The Chicago Project

ChicagoTrip

Page 5

George O’Hare

George O’Hare, motivational speaker and a top-ranking career, business, and public relations consultant, spoke to the group.  He inspired us with his mantra to “Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative, Latch on to the Affirmative, and Don’t Mess with Mr. In-Between.”  His speech about yesterday, today, and tomorrow, implored us to live today for all it’s worth, not to dwell on the past, and not dread the future. He encouraged us to get our “BUT” (excuses) out of the way and live every day as if it were out last, and some day we’ll be right!

Breaking Ground Ministries

Breaking Ground is a ministry organization that seeks to assist people in the community to overcome personal addictions and circumstances that perpetuate poverty.  They offer job training and resources for career development, and provide resources and relationships to help residents to become future leaders in North Lawndale.  We met with a group called “Valid Concerns” and most members struggle with serious addiction in their life.  They shared their stories of how their faith in God and commitment to honest and transparent relationships with one another are helping them fulfill their personal goals and the goals of Breaking Ground. 

This night they set aside their usual group meeting and put together a spoken word event where participants share stories, poems, and songs about their lives and experiences.  Some of our fellow students were not shy about putting their names down on the list and we soon found ourselves on stage sharing out stories that brought us to this evening.