Stefan Green, Author at 1Africa

3 life lessons from ‘The Revenant’

Stefan Green

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January 27, 2016

We all love to kick back and make some popcorn with butter (and loads of salt!) and immerse ourselves heart and soul in a movie. I recently had the chance to see The Revenant – it’s one of those movies that you don’t have to go and see; but that you actually need to go and see.

This movie, inspired by true events and nominated for 12 Oscar awards, is about a frontiersman on a fur dealing journey who fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. It shows the extraordinary power of the human spirit.

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu was in the director’s chair, and the budget was $135,000,000 (estimated). The trailer exceeded seven million views in less than 36 hours – now that’s a movie worth watching!

Here are three lessons I learnt fromThe Revenant:

You can do it

Leonarda DiCaprio has an amazing line in the movie: “As long as you can still grab a breath, you fight. You breathe. Keep breathing.” I’ve found that in the ups and downs of the journey of life, it can be easy to give in and let circumstances determine your future – but I reckon you should rather let your decisions and your strong will shape your future.

You can’t fight on your own

The main character in the movie allows others to help him. I’ve come to realise that it’s the same in life: we need friends that are willing to fight the battle with us; be it sickness or divorce or a heavy season or a mountain in front of us. Another strong line in the movie: “My heart bleeds, but revenge is in the Creator’s hands.” Remember your Creator is for you, not against you.

What’s in your hands can ensure victory

We all sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that when we have specific resources, we’ll be able to do what we need to do (if only I had this, I’d be able to do that). That’s simply not true. So many companies started out of lack instead of overflow – we’ve all heard the many stories of people who overcame with all the odds against them. In The Revenant, all the main character had was himself and a strong heart – and sometimes that is all you need. This has been proven true throughout history: All Mandela had was a a prison cell, but he used it; Steve Jobs was fired, but he had a dream in his head. Guess what: you have it – use what you have in your hands.

So… get in your car and go and watch a great film!

Leave offence behind

Stefan Green

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January 13, 2016

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We have all heard the statement: “Offence is taken, not given”. Is this really the case?

I have had it on my heart as we close off 2015 to make this statement a living reality and to take it to a new level of self-realisation.

Thinking back on the highs and lows of this year, there are moments I would relive in a heartbeat. We have all got at least ONE memory from this year that was a brilliant one. Those seasons are the ones we should focus on and be thankful for. They should light the way for a glorious 2016, they should set the standard and expectation for what is to come, and they should be our courage to face the unknown that lies ahead. Yet… with that being said, more often than not, we don’t operate like this.

As mere humans we tend to dwell on the damage, the parts of the year that caused us to wobble, to have fear and that have fueled our insecurity. Many of these events linger on due to our inability to shake off offence. Would it not be ideal that we step into each new year or week afresh, and prove that the power of offense has no grip on our future?

Maybe we need to realize the impact of offense so that we can have the desire to rid ourselves of it. These are three main toxic areas I feel stem from offence:

You are unable to love that person wholeheartedly, as a part of you is holding a grudge.
You are broken and tied down. Most of the time, the only one affected by offense is yourself. Imagine the concept of being trapped in a jail cell for months on end, yet you have the key to open the door… is there any sense in staying?
Your perspective is warped. Due to the pain and baggage from offense your future situations or opportunities are hindered. You may think you have it under control, but unfortunately it is inevitable.

If we can think back on 2015’s offences and look forward to 2016’s new offence “opportunities” with these five questions in mind, I think we could embark on a new level of breakthrough and victory in our lives:

Offense lies with ME and how I choose to respond. Do I want to carry this into my future?
Do I want to grow and learn? Instead of being offended, what can I learn from this situation?
What value can I find in this person who has just challenged me? Make a decision to believe that every single person holds value and you WILL find it.
How can I keep myself from over-thinking and over-sharing this situation? The more we think and talk about an offensive situation, the bigger the hold it has on our lives. Choose a time frame to process it and then SCRAP it. (And yes, that means when you are reminded of the situation or asked about it you CHOOSE to stop it dead in its tracks)
How can I pack my pride? Pride is the biggest reason why the blow of offense is so brutal. If you are able to pack away your pride you will be able to overcome the most mammoth of offences.

Don’t make offence your way of life, make it a thing of the past. Be your biggest cheerleader as you make the most out of each offence opportunity heading your way. You’ve got this!

