Devils, thorns and the people affected by them -"My Promo-Mentors "Go Beyond" Challenge"

So I'm sure that most people have at some stage had a run in with a Devil thorn? Duiwel doring? These are merciless, seeds from hell to those that have had that unfortunate experience. This is IMHO of course!

[https://drewnadin.deviantart.com/art/Devil-Thorn-40569552]

Well where I'm from, these are everywhere! and an everyday experience. And my life's experience tells me that a lot of today's people and society as a whole is a lot like a devil thorn vine.
Let me explain.
This plant propagates quickly and effectively by spreading all along the ground, and on each branch it grows seeds with a few sharp ends to it. These ends or thorns, are what give it the horns, hence the name. I believe the name is also there because they are mean and hurt you like the devil too.
So animals and humans alike will then walk across the plant, getting impaled by the thorns, and remove the seeds away from the mother plant.
That seed will then grow into another such bush, creating an efficient means to propagate. I believe I have personally helped a society of these plants to grow :).

We as a society and individuals are becoming like the Devil Thorns. We are willing to grow regardless the cost to those that are around us, and that system is very efficient. In actual fact it is getting to the point where you almost cant grow, or walk, without using that means of growth....growth at the expense of another, turning life into currency.

Think about it, we are being taught that to get on top you must be willing to sacrifice anything, and anyone to do so. Its just business, nothing personal.....isn't it?
Big business does it by using 100's of staff, selling their time, life, selves in order to get more, look like someone they don't know, have things they don't really need.
I've been there, I've definitely bought into it. Capitalism, its the bright shining light isn't it? Its the great American dream they show in the movies.
I've missed a lot of my children's great life moments so that 'they' can have that extra car, bigger house, games, luxuries, holidays etc.
Look, I'm not bashing capitalism completely, as I'm not sure if there is anything better to offer. Just like the devil thorns, it has many benefits, and many good things have been done by good people with the things that they have earned. Devil thorns give a soapy mucous that can be used as soap if you add water to the plant. A natural soap!

So in essence it's the character of the person that makes the difference, nothing more. Capitalism would work perfectly if the people in the world had better standards, morals and integrity. In actual fact, thinking about it, so would socialism, communism, kingdoms. If the people involved were better, good, dare I say caring and loving, the systems would all work.

The fact that these systems are not working is a sad reflection on us as people.

So instead of a dog eat dog world, where most people I speak are no longer happy, lets make the change with ourselves.

There is a song by a popular South African band Just Jinger who wrote a great song which should speak to us all:
if there is grace in this world
if there is light on this earth
let us use it
let us see it
starting right now

can we be down with ourselves
respectful and mindful of one, of one another
your significant other
your sister your brother

peace, love, more tolerance
faith hope, trust in the same name of God
peace, love, more tolerance
faith, hope trust in the same God in whose
name we die for, take an innocent life for
thats not what He means
and it doesn't matter what book you read

So as a fellow player in this game, I hope we all can move away from propagating at any cost. Lets give as much as we take, not store as much as we can....because we can.

As is mentioned in the New Testament, "thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou has provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself".

Were here for each other as much as for ourselves. Good luck with the journey, be the very best you can be BUT don't forget those around you. You're as much a part of their world as they are of yours.

Rather be a watermelon!! :)