Jesus was the original OG. He saved lives, performed miracles, flipped a table over in a temple, and literally sacrificed his life in a painful and gruesome death on the cross to save humanity. And guess what? He was often criticized, eventually lied on, utterly humiliated, and unsupported by people who originally raved about him and different things he did. If this happened to him, some of the most creative, influential, and talented people walking this earth will likely experience being criticized and unsupported at different points too. I often see frustrations about this in my social media newsfeed from a handful of people actually doing productive things with their gifts and talents, who feel unsupported by people who could and should support what they’re doing. Especially people who know about them. Matthew 13:57 reads, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” Jesus was not always supported. Even when he was doing dope things. You won’t always be supported with your goals, dreams, and endeavors either. But don’t you dare settle into discouragement because of it. Feel the discouragement but don’t stay there. When I was working three part-time jobs, taking a full-time course load, and putting myself through college, I had some family members and friends get jealous, say things to me like, “You’re not better than me…”, tell me what I couldn’t and wouldn’t accomplish, what was too hard for me, and doubt me as I finished up my senior year. I had a lot on my plate and was already very stressed. But still determined to finish school. Being discouraged and feeling undervalued and unsupported was painful, but it didn’t stop me from finishing my degree. The more things continued getting better for me, the more I saw people’s true colors. People I thought would be supportive and happy for me, backed up. Again, this was painful but a learning experience and reminder of who to keep close and who to part ways with. People won’t always be happy or supportive when you better yourself. And they don’t always want to see you succeed. Even some of your family, friends, peers, and associates. Your goals, dreams, endeavors, and opportunities to rise will always be a threat to someone else. Trust. It’s one of the wildest things I’ve ever seen and experienced. I can think back to a handful of moments when I wanted, needed, and should’ve had support, didn’t get it, and felt defeated, overlooked, and shortchanged. Until God swept down and sent people who would help me, were encouraging, supportive, and who valued me. If He did it for me, He can do it for you too. Stay focused, keep doing your thing, and keep making waves in this world. Show support. To yourself, and to others you recognize are grinding and trying to make their mark in this world. Imagine how much we could all benefit and help one another get ahead if we supported each other without hating, getting intimidated, or throwing shade? Let’s do this.