Truth or Fiction?

Over the last couple of days I have been writing some things that had been on my mind. I wouldn´t be able to really write about what I want without offending some people (that time will come). So, I have decided to write little stories but omit the name(s). I will have another one for you tomorrow.

Imagine that you are at a place in your life where you think you are not as successful as you should be. Or, that you don’t have all the things you desire in life. You go around feeling like “woe is me.” Then one day you take a trip to a place where people have much less than you. More importantly, they don’t have any of the opportunities you have. You then start to appreciate just how blessed you are. There but for the grace of GOD …

Traveling to this place has opened your eyes to things you really didn’t know existed. You had seen things on television, but never experienced them first-hand. During your travel you meet someone who you think you can help. You find kinship. When you see where this person lives (a shack surrounded by drug addicts) you decide to talk with your friends to see what you can do to help improve their lives. You and your friends decide that where this family is living no human-beings should live. You don’t have the resources to help everyone, but maybe you can help improve the lives of this family. Your friends caution you about how great the responsibility is, but you press on.

So, with the help of the friends you have mobilized, you move the family into a new home and make sure they don’t have to worry about a decent place to stay. You and this family develop a strong bond. Because of them, you look at this country differently. You think that maybe this is a place that you can make a new life for yourself. Start over.

As you now feel you have a purpose, a way to make a change for not only for yourself, but to be able to help someone else make a new life for themselves and their family. You decide that the best way to help someone is for them to be able to take care of themselves. You try and figure out what is the best way to go about it. Again, you don’t have the resources to do what is needed, but you have the contacts and friends to be able to make change happen. As all of these changes happen you grow even closer to this family and will do whatever is humanly possible to make sure they have the basic necessities. As time goes on, their life improves dramatically. They now have a new home, children are being educated in a better school, they now have a means to support their family more comfortably. You have helped provide the tools necessary so that this family can prosper.

Meanwhile, you are looking to make some changes in your own life. You think that with your newfound “brother” that you might be able to embark on something new. You know that without him in your corner that you wouldn’t even consider making such drastic changes. You plan for 2 years about what you are going to do, how will you make a living, where will you live, etc. Then, an opportunity is presented to you. You are not interested in it, but people tell you “here is the opportunity you have been waiting for.” And you think, yes, this is probably the best opportunity I will have. You are not prepared. You have never done anything like this, don’t have the capital, or the knowledge to run an enterprise like this, but you step out on faith with your highly optimistic exuberance.

In the beginning things are extremely difficult, but you think you can do anything. It will be a struggle, but the struggle is worth it. As time progresses, jealousy and envy begin to seep into the relationship with your “brother.” Your “brother” starts to feel that he is not making the money he should be making, and decides that it is your fault. Never mind that you are responsible for everything, from the idea, money, marketing, implementing the venture, etc. But, your “brother” feels that he is your 50/50 partner and you would be nothing without him. He now feels that he and his family is being cheated. Your “brother” starts going to your friends and clients and telling them fanciful stories about you. They don’t know what to believe, because you are still saying this is your “brother,” and how close you are. So, he must be telling the truth. They now look at you a little different.

For more than a year things are said and you choose to ignore them. You think that maybe it is because of the business difficulties you are facing. Things will get better. During this time people come and tell you stories that are being relayed about you and who is saying this. You refuse to believe it. How can someone you consider your “brother” say things like that? I liken it to the mother who knows her child is gay from a young age, but is hoping against hope that it is not true. Then the day comes when it is confirmed and you have to deal with it.

How would you feel about someone who you had considered your “brother” is responsible for most of the rumors being circulated about you? Especially since said "brother" has admitted that he is the source of the rumors. Do you know go and spread the damaging information about your former “brother?” NO. You let it go and as the preacher says, “give it to Jesus.” Now, your brother can go out and make it in the world on his own. He can even join forces with “Lucifer” to make his dreams come true.

One question? If things don’t work out, who will “brother” have to blame?