How do you define success?
This is such an subjective topic. I would ordinarily refer to “success” in terms of wealth and prestige especially the way our world works now. But I believe that we are spiritual beings at our core, so success indicates that you have a relationship with God. Once that fundamental aspect is addressed then all the other stuff can be taken care of.
PS: There were a lot of good responses on this thread. Check them out as well.
*POSTDATED
Has a book changed your life?
Absolutely. Yes. 100% Yes. Without a doubt, the Bible. As a believer, it has helped me spiritually, mentally, financially, you name it. I’m so grateful to God for what He’s revealed to me through it. It has kept me grounded in a sense that it revealed that: there’s a God who loves me; I am created in His image; and I have a purpose and plan in this life.
Also , has helped shaped my worldview in many facets of life, especially when it comes to politics. Matter of fact if it wasn’t for the Bible, I definitely wouldn’t lean the way I do. Alas, I gotta let the Bible be my guide.
What is the most memorable gift that you have received?
This may sound corny but I got a weighted jump rope from an ex-girlfriend for Christmas. I was obsessed with trying to dunk at the time. It was a gift that really satisfied a desire of mine. The rope definitely helped me with my hops back in the day!
How far back in your family tree can you go?
I have a lot relatives on both sides of the family. My grandfather on my mom’s side was one of 10+ siblings in South Carolina. (I still have to figure out the exact number.).
My dad is one of 5 or 6 siblings. But as far as lineage I have been told that my great great grandfather was born in Brazil and then emigrated to Nigeria during his lifetime.
I have to ask my aunt whose more in tune with family news, what’s what.
*postdated because this is part of a series*
Write a short story or poem about rain.
Nourishes the earth.
God-invented from dark, gray clouds
Once gone, enjoy the sun.
Why do you write?
I write to articulate whats on my mind. I tend to be pensive and reserved. Therefore, I see it as a mental release valve. I’m not as prolific as I like to be, but I’m working towards that mark.
This Bloganuary series is a first for me. I haven’t written this much publicly in a while. So far, so good.
What brings you joy in life?
The simple things. Waking up and having a purpose for the day. Praying and meditating. Seeing the sun shine. Going to the gym. Running that mile. Hitting my reps on the squats. Going to work doing what God has called you to do. Talking to my family. Swishing that 3 point basket. Laughing with a friend on an inside joke. Reading. Connecting with the hot chick in the room. Smiling. Playing with my friends’ kids. Volunteering. Serving. Learning. Deciphering a foreign language. And much more.
What is a treasure that’s been lost?
A treasure is something that had or currently has value in the beholder’s eyes. If it’s lost there must have been a slight disdain for the value held. That may have come intentionally or mistakenly but the level of care dropped. It tends to happen to us as humans, normally we don’t appreciate what we have until we lose it.
What is the earliest memory you have?
My earliest (very fuzzy) memory I have is me sitting in a high chair in the living room of our apartment when I was 3+ years old. My parents had a baseball game on the TV . (I want to say that the World Series was on but I could be mistaken. We might have had company over). We had been eating string beans and someone had given me a glass of Pepsi with ice. I dropped the string bean in it to mix it up. But the sight of that looked disgusting to me and my parents took it away. Because of that memory, I had stayed away from drinking Pepsi for several years.
How are you brave?
This is a challenge for me because I have to refrain from comparing myself with other people because it isn’t wise. It’s so tempting to look on others and their accomplishments and think that either I haven’t done enough to measure up, or I have done so much more to measure down.
Being brave is to not have any fear and to follow the direction that God leads you. It is taking that step of faith where the outcome does not look promising at all.
Here’s one example of personal bravery: A couple of years I felt that it was necessary to join a local political club and get around individuals who had a love for this country (USA!) like mine or greater. You can read more of my story here. I’ve lost some friends and some of family questioned my political leanings but I have been at peace about my decision.