ACRES OF DIAMONDS -Ben Carson

One of the most inspiring stories ever told, is the Acres of Diamonds. Russell Conwell told this story over 6,000 times in speeches encouraging listeners to find the “acres of diamonds” in their own backyards. There was once a wealthy man named Ali Hafed who lived not far from the River Indus. One day a priest
visited Ali Hafed and told him about diamonds. Ali Hafed heard all about diamonds, how much they were worth, and went to his bed that night unhappy.
The next day, Ali Hafed sold his farm, left his family, and traveled to Palestine and then to Europe searching for diamonds. He did not find them. He became emotionally, physically and financially broke. Disheartened, he committed suicide!
One day, the man who purchased Ali Hafed’s farm found a curious sparkling stone in a stream that cut through his land. It was a diamond. Digging produced more diamonds — acres of diamonds.
Common Sense Ideas:
*All of the opportunities you could possibly want can be found where you are now.
*Each of us is right in the middle of our own Acres of Diamonds, if only we would realize it and develop the ground we are standing on before going in search of greener pastures.
*Opportunity does not just come along – it is there all the time – we just have to see it.
*The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
*Before you give up what you already have, make sure that what you’re getting is better than what you already have.
*Your family comes first, they are part of your support structure and will help you through the most difficult times.