The Pursuit of Happyness

About a month ago, Blake and I were watching television. We usually stop to see what the Datelines and 20/20's of the evening are showing. On this particular night, we watched a segment on Chris Gardner. He was promoting his book and soon to be major motion picture based on his life. His story fascinated me. As a child, he grew up with an abusive stepfather in a very poor home. He has beaten the odds and become a millionaire. At one point of his life, he was even living on the streets with his young son. His book is called, The Pursuit of Happyness. (Yes, I'm spelling it correctly.)

I was intrigued with his story so I checked his book out at the Orem Public Library. I finished reading it this week.

This particular part of the book slapped me in the face:

"Before leaving for the Navy, I had apologized to her that I hadn't gone to college, thinking how proud that would have made her. Momma surprised me by saying, "Boy, it's better to have a degree from God than from anywhere in this university system. If you got your degree from God, you don't need all this other stuff."

In my mother's language that didn't mean an intricate knowledge of the Bible or religion was required. Rather, she was talking about self-knowledge, about an authentic belief system, an inner sense of oneself that never can be rocked. Others may question your credentials, your papers, your degrees. Others may look for all kinds of ways to diminish your worth. But what is inside you no one can take away or tarnish. This is your worth, who you really are, your degree that can go with you wherever you go, that you bring with you the moment you come into a room, that can't be manipulated or shaken. Without that sense of self, no amount of paper, no pedigree, and no credentials can make you legit. No matter what, you have to feel legit first."

I appreciate the wise words of Chris Gardner's Momma.