Life is a journey filled with encounters and experiences that shape who we are. Along the way, we meet two kinds of people: those who build us up and those who tear us down. Though the roles they play seem starkly different, in the end, both contribute significantly to our growth, if only we reflect deeply on their influence.

The builders are the encouragers, the mentors, and the friends who see our potential and help us to realize it. They lift us up, inspire us to aim higher, and provide the support we need to navigate life’s challenges. These are the people who believe in us, often more than we believe in ourselves. They remind us that we are capable of greatness, and their faith in us becomes a catalyst for our own success. Just as the Bible says, “Two are better than one… if one falls down, his friend can help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). These are the ones who help us rise when we falter.

On the other hand, there are those who tear us down, either through criticism, betrayal, or indifference. At first glance, it may seem like their impact is purely negative. However, when we look closer, we realize that these people offer lessons that the builders often cannot. They teach us resilience, patience, and the power of self-reliance. In the face of adversity, we learn to trust ourselves, to stand firm even when the winds of discouragement try to knock us off course. The struggles we endure because of them refine us, much like gold tested by fire (1 Peter 1:7). Without them, we may never discover our true strength.

In the end, we are wiser, stronger, and more resilient because of both the builders and the breakers. We are indebted to those who lifted us up, and equally, we owe thanks to those who brought us down, for through their actions, we learned the value of perseverance and inner strength. As we look back on our lives, we realize that we owe gratitude to both camps. Without the challenges, the victories would not be as sweet.

So, when you reflect on the people in your life, remember to thank them all. The ones who built you up gave you wings to soar, and the ones who tore you down taught you how to fly through the storm.

©️James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM,
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽 james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️ 773-344-6313

“For more inspirational lecture series by the author, kindly visit www.spdsfoundation.org.”