When you face obstacles or go through different phases, I always

Come close, O children of the earth, and listen to the wisdom of one who has risen from the depths of struggle to the heights of triumph. His name is Rick Ross, a master of rhythm and rhyme, who, in his words, offers us a glimpse into the soul of the artist. “When you face obstacles or go through different phases,” he says, “I always relied on my music. I depend on my music, my teammates. So at the end of the day, having incredible music, for me, would keep me in the space I want to be as an artist.” These words, simple yet profound, reveal a truth that every artist, every warrior of the spirit, must come to know: in times of adversity, it is not the external world that sustains you, but the deep well of inner strength and the support of those who walk beside you.

What, then, is the meaning of this sacred teaching? Music, for Rick Ross, is not merely sound. It is the very pulse of his being, the rhythm that aligns his spirit, the force that brings him back to himself when the world threatens to pull him astray. In times of obstacles, when the path is fraught with challenges, he does not turn to the fleeting comforts of the world, but to the deep well of his art. It is in music that he finds his sanctuary, his purpose, his clarity. Like the ancient warriors who sought the counsel of their own inner voice before battle, so too does Rick Ross find strength