This is a story about a man with hope and faith during a time of emergency. It applies to both the personal lives and the business success of entrepreneurs.
There once was a man who lived in a two-story house. The house was near a river, and unfortunately, the river began to flood.
As the river rose, warnings were broadcast on the radio, TV, and shortwave. Large jeeps drove through the area to evacuate people. As a jeep drove by the man's house, he was told, "You are in danger. Your life is at stake. You must evacuate. Get in the Jeep. Let us help you evacuate."
"NO!" the man replied from his doorstep. "I have faith. I will be ok. The flood won't get me! God will take care of me."
The water continued to rise.
Soon, the man was on the second floor. A boat was going through the area and arrived at the man's house. Rescuers made every effort to convince the man to take action so his life would be saved.
"You are in danger. Your life is at stake. You will drown in the flood."
"No worries," says the man. "I have faith. Everything is ok. Even though the flood is rising, I will be fine. God will take care of me."
The flood continued to rise.
The man went to the roof to avoid the rising water. A helicopter pilot sees him on the roof and hovers above him. Using a megaphone, the pilot tries to convince the man to grab the dangling rope ladder above his head.
"You are in danger. The flood is still rising. You will drown if you do not grab the rope ladder. Let us help you."
"No worries," says the man. "I will be fine. Yes, the flood is higher, but I have faith. God will take care of me."
The flood rises. The man drowns.
At the pearly gates, the man says to God, "I had faith. YOU LET ME DIE!"
To which God replies: "I sent you a jeep, a boat, and a helicopter. What more could I have done for you?"
There is a positive takeaway!
Each day, someone comes to you with a helpful hand extended, a key tool, or a PERFECT tip that will help you out of trouble! Very often, the perfect tip is simple, obvious, and may not seem special, but is exactly what you need! The source of the answer you seek may appear to be drab or un-special. This is a good time to remember, "Don't judge a book by its cover!"
Whether you believe life is based on a series of coincidences or believe that everything is connected to a plan that is beyond our understanding, THERE ARE SOLUTIONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
"Trust but Verify" is necessary to minimize waste and protect against predators and con artists.
You probably know someone who is waiting for a magic answer to cure all the problems, one that comes with bells and whistles, flashing lights, and floats from the clouds?
Too many rely on hope and wait much too long for "the answer". After months or even years have gone by, the result becomes a perpetual status quo of survival.
Working harder and having faith are absolutely essential. It is also essential to stay alert and be willing to act on opportunities that present themselves.
You might be someone who offers help, advice, tools, or tips, but receive a blank stare or strong resistance. What is the best way to respond when you know a person is going to fail and they refuse to accept aid? Even if they are not ready or able, STAY POSITIVE, AND CONSISTENT!
As Gandhi once said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
When all is said and done, many of the solutions are within reach. It is a GREAT day to slow down and look around. There are treasures everywhere! And YOU are one!
The wise learn from the mistakes of others, it's the fool that wants to make their own mistakes. - Tony Gaskins
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
- Dale Carnegie
