From Petty Crime to CEO: The Inspiring Journey of Greg Morris

Greg Morris, a man who once lived a life of petty crime, landed a job at a famous advertising agency in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he aspired to climb the ranks to the highest level of the company. Greg worked hard and was always friendly to his co-workers and bosses.

One day, a supervisor named Joseph Cummings was looking to replace an employee who had retired. He remembered how Greg was always so helpful, so he had him interview for the job. Cummings knew about Greg's criminal past, but this company prided itself on giving people a chance. So, Greg got hired on to oversee the editing of final drafts before they went to print or air.

Greg was making good money and was able to live comfortably, but he wanted to push himself to the limit. He didn't think a black ex-con, with so much baggage, could ever be where he wanted to be - CEO of the whole company. But it happened. Several years later, after working at Reunion Media Group for a long time, the board hired from within and Gregory C. Morris became the first black CEO in company history.

Greg lives by three rules:

1. Arrive earlier than everyone.
2. Be the last person out the door.
3. In between, do your very best at all times.

This reminds me of our Christian life. Hebrews 12:1-3 (KJV) reminds us that we must do everything possible to excel in our walk with God, including letting go of things that are keeping us down:

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

1. Pride
2. Fear
3. Anger
4. Insecurity
5. Timidity
6. Etc.

Like Greg, we must be willing to overcome any and every challenge to press on to the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Prayer focus: Today, pray with me that we too will press on with purpose into the space God has prepared for us.