A Street Cat Named Bob

by James Bowen

I am a kind of a reader who's just so picky. Yah I get it, every book got its own classic, and I hope I'll just have the interest for them all! When I read a book I'll start at the back, then the introductory part, and make a conclusion to whether or not I'll be able to finish it. Silly, but that's the truth. In special cases, I have no choice when it's a project or an assignment to which I need to read or embarrass myself.

This week, I happened to crossover a book entitled: A street cat named Bob. I was like, 'this is gonna be boring for me.' Looking to its cover it's absolutely cute! Who doesn't like cats? (Of course there's still.) I was scanning it for a while, then told myself, 'let's finish this.' And we did!

It's a real life story book about Bob the street cat and James the parent of Bob, a street musician and also the author of this book. Being an author of a book sounds really fascinating! But, to how their story was put in a book is totally dramatic and an eye opener for everyone to see the reality around the corner of the streets.

I'm going to share 5 points that struck me while and after reading the book.

1. Blessings for every season.

One day, James met a cat and if there's anything he would want last, is a cat to take care of. Later did he know that this cat will change his life 360°.

Whatever had happened to you or you're struggling with; been an addict to drugs, pornography, robbery and all the kinds of addiction, destruction in life, name it. But please know that you were never out of the Blessing! It takes a whet eye to perceive it. Specially when all you really see and feel is darkness. Whatever your situation in life maybe, there is always a blessing in stored for you and I hope you're never too late to see it, or naive to recognize that it's standing straight right in front of you. You are not alone and never were in this journey!

2. The end means beginning anew.

For the first time in my life I had felt it was an endpoint for me. I was fired and I literally don't know what to do, that was my first hand experience and that I need that experience for me to grow. Of course, when things like that happens, for a moment it's hard to see the beautiful story that is yet to unfold, and when you do, you'll just laugh and be amazed.

We are living in one constant truth, change. Once, you were a beggar the next day you're an icon or the other way. Like James, who would have thought that he will not just overcome drug addiction but also become an author and an inspiration of change to people who are struggling of something they don't even speak about? The choice for him to end something within himself was not an easy choice, it was a lot pain I cannot imagine, but He was able to pass through it. Bob, his baby was all the way with him on that recovery stage of his life. An ending really (of all kinds) is not the end by all means but a beginning of something anew!

3. Fight your battles.

It's very important that you identify your battles and because you know what are those you will have to armor yourself head to foot to face your giants steady and strong. Of course, that is easier said than done; temptations, failures and disappointments will attest you from all corners of life. That's why if you have to run like Joseph did, run!

No matter how big your giants are, you're still gonna be the one who will dictate, who will drive the course of your life. The fears you are facing are only fears that if you don't want to end will forever hunt you. So how do we fight our battles then? On your knees pal! On your knees. You need to make a choice and be aware of your battles and the decision to fight it! You need to find your passion. What is that something you are passionate about? Then focus to it, invest your time and always look forward to be better at it everyday (playing music, reading books, work out, online video games, writing etc.). Most specially, you need help from someone! Yes, you do. May it be a friend, family, or even animals like Bob cause whether you like it or not, we are made firm by exposing the blemish inside of us!

4. Whatever it is, YOU CAN DO IT.

"Kill your excuses, face your fears and stop doubting yourself."

You might feel hopeless right now and that the world says you will never do enough, that you're not gonna be able to make it through or achieve those dreams that for a long time have been buried in your heart. And finally when you got the courage to restore yourself and then fail, so what? Do not be discouraged or feel like a failure, because in trying you've just proven yourself worth! Put yourself together and try it again! Do not limit yourself just because you failed or people limits you, remember that the only limitations you have are the limits you limit yourself with! Whatever it is, you can overcome it, you can do it!

5. Never underestimate yourself.

I'm always amazed with ants, but most of the time I don't like them because they bite you for an unknown reason (but of course they have their reasons). But put that aside, and remember that these creatures are one of the tiniest ones, yet the house of the brilliants! Don't ever look down.

"God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Underestimating yourself because you think you are; inadequate, too weak, too young, I don't have much experience, I stutter every time I speak, I'm just a street kid and more. But know that because of your imperfections you will define the true meaning of being adequate, strong, matured, experienced, fluent and humility above all! Being underestimated by others is a great advantage, but coming from yourself is a great loss! Believe in yourself, you are made for more than you think you are and when you do, be ready to be surprised!

James and Bob had definitely taken the road less taken! It wasn't easy there were no shortcuts, the journey is tough on the streets, everyday is like tortured! But the drive, motivation, and determination to change is present, and because of that they were greatly rewarded. You need to have the will to change and be the best version of yourself!

Above all, know that you are not alone.

He is with you!