If you take a wealthy child—one who has been raised with care, given everything they need, and groomed to expect a good life—they will always feel deserving of the best. They will never settle for just anything simply because it is available. Instead, they attract a certain kind of life and people because that is what they believe they are worthy of.

Now, if you compare yourself to this person, there is no real difference. You breathe the same air, eat the same food—perhaps even better—but your stomach digests it the same way. Their body functions just like yours; they go to the bathroom just like you. The only distinction is their mindset. They expect better treatment because they believe they deserve it. The reality is, you have the same privileges from God, but you might struggle to accept them simply because you come from hardship.

Your Past Is Not Your Fault, But Your Future Is Your Choice

Here’s something that might shock you: you never chose to be born into a difficult life. Your parents brought you into that reality—it wasn’t your decision. But now, as you look at yourself, you might believe that your past justifies why you should be treated poorly. That is a lie.

Starting today, choose to be treated with dignity. Know what is normal and acceptable. The Holy Spirit is there to guide you in understanding what is right, so you do not allow yourself to be mistreated or settle for less than you deserve. Your past does not define you, and it is not your fault that your parents could not spoil you. But now, you can spoil yourself.

Take yourself to places you once thought were out of reach. Buy yourself clothes you believed only belonged to a certain class of people. Shift your entire perspective on life. Invest in courses, seminars, and training that you assumed were only for others. Give yourself the exposure you thought was unattainable. And when love finds you, make sure you are treated like the quality person you are.

Elevate Your Life—Intentionally

Use your time to create quality experiences. Never, even for a moment, put yourself down. There is absolutely nothing that proves you deserve less. Being born into poverty was not your choice, but staying there and accepting it is.

You belong among the best because there is nothing they have that makes them superior to you. You will receive quality love because you are human. Say it again: where I come from and what I have been through does not define me.

Do not punish yourself for rising above poverty or for coming from Africa. Do not let anyone else punish you for it or make you feel less than. Being African is not a curse, not a choice, and definitely not a disadvantage. Some may treat you unfairly, but never accept or entertain it. Respect yourself so deeply that they lack the power to mistreat you.

And don’t waste energy trying to prove your worth—you already have it. Just exist in your element. When God gives you a seat at the table, take it. And when He raises you higher, that’s when you can reach back and lift others up.

You deserve more. Now live like it.