Life Lessons

Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

“If I can’t see your eyes, then all I see is lies. Your wardrobe speaks truth, but it’s only a disguise. Sunday suits on the Sabbath, business suits on Monday, you could fool a judge and juror without saying a thing. You can’t hide behind your makeup. You can’t hide behind your name. You may be rewarded differently, but you’ll be judged the same.”

When people say, “Everything that glitters ain’t gold”, they are telling the truth. But when a person says, “You can trust me “, then he or she is usually telling a lie. A person who is trustworthy does not have to declare that statement. Trustworthy people walk and talk confidently knowing they have sound evidence to support their claim of integrity and nobility. Wolves in sheep’s clothing are always watching their backs and talking slick. In other words, wolves in sheep’s clothing are always prepared to tell a lie, whereas trustworthy people are always prepared to tell the truth.

So don’t be so quick to accept that invitation from your co-worker, classmate, neighbor, or even church member without first checking his or her resume. He might be plotting and scheming while preying on your innocence. He’s giving rides in stolen cars, feeding the hungry with drug money, saving souls and poking holes, and spreading aids while spreading the word.

Doing one good deed does not make you a righteous person, especially if it’s just a cover up. You’re poisoning good soil every time you make a move. Just because you were born into sin, it doesn’t mean you have to continue living that way. Sinning in secrecy is no different from sinning openly. At least, people would be able to see your truth then.

Be honest with yourself and others because deceit has unfavorable consequences. I’d rather be a work in progress with less stress than a bold betrayer swimming in a mess.

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

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Photo: Flickr. A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing by Robin Hutton CC
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Dads Do The Most

Dirty clothes, dusty boots. Harry face, nappy roots. Ashy elbows, peeling hands. Everything I love about a man. But what I love most, other than one who works hard, is the man who doesn’t end the day without at least acknowledging his kids. A man who works sun up to sun down does not have much leisure time, but his children sure feel his presence and love when he tucks them in at bed time. Consequently, I call him dad…

Daddy, you don’t have to be in love with mommy to love me. I understand. Some things just can’t be worked out. Relationships are not promising, but your time for me should never be compromised. Any man can father a child, but only a real man can bear the weight of responsibility.

A father is the man responsible for giving children their genetic makeup. A dad does the latter and takes full responsibility for raising the child. The two are not interchangeable because one plays a more important role. A dad can father a child, but a father does not automatically become a dad. He has to earn that title. Men, you should never want to be classified as just a father because you are depriving yourself of some good years.

To all men who have stepped up to the plate and live up to their responsibility, you are the most prominent male role models of society. This includes step-dads, uncles, coaches, mentors and anyone who plays the role of a daddy.

“You are the kings of the nations, the cream of the crop, the gift that keeps on giving, and the bow that sits atop.”

“I know there’s a lot of pressure, but keep doing what you do. Your seeds will become blessings, and your kids will honor you.”

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topic suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

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Do It Now

If there is something you really want to do, don’t wait until tomorrow. Do it now. One day, I was having a short conversation with one of my best friends. The conversations with her were always short because she worked one full time job, one part time, and attended school full time, while raising two young girls on her own. Nevertheless, she made time to chat with me while in route to or from one of her jobs or school. Thinking about a typical day for my friend sparked something in me. I thought to myself, “If she’s able to work two jobs and take care of two little girls and still go back to school, what’s stopping me?” At the time, I had only one full time job, four kids, and a husband to help me out. I had so much down time at work that I found myself on social networks, browsing the Internet, and shopping. I knew I could have been making better use of my down time, but I just didn’t know how. Thus, I left a message for an enrollment counselor at the University of Phoenix to call me back. I didn’t receive a call back the first time, so after a second attempt, I was able to reach someone. The enrollment counselor asked me a few questions before explaining my options. He had me all pumped up and excited but nervous at the same time. I had been out of school for a while, and the last time I was enrolled, I failed terribly.

Prior to speaking with the enrollment counselor at Phoenix, I was denied financial assistance the last time I attempted to go back to school in 2004. I think I had sort of given up at that point because I knew I could not afford to pay out of pocket. One rejection set me back by four years because I didn’t fight for it. Anyhow, my goal was to start back in the spring of 2009, but the enrollment counselor talked me into starting right away. At first, I was kind of mad that I let him talk me into starting right away, but I was grateful in the end. I probably would have come up with a million and one excuses as to why I could not start in the January 2009.

On September 30, 2008, I became a college student once again. On June 2, 2012, I became a college graduate! Walking across that stage was one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced. I have absolutely no regrets! So what are you waiting for? The right time is now! I could have been still sitting in that cubicle at work on social networks and shopping, but instead, I used that time wisely and pursued a degree online…while on the clock. That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made at the expense of my employer. So whether you want to go back to school, start a business, or buy some property, don’t procrastinate…do it now!

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topics suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

Photo. Flickr. There are times of QC failures by Markus Bahlmann

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