Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of virtually attending our church’s, Turner Chapel AME’s, recognition service for our graduates. The speaker was one of our very own members, Mr. Soloman “Sol” Hicks, President and CEO of Hicks Financial. Mr. Hicks inspired us with a story about his humble beginnings in a small Alabama town where, at the age of nine (9) he had to clean a water fountain that he was not allowed to drink from. That experience inspired him to not let limits that others tried to place on him determine his destiny. He continued by sharing how he started his career in the insurance industry and dreamed of one day wearing one of the coveted red jackets that the producers were awarded.

So, in spite of being told by colleagues that he was too old, and that the business has passed him by, he bought himself a red jacket that he tried on every day as inspiration. He persevered, went to work even when he did not want to, and in spite of his humble beginnings and seemingly unsurmountable challenges, and in ten years, he achieved his goal.

Now, today, Mr. Hicks, at 78 years young, has twelve of those red jackets, doesn’t know where the one he bought is, and is ranked in the top 1/16 of 1% in his career. He gives all of the credit to God who guided him and to his wife who supported him through it all.

Mr. Hicks’ speech taught us all to not keep score of what we do right; know that failure is not final unless we let it be; take responsibility for our actions; and know that it is never too late to have a dream, set a goal, and achieve it. Because, as he says, ‘a fall is failure only when we stay down there.’ So, he challenged us to let our light shine by following God’s guidance; not letting our fear keep us from taking risks; using our falls as learning experiences; and asking for help when we need it.

So, I also encourage you today to not just wish for something. Do like Mr. Hicks did and work for it!. You might surprise yourself at what you can achieve. If you would like to hear Mr. Hicks’ inspiring message, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du0GSV-kpaw. You will be blessed.

#motivation #workhard #dreamscancometrue #dreamitgoafterit #believeinyourself #youcandoit #pursueyourdream