Not Poor, Just Ignorant

A lot of sayings are flung around, and their meanings resonate with you based on perspective and personal experience. One of these is about “some of us being born poor, while others are born rich”. I understand the literal meaning of the saying. But, putting it in perspective, I don’t think anybody was born poor. I believe we are introduced to life on a neutral platform. We all are NOT born poor, only ignorant. And that ignorance is about our potential, life’s mission and unique gifting. And God sends us into that perfect family or material situation of abundance or pressures; experiences and philosophical musings to direct us and introduce us to our life’s mission and the rich deposit we have within and around us to execute them.

However, often times, convenience and natural care blind and prevent us from discovering who we are. In my short time as an entrepreneur, I have learned that some conversations are best not had with certain people. Like my mother, for example. And that is because her natural care may crush my sense of adventure, stifle my convictions and douse my enthusiasm to a place of safety and convenience in the arms of a regular paying job or other safer options. Love is blind because it doesn’t see beyond your present struggles to a glorious future of impact and inspiring revolution. Safety may present the real poverty. The poverty of never discovering who you are and all you were meant to be.

Convenience is the enemy of contribution. Men are advised to pursue certain career paths first for the convenience then, second, third or not at all for their contribution. Contribution is fueled by sacrifice and risk. I’d question the validity of greatness devoid of risk and sacrifice. We experience mediocrity in large part because we have too many people in the wrong fields, with the inappropriate skills, personality and zest, barking up the wrong tree for the sake of convenience. Albert Einstein rightly said, “Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” My friends, if you think you are poor, think again. Your problem just might be that you are ignorant and driven by convenience and not your contribution.

I’d love to hear from you. Please post your feedback or send an email to bigthinking2000@yahoo.com. Cheers!