Deion Sanders Hall Of Fame Speech

Invictus

Invictus

One of the most powerful poems written is “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley.  As stated in Wikipedia, At the age of 12, Henley fell victim to tuberculosis of the bone. A few years later, the disease progressed to his foot, and physicians announced that the only way to save his life was to amputate directly below the knee. It was amputated when he was 25. In 1875, he wrote the "Invictus" poem from a hospital bed.

I first learned the poem “Invictus “while going through my process to enter into the folds of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  Since learning this poem in Spring 2001, it has become one of my all time favorites.   During trying times, during hardships, I have learned to recite this poem.  In so many ways, it reminds me that when times are hard, I control the outcome – I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.  This poem has been on my heart the past few days and I encourage you to read the poem and really get an understanding of the message.   Lastly, I encourage you to apply the principles mentioned into your daily walk.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


Stay Positive, Stay Driven, Stay Motivated.

Are you the next Susan Boyle?

I am sure a lot of you are wondering - Who is Susan Boyle?  Please click on the video link below. Afterwards, please continue reading the post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcQ9A-5noM

Now I pose the question mentioned in the title of this Blog – Are you the next Susan Boyle? We all have God given gifts and talents. However, when speaking of these gifts and talents, there are two challenges we face. The first challenge is: the ability to identify your God given gift(s) and talent(s). If you are one of the lucky ones and you are able to identify them, then you face a second challenge. The second challenge is: having the faith to step out of one(s) comfort zone and actually utilize those gift(s) and talent(s).  Today’s post addresses the second challenge.

Note: I will address the first challenge in a later post. “How to identify your Gifts and Talents?”

Just like Susan Boyle, we all have hidden gift(s) and talent(s) that the world must see.  However, for some reason(s), we do not allow the world to see these gifts. Sometimes we allow the “Golden Handcuff” to dictate our path. (Golden Handcuff is when you get use to a certain lifestyle and as a result, you are not willing to give up that lifestyle - short term to rep long term benefits.) Other times, we allow our current life situations to rule over us. Perhaps, we cannot identify our God given gifts or talents. Maybe just maybe, we have incorrectly identified what we perceive to be our gifts and talents. Perhaps, we allow outsiders to discourage us from living out our purpose.  Or, time prevents us from exercising these gifts and talents.   All in all, regardless of the reason, many of us have not shared our Gift with the world.

One of my main goals is to maximize my full potential.  In order for me to do that, I must utilize my gifts and talents in a way that impacts the world.  In doing so, the world will witness these gifts and talents – similar to the Susan Boyle story. In the past, I struggled with stepping out on faith and sharing these tools with the world. I used some of the same reason mentioned in the previous paragraph to prevent me from pressing forward. However, (whether it was maturity or my “Tim Tebow moment” see previous blog post) I now have the faith and confidence to share my gifts and talents with the world; regardless of the criticism or the negative backlash that comes with the territory.  I am who I am.

My hope is that this audience does not hesitate to share their hidden gifts or talents with the world. Once you have identified your gift, the next step is to use the tools around you (i.e. facebook, youtube, etc.) to share with the world your God given gifts and talents.  Once you begin to share your Gifts and talents with the world, your impact on the world will be so magnificent that your legacy will last forever.