Happy New Year!
About a year ago, a good friend of mine, Sherome (President of
I.C.E) asked me to speak at the closing finale of our mentorship program at
South Scioto Academy. Truth be told, I didn’t know what to say. I thought of
ways of integrating the values we had learned over the past 6 weeks at Scioto,
but I couldn’t find any luck. I also thought of searching online for some
valuable resources but it resulted to no avail. Finally, I made up my mind to
sit quietly and speak from the heart. To share the thoughts of my mind’s eye. So
here it goes.
Truth be told, in the contemporary world we live in today,
it is extremely difficult to uphold the standards that uphold the “ideal man of
I.C.E.” These are standards and ideals which I feel, living them out would
label the person as a rebel to our society. However, history has shown that
this is doable. We have heard of the likes of great men who lived out these
qualities and made significant impact to their world positively. And today, we
remember them. One of them is MLK.
A man of I.C.E is a leader. He is merely mediocre, but a
great leader who upholds the principles of integrity at all times. A man whose
image shines on the world at all times. He is kind to people, but when he is
chosen by other people, he stands up like a man should. Even in the midst of
his kindness, he remains fearless in his ways. In times of adversity, he stands
up with brevity and protects the people he loves.
A man of I.C.E stays true to his word. When he says he will
do something, he does it. Why? Because his word is his bond. It’s all he has.
He gives no excuses for his failures, but instead admits his faults and finds
ways to become a better man.
He is a man if character and proper etiquette. He walks like
a god and attracts his goddess. He treats girls and other women around him like
princesses. He stays away and doesn’t get caught up with the fast life. Why? Because
he realizes that there are many great things out there for him. He is wise,
listens to his elders and parents, and follows their instructions. He knows his
mother is his best friend, and tells her he loves her every day. He obeys
instructions, quick to listen, but slow to judge others. Overall he executes
swiftly.
In conclusion, I want you to understand these few things.
There will be times in the future where you’ll be left with a decision to make.
At that very moment, ask yourself, what will a man of I.C.E do? Always listen
to your heart, it never lies. Somehow it already knows what you seek out in
doing. Above all, discover the ‘little’ captain in you, and use that to impact
the world, and make it a better place for us all.
With servitude,
LazioM.A.N
