The Power of Presence

Have you ever heard the quote “Tell me who your friends are and i’ll tell you who you are.” ? Or maybe the bible verse: 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” 

As a teenager growing up, my mom always told me this. Not thinking anything of it, i still chose the friends i wanted. Some of them were my same friends from kindergarten! I was convinced that i couldn't be influenced, because i made my own decisions...But i was wrong.

My entire high school experience was a reflection of this. The first two years i played basketball, it was great. Good grades, good habits, good company.  End of sophomore year came and i stopped playing ball (saddest day in my life) and started hanging out with different friends, the parties became more frequent, and the trouble began. From 'good girl' to seeing a judge just about once a month. under age drinking, curfew, fighting, the list went on. The fines and classes sucked but the disappointment i brought my mom each time, really sucked. It was never intentional, i was just in the wrong place, wrong time. What i never realized though was the real problem, the presence i was in. As much as i don't like to admit, my friends influenced me a lot. It got so serious, at one point i was almost faced with a felony. If it wasn't for the detective realizing i hadn't been involved, i would not be where i am today. Sometimes we avoid what we don't want to hear, but if you want to skip wasted time, wasted energy, really pay attention to who you spend your time with.

xo

- Lil Fresh Sam