About 13 or so years ago, the rap group, The Clipse, had a song out called “Grinding.” In the song, one of the artist consistently made the statement, “I’m your pusha”! Years later that statement is still ringing loudly in my head. I know some of you may be a little puzzled as to why, so let me explain….

If you know me, you know that I often talk about my second to none friends who are much more like family. These people love me unconditionally. They accept me with all my flaws. They genuinely want the best for me. And ultimately, they push me to be a better me. 

In thinking about the word “push” my mind goes to a woman giving birth. Once the baby is ready to come out, the doctor and all those around will often begin to chant “PUSH” to the woman. It is then that she will take a deep breath and push with all her might. Now usually the baby doesn’t just automatically pop out. This scenario repeats itself several times before the baby is actually born.

 The “push” is hard work. It is uncomfortable. It is tiring. It causes the woman to be irritable. During the push the woman is uneasy and I’m sure she is in pain. However, on the other side of that “push” is one of God’s most beautiful creations, a newborn baby. A baby that is full of potential. A baby that has the capability to change the world. A baby with endless possibilities. So what does this have to do with being a pusher? I’m glad you asked!

In life you need those people who will push you. These are the people that refuse to let you operate in mediocrity. They won’t stand by and watch you waste what God has put inside of you to do. They can easily recognize that you are pregnant with purpose and they understand their assignment is to help you birth that purpose. 

These pushers are the ones who don’t accept your excuses. They are the ones that have no issue jacking you up when you are living beneath your capability. These are the ones that don’t mind hurting your feelings in order to protect your destiny. Their words and actions are always undergirded in love. They love you too much to sit back and watch you squander the God given gifting that is in you.

Just like the woman in labor, when your pushers push you, it’s not always going to be easy to handle. The push is going to challenge you. It’s going to make you feel uncomfortable. You will probably shed more than a few tears. Your emotions don’t move your pushers because all they are focused on is the baby that is inside of you that needs to come out! 

So briefly do an evaluation of your circle. Are you surrounded by “yes” people who entertain your lackadaisical approach to your purpose? Are the ones closest to you even tapped into what’s really inside of you? Does their conversations and actions provoke you to do and be better than what you are right now? If not, it’s time to clean house. 

Don’t resist those that challenge who and where you are right now. Welcome them with open arms. They are simply there to push. So thank you to all of my pushers! I would not be where I am today without you. If you don’t have anyone of that caliber in your life, then today I’m going to be your pusher! There is more in you than what we are seeing now. Move past your feelings and your fears so that you can do and be everything that you were put on this earth to do! You’ve got what it takes!