There was a long span growing up when my family didn’t have a car. As early as 6th grade, I had to catch the city bus to school. My mom was a nurse and had to take the city bus to work every day.
It was something that used to embarrass me. I didn’t want anyone to see me waiting at the bus stop. However, my mom would catch the bus as if it was nothing. Then, I would be embarrassed again that my mom had to take the bus too.
As I got older, I realized that was just my ego talking. There’s nothing wrong with public transportation. Even being able to catch the city bus is a blessing.
When I got to college, I never got a car. I took the bus to school every day for 4 years. There were times when I could have used my Pell Grant money to buy a car, but I never did. I was the star player on the football team, but still used public transportation. Some of my teammates thought I was crazy. I did it to stay humble and hungry. I had to keep my ego in check.
Many times, it’s our own ego that holds us back from what needs to be done or from blessings and opportunities. Even now, when I’m reluctant to do something, I check to make sure it’s not my ego talking. Many times, it is.
Don’t let your ego come between you and what you’re obligated to do or what’s necessary to do. Once we put our egos aside, things become more objective and easier to accomplish.
FLY, BLACK BOY 