"How can I handle them?"
This is what Brad thought after spending time reflecting on a conviction of his current standing.
"I was able to have power and recognition. But why does it feel it's missing?"
"What about your character? What have you become?"
It was Greg, Brad's newfound friend he met at a relative's get-together event.
"It's okay. I actually know how you feel. But based on what your cousin told me about you, I think you need to put your feet back on the ground again."
Brad thought about what Greg had said.
"You're doing great as a person in your own mark.", Greg continued, "But I think you should deepen yourself more. And it all starts with perspective."
He opted to talk to him closely because of his empathy for Brad. He also wanted to help enlighten him as much as he could. So, they agreed to talk about the inner challenges they typically face for the whole night.
.........
"We can have the dream roles we want. But sometimes, they last for a time.", said Greg, "If it's taken away from us, it's for something better, even so much more."
"Oh, ambition!!" remarked Brad, "It can be godly and pure but can also be self-serving and corrupt."
"Speaking of that, you know the biggest determiners of what our hearts speak most... "said Greg, "are failures and disappointments."
"Which means success and achievements can be dangerous.", responded Brad.
"Be thankful for them, " said Greg, "But don't put them too much on your head."
.........
"Isolation is deadly. It can lead you to a collapse.", said Greg.
"Anyone, even the people from the top.", remarked Brad, "We're all prone to weaknesses and temptations from our own sinful nature."
"Guard your heart.", advised Greg, "If you fall, you can always find the way back. Remove the so-called magisterial self-pity. Remove the fool in you."
"Community and accountability are needed to remove that space.", Brad realized.
.........
"The art of no mind is what we should be mastering all along.", remarked Brad.
"But fair judgment or not, we should know how to deal with them.", responded Greg.
"If applicable, don't wrestle with the pigs, right?" asked Brad.
Greg chuckled. "Yeah, but the bottom line, be criticized without resentment."
"No other way.", remarked Brad, "An unhealthy way leads you to spin, manipulate, and regroup. It's better to confess and repent if true."
.........
"A common one we experience.", Greg exclaimed, "For someone who has gotten ahead in life, one who has made it to the top."
"The comparison game.", Brad responded, "And we covet what they have. The pride and rival spirit. Been there, done that."
"Humility and will are the match.", Greg answered.
.........
"And another common one ... " added Brad, "The feeling that you're on top but still don't feel like one."
"The paradox!" remarked Greg, "Wanting to be a Somebody instead of a Nobody. The fear of being thought as unnoticed or insignificant."
"But always remember, you matter. You are valued.", assured Brad.
"We have a value that's true and irreplaceable.", said Greg.
.........
"Success... It's funny sometimes.", remarked Brad, "When we achieve it, we find ourselves unhappy."
"And one thing I'm curious about.", said Greg, "You do your best for others, but they don't seem to coordinate with you."
"That brings additional disappointment.", remarked Brad, "But now I'm looking back, I realize that what keeps us up until today despite the frustrations is hope. From hope, we find purpose. That's where we find satisfaction."
"What we do matters.", said Greg, "We should never forget that."
.........
"The chaos and opposition of a crazy world..." remarked Brad.
"Lots of unappreciation, rejection, and resistance.", asked Greg, "I feel like this is getting worse..."
"We can only love on and lead on.", said Brad, "Every single day."
"Difficulties can bring out the good from the worst.", said Greg, "It's hard and risky but worth fighting for."
"Then, we live for what we fight for.", said Brad, "Life, compassion, care, love..."
.........
"In this world, there's suffering.", said Greg, "It's part of life. It's not always roses and smooth roads."
"It's terrible, I agree.", commented Brad, "But sometimes, our endurance of it can bring hope to someone who needs it."
"It's okay to lament, as you're human to feel it.", said Greg, "But know that there's redemption in the midst of it."
"You know, I realized that it's been a deep, heartfelt talk.", said Brad.
"And it's good to talk about them.", said Greg, "You don't get to hear them in a frequent conversation. And with the looks of it, you're learning and are now ready to reset yourself."
"These are the common weaknesses we face as people.", responded Brad, "It makes me realize how ordinary we are. But we can become extraordinary if we grow in strength from them. And we can't boast about it because I know there's something supernatural happening. We're not on our own. From there, we have the strength we perfectly need."
"I wouldn't agree with you more.", said Greg.
They decided to end the night and went their separate ways. As he was traveling home, Brad felt peace. He realized that the strength he has been building throughout his life has kept him through. And he continues to make it. He feels confident to face anything, no matter how difficult it is. He doesn't turn back but is head-on with it. It's the hope he now carries onward.
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