Maybe I am the only one who believes these things, but I doubt it...

The following is a letter written to Ethan Brisby, the man by Ethan Brisby, the mentor.

Dear Ethan,

I noticed you are experiencing growing pains of late. I overheard you thinking your life is like child bearing pains. You’re ready to deliver what you have to the world. Kind of tough to do that when you having to put forth more effort to even maintain the results you were getting as a 19 year old. Nothing was the same huh? You'll deliver man, and when you do the pain will have been worth it, just like a mother when she holds her child the first time. 

But listen man, you have to be the one to go out and make things happen for you and your son. He's like here right now, and growing. He’s depending on you. But you gotta want to do it for yourself first. You have to love yourself as you are now first before what anyone else thinks or believes will ever matter. This phase is new to you and I know it, so I outlined five areas of life where I know you need continual guidance. I even added scripture to back what I am telling you today bro. I love you, and I pray this message is received in the manner it is being given.

Maintaining the Family name

I know you wear that Brisby name with pride, but I also know you were reared as a Williams and a Thurmon by your Maternal family. Those names ring bells around here. Once upon a time your grandparents were two of the most respected people in the town. Now that they are in the grave it seems harder than ever to maintain what they started. 

But just you listen: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31. Be strong bro. That was just for you.

Winning at Fatherhood

Thirteen years into it, you are just now getting a grip on fatherhood. Of course it was shocking when you became a dad at 20. Everyone was shocked, but just because you shocked doesn’t change the responsibility. And just because you can’t pinpoint any lessons you picked up from your dad does not mean you are immune to being that rock for your son. I know, I know, you get it now. So much so, you’ve chained yourself to the state of Texas and evenmoreso, the city of Bryan so you can watch him grow up. That is a noble deed man, but the standard for you is higher than that. There is always more you can give. Especially with the desires of your heart. You will need to continue to pour into your son and guide him far past the age of 18. Pace yourself. Have confidence in your ability to lead as a dad. And remember, 

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If you lack wisdom, you should ask God, He who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:4-5. Remember those words and meditate on them. You got this bro.

Falling in Love

So you’ve practiced abstinence most of your adult life in hopes of finding a woman with similar values. It looks dim right now, but you’ve done it before. God sent you a dove. He answered your prayers to the exact T. It didn’t work out. So here you are, with your socially conservative values in a world where men and women are in a head to head battle for the thrown of sexual immorality. Who are you to judge bro? Who are you to say who can poke who and how many times a woman can get poked and still be considered a lady. Adjust to the times man. That good guy role is lame, and losing is not an option. You control this destiny too. Now, I'm not saying start raw dogging and stuff out here. But I am saying be assertive. You know what you want. Go get it. You say you discovered a queen before, and let her go, well do it again. But leave the judging to God. People will like whom they may and they will love how they chose. Focus on the desires of your heart and watch how your prayers turn into answers right before your eyes. 

But don’t take my word for it. Consider this:  ^“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13. It’s the greatest gift man, but you gotta be ready for what come with that bro.

Being an entrepreneur

You thought you was just gonna win because you smart? It’s not just knowledge that’s power man, but it’s knowledge applied that’s power. You so call, have all the answers, but you sitting on them like the man with one talent in the Bible. Don’t bury yourself in technicalities and trying to do it the “right way”. The same way you used to hustle shoes, parties, and community events is how you’ll become a successful entrepreneur. What you possess is a unique skill set that not many of your peers have. You are smart, charismatic, good looking, and when you speak, people listen. You're an authority man. These are tell tell signs of a man who is set up by God himself to enjoy the fruits of life. Sure you have to make sure you are balanced between work and play, but if you would just focus 4-5 hours every day on "getting stuff done" you will see that light at the end of the tunnel get closer and closer. Snap out of it man. Who do you think you are? You haven’t arrived. You aren’t the next big thing, unless you prove it. I ain’t saying you ain’t got it, because we both know you do, but what you gone do with it man? And ask for some help. Just like when you were in college and did not want your mom or grandma to know you went hungry some nights, because they’d step right in and fix it, but you wanted to be a big boy. Well, when the time was right you let 'em know the deal. Man, the time is now to reach out to old mentors, new mentors, friends, business associates, make your vision plain. Bro, you’ll have investors knocking down your door. C’mon be for real. You have a lifetime of books and business plans written already. Your real estate trust fund idea is damn near gonna miss the boat if you don’t start raising money soon. Think about how many of your peers across the world you will help by just sharing your gift man. Share. Flood the market man and see what you can catch. Why look the part when you can be the part? Ok, I got off on a tangent somewhat there, but let me drop this dime on you. 

“The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge increase their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 24:5-6. Remember that last part my man, “victory is won through many advisers.”

Living as a leader

Listen, let me be straight up with you. For you to be 5’4 125 pounds, you got a LARGE presence in the room. You can run, but you can’t hide. Even joe blow can sniff out a natural leader among a crowd of followers. And even if he couldn’t your spidey senses too strong. You always ready to step in whenever. I get that it’s taken a toll on you and you want to find other ways to bear fruit. But man listen, you gotta live your calling. If you don’t no one will. I know it’s tight, but its right E. Leaders do not follow the people they are supposed to be leading. I mean I can pull quotes from everywhere on this topic, but I feel what you need is to be around other great men and women. Go where you fit in. Go where you are wanted and welcome. Great minds think alike man. Go where people think in terms of abundance and not scarcity. Bro, you gotta always think about what you do want, and not what you don’t want. You never know how many other leaders of your generation are praying and seeking partnerships with leaders like you. It’s how greatness happens man, no one man can stand alone. So stop with the back peddling and get with the program. I don’t want to hear nan excuse. I know Bryan is a small city and probably even a hindrance to your progress in some ways. But bro, I just heard you tell a kid the other day, don’t complain about the hand you’re dealt. Instead ask for more wisdom to play your hand better. You know these things. Now man, listen, this is the last Word I got for ya’; 

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3.

Just do it man, just do it. I love you and I will always be here for you.

Sincerely,

Ethan

7/26/16

1:42am CST