first time in Olympics history, two cauldrons — one Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo, representing both host cities.”

Events will continue through the closing ceremony on February 22, 2026. The Paralympics will take place the following month, from March 6, 2026, to March 15, 2026.

See the Olympics schedule for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games

We hear various national anthems many times a year, depending on the host country’s location, but they don’t stick in our minds; is it passive because they’re not ours?

I’m not a big sports fan and hardly watch any major championships, including the Super Bowl.

However, early this past week, I came across Pharrell and Voices of Fire in relation to the 2025 World Series.

 

Pharrell, Voices of Fire to perform on-field before World Series Game 1

Little did I know that I would be captivated by the choir singing our National Anthem.

Of course, not to mention yesterday was the Super Bowl with Charlie Puth performing the national anthem. It was another captivating moment.

Charlie Puth sings Super Bowl LX national anthem at Levi’s Stadium | Super Bowl LX

I also enjoyed hearing Coco Jones sing “The Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice and Sing, the hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900.

Coco Jones Sings Lift Every Voice and Sing at Super Bowl: Watch

During the month of February, let’s not forget the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice,” and Black History Month, which is now in its second week.

We have so much to be proud of as Black Americans, despite this country’s current state. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the singing of “Lift Every Voice” grows louder each year.

Lift Every Voice and Sing | NAACP

This week, as you take a moment to watch the Winter Olympics, I challenge you to think about all those whose dreams will come true.  Regardless of who stands on the Olympic Podium as they hear their National Anthem being played.

Today, I honor the words of George Foreman and his achievements.

“The Olympic Gold medal in 1968 was definitely the highest moment of my career. It was a dream come true. I was a 19-year-old boy, and it was just amazing to be standing on top of the podium and hearing the National Anthem in the background.” ~ George Foreman

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/the-national-anthem/

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Lost and Found

Today, allow me to ask you a question: when was the last time you lost something very important and then found it?

This week, I’m thanking God for his amazing grace.

Last week, after over 2 years, I received a text from one of my siblings saying that my oldest sister, who is 75, was alive and well.

In our case, as a family, we relied on information from my oldest sister’s children to help us find her after we intentionally left it up to the universe.

I believe all the prayers worked because each of us was mentally drained, not knowing her status.

I waited a day after hearing the good news that one of my sisters had spoken with her, needing confirmation for myself.

As I wrote in my gratitude journal this past Wednesday, on February 11, 2026, I was grateful that my sister was alive and well.

I found out after speaking to her that she admitted she was in a dark place in her life, disconnected from everyone, and is now doing better.

If you only knew the joy and jubilation I felt during those 30 minutes talking with her, I can’t begin to describe it.

It was also a testament to keeping the faith that we would find her.

I’m humbled to have a greater understanding of resilience and to have earned 51 of 60 credits for Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

In those moments, I heard about her breakthrough. As I listened without passing judgment, it was clear that she wanted to live.

Life has a way of giving you another opportunity if you’re willing to take it.

In my case, I was given another opportunity to connect with her and show her that we, as a family, love her.

I’m sure my other siblings are elated as well, and everyone plans to reach out to her in person.

My goal is to visit in October or November this year, based on my calendar, and to stay connected until then.

Although I asked, “When was the last time you lost something very important and then you found it may not seem important?” What is important to me is life.

We sometimes take life for granted until it’s taken from us.

We hear the words “I love you”; however, we don’t take the time to tell others we love them until we’re at their funeral or when it’s too late.

I believe my siblings and I agree we need to stay in touch more often.

Too often, it takes a funeral or a tragic event to bring a family together.

As I carry this life lesson into another chapter, I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to tell my sister I loved her last week.

Therefore, today, take a moment in your life to tell someone you have not spoken to in a while that you love them as well.

I believe this quote by Anais Nin describes our conversation from last week.  “I postpone death by living, by suffering, by error, by risking, by giving, by losing.”

I woke up yesterday morning, hearing the words “We are more than we hold” spoken very clearly to my unconscious mind.

I was so clear about it that I had to write it down to ensure I didn’t forget.

We are more than we hold because of God’s grace.  Sometimes we believe we can’t hold it all together, but I’ve found out we can.

Ironically, when I Googled it, the phrase “encourages us to recognize our capacity for growth and resilience beyond our current limitations.”

It validated my thoughts for today.

Today is Presidents’ Day, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it.

