Tanya Wilson
360You
Earlier this week, I received advice from someone who is currently enjoying a great deal of national success. The experience was monumental because much of what was freely shared were support tactics that I had been searching for many years for. Their willingness to share resources freely, recommendations and sincere encouragement was refreshing. To often successful individuals sit in the driver’s seat of their life with no rearview or side view mirrors.
In 2006, I recall riding in the car with my son when a song came on the radio with lyrics I have not forgotten. Rapper Mike Jones, in his song “Back Then” made a profound lyrical statement, even though for me, it came from an unlikely source. The hook basically says, “Back then they didn’t want me, now I am hot they are all on me.”
In addition to the lyrics of Mike Jones, I often think back to a childhood friendship with the now retired boxer “Sugar Ray Leonard.” In 1976, Ray won the Gold in boxing, though not favored to do so. As you might imagine, following both the bringing home of the medal and signing professionally, suddenly everyone knew “Ray.” Everywhere you went, people were talking about always knowing he had talent. I often thought where were all those folks when the mothers in his community were holding fundraisers to get him to the Olympics?
It’s easy to celebrate our success. And if we are not careful, we can start believing our own press release. But if we are honest, somebody opened a door that gave us the opportunity to show our stuff. For me it was, Ina Siler, PhD retired, V.P., Organizational
Effectiveness at Home Box Office.
Success is such a mighty blessing. As a matter of fact, the apostle Luke says to whom much is given, much is required.
The truth is, before our degrees, positions, and somebody other than our parents knowing our name, we only held hope.
There is somebody today that has little more than a dream in their hand that will cross your path. Just one word from you, might be all they need to breakthrough to their destiny. The testimonies that God equips us with, embraced properly, can serve as a “you too can do it” message to a person at the starting line.
Zechariah 4:10, for me says it best, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin……..” If we miss our opportunity to help that person that is sincere and determined, we could be missing our opportunity to give a leg up to the next Mike Jones or Sugar Ray Leonard.
Read more columns by Tanya Wilson, an inspirational speaker based in Charlotte. Find her on Facebook.
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