"Overcoming the 'Scarecrow' Mentality: Start Living, Not Just Existing"

Scarecrow Mentality

"Scarecrows in the Spirit: A Call to Live, Not Just Exist"

by Editor-in-Chef Brother Levon X

There was a beautiful sermon delivered by Bishop T.D. Jakes, where he spoke about how many of us resemble the scarecrow. I’m paraphrasing, but his analogy struck a powerful chord. The scarecrow is stuffed with straw—no brain, no willpower, no spirit, no conscience—yet many of us reflect that image. We stand in fear before life’s challenges. We overlook our blessings and dwell on what we lack. We become paralyzed—not because we can’t move forward, but because we refuse to.

One of the most profound lessons we took from Bishop Jakes’ message is how often we live in a world of excuses. We say, “I’m too old,” “I don’t have a degree,” “I don’t have the skills.” We blame our parents, society, even God—everyone but ourselves. Yet the responsibility to take action, to pursue the vision placed in our hearts, lies with us.

So let’s reflect: How many of us have a business idea that we’ve never explored? How many want to write a book, yet haven’t written a single page? How many know we need to improve our health, but won’t even take a walk or change the food that’s harming us?

Too many of us bury our pain in alcohol, drugs, or reckless behavior. This isn’t just personal—it’s a societal crisis. Depression is real, but it only has the power we allow it to have. That’s why we thank God for messengers—gifted ministers, teachers, and guides—who remind us of our purpose. When we ask, “Where is God?” we must open our eyes. God often sends answers through people. These are our angels walking among us. But we must be spiritually in tune to recognize the message—and willing to apply it.

They say Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, but if excuses were a religion, it would surpass them all. Because so many of us have become devout worshipers of the faith of “I can’t.” But we only get one life. If we want something, we must make the most of what God has already given us. Use the gifts. Seek the knowledge. Apply the lesson. Take action.

Too many have lost their moment waiting for the perfect time that never comes. That is the quietest kind of death—the death of dreams, of potential, of purpose. And when we don’t even try, who do we blame? If we didn’t at least try, we have no right to complain.

Yes, life is hard. Yes, obstacles are real. But they are not roadblocks; they are tools—meant to teach us, sharpen us, prepare us. No successful person, in any field, made it without hardship. Even birth itself comes through pain. Struggle is part of the process.

So in closing, let us stop living like scarecrows. Let us stop practicing the religion of excuses. As scripture reminds us, faith without works is dead—and too many are walking around spiritually lifeless.

But faith, when paired with action, gives life. Change can happen the moment we decide to change. It doesn’t require perfection—just a decision, a first step, and the will to keep going. May these words reach your heart, and may we stop making excuses for why we can’t live the life God has purposed for us. Happiness and success are not far—they are decisions away.

The choice is ours.