In the article “Reimagining Presidents Day,” Seth Levi and Jalaya Liles Dunn state that “Presidents Day offers an opportunity to consider how U.S. presidents have used power — for good or harm — and what that means for us.”

In his 1981 Farewell Address to the Nation, President Jimmy Carter leaves us with his lived understanding of the power of the presidency and the people: “We are asking our political system to do things of which the founding fathers never dreamed. … We are all Americans together, and we must not forget that the common good is our common interest and our individual responsibility. Because of the fragmented pressures of … special interests, it’s very important that the office of the president be a strong one, and that its constitutional authority be preserved. The president is the only elected official charged with the primary responsibility of representing all the people.”

Reimagining Presidents Day

This week, take a moment in your life to tell someone you have not spoken to in a while that you love them as well.  As you celebrate Presidents Day today, know that all is not lost, because “We are more than we hold.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/lost-and-found/

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How Public Speakers in Alabama Help Organizations Communicate with Confidence

In today’s competitive and fast-moving business world, the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and with impact isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Whether you’re leading a corporate team, organizing an industry conference, or hosting a fundraising event, the quality of the message and how it’s delivered can make all the difference between an ordinary gathering and one that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

At the core of this transformation are expert communicators who bring clarity, energy, and credibility to your organization’s most important moments. The role of public speaking in strengthening organizational communication has never been more vital—and working with seasoned professionals elevates both your internal culture and external reputation.

Why Effective Communication Matters for Organizations

Strong communication is the backbone of every successful organization. It influences teamwork, helps drive innovation, nurtures leadership, and builds trust with clients, partners, and stakeholders. But conveying a message effectively—especially in front of an audience—requires more than just good intentions. It takes skill, practice, and a deep understanding of how to engage people in meaningful ways.

Quality speaking doesn’t just deliver information; it builds a connection between the speaker and the audience. This connection encourages attention, inspires action, and fosters alignment with organizational goals. Professional voices have the ability to bring complex ideas to life, frame challenges as opportunities, and rally teams around a shared vision.

The Transformative Role of Public Speakers in Alabama

This is where specialized expertise becomes a game-changer. When you choose Public Speakers in Alabama through a trusted provider, your organization gains access to professionals who know how to craft and deliver messages that resonate with diverse audiences. These speakers bring a mix of storytelling, persuasion, and insight that helps your audience not only understand your message but feel it.

What sets great speakers apart is their ability to listen to organizational needs, tailor presentations to context, and deliver with confidence and clarity. They can help you:

• Refine your message: Skilled speakers translate your core themes into clear, memorable talking points that reflect your brand and values.
• Inspire and motivate: By weaving in powerful stories, real-world examples, and audience-relevant takeaways, they elevate your message from informative to transformative.
• Boost audience engagement: Great speakers read the room, adjust pacing, and use dynamic presentation techniques to keep audiences invested from start to finish.

These capabilities are essential whether you’re addressing internal teams, clients, industry leaders, or community groups. Organizations that invest in strong communication often see improved alignment across departments, higher morale among employees, and increased interest from partners and customers.

Supporting Organizational Goals Through Expert Delivery

Professional speaking adds value far beyond the event itself. A speaker who understands your industry and audience can reinforce your organizational goals in ways that resonate long after the session ends. This becomes especially significant for organizations seeking to:

• Accelerate change initiatives: Leaders can use external voices to reinforce important internal messages such as new strategic direction or cultural transformation.
• Strengthen brand reputation: A compelling presentation at an industry event positions your organization as a thought leader and demonstrates credibility to key stakeholders.
• Improve employee performance: Engaging speakers can refocus teams, inspire personal accountability, and reinforce the behaviors that support organizational success.

In short, bringing in experienced professional speakers lifts the communication burden off your internal team and ensures your message lands with maximum clarity and confidence.

What Organizations Should Look for in a Speaker?

Not all speakers are created equal, and selecting the right voice for your event makes a measurable difference. When working with a provider for Public Speakers in Alabama, you’ll want to look for professionals who can match your needs, including:

• Expertise relevant to your audience: Whether your focus is leadership, innovation, sales, or personal development, the speaker should have demonstrable experience in those areas.
• Ability to tailor the message: Great speakers don’t deliver generic talks—they customize their content to your organization’s objectives.
• Strong presentation presence: Confidence, clarity, and the ability to engage diverse audiences are non-negotiable traits.
• Proven track record: Testimonials, video clips, and past performance indicators help you assess the potential impact of a speaker.

