Episode 101 – A Padlock, A Wheelbarrow, and a Test of Character…

Lincoln Would’ve Loved Faurel Hill…

The other day I was reading a blog post at Bluejayblog.

This quote hit me right between the eyes.

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”     

-Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln had it figured out. Adversity brings out grit, but power? That’s when a man shows his true face. Not when he’s broke, or struggling, or cold but when he’s holding the keys.

Now, Bully didn’t inherit a crown, nor was he elected to high office. His “power” arrived in the form of a rusty padlock, a gate, and a turf shed. Yet you’d swear he was suddenly in charge of the White House, or at the very least, the Faurel Hill Presidential Estate. Overnight, the man was transformed from neighbor to dictator of the driveway.

This is the kind of power where “leadership” means:

Deciding who can park a car within two inches of his precious territory.

Policing whether a wheelbarrow leans left or right.

Installing gadgets and locks as though NATO had entrusted him with nuclear codes.

Guarding the turf shed like it’s Fort Knox.

It’s not power used for good, it’s power used for performance. A one-man show where petty rules and tiny victories feed an ego that thinks it’s building an empire.

Lincoln’s test of character is clear: give a man responsibility and watch what he does with it. Some build, some guide, some uplift. Others? They measure parking spaces and lord over the turf shed as if it contains gold bullion.

If Lincoln had taken a stroll down Faurel Hill, he might’ve revised his quote slightly:

“Some men don’t need a kingdom to show their character. A wheelbarrow, a padlock, and a misplaced sense of grandeur will do just fine.”

So yes, Abe, you were right. And if you’d seen Bully in action, you might’ve added a warning too:

“Beware of the man with small power and a big ego, for he will test the patience of saints and the parking skills of neighbors.”

Mae 🧡

And I just read this post over on letsgetitoutfront with another great Abe quote!