Entitlement is defined as believing to be fundamentally justified for receiving privileges or special treatments.

 Our current societal climate is silently wreaking havoc in our communities with this insistent narrative; that we deserve to take things we did not earn or buy and that we can ignore the rule of law because it is imperfect therefor unenforceable.

 As a former ward of the state, homeless aged-out foster youth, and child Familia human trafficking survivor, I could have (with little kickback) chosen to stay a victim in the world of poverty and abuse that I was born into. Excuses are far easier to come by than reasons why I should fight to not be a statistic. It is not lost on me the barriers and seemingly impossible odds inner city and poverty-stricken families have, to get out of the negative and into the middle-class suburbia. I still to this day have three full-time careers with lots more work to do before I am financially set free from the poverty, I grew up in.

 This relationally and culturally destructive pathological narcissism is single handedly perpetuating the generational bondage of self-insufficiency and exploitation within our minority and poorer neighborhoods. I come from this lineage of destitute poverty and paralyzing dysfunction, so I am well versed in its grips. If we believe we do not have to work to gain something or follow the rule of law, we have forcefully raised our hands in submission for the fight for a better future.

 Instead, we believe a better future should be handed to us (which will never happen – only illusions that never satisfy).  We believe if we break the law, it’s okay because we have been victimized in the past (leaving injurious harm to our neighbors in our wake). We are punting on our responsibility to take ownership for our futures bringing detrimental costs at the relational, economic, educational, criminal and societal community level.

When we choose entitlement – we are hurting ourselves and our neighbors.

 When our communities hurt our nation begins to unravel at the seams.

 When we believe we are owed privileges and special treatment it undermines a very beautiful truth in our great nation; that we can decide who and what we want to be and how we want to live our lives.  And because we are a democratic society with a Constitution, we then get the opportunity to work furiously to make our own dreams a reality.

 Our choices and our time are ours, to spend how we decide.

This world does not owe me anything. It is me who owes the world. I owe it my talents, gifts, time, attention, sacrifice, and life. So do you! This world needs something only you can give. What hangs in the balance of your inaction? What talent or idea are you withholding from your neighbors that could change their lives for the better? What child needs your mentorship, so they stay out of the streets and off drugs? What widow needs your company to heal from the loss of a lifetime? What incredible invention is missing from our society that could save lives? What degree do you need to help yourself achieve the dream you have?

Instead of asking what everyone owes you or how you can get more with doing less – ask yourself how you could change the life of another or our world for the better.  

It is not easy, but nothing is easy. Just ask any person who achieved or overcame – it is all inside each of us – the hunger for leaving an impactful mark on this world – yours might be buried deep down but give me two minutes of your time and listen as your own heart beats for the underdog – that underdog is, YOU. You are worth fighting for. Do not give into the words “easy” or “victimhood” because the cost will eventually be so high it will take your life.

Refusing to step into self-ownership and self-responsibility for our futures allows social welfare programs to reign in our lives which systematically keep us poor, unhealthy, uneducated, unqualified for good jobs, and in broken homes. We must reject the poisonous pill of entitlement. We must war against perpetuating the cycle of poverty and abuse within our communities.

There is great hope when we dream of a better life, of a better tomorrow for ourselves and our families. A dream is the change agent that can propel you into the destiny that is waiting for you. Do not believe the lie that you cannot overcome the hardship you are in – you can do all things! Refuse to accept that you are a” forever-victim” in constant opposition to an oppressor. The truth is, we all have moments where we are tragically wounded by someone – done horrible wrong out of no fault of our own.

When abuse comes, we must grieve accordingly and then choose to take ownership of our healing with therapies, safe relationships, and living a healthy holistic lifestyle. My awful childhood does not give me a pass to blame all my problems or short comings or failures on those who did unspeakable harm. No, in fact I give my oppressor more power by living in the viscous cycle of victimhood they created for me.

There is power in choosing to stand tall on your own two feet. There is healing in pressing into our own short comings with honesty so we can chisel away at them every day with expectation we are growing into the person we want to be. There is generational change when we say no more cycle of poverty and abuse in this family line and then work on ourselves internally and externally to ensure our children don’t experience what we did.

As American Citizens, our lives are really up to us. We get to choose how we spend our time. Do not let anyone or an ideology oppress you into believing you do not have the strength to be the change agent in your community - YOU can do all things. Nothing is impossible to you. Only believe and then head in the direction you are meant to be – with hard work and a little faith, you can beat the impossible odds; embracing the beautiful, peaceful, financially free life you desire. Do not surrender your power to a system of entitlement that oppresses your fullest potential – you are powerful and free to do great things for your family and community. We need you now more than ever.

Keep fighting warriors – and never surrender!!!