$1 Lui - A Birthday Gift

Today, July 5th, is my birthday! As I reflect on my life's journey and the years ahead, I want to highlight the importance of living a life of sacrifice for others. I am greatly inspired by how Jesus accomplished so much by the age of 33, serving humanity with teachings of Godly wisdom, purpose, and love, culminating in His death, resurrection, and ascension to glory. On this journey of life, I realize that it’s not about the length of years one spends on earth; it’s not the quantity but the quality of life that matters. It’s more about the impact and legacy one leaves behind.

It’s not about the length of years one spends on earth; it’s not the quantity but the quality of life that matters. It’s more about the impact and legacy one leaves behind.

Taking some time to drive around the streets of Newark, Delaware, I spotted a young man selling bottles of chilled water. In this hot sun? Wow! What could make a handsome young man stand on a street corner selling water at this time of day, I wondered. As I drove past, I thought, why shouldn’t I do something special for him? Why not make a positive impact on his life by buying his goods as a gift to someone on my birthday?

I approached him, and he was sweating profusely and gasping for breath. When I shook hands with him and interrogated him further, he shared that his dad is in jail, and he has a single mom taking care of the family. He wants to raise money to pay bills and save up to purchase a car for better mobility. I greatly admired and was inspired by his entrepreneurial mindset, juggling a job at Wendy’s and selling water on the streets—just a young kid trying to make the right decisions to get ahead in life. I was touched and moved and said to him, “Hey, I’m going to see how best to help you! Pack the rest of the bottles in my car.” He had 12 bottles left, making $12. I gave him $20 as a gift on this special day of mine and told him, “Let’s keep in touch; I will see how I can help mentor you as a big brother to enable you to get ahead in life.”

just a young kid trying to make the right decisions to get ahead in life.

I asked him what he wants to do after high school. He seemed uncertain. I dropped him at his residence and asked him to take the rest of the day to relax and get out of the hot sun. I am looking forward to continuing a mentoring relationship to see how best to help Lui, or even partnering on entrepreneurial ventures that could bring value to his life and family. We discussed partnering to build a more sustainable business to empower him to thrive.

Why am I inspired to do this? It is from learning about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for others, as it is written, “Hereby we perceive the love of God: because He (Jesus) laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16) As humans, we should not hesitate to help others, especially if it is within our means. Sometimes it may take going the extra mile to help others and add value to their lives. It is worth the sacrifice because every human being is precious and has great potential. When directed well and granted the right opportunities and resources, every human being has the capacity to live up to their potential and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Hereby we perceive the love of God: because He (Jesus) laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)

God sees the great potential in each of us, as highlighted in scripture: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) Each of us has a special treasure within, irrespective of the challenges or difficulties we may face in life. Your act of kindness, gift of love, and empathy could go a long way in the lives of other people. Therefore, share love, inspire hope, and uplift others, enabling us all to thrive in society. Together, we win!