logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
A fresh perspective
commentary
April 3, 2024
A fresh perspective

Sometimes we need a fresh perspective on how we see the world. Too many times in life it’s not that easy to see a different angle. Not everything is like it seems. There are more than two sides to the story. There are actually many sides to every story. A fresh perspective helps us to see those different sides. It is like opening a window to help you see and understand the situations and the people we deal with on a daily basis.

A fresh perspective is like finding that piece of the puzzle you’ve been missing and watching it fit into that bigger picture. Though the picture really hasn’t changed, you now see all of its different degrees and depths.

I think fresh perspectives can help us learn to appreciate the differences we all share. It brings insight and offers innovative solutions. It transforms possibilities as it challenges conventional thinking and fosters creativity. This is how we break free from stagnant thinking and dare to embrace the diversity in us all.

I know I have many friends who think like me and many that might think quite differently. That’s the beauty of life. Fresh perspectives give us the ability to break down daunting barriers and give us alternative viewpoints.

I know there are many variances in situations and in people. I have some friends who love running, while I’m a stroll-through-the-park kind of gal. Others love painting and creating things, while some like to tear down and dismantle things. I prefer writing and reading, but someone else may like playing video games and watching movies. One thing isn’t necessarily better than the other, they’re just different, but hopefully we can get a fresh perspective that helps us to see the value of those differences.

Growing up in a particular faith gave me a certain perspective towards a lot of things. I am grateful that I grew up in a home with Christian values and standards. I know there are many people who didn’t grow up in any particular faith and I understand that there are many different beliefs also. However, as I have walked out my faith over the years, I have many times gotten a fresh perspective of the bigger picture. In life there are so many factors and differences, yet we are still all part of that one big picture. We just have to realize there are many different angles and views of it.

Though I still believe there is only one true God and that we must come to Him through Jesus Christ His Son who paid the ultimate price for all our sins. His Holy Spirit has also shown me that I don’t have to argue with others because of their different opinions or beliefs. I need to keep a fresh perspective and embrace all our differences instead.

I believe the benefits of a fresh perspective make things more clear, but embracing them is a little harder. There is always a bias that hinders the adoption of new ideas and perspectives. We want to put up barriers to show our differences but that’s not what Christ did while he walked this earth. He overcame those barriers and differences with a humility and openness to understand people are resistance to any changes. However, change can challenge our own assumptions. Life is full of complexity but we must realize He created all those differences. We are all different in many ways and yet the same. We all have opinions. We all have value and I pray that we all get a new perspective that we are all about of a beautiful, complex puzzle picture that He is slowly putting together in His timing. We don’t have to know where every piece fits. We just need a fresh perspective to see things differently and know that it’s all good. After all, it’s His masterpiece.

Braving the festival, honoring a friend
A: Main, news
Braving the festival, honoring a friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
September 3, 2025
Every Labor Day weekend since moving to Oklahoma, I thought about going to the Dusk to Dawn Blues Festival. But the idea of a yard party running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. was intimidating—and I could neve...
A: Main, news
Man injured diving into shallow water
September 3, 2025
A 22-year-old Yukon man was injured when he dove from a pontoon boat into shallow water at Lake Eufaula, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Patrick Tanner reportedly stopped his vessel to swim ...
A: Main, news
Man found dead in yard; possible suspect investigated
September 3, 2025
WARNER – Warner Police responded to a call early Saturday morning about a dead man laying outside of a residence in the area of Fifth and Third streets. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old...
A: Main, news
Wellness Day for seniors Sept. 16
September 3, 2025
Heritage Home Care’s fifth annual Senior Wellness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 126 N. 1st St. (now Bridges Street), which is the former location of Family Dollar. The e...
A: Main, news
Looking ahead: Firm to help guide the way
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What will Eufaula look like in 50 years? Without a plan, it’s anybody’s guess. But the City Council has taken steps to remove at least some of the guesswork. At a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29, the ...
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
A: Main, news
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What: Vision Eufaula Wine & Art Festival When: Saturday Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 150 N. Front St. Information: 405-248-2992 or visit visioneufaula.org The fourth annual Wine and Art Festival ...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
5 in race for state school superintendent
news
5 in race for state school superintendent
By Jennifer Palmer Oklahoma Watch 
September 3, 2025
So far, five candidates are running to lead Oklahoma’s public education system as state superintendent in 2026. Former Tulsa school board members Jennettie Marshall, a Democrat, and Jerry Griffin, an ...
DOC Director stepping down
news
DOC Director stepping down
By KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH 
September 3, 2025
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe, one of the highest paid officials in state government, will step down on Sept. 30 to take a private sector job. “I’m extremely proud of my tim...
news
Class of ’65 reunion set for Sept. 12
September 3, 2025
Graduates of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965 will get together from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12, at the Legacy on Main Street, 224 N. Main St. Graduates of the classes of ’64 and ’66 are...
A site out of this world
news
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 3, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/ A...
Rest, reflections, and farewells
commentary
Rest, reflections, and farewells
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
September 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope your Labor Day weekend was full of relaxation. I schedule a vacation each year with friends to get away over this holiday which allows me to “charge up the batteries” for upcomi...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy