Dear Believer,

The other day I had to ask a friend and mentor whether he thought it was a good idea for me to drop a few powerful names in a conversation to help me solidify an opportunity. He responded that he suggested I not only mention those names but reach out to those folks asking them to put in a personal recommendation on my behalf.

Maybe you’re curious as to why I needed to ask. It’s partly due to how I was raised, always taught that one gets far with the sweat from their own back. My father never allotted me the opportunity to use his name, his job, or anything of that nature to secure opportunities when I was younger. When I finish and publish my book this year it’ll sell (or flop) because of the work or lack of work that I put into it.

Living in countries like Jamaica, Egypt, and even in America (especially when big money is involved), it’s not about what you know, but rather who you know.

When you can make a certain phone call, or have a person support your work in public, that may be all you need. Even Google’s algorithms to a degree focus on WHO is linking to your article, regardless of how true or well-written your work is.

When you can get a picture with a certain star and upload it to social media, you may gain fame and authority because of it. But at what cost?

What if you cease relying on your own skills and talents, or cease working hard to hone your craft, or in our religious terminology, what if you decide that God is All-Merciful and Loving and neglect your own role?

See what I did there? One of the greatest names we can call on is the name of God. The beauty is that He will always answer.

But it doesn’t absolve you from doing all that is in your power; To grow, excel, and exceed expectations, meanwhile calling on God’s help. The two go hand in hand. Don’t just call on God expecting miracles, the miracle is that He gives you the ability to succeed. Now get to work.

Jumada Al Thani 7th, 1440
February 13th, 2019

Your servant,
Arthur K. Richards

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