Even though many in the downtrodden poor areas of the major cities of America have so much against them because of their challenged circumstances, their uncanny ability to survive never ceases to amaze me.
And yes, there will be some who will focus on why they are there and say that many of them could have made better choices.
That might hold true for some, but for many who were born into a situation that was all gloom and doom from birth, you’ve got to understand that many of them no of nothing else and weren’t exposed to anything better.
So it’s the ability to survive under such bleak circumstances that I’m speaking about, because from what I see everyday in the street as I drive my bus through some of the grittiest neighborhoods of Orlando Florida, it is indeed a testimony to the human spirit simply to make it through to another day.
And my praise for those who have honed their ability to survive is not reserved only for those in the so called ‘hood, but I also respect an individual who can make a way when there appears to be none no matter what their circumstances.
That being said, I have a constant source of spiritual strength from which to draw from everyday from people that for the most part are hidden under the cloak of anonymity because the world will never see their greatness because of the circles in which they dwell.
Not that I could tell you the exact statistics, but I’m quite sure the suicide rates for the impoverished are much smaller tan for those who are affluent, why is that?
Now I wouldn’t include those who have attained great wealth and notoriety by taking the hard road up in their chosen field of expertise in those statistics at all, because they know what it is to do without as they work hard toward their dreams.
But for those wealthy rich people who pretty much never had to challenge themselves by removing themselves out of their comfort zone, they are the individuals who freak out at the prospect of even losing just a little of their wealth and commit suicide at the drop of a dime or jump off of skyscrapers because they really don’t know how precious life can really be.
Those who I see everyday in the ghettos no matter rough a life they have, always seem to be able to muster a smile in the toughest of times.
To me, to be able to grasp a little bit of joy in the face of uncertainty when you don’t know when your next meal is coming from is simply incredible. You see, at the end of the day no matter what zip code you reside in or what amount you have in your bank account, real joy is free and not based on these man made measurements of worldly success.
If you are truly happy from within what does it matter what you have in your name as a possession as long as you are in a state of mind to see the good in all situations.
While we all might like to have a little more than we do now in the material department, never forget that the best things in life are free and when you begin to feel down about what you may not have, think about what you have right this very moment and begin to rejoice to your Creator because so many wish they were where you stand today.
Think not?
You stress about the bills coming in and how much you have to work to keep what you have, but what about letting some of those things go if it will help you to sleep a little deeper at night?
Is it really that important to pay so much for the latest vehicle simply because you have to keep up with the Jones-es or maintain an image? Well, will the Jones-es look out for you if you lose you health from exhaustion and will those to whom you project your image love you any less if you have less?
And if the truth be told, if anyone will love you less because your possessions are curtailed, then their love for you is not sincere and you need to rid them from your presence immediately and allow those who are truly concerned with your well being to enjoy your inner space.
So I am reminded everyday that I am truly blessed above and beyond when I drive my bus through the so called ‘hood.
Not because of the beautiful home and wife that I have, and not because of the amenities that we have accrued through hard work and sacrifice, but because if they can manage to smile while in the circumstances that they have to deal with, what excuse do I have not to know how good God has been to me.
How arrogant would it be for me to not be joyous in my spirit with every stride that I take simply because I’m basing my happiness on getting more money and refuse to embark on the simple joys until I’ve reached some ridiculous wealth goal that I might never attain?
I drive through the rich side of town and see the stressed demeanor of those who move about in their luxury vehicles.
I drive through the poor part of town and see the winos on the corner busting their sides with laughter at a joke that one of them shared.
I see the women who have rich husbands going back and forth to the plastic surgeon because of the insecurity that they have with their image.
Then I see the poor women who look even better who are simply working hard to maintain their plain lives looking so beautiful because their spirit is clean and humble.
Having money doesn’t make anyone a bad person at all, but it does create an obstacle to keep many from ever seeing this life in the same manner as they should before the distraction of wealth came their way.
The minute that you feel that you are your wealth and your identity and character is tied in to who you really are, it will be so easy to take your life the very moment you lose it all are feel threatened that it will vanish.
So if I were to hit the lottery or accrue great riches from the multiple talents that God has blessed me with, know that nothing will change in my life as far as my ability to thank God for the riches of the spirit that He has given me in order to enjoy this life wholeheartedly as though I’m already a member of the Billionaire Club.
Happiness is a state of mind that many billionaires could never possess.
Many billionaires realize that at the moment they’ve reached that status that having lots of money doesn’t give them what living a life in submission to God brings in abundance.
Having a hard laugh with a friend or enjoying a long walk through the park is a joy that is literally priceless.
Stop feeling as though you are less of a person because you don’t have the latest automobile or wear the latest fashions.
At least you know for a fact that those who claim to love you love you for YOU and not what you have! There is no line of credit or amount of wealth that can bribe God to giving anyone a happiness that can only be realized through the total submission to His will, and learning this fact early on in life will prevent you from a lot of heartache in this life.
Peace & Righteous Love Always,
LanceScurv
407.590.0755