By partnering with a reputable provider, you can access curated recommendations, streamline the booking process, and find the perfect voice to elevate your next event.

Why Partnering with Professionals Is a Strategic Advantage

Instead of leaving your message delivery to chance, working with expert communicators gives your organization a strategic edge. Professional speakers bring:

• Confidence: They stand before your audience with poise, credibility, and the skills to command attention.
• Fresh perspectives: External voices often offer new insights that spark innovation and challenge assumptions.
• Measurable engagement: A compelling presentation leads to stronger retention, higher participation, and clearer communication of your core ideas.

From corporate seminars to nonprofit fundraisers, the right speaker elevates your communication and ensures your message is heard, understood, and remembered.

In a world where attention is limited and expectations are high, investing in professionals who elevate communication isn’t just smart—it’s transformative.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthought.wordpress.com/2026/02/07/how-public-speakers-in-alabama-help-organizations-communicate-with-confidence/

 

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The Visit

In a few days, many people around the world will celebrate the blessings of Christmas.

I’m fully aware that all do not believe what happened 2000 years ago with the birth of Jesus to a virgin named Mary.

However, for 2000 years, Christmas has been truly about the birth of our Savior.

One thought that has come to my mind, as I think about Christmas, is what if he had not visited us, or even greater, what if he had not decided to be crucified on the cross, then where would we be today?

My question today is, how are you incorporating the Christmas season in your life?

I know that had he not visited us and taken on the sins of the world, there would be no Advent, which we finished this past Sunday.

You and I have seen so much happening in the world today, with all the violence that has occurred, not to mention the tragic deaths we read and hear about on television since the year began.

Although Jesus didn’t have to do it, he did for all.

Sometimes the words “Jesus is the Reason” may seem hollow to those who don’t practice the faith or have departed from their faith.

However, those words are not hollow for me.

I would like to think that during the Christmas season, when we hear those words, something would resonate within us to trigger each of us in our daily practices to reinforce our faith, with the recent reminders of Thanksgiving that happened last month.

One of my favorite songs I get the opportunity to listen to each Christmas Season is “Mary Did You Know.”

It’s the first stanza that resonates with me:

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

All powerful words!

 

Mary, Did You Know? (Lyric Video / Live At Gaither Studios, Alexandria, IN/2020)

For me, it’s during this Christmas season that I often think about how each of us practices or reinforces our faith, with the recent reminders of Thanksgiving that happened last month.

For some, Christmas is also that special time to be with family and friends.

As I watched in Mass, the last candle of Advent being lit was another reminder of why we celebrate Christmas and his visit.   (Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love)

Every year, I end Advent on Christmas Eve by deliberately attending Midnight Mass, and this year will be no different.

My prayer is that you reflect on his visit and why we celebrate Christmas.

“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.” —Mary Ellen Cha

This week, I challenge you to count your blessings and remember how you felt as a child and how you feel as an adult. “To appreciate Christmas to the full, one must know how it feels to be deprived of its blessings.” —Carlos P. Romulose

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/the-visit/

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Mindfulness

Today, my thoughts are tied to what I see every day, as it relates to farmland being harvested and prepared.

I find it interesting that every day, something special is happening beneath the soil we don’t see.

In a few months, flowers will bloom, and the trees that are now barren from winter weather will have leaves reappearing before we know it.

In my yard, I have a Japanese Maple Tree and a Crepe Myrtle Tree, with traces of dark green grass growing around both trees that appear dead or dormant.

It’s interesting to me because the rest of my yard is brown and has gone dormant, yet I have an area with patches of green grass growing under these two trees.

You’re probably asking why I’m talking about trees, grass, and the word “dormmate.”

Mainly because, just like the Farmer, who is preparing his fields that I pass by every day heading home, we too must prepare our minds.

We should all want, like the Farmer, to get a 100-fold return on our crops and to prepare the ground properly.

My mind often thinks about “The parable of the Sower and the Seed.”

Matthew 13 NIV – The Parable of the Sower – That same – Bible Gateway

In clearing the weeds from my life, I must sow a good seed by adding value to others.

John Maxwell’s book on High Road Leadership is what I aspire to do, regardless of how divided we are as a country.

