A book I highly recommend

As an avid reader, I can honestly say that one book that has had profound impact on me in the last few days is Ben Carson’s “THINK BIG”. I happened to randomly select it from my library of books to pass time two weeks ago, unfortunately, it has become my companion for the most part of my life these days.

Why did it impress me so much?

I have heard a lot about Ben Carson through his groundbreaking surgery of the Siamese twins, which caught global recognition, I think I watched his documentary when I was nine on prime television. Yet, reading about his struggles and how, through determination, discipline, hard work, and God, he was able to rise to become a globally celebrated icon is a great motivation. In his own words Dr. Carson writes,

“Our society tends to focus on super-entertainers, sports figures, politicians, or the highly publicized individuals who do outstanding work and get recognized for their achievements. But what about those who give their best but never receive recognition? Or financial reward? Or honor? Or fame?”

This book impressed me greatly as I pondered my own journey and how far I have reached, which I believe is only a beginning of the greater feats to achieve in the coming years. I believe, like Ben Carson, I will also tell my story to the world one day. His book has ultimately achieved its purpose by sparking faith in my heart and hope in my mind to think big.

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited" Plutarch.

He shares the huge role Mother Sonya Carson played in his life and who he ultimately became. There’s one thing I gleam from this: As parents, whether single or double (chuckles), your words have a profound impact on your children and their future possibilities. So create your child’s future with the right words. Mother Sonya had had a terrible childhood and marriage and would become suicidal at some point, but for the timely intervention of her sister. God had other plans for her and her boys, He sent an old woman to reassure her of His love, grace, and mercy towards her. That had a thing on me.? To whoever is reading this,

I want to let you know that God loves you and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you. He created you for something great, and if you partner with Him, He will help you become what He created you to be.

Dr. Carson shares on the role of mentors in his life, some significant and great people, others commoners, perhaps I have to apologize for the choice of word. Some had a direct impact on him as he came into contact with them, while there were those who inspired him from a distance. Albert Einstein, the great scientist, said,

“We stand on the shoulders of giants to see afar”.

That is essentially what happened. We are privileged to have books that contain the biographies, autobiographies, failures, and successes of great people who have gone before us in our fields. We would do ourselves and humanity a great disservice if we failed to acquaint ourselves and rub our minds with theirs in their fine literature.

“It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. In the best books, great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts and pour their souls to ours”- William Ellery Channing.

“The world of books is the most remarkable creations of man; nothing else that he builds ever lasts. Monuments fall, nations perish. Civilizations grow old and die out. After an era of darkness, new races build others. But in the world of books are volumes that live on? still as young and fresh as the day they were written, still telling men’s hearts of the hearts of men centuries dead”- Clarence Day.

9 Wise Sayings From the book:

“Education is the only way you’re ever going to escape poverty. It’s the only way you’re ever going to get ahead in life and be successful." Sonya, Carson.

“If we recognize our talents, use them appropriately, and choose a field that uses those talents, we will rise to the top of our field." Ben, Carson.

"If we live by the rule of honesty and accept our problems, we can go far down the road of achievements, says Ben, Carson.

“If we are nice to others, others will respond to us in the same way, and we can give our best for each other"—Ben Carson.

“If we make every attempt to increase our knowledge in order to use it for human good, it will make a difference in us and our world, says Ben, Carson.

“If we commit ourselves to reading, thus increasing knowledge, only God can limit how far we can go in this world," says Ben, Carson.

“If we develop in-depth knowledge, it will enable us to give our best to others and help to make a better world"—Ben Carson.

“If we acknowledge our need for God, He will help us." Ben, Carson.

“Most things are wrought more by prayer than this world dreams of, says Tennyson.

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To anyone reading this, I want to reiterate what Dr. Carson has emphasized in this book:

“Think big, give your best and trust God to do the rest”.

“If I shoot at the sun, I may hit a star”- P. T Barnum.

Written by: Dr. Joseph Ntiamoah (PT).

Editor-in-Chief, Health Pulse Newsletter.