Are you open to dating

Stefan Green

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January 6, 2016

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Are you open to dating?

I have noticed this year that so many who were single at the start of 2015 are still single as this year draws to a close. Comments that casually fly around are of the nature that all external factors are against those who are single and that single people are the victims and have no hope of a healthy and happy partnership.

I wonder if we took a moment to ask ourselves a few “reflection questions” if our opinions would stay the same? This is not to discredit the amazing people out there that are truly just going through the waiting period, but more to challenge the rest who actually have a world of self to endure before the world of “us” can be accomplished successfully.

Do I actually know who I am as an individual and do I honestly like it?

If you are not in a place where you are your own best friend, it can be genuinely draining for a partner to come along side you and have to help you reach that level of self-appreciation.

Am I secure enough to handle a failed date, to handle rejection or a turn down?

If I am not able to handle this blow, then what is it that I am really seeking – affirmation from my other half in order to be a whole? Do two halves actually make a whole? Or does one being a whole on their own bring their best forward to another whole and together they conquer greatness?

Do I know what I really need?

So often we are swept away by what we want – the ideas and dreams we have gathered over the years are irrelevant to what we actually need. Sometimes we need to rethink what we think we know and challenge ourselves to think outside of logic. Being too rigid in what you think you like or dislike often disqualifies you from what could have been. I think for too many years we have been distracted by what we want in a person and not what we need.

The dating world is a harsh one at times. Hearts are disappointed and hurt time and time again. I think that dating and marriage is God’s idea and He hasn’t got bored of it. He is for it and he is for us. I know the “search” can be lengthy and all sorts of messy but I also know it can be simple and exciting. Know who you are, don’t waste time being offended, be open to new and different, allow yourself the opportunity to be amazed, don’t judge so much, laugh off the flops and embrace the future. We are all going through seasons and each season holds its challenge, but with that challenge comes priceless growth and expansion – don’t wish away this time – expansion is yours if you choose to take it with both hands.

I dare you to take the plunge and make an effort to meet new people, to make new friends. Bless someone with a friendship that has no expectations. And who knows, maybe one of those friendships will be something more. Until that day – be the best YOU that you could possibly be, the best you is the best thing this world could ask for.

IS THERE HOPE FOR 2016 TO BE A BETTER YEAR

Stefan Green

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December 30, 2015

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IS THERE HOPE FOR 2016 TO BE A BETTER YEAR.

Granted, 2015 has been a tough year for many. Having the perspective that 2016 will be far greater is a dream too far to reach for some. Despite the despair for a better year I wonder if we could challenge ourselves to aim for more than seems possible? I wonder if we have it in us to put behind the disappointments of 2015, 2016 can run its race baggage free? I wonder if we choose to see the best brought out of 2016 before it even starts, could we make room for the unimaginable?

I have had to challenge myself to think BIG. I have realised that thinking small will destroy my ability to have the kind of perspective I need to achieve the calling I believe has been placed on my life. As I say goodbye to my 2015 I thought through some key elements I would need to focus on to make 2016 greater than I could imagine. I hope sharing them will spark a sense of hope and excitement in you that next year can and will be a year that is great, purpose driven and fulfilling.

No matter the situation, my stance will always be one that is ready to seek out the positive and allergic to dwelling on, or speaking of, the negative.
Nothing 2016 brings my way is too large for me to handle, if it feels too large, I will verbally remind myself I am in charge and NOTHING is too large!
I will choose to bless those in my world – not just friends, but those I come into contact with (eg: the newspaper seller on the corner) I will bless them in a way that I can, sometimes that may be with gifts and sometimes it may just be my time, but I CHOOSE to live outside of my selfish world of self.
I will take time to build myself up. I struggle with this one as you always feel “fine” until there is a meltdown. Aim to be ahead of the weakness! I will ensure that I take regular times of exercise, reflection and relaxation. I am my most important asset.
Keep the main thing, the MAIN THING. Distractions will come, whether exciting, frustrating or painful, I will expect them and won’t allow them to push me off track.

We aren’t God – so we can’t predict the future, but we CAN ensure that we are in a strong, healthy place so that we can withstand the adventures of a new unknown year. I am personally CHOOSING to live next year with expectation and anticipation for GREAT things. We should expect 2016 to be greater than 2015 because we are a whole year wiser, a whole year more experienced and are approaching the unknown with faith for a greater outcome.

Are you alone for Christmas?

