Happy Friday, Friends!
I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day on this glorious first Friday of 2026 in my Sweet Home Alabama! Additionally, I sincerely hope you gave and received the gift of presence this Christmas!
Are you the one?
I have a great friend, a Godly man, I am very blessed to have in my life, whose father states, “Every young man has the opportunity to be the first.” My friends goes on to explain, “the context is when a young man has experienced sins of the father, and they doubt their ability to change that.” It is in those situations that my friend's father reminds young men that “every young man has the opportunity to be the first.” Great, faith-filled words of hope and inspiration.
While I believe this statement to be true, I do not believe it is limited strictly to men, nor do I think it is limited solely to “sins of the father.” While I am broadening the statement's context, I am confident my friend and his father would agree with my message this Friday afternoon. I believe it can be expanded to all people, and the message can include anything less than what God created the individual to become.
Perhaps for you, you had an absent father. Are you the
one to be present?
Perhaps for you, you had a controlling, manipulative
mom. Are you the one to love unconditionally?
Perhaps for you, nobody in your family has ever
pursued a higher education – a 2-year or 4-year degree, or perhaps graduated
from a trade school. Are you the one to do so?
Perhaps, for you, your family has always lived and
made decisions out of fear. Are you the one who lives and makes decisions by
faith?
Perhaps, for you, no one in your family has ever been financially independent or responsible. Are you the one to do so?
Are you the one?
My hope is not to make an expansive list but instead
point you to the wisdom of my friend's father; just because you grew up or were
raised in a particular situation or set of circumstances, it doesn’t mean you
can’t be the first one in your family to do it differently. I can’t remember who
said it, but it is very wise; when we take responsibility, we have
response–ability.
As so many are making New Year’s Resolutions this time of year, I want to encourage us to pray, reflect, and look more deeply. If everyone in your life that you care deeply about consistently believed what you believe, lived as you live, and did what you do, would it lead them to a life of growth and prosperity? If not, perhaps you are the one.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great evening, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious family, and please stay well!
