Day 20: 30-Day Gratitude Challenge

People, Authority and Power

He holds a highly esteemed position in the military.

Thank God for Day 20 of the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge. I hope you had a good day today.

If you've been following my gratitude journey over the past 3 weeks, you would have come across a few people I will always be grateful for. The list is not exhaustive at all, and with 10 days to go, I will not be able to acknowledge each and every individual who has given me hope, joy, love, help, peace, laughter, caring and so much more. However, there's one another person who deserves a special mention, for, without them, I wouldn't have been focusing my writings from a positive perspective. I've written a little bit about my real father, as well as my UK dad.  Well, I actually have 3 dads! You read right - 3 father-figures who have sharpened and continue to encourage me to be the best version of who I was created to be.

My real father raised and nurtured me to be independent, curious, and free. UK dad has helped me to reflect more about life, choices and decisions that I make. While my real father would be easily described as very ordinary in the eyes of the world, to me, he will always be my hero, and I love him so much. UK dad is the analytical one, and a very respectful gentleman. He won't command that you give him respect, he has earned it. But I also have a very powerful father-figure, so you really wouldn't don't want to mess with me. Only kidding!

I've mentioned powerful deliberately, because he holds a highly esteemed position in the military, yet, in the 5 years that I've known him, he gets simpler by the day. There will be people who would do anything to get close to him because of his position, that I know, but I've never seen such a authoritative figure who is so very sincere and lets his guard down so he can bring out the best in others. It's true that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he treats the powerless. Think General, think Doctor, think State Representation, think Counsellor, think Proud Husband and Father to his own children. These are some of the many hats he wears.  

He holds a highly esteemed position in the military, yet, in the 5 years that I've known him, he gets simpler by the day.

I am grateful for his encouragement to reach for the stars. Because of him, I've processed a lot of past hurts, and when I thought I was done, he turned around and applauded me for a job well done, as any proud dad would. But he'd continue to say these words, "My daughter, forgiveness is the key to your future." From then on, letting go became a way forward, even when I always didn't always feel like doing it.

It's the best thing I could ever do, and that's how the ubuntu philosophy started to make sense. In this day and age, it's now relatively straightforward for anyone to acquire online real estate, and use it as a platform to express displeasure about each and every person who ever did you wrong, and shame your enemies in a bid to get even. Dad taught me to focus my energies on building myself and others up. Because of him, I managed to heal faster because he acknowledged my pain, and highlighted the mistakes I was also making that held me at ransom.

He taught me to be wiser, patient, and smart. Not only that, he gave me confidence that loving and strong gentlemen exist, thanks to his love, dedication, and commitment to his wife. He adores and treats her like a lady, and his daughters are growing up with glowing confidence that comes from having a strong man in their lives. I genuinely believe his son will grow up to be a good man. Powerful dad isn't afraid to be vulnerable and often talks about the power of love.  Because of him, I now have an understanding of the opposite sex, and why certain people behave the way they do. 

He made me see that as women, what we think we know about men is usually wrong. As highly decorated as he is, he is one of the humblest men you'll ever meet, and gentle in spirit. It's amazing how you can interact with someone in his position of authority, and never be scared of them. Weak people often make others feel vulnerable by employing dirty tactics to reduce other people's worth so they can dominate. They operate from a place of fear. Influential people don't have anything to prove and find joy out of bringing out the best in others. 

Today, I am taking a moment to be thankful for my 3rd dad. You will be hearing from him soon, as he's agreed to help bridge a gap between men and women through his insight, watch this space! We once did a trial run, but due to work and family commitments, we had to shelve our collaborative writings. I can't wait to share his advice and views with the rest of the world, especially concerning relationships. As much as I love talking and interacting with people from different backgrounds, I raise my hand and admit that I am no relationship expert. Dad is passionate about defending the cause of men. However, he normally  finds a sincere way of expressing the plight of men, without dismissing our pains and struggles as women. 

Conclusion

I am grateful for such rare gems in this world: authoritative yet sincere, reliable yet vulnerable, and articulate yet never dull. 

Are there any people of influence you can count on in your life? Be grateful for them, for it takes immense strength to be powerful yet approachable. 

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