I’ve learned that from Brendon Burchard, the author of High-Performance Habits.  (How Extraordinary People Become That Way) “Don’t Give to Yourself-Give of Yourself!”

However, we all know that, depending on the weather and temperature, especially with these recent freezes, some plants don’t do well in cold weather.

However, as humans, we can come inside and get warmth.

But how are we treating our minds?

As a proponent of better Emotional Intelligence (EQ), I try to practice it daily.

I continue to see a need to regulate emotional awareness and emotional intelligence, especially among our youth today.  In my opinion, any understanding of the various facets that are critical to our capacities for resilience, communication, and reasoning is so important.

How to Treat Your Mind Better | Psychology Today

I often listen to people making small talk about what’s not working for them or complaining about life in general.

As we rapidly approach the end of January 2026, there are things I have been deliberate about, especially as they relate to mindfulness.

Mindfulness | Psychology Today

How often do we pay attention to our surroundings and our bodies?

In the past few months, I have noticed my surroundings: the corn and cotton fields were green, which are now bare.

I’m aware that the Farmer was preparing his various fields for planting at some point based on the Farmer’s Almanac.

Farmers Almanac 2025–2026 Winter Forecast | The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Finally, I thought about a place that is in the news as it relates to “Why is Greenland important?”

Why does Trump want Greenland and why is it so important?

In watching the news, there is a sense of mindfulness among the people regarding Greenland and why they don’t want to be taken over by the United States.

One must imagine what is going on, as it relates to mindfulness, in the hearts and minds of both the people of Greenland and the United States after hearing and seeing various protests.

Finally, we all heard about President Trump being snubbed for the Nobel Peace Prize. It goes back to Brendon Burchard, author of High-Performance Habits.  (How Extraordinary People Become That Way) “Don’t Give to Yourself-Give of Yourself!”

Trump links Greenland threats to Nobel Peace Prize snub in letter to Norway’s leader

Therefore, this week, be mindful of your surroundings and think about what you are giving to others.  Are you giving of yourself or are you giving to yourself?

There is so much to be said about mindfulness; however, I will leave you with this one quote.

“Slow down, you’ll get there faster.” — Katherine King

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/mindfulness/

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What Matters Most

This week, while listening to my internal thoughts, I wrote in my journal all the things I accomplished.

Essentially “What Matters Most.”

You might say, “Why is that important to you?”

Often, you and I have competing priorities, yet everything is important.

Of course, we all know that everything can’t be important, and it’s up to us to prioritize it.

It’s then up to us to decide what matters the most in doing those things.

I’m reminded of one of my “Daily Inspiration Quotes,” which features Brian Mulroney having recently traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Brian Mulroney – If everything is very important, then…

“If everything is very important, then nothing is important.”  Brian Mulroney, Statesman of Canada

In essence, “Mulroney’s line is a politician’s version of triage, delivered with the cool authority of someone who’s had to decide which fires get water and which ones burn themselves out.”

Many times, we all seem like firefighters putting out fires in our lives, or not, as we hear the noises around us calling our names.

In my case, I had to discern what matters most to me and what I really needed to accomplish during the week.

By the grace of God, it all worked out so that I met all my internal deadlines and went to sleep very grateful for the ability to manage multiple actions that required my attention.

As each of us takes inventory, there is plenty of noise in deciding what matters most.

Two or three years ago, I read the book “Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment” by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, and Cass Sunstein, which explores how noise—the variability in individual judgments—affects decision-making across various fields.

It’s amazing to me to be able to draw on the books I read and incorporate their lessons into my life.

Sometimes we must just cut through the chaos and reduce the noise around us!

Another book was John C. Maxwell’s Book “Today Matters,” which is all about the importance of daily decisions and actions in shaping a successful future.

You and I probably know people who would rather be spontaneous. For that reason, you may prefer to operate spontaneously.

Because I tend to plan my time, being spontaneous may not always work for me.

Although the book outlines twelve essential practices, referred to as the “Daily Dozen,” three that stand out the most to me are:

Attitude: Choose a positive mindset daily.

Priorities: Focus on what truly matters.

Growth: Seek continuous improvement.

That’s not to say the other nine are not important, as each day brings new challenges.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

As a product of the Civil Rights movement, today matters to me knowing that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is the “only non-president with a federal holiday named in his honor.”

I vividly remember the theme “Day On, Not a Day Off,” and I did something in his honor to give back to the community.

