Few years ago, I came across the documentary; “The Men Who Built America.” As I journeyed through the varied experiences of some of the most inspiring American entrepreneurs, I grew captivated by John D. Rockefeller’s journey. The admiration had very little to do with his vast ambitions to build generational wealth. It was rather due to his belief that he had been appointed by God to be a widely successful industrialist. But where did this bullish confidence stem from?
Back in 1867, while crossing over a high bridge, the express train jumped the tracks and tumbled 30 feet into a gorge below. The last two rails immediately burst into flames. It was such an unfortunate encounter because 50 people died and at least 100 more were badly burned or injured. However, an unexpected twist of fate associated with the tragedy was tied to Rockefeller. Fortunately for him, he arrived at Cleveland’s Union Train Station just a few minutes too late. His bags made the train but he didn’t.
Indeed, some of us may have experienced similar encounters however, we tie our survival to luck or subconsciously develop survivor’s guilt. But not Rockefeller. What if we are always handpicked out of tragic circumstances because there’s a blessing that awaits us and God does not want us to miss it? For Rockefeller, the escape from an abrupt death was his cue to take one of the boldest decisions in his career. Standard Oil - a company that eventually generated billions of US dollars - was born shortly afterwards.
Let this sink in: There have been about a 100 billion people who have ever lived. When you take a look at the combinations of genes that can make you, it is an incredibly larger number than 100 billion. You are alive today against the craziest odds; what this means is that you have a massive purpose to fulfill while on this Earth. It’s no coincidence. And the moment you can cultivate the mindset that you will always tread on the lion and the cobra because you are indeed chosen, fear can never stop you in your tracks. Anxiety can never paralyze you. You see, the fact that you’re breathing today is an escape not to be taken for granted.
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This message was originally shared on instagram here.