When You Think You Have Obstacles

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My extended family has a new Christmas tradition. Before we exchange gifts, we each share a quote or Bible verse that’s been meaningful to us over the past year. This year, I shared the poem, “Yourself To Blame.”

I got it from Ben Carson’s autobiography, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. If you’re not familar with Ben Carson – he was raised in the slums by a single mom, but grew up to attend Harvard and become the head of pediatric neurology at Johns Hopkins. Literally, a poor little boy from the ghetto is now a renowned brain surgeon. (Who is even running for President?)

Honestly, the poem is so-so. I like it, but it’s not the world’s most eloquent poem. I’ve heard the message before.

What’s striking to me about this poem is who shares it. Ben Carson’s mom took half of her introduction to share this poem. Of all the things she could say, she said this.

“Yourself to Blame”

If things go bad for you
And make you a bit ashamed
Often you will find out that
You have yourself to blame

Swiftly we ran to mischief
And then the bad luck came
Why do we fault others?
We have ourselves to blame

Whatever happens to us,
Here is what we say
“Had it not been for so-and-so
Things wouldn’t have gone that way.”

And if you are short of friends,
I’ll tell you what to do
Make an examination,
You’ll find the faults in you…

You’re the captain of your ship,
So agree with the same
If you travel downward
You have yourself to blame

Author:  Mayme White Miller

This woman, Ben Carson’s mom, was poor, unmarried, and horribly overworked. She lived in the ghetto, with no extra money or help or time to herself. If anyone had reason to make excuses for herself or her children, it was Ben Carson’s mom.

Yet she didn’t.

I don’t know if this strikes you as it does me. For me, when I think about this woman and the poem she shared, I don’t feel guilted or shamed.

I feel motivated.

Our circumstances do not have to define us, friends. Our lives do not make choices for us. We can write our story. Whatever life or people do to us, they never, ever determine our attitude or our response.

If you’re following my 40-Day Workout Challenge, we are nearing the halfway point! If you’re like me, you’ve probably had days you’re sweaty and proud…and days the 20-minute workout was more like 16 and a half (counting the water break).

Whatever, friends.

Each day is a new choice. You hold the reigns. As Chuck Swindoll says, attitude is everything!

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