SUCCESS.........

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