One thing I’ve been praying for for a while now is that no
matter how successful I become, I remain humble, conscious of the needs of
society around me, I remember my God, and those who got me to where I am. It’s
something that has been bothering me because I see what some of the so called
successful people around me do and I hate it. I really do. I see the kind of
exploitation that goes on and it bothers me. Fortunately, I’m not from a poor
home and money isn’t really a major issue for me. I learnt a long time ago not
to put my future, happiness, life, in the hands of another so no one has that
kind of control over me. I read about certain people all the time and upon
meeting them, I notice traits I dislike and I know that is not how I want to
end up. I see people do horrible things to others for one very simple reason; because
they can. Because they have that power. This may seem weird but I see wealth
and power as a blessing, but also a responsibility. No matter how much money I make,
I need fulfillment. I need to know and feel that I’m making a difference. The more
money I get, they more I have to give away. One thing I would never want to do
is to exploit people. You see people on the news and stuff and you think they
are angels on earth, get a little closer and it’s different. I believe they
started out with good intentions but when the money, fame and recognition came,
they got blinded, and greed and selfishness took over. You worked hard to get
to where you are, but once you could pay people to work for you, once you could
pay them meager amounts of money and work them like dogs, and they have to take
it because they have no choice, once you have the power to do that without
being questioned, would you? You go on about how unfair it is to do xyz but
what if you could do it and get away with it? Would you? This post is directed
at all those in positions of power and wealth, what are you doing with it? I believe
I strongly that I am on the path to becoming a successful person, but I pray
for character, integrity, empathy so I do not end up like some of the
successful people I know. I was ‘inspired’ to write this because of something
that I saw somewhere last week. I just shook my head and felt so much pain for
the exploited persons, and disgust at those who put them there. How do they
sleep? I doubt I could.
Success is something everyone strives for, but I would like
to entreat everyone reading this, successful or not, to pray for strength of
character so that when the success comes, you are not blinded by it.
I read something that said ‘many men can withstand adversity
but if you really want to test a person’s character, give him power.’ I pray that
my character is strong enough to ‘withstand’ any amount of power that comes to
me. This is not directed at anyone in particular but of course, whoever the cup
fits should feel free to wear it. One final question to those in positions of
power and wealth, should there be a coup or disturbances of some sort, will
your house be the first to be looted, or will people gather round your house in
a bid to protect you, your property and your family? What are you doing with
what you have?
May the Good Lord guide us all.
Goodnight
