The cards were stacked against her. Karen Smith was the product of an estranged relationship between her single mother and married father. She was abandoned at birth and raised in a foster home by an elderly woman she called "Ma.” Karen lived a tormented life—kids made fun of her clothing. Yet, Karen never allowed this to keep her down. Despite the hurdles, she managed to excel in school. Ma told her, "Child, do your best. Let them talk. That's your reason to serve God.” Karen is now an adult. The world calls her a success—she has money, fame, and power. Ma is long dead. Karen had a tough journey, but she succeeds where many others have failed.

Have you ever wondered how some people gain extraordinary success despite all of life's hurdles? Their success is a testimony to the power of purpose. Having purpose in life is worth all the gold in Fort Knox. Are you happy with your daily routine? Do you feel under-utilized? Do you have so much to offer at work? I understand your situation. I have felt like that in some of the organizations where I worked—until I found that God had other meaningful things planned for me. You don't have to wait on anything when you have a calling. In the medieval Christian period, it was believed that God called certain people and their work was a "calling." This calling was usually reserved for the clergy and priest. This is not the case, now. You also have a calling when you realize what you can do with your God-given abilities. You can then take this journey toward your destiny.

There is something special about having a reason for existence. One of the most insightful books on this subject is Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, published in 1946. During his years as a prisoner in a Nazi death camp, Dr. Frankl developed a revolutionary approach to psychotherapy called logotheraphy. At the core of logotheraphy is the belief that man's primary motivational force is his search for meaning. Dr. Frankl, an author and psychiatrist, had first-hand experience on suffering. His wife,

father, mother, and brother all died in camps or were sent to the gas ovens. Only Frankl and his sister survived. How could Frankl go on when everything seemed to turn against him—loss of family and possessions, loss of dignity, mental and physical torture, and the constant threat of death? With a purpose, you can bear the hardships of life. Here are some questions for you to think about as you consider your objectives in life:

Have you seriously thought about your God-given calling? Do you have enough faith to accept your calling? Is there anything you're willing to die for? Can you be satisfied without a meaningful existence?

According to one study, more than 30,000 Americans take their lives annually (more than three suicides for every two murders). Many of these people are unhappy with their lives. You are truly successful if you can answer God's special calling. Individuals who can fully use all of their talents in a way that liberates them have made great contributions in society. You, however, have responsibility to make the best of your life. Take an active role in your existence. You still have freedom to choose your direction in life. Destiny does not allow you to simply be a puppet but an active player

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