A carat is the unit of measure used for sizing a diamond. The greater the size the greater the carat, the more valuable is the piece of diamond. My mother, my diamond cutter, my mentor, taught us that there are other valuable things in life that diamonds cannot buy. She taught us that we must love one another, in spite of our flaws; we should learn how to forgive and we should have faith in God. She told us if we continue to live these life lessons, we will become valuable to others.
Recently, she exhibited these beliefs when my dad came from Jamaica. I sent for my dad because he was not well, he was a diabetic. I did not have enough room in my house and my mom agreed to let him stay at her house, even though they were divorced and she was still upset with the way he treated her during the marriage. My dad was physically abusive to her. She felt that she was mature enough to handle his behavior. She let him stay on the west side of the house, while she and my sister lived on the east side. She bought food supply so he could cook for himself and she enlisted his help around the yard to keep him busy.
A few years later it was determined that my dad had cancer and had to move to a rehab center, my mom used her clout with the hospital where she worked to get him moved to the center associated with the hospital. She also influenced the attendants she knew to give him great care. My father never suffered during that time. My mother’s selfless sacrifice to put her difference and past hurt aside to help my father showed me how great is her love is for her children. She demonstrated how valuable she is to all of us!
Diamonds come in many shapes and sizes; the way they are cut gives them their shape. People come in many shapes and sizes; yet the influence of different people, mentors (diamond cutters) help to refine their personal composition. Some diamonds have flaws that determine their color; you may have flaws, but the flaws alone don’t have to determine your quality of life. Diamonds are more pure when they are more transparent. As you are more transparent about your values and beliefs, you move closer to understanding your purpose.
Self-development (cut), working with or accepting your flaws (colors), and being clear about your values (clarity) magnify your worth (carat) to others. Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat…The diamond Life!
If you missed the first three articles in this series, please visit my website at www.marlenembryan.com to learn more about Living a Diamond Life and A Successful You.
Until then, keep pursuing your purpose and living a diamond life!