The Middle Passage

I believe the only feeling that can replace the excitement of starting something great is the happiness associated with finishing something great.  Think about it; when you got accepted into that school or got that loan to start that business you were ready to conquer the planet.  But when you graduated or started turning a profit, there was nothing that could dull the shine of your pride.  That's because at the moment that you "made it" you had that 50-picture-in-2-seconds flashback about what it took to win.  And while everyone around you was celebrating your success, you rejoiced knowing that you survived the middle passage.

See, that's what it all boils down to; staying alive in the period between the motherland and the new world.  Everybody at some point has that great idea, hears that life changing sermon, or has that revelation to "do me" moving forward.  And we all know that before many of these folks reach their destiny called landfall, they were thrown overboard to be eaten by sharks.  Actually, they weren't thrown over...they jumped.  Somehow they didn't account for the long hours, days, months, and sometimes years that was necessary.  And they flat out quit; too embarrassed to go back and too weak to go forward.

But where the rubber meets the road is during the middle passage.  And Jesus supports this principle in the gospel of Matthew; telling His disciples that "he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matt. 24:13)".  Fittingly, this teaching was centered around His main followers having to experience some ultra-treacherous times before His glorious return.  Consequently, many of the individuals He spoke to were either executed or exiled.  However, they rode it out until the end.  I'm certain that because they were unmovable we have access to much of the knowledge of God we do today.  Just imagine if they had quit.  They wouldn't have been doing it just for themselves, it would have impacted us also.

But friends, please know that the decisions and goals you come up with are no different than what the disciples chose to have.  For those very thoughts in your brain also impact your family and your community.  Remember, you are a child of the Living God...the light of the world...whose light cannot be hidden and people need to see your light (Matthew 5:14-16).  How do you know that idea to open that business won't employ thousands of young people in your city?  Or how do you know that life change you're making won't encourage other young women to do the same?  Well, if you trust God and His Word...it will!

Say this with ya boy...."I Will Survive The Middle Passage!"

Peace