A VOICE TO THE WORLD

It was a story once told about two best friends who were inseparable. They grew up in the same living conditions, went to the same schools growing up and experienced all of life’s trails together. They were like Siamese twins. If you were to see one, you could guarantee to see the other. As they got older things began the change. One friend went on to live a life of crime and eventually received a life sentence in prison while the other friend became successful. One day they were asked to take part in a documentary. A film company wanted to do a story on kids who were now adults that were raised in this particular part of town.

They began by interviewing the friend who was serving a life sentence in prison. The interviewer asked, “How did you end up in the position you are in now and what was the motivating factor behind you pursuing a life of crime?” He answered. “I grew up with both of my parents on drugs, I was raised on food stamps, the only men I had to look up to in my neighborhood was gangbangers and drug dealers. What did you expect me to become?”

The interviewer asked the other friend,“How did you beat the odds to become successful? What was the motivating factor behind you pursuing the life you now live?” He answered. “I grew up with both of my parents on drugs, I was raised on food stamps, the only men I had to look up to in my neighborhood was gangbangers and drug dealers. What did you expect me to become?”

The interviewer noticed the two friends had the same exact motivation for why their lives turned out the way it did. The interviewer also noticed the difference in their perspectives. One used it as an excuse while the other used it as a reason.

Scripture says, “In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thessalonians 5:10 AMP.

Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it. We are not exempt from trails, trouble, or tragedy in this lifetime but it’s those very things that help shape our views on life.

Here’s an encouraging word to my readers: “Make it count”.

Generational curses, trails, heartaches, disappointments, or struggles, it all has a purpose. Just like diamonds have to go through an extenuating process to become the beauty we see displayed in jewelry stores around the globe, we too must go through a process before being displayed to the world as a rare diamond. Choose to make today better than yesterday and repeat the process from this day forward. Excuses are only good for those who make them; reasons create a “why” which is good for everyone because it’s never self-serving.