Is there a bible verse that says once you turn 30 life changes forever? Every time I mention to a person I’m 27 I get that infamous line, “Aw man you da** near 30.” Naw fam I’m closer to 28 is my response every time. Don’t throw years on me that’s just disrespectful lol. The ‘Dirty 30s’ sound great for you all that have reached it , but I’m not there yet. Let a brother enjoy these prime years and build up his empire.

Luke 6:48 says “He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a solid on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against the house and could not shake it, because it had been well-built.”

God already knew back then that men needed time to prepare for an extraordinary life in due time. I believe men with purpose must have that solid foundation and it must be tested to see how bad we really want it. The pressure is always on for a brother, no matter what age.

“In this country, a black man only have like five years we can exhibit maximum strength, and that’s right now while you a teenager, while you still strong, while you still wanna lift weights, while you still wanna shoot back. ’Cause once you turn 30, it’s like they take the heart and soul out of a man, out of a black man, in this country. And you don’t wanna fight no more. And if you don’t believe me you can look around, you don’t see no loud mouth 30-year-olds…,” 2Pac Shakur.

Like 2Pac said, by 30 the country try to take the heart and soul out of a man especially the black man so I’m extra focus on handling my business so I can represent and leave my mark. I’m always glad my grandma’s haven’t hit me with the “ When you going to give me some grand kids” speeches either because they already know what’s up.

I give props to all the fathers in my age range being good role models though. I know I’m probably supposed to be married with two kids according to Facebook timelines and Instagram memes, but the reality of the situation is God still working on me. I definitely won’t #WasteHerTimein2016 painting that picture in these final years of my 20’s. Love is a beautiful thing though and I’ll always keep Proverbs 18:22 in mind every day.

As a man who will be 30 one day I do plan ahead for the future, but i am improving my grind in the present. I know how pivotal it is for bringing my dreams into fruition. So to all my folks out there knocking on the door at 30 don’t panic. Just make that decision to become better now so when 30 comes, Lord willing you can do whatever you want. As my nana told me, do your part and success will come. I don’t know how long that will take for you, but do stay focused this year and let’s all shine.

I thank you for checking me out on Mind of a Man Mondays. If you have comments or topics you want me to discuss email me at believenyoself88@gmail.com.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @BelieveNYOself. Add me on Facebook Gerard McClure Jr.

Peace and Love,

Gerard McClure Jr.