Stefan Green

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December 23, 2015

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Are you alone for Christmas?

Christmas can be one of the most joy-filled days of the year, but truth is, for some it is also one of the hardest days to get through. I think it is important to stay mindful of everyone in our world over this season. Some friends may seem perfectly fine, however inside they are dreading this season. Take a moment to check in with those in your world, see if they have people to spend Christmas Eve or Christmas day with. If you are one of those that are alone for Christmas maybe it’s time to try something new and fun?

I can’t imagine the feeling of having no one to spend this day with, maybe not so much because it’s a special day, or because of the gifts, but more because it is hard to know “everyone” else is with people they love, having a great time and here you are, alone. I looked into some awesome things to do and listed them below – I hope they help make this festive season all it ought to be.

Adopt an orphanage – There are many orphanages that could do with help in making the day special or alternatively have children that haven’t been selected for an “outing day”. You could be that super cool person that picks them up and takes them on a Christmas adventure.
Visit an old age home – This is another one that is in desperate need of some help. Believe it or not, there are countless older folk that don’t have family to visit them throughout the year, let alone on Christmas. You would have the opportunity to make their year!
Host a Party! This one could be scary as one often entertains the thought “what if no one comes” – But I think it’s the perfect opportunity to FIND those who are also alone, and to make some new and awesome friendships. If you don’t have a home to fit friends in, you could go to a restaurant or picnic in the park.
Solo Mission – this one can be amazing! Plan a day that is all about YOU. Book a massage, go for a drive, watch a movie, journal at an amazing view spot, go on a hike, the options are many!
Go to church – there are some wonderful churches that host some very special Christmas Day services. Two great options are: Hillsong Church or Common Ground Church. (Both with multiple campus options to choose from)
Take a few homeless people for lunch! (This might be for those who are a little more daring) Can you imagine the excitement and joy you could unexpectantly bring into their world? PS: Be wise about being alone, safety first!

Christmas Day or this whole festive season for that matter, doesn’t need to be a lonely one. For those of us who struggle with the day due to past memories that bring back pain, know that you are loved and the pain won’t overcome you. There are people who would love to help you through this season. If you would like to find out more about God or maybe about getting some help in moving forward, please click on the link below.

A NEW SERIES: rich in faith

Stefan Green

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December 17, 2015

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RICH IN FAITH

As we all know faith can be an interesting subject when brought up in a conversation, it gets personal it gets heated and people get offended or on a better note, they leave the conversation wanting to find out more about what they heard about.

With that said there is a new series that’s airing on Oxygen called, Rich in faith.

Check this little teaser out:

I reckon this is a great show, that will totally captivate the ones who have had questions that have been unanswered for years about faith and the journey, now it’s brought right to them in the comfort of their homes.

It also shows the world a new perspective of who Jesus is, what being a Christian means, and how to incorporate our faith into everyday life.

Its so authentic and genuine, its great to see a pastor that was willing to open up his personal life, his ups and his downs and his flaws out there for all to see that the journey is not easy but it is worth it.

I’ve heard people say, they not into mega churches, then what about mega heaven, what’s going to happen to you or that this is self-promotion, no he is opening a door to an invitation to Christ that no one has thought about.

Rich Wilkerson said on the first episode:

I might have some dirt on me but that just means I’m planted.

Until Jesus is placed in this proper order, your life will always be out of order.

We’re on a journey to bring faith to our generation in a whole new way.

I met Rich Wilkerson Jr. and Dawn Chere in Miami in 2014 they the real deal, they genuine and authentic and their heart is for every person to have a relationship with Jesus, check it out on channel 10/9c on oxygen.

You will find yourself wanting to watch more and more.

Have you hit a Plateau?

Stefan Green

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December 9, 2015

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As we all know we begin the year in full steam, with a vow to keep our new years resolutions forefront of the year. Some make a commitment to no sugar, some no carbs (banting), no social media, no series, read the bible in the year or to go to the gym every day.

Plateau

Reach a state of little or no change after a period of activity or progress: the industry’s problems have plateaued out.

We see so many of our modern day role models hit a plateau in their lives too, Oscar Pretorious winning Gold for South Africa now life has served him a curve ball and it has caused him to plateau. Louis Armstrong is a stand out in this generation until the truth came out and his career and fame abruptly hit a plateau. A favourite hero of our time, Nelson Mandela, could have chosen a different direction and allowed the plateau period of his life to determine his future, but thankfully he pushed through to the finish line. Can you imagine being on such a mission, breaking ground for your country and your people and then it is all taken away as you are put behind bars. Tied up and frustrated, freedom removed in an instant, yet he didn’t throw in the towel midway. Are you willing to fight the plateau?

