At the point of death, a man, Tom Smith, called his children and he advised them to follow his footsteps so they could have peace of mind in all they do..

His daughter, Sara, said, "Daddy, it’s unfortunate you are dying without a penny in your bank account. Other fathers that you tagged as corrupt, thieves of public funds, left houses and properties for their children; even this house we live in is a rented apartment. Sorry, I can't emulate you; just go, let's chart our own course.”

Few moments later, their father gave up the spirit.

Three years later, Sara went for an interview in a multinational company. At the interview, the Chairman of the committee asked, "Which Smith are you?"

Sara replied, "I am Sara Smith. My Dad Tom Smith is now late."

Chairman cuts in, "O my God! You are Tom Smith's daughter?!"

He turned to the other members and said, "This Smith man was the one that signed my membership form into the Institute of Administrators and his recommendation earned me where I am today. He did all these free. I didn't even know his address, he never knew me. He just did it for me."

He turned to Sara, "I have no questions for you. Consider yourself as having gotten this job. Come tomorrow, your letter will be waiting for you."

Sara Smith became the Corporate Affairs Manager of the company with two cars, official accommodation and a hefty salary, excluding allowances and other costs.

After two years of working in the company, the MD of the company came from America to announce his intention to resign and needed a replacement. A person with high integrity was sought after, again the company's consultant nominated Sara Smith.

During the interview, she was asked the secret of her success. With tears, she replied, "My Daddy paved these ways for me. It was after he died that I knew that he was financially poor, but very rich in integrity, discipline and honesty."

When asked why she was weeping since she was no longer a kid as to miss her dad still after a long time. She replied, "At the point of death, I insulted my dad for being a man of integrity. I hope he will forgive me in his grave now. I didn't work for all these, he did it for me to just walk in."

Finally, she was asked, "Will you follow your father's footsteps as he requested?"

And her simple answer was, "I now adore the man; I have a big picture of him in my living room and at the entrance of my house. After God, he deserves credit for whatever I have."

Are you like Tom Smith? It pays to build a name. The reward doesn't come quickly, but it will come, however long it may take and it lasts longer.

Integrity, discipline, self-control and the fear of God will make a man wealthy, not a fat bank account.

-- Author Unknown

Meditation: By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life. – Proverbs 22:4

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Rich or Poor?
An Everyday Survival Kit
Purpose: Sent to Make the Poor Rich