LIFE and the Benefits of Lifting Others
By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB)
Life, at its core, is not about how much we acquire for ourselves but about the difference we make in the lives of others. True greatness is not measured by wealth, titles, or possessions, but by how many people can point to us and say, “Because of you, I did not give up.”
The beauty of life is in giving, sharing, and lifting others when they are weak. As Booker T. Washington wisely said: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
1. The Power of Compassion
Every human being faces storms—sometimes visible, sometimes hidden. A kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand may not change the whole world, but it can change the world of one person. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
2. Planting Seeds That Grow
When we lift others, we sow seeds that yield fruits far beyond our imagination. A smile we give today can become courage in someone’s tomorrow. A door we open for another may lead to unexpected blessings for us. As the Scriptures remind us: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25).
3. Strength in Unity
No one rises alone. Every successful person stands on the shoulders of those who encouraged, guided, or supported them at one point or another. In lifting others, we build networks of hope, trust, and resilience. Helen Keller captured it best: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
4. The Joy of Significance Over Success
Success is about personal achievement, but significance is about impact. The joy of helping someone stand tall is incomparable to personal gain. Maya Angelou reminds us: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
5. The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Every act of lifting another creates a ripple effect. The one you help today may go on to lift ten others tomorrow. In this way, small acts of kindness grow into waves of transformation that outlive us.
Conclusion
Life is short, but its value is multiplied when we live not just for ourselves but for others. The hands that lift people never remain empty. In lifting others, we are lifted; in refreshing others, we are refreshed; in giving, we receive.
So, let us embrace life’s higher calling—to be light in darkness, hope in despair, and strength in weakness. For in lifting others, we truly rise ourselves.
“We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll
