The Blog - Where Business Collides with Human Nature

The Story About a Jeep, a Boat and a Helicopter

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This is a story about a man with hope and faith during a time of emergency.  It is applicable to both personal life and business success of entrepreneurs.

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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 given via 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 that 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 top of the roof and hovers above the man.  Using a megaphone, the pilot tries to convince the man to grab the rope ladder which was dangling 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?"

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help pileEach day someone comes to you with a hand extended, a tool, or a tip which will help you out of trouble.  Often times the tip is simple, obvious and may not seem so special.  The source of the answer you seek may appear to be drab or un-special.

Whether you believe life is based on a series of coincidences or believe that everything is connected to a plan which is beyond our understanding; there are solutions at your fingertips.

"Trust but Verify" is necessary to minimize waste and protect against those who are predators or cons.

Do you know someone who is waiting for a magic answer to cure all the problems and 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 go by, the result becomes a perpetual status quo of survival. 

Working harder and having faith are absolutely essential.  It is also essential to stay aware and be willing to take action on opportunities that present themselves.

You may be one who offers help, advice, tools or tips and receive a blank stare or high resistance.  What is the best way to respond when you know a person is going to fail and they refuse to accept aide?  

When all is said and done, many of the solutions are within reach.  Slow down and look around.

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

Topics: Leadership Inspiration