Table Speech


Positive Attitude to Accept Instructions

June 13, 2018

Mr. Kenneth Maynor
Territorial Commander, Salvation Army


¡¡I have been an officer of the Salvation Army for 38 years. Although I grew up in a poor family, I was given marvelous opportunities over the course of my life to make a visit to the White House, the Congress and the Prime Minister¡Çs residence of the Republic of Ireland. I was also blessed with the chance to visit Buckingham Palace and the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

¡¡I had these valuable experiences not because I am endowed with a special talent. I think it is because my life is full of God¡Çs blessings and I am determined to be open to instructions and positive criticism throughout my life. Today, I will make my speech on having a ¡Èpositive attitude to accept instructions¡É.

¡¡In the Bible, we find the wise advice of King Solomon which reads ¡ÈThose who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding¡É (Proverbs 15:32). Wise counsel of others helps us navigate our life.

It empowers us to overcome hardships
¡ÈAll the adversity I¡Çve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.¡É Walt Disney
It enhances our knowledge
¡ÈIt¡Çs not that I¡Çm so smart, it¡Çs just that I stay with problems longer.¡É Albert Einstein
It enlightens us to turning points
¡ÈThe ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.¡É Martin Luther King Jr.

¡¡In the residential facilities of the Salvation Army, thousands of members of all ages live together from 2 to 102 years old. Many of them enjoy the good life in a favorable environment, full of love, acceptance and encouragement.