In life most of us start with a great vision that we are wanting to see come to pass, we cast our eyes on the finish line and run towards it with all we have. Sometimes without even realizing it we encounter a season where we may have hit a plateau. We fail to grow and develop through the challenges, that the finish line we saw is now a vague memory and what was once a driven dream running at full pace, is not an area of our life that fails to evolve and adapt to what is needed to move onward and upward.

4 Ways to dominate the PLATEAU so it doesn’t dominate you:

Avoid the comfort zone

Don’t listen to the voice of comfort. It is so easy to stay in your comfort zone, you can easily find yourself living there. Decide before it even comes that it is an area you want to avoid and, therefore, embracing the discomfort is inevitable if you are ever going to progress. Anticipate the discomfort, it won’t kill you.

Talk to the right people.

My mentor always told me to go to someone who you respect and has had victory in what you are looking for victory in. When you decide to open up, open up to the right people so you can get the right results. The risks in personal information going viral or average advice being given is never worth the trouble it brings.

Focus on what is in front of you.

So often we focus ahead and lose focus on the now. The present will never be given to us again. Don’t allow your thinking to drift and lose the power in your season now. Technically where you now set your next season up for a win or a fail, so failing to focus on the failing is failing to win.

Know your purpose

It is vital that your goal is clearly set ahead of time. There will be many intervals that you will need to change, adapt and rethink things, but the main thing needs to stay the main thing. The stronger your purpose the less distracted you are by something you’re not designed to do.

You can do it!

‘Tis the season

Stefan Green

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December 2, 2015

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‘Tis the season:

Can you believe its that time of the year, it feels like just the other day that we were making new years resolutions and soaking up the sun and for those overseas watching the ball drop or enjoying the snow for some others. We are in December and this month has a little slogan that goes with it, ‘Tis the season’ if you would like to finish that sentence off, ‘To be jolly.’

For some this can be the most joyous part of the year as we enjoy family, and break open some wrapping paper and drink a lot of eggnog, have a Turkey or for some a leg of lamb and some Tongue and don’t forget the Pumpkin Pie or Mince Pies, on the other hand for many this could be a sad time as they remember the day their dad walked out the house or a loved one died or they didn’t receive any gifts.

Made me think how can we make this season special for the less fortunate and the fortunate ones.

It’s not about big gifts but the small too.

What do I mean, I mean you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or Rands on gifts to make someone smile or feel appreciated. Sometimes it’s just a genuine and authentic little voice note or a good old pen and paper letter saying you thinking about them and wishing them a Merry Christmas.

It’s not only about gifts but family/loved ones.

For many these aren’t moments of celebration but more disappointment as they walked out on their family or loved ones, or their family turned their back on them. So what can we do? We can spend time with someone, have a cup of tea with them or show them you value them by your time and remind them you cheering them on and you believe in them.

It’s not only about food, gifts or family but mainly a celebration of a Saviour who abandon heaven to come down to earth.

As you journey through life you realise there are gifts that are priceless, that a price tag cannot be put onto. Some of them a wife, healing of a sickness, forgiveness or friendship. Above all the gifts and Christmas trees and Pies and good food, Christmas is actually about a Saviour who came for us, to make a broken world whole. As we celebrate Christmas this year, one of the greatest gifts extended to man, is that of salvation if you would like to find out more about this gift, go to a church near you.

May this Christmas be your finest yet, and as we celebrate and crack a few crackers and tear open some wrapping paper lets remember the least of these and also be grateful for the little or much we have.

Church with Drake and Future’s Music

Stefan Green

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November 25, 2015

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“You need to come down to their level and meet them where they at”.

I recently came across a church that embodied this saying and incorporated Drake and Future’s music into their services. That is pretty fresh if you ask me – alternative, new, different and, importantly, relevant. Yet it seems the minority view it this way, instead there are haters.

It reminds me that; “the method has changed but the message will always be the same”. This reality has shaken many people’s identity in what church should be. Sadly, it has caused great conflict amongst religious believers, families and cultures.

There are the classics complainers who find problems with everything that is not conventional – like Triangles being used in décor, images or anything really, because “of course” it represents the Illuminati or the fact that there are lights beaming off stage, or a live band, or why does that musician have a tattoo? Just imagine triangles were really evil? Would we refuse to associate with them? That would mean no Dorito crisps, no pizza slices or for our fellow South Africans no samosa’s. Jesus came to bring freedom, living within these restraints doesn’t spell freedom to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoF2Rl52YcM

So, are your feelings more important or are the lost more important?

We give the modern church such a hard time, why don’t we look internally at our lifestyles rather? We have evolved over time, why shouldn’t the church? We have gone from bootleg jeans to skinny jeans, from hats in church to no hats, from hymnal worship to personal revelation songs, from absorbing sugar in everything to a no sugar diet, WHY? Because no one wants to be stagnant, we are in an ever-changing society. The basics remain – but the expression of life will change, so why should the church not be allowed to express itself as well? Our God is a creative God, He created His children to be creative – as the church we should be leading in all creative spheres, not leaving it up to the world.

The church has thought this through well and realised their feelings and opinion on tradition are not as important as reaching the lost and welcoming them Home into a place where they a feel loved, accepted and are able to see a hope in the possibility of them finding a home.

I’m sure for those who have ever dated someone, or pursued someone, you have tried different ways to pursue that person, why because you love her/him and in the same way the church loves their congregation but at the same time they pursuing the lost who needs Jesus as well.

Sometime we need change our lenses that we look through, stop looking at the church through eyes of judgment, hate or fault, but look at the church through the eyes of love, and see-through perspective that is driven by the bigger picture. There is more out there than just your comfort zone, and your opinion to be honest. It takes crazy love to accomplish crazy goals – I pray the church will always have crazy love and therefore, sometimes, do crazy things.

May you keep pushing the borders, breaking the moulds, and leading the lost into a relationship with Jesus and may they find a Home where they can come into contact with the Father.

If You Could Spend a Minute With Three Of The Best Music Artists

Stefan Green

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November 18, 2015

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If You Could Spend a Minute With Three Of The Best Music Artists

I’ve recently been so inspired by Skrillix, His name is Sunny More, to his fans he is known as Skrillix, the king of the dubstep, electronic, driving rhythms a.k.a EDM (electronic dance music) He is a real pioneer when hitting the world with Dubstep since 2011 and totalled receiving 6 Grammy awards.

He has collaborated with many artists, he’s young, he’s one of the world top paid DJ/producer and without you even knowing him, his sounds and beats has probably crept into yours ears and made a home in your heart without you realizing.

It got me thinking, if I could spend a minute with Skrillix and with some of the top trending music artists of this time, what could I learn, they have walked the journey and experienced so much! So I looked into some of today’s top artists and this is some wisdom I have gained from them…

Justin Bieber:

He’s walked a journey with faults and failures, a lot like us, I’m sure he has a lot of regret. He even managed to do some time behind bars. He has had amazing album sales, and a smash hit among teens, he has had glory moments yet shameful encounters. Yet above all else what stands out with Biebers journey is that your past is your past, don’t let it hold you down, learn from it don’t dwell on it. Your future is worth fighting for.

Adele:

She is a stand out artist whose voice would blow you away, a stop you in your tracks kind of voice. She started with her hit song, ‘Someone like you’ and now is going big with her recent new track ‘Hello.’ Adele is undeniably talented from her voice to her song writing and amazing the world with her unique genuine character. Underneath her album sales and success, she has a longevity about her that has no problem with the process of producing quality. From her I have learnt … Art takes time, don’t rush it. (“Hello” this song was only released five years after her last album)

Kanye West:

Kayne was not your typical successful candidate, he drop out of school, grew up middle-class household in Chicago started rapping in grade three. However, followed his passion and today is a living legend in the rapping and music world. Some of the titles he carries are; record producer, fashion designer, American rapper, head of the record label GOOD Music, and founder of creative content company DONDA, amongst all of this, he is a dad to two kids and husband. If I spent a minute with Kanye West, I would walk away with ‘Don’t despise small beginnings.’

I could keep going with the list and we could learn amazing gold nuggets from these trending artists journeys, but I hope that as you learn from them that you would realize that YOU have a story too and there is someone waiting to hear your story, your life can be all you want it to be, YOU can be a role-model too. If you are struggling to be who and what you want to be and feel you could benefit from a helping hand, there is a God far greater than any failure or fame, one moment with Him can change your life.

Stefan Green

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