A Day On, Not a Day Off: A Day of Service | National Association of Counties

A “Day On, Not a Day Off” – Thanksgiving Point

Although not all may support the holiday, I’m grateful for the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and prohibits Congress from restricting the press or individuals’ rights to speak freely.

Did Trump get rid of MLK Jr Day? How the holiday is different in 2026

During Mass Saturday, as I prayed the Rosary, I mentioned that we continue to pray for non-violence on this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.  It was followed up with the Priest acknowledging non-violence on this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

As the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who was 39 at the time of his death, would be turning 97 this month, think about what matters most to you.

Because I live in Alabama, I have daily opportunities to see the impact of its message and legacy.

“It wasn’t until 15 years after King’s death that civil rights activists finally succeeded in making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a nationally observed holiday.”

“On November 2, 1983, Reagan signed a bill making the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of King’s legacy. The holiday was first observed three years later January 20, 1986.”

Therefore, this week, think about what matters the most to you.   Maybe it is limiting the noise that affects your decision-making. Maybe it’s giving back to the community, being less spontaneous, or just being yourself.

“What matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame, but rather how well we have loved and what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better.” – Author Unknown.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/what-matters-most/

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Slow Down

Today, I’d like you to answer this question honestly about yourself, concerning slowing down.

 

Many of us have heard the phrase or the analogy of ‘smelling the roses,’ but have we slowed down long enough to actually do so?

 

I found myself in disbelief or in shock as I read an email from another one of my peers who passed away this past week. Ironically, he is only six months or more older than me, and we both served in the Military.

 

Today, ironically, my mother celebrates another heavenly birthday; it is not a given that each of my siblings will slow down to reflect and pause to consider what it means to smell the roses.

 

Furthermore, during the Christmas/New Year’s break, I did take a few minutes or so to pause and think about the various members of my family who died during the holidays over the last ten years who are no longer living.

 

However, in the past, I really didn’t slow down mentally to reflect on all their lives and what each of these individuals meant to me.

 

It wasn’t until this past week, seeing another death announcement or obituary, that I had to seek some quiet time to slow down.

 

It appears that many of us attempt to reset our lives over the holidays with less activity to focus on, as meetings are not that important during the holidays.

 

In my opinion, there is a different mode mentality we shift our minds into, celebrating with family and friends, and just finding time to relax over the holidays.

 

At least that is what I’m telling myself.

 

As we enter 2026, I’m sure we all have tried to rationalize with ourselves in ways we can slow down.

 

Maybe slowing down has caused many of us to do some soul searching.

 

Going to the doctor and hearing changes we need to make as we listen to our bodies can also be insightful if we need to slow down.

 

Each of us, if we are listening to our bodies, will tell ourselves to slow down as a sign that something is not right.

 

What’s not right with you today, that may be counterintuitive with your lifestyle of slowing down?

 

I’m aware that slowing down can help us to prevent doing things poorly without rushing through life.

 

As you and I move physically through the stages of our lives, I’m sure that you have probably felt the urge to decelerate or slow down in fear of the consequences if you continue to move fast.

 

I’m sure you know plenty of people who can drive from Point  A to Point B in the shortest amount of time because they refuse to slow down.

 

It’s a personal preface for me to pause when I know I need to make better decisions.

 

Many of us listen to conversations, whereas the person we’re listening to is speaking nonstop or so fast that we must wait until they slow down to get a word in.

 

As a thought, one can only imagine those who are living a fast-paced life.

 

Now imagine these same individuals who have not had their light bulb moments yet, when they realize it’s time to slow down.

 

It’s seeing that shift when they realize slowing down is good for their health.

 

What about you, when you simply say to yourself enough is enough.

 

There is something about the word retirement.

 

I remember people asking me what I was looking forward to, slowing down, and being able to smell the roses.

 

I have learned there is no badge of honor given to those who want to remain busy.

 

Therefore, this week, as you begin this week, will you take a moment to find some quiet time to refocus on what matters most in your life, or will you be the one who remains too busy?

 

For those we know that are high energy, me included, in this group, we must reclaim time, choose wisely what best works for our mental health and bodies.

 

Whatever practices that we employ today for our health should be one’s whereas we are willing to also say no to, making room for opportunities to relax and rest.

 

“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast — you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” — Eddie Cantor.

 

Therefore, this week, I challenge you, me included, to slow down and enjoy life.  “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/slow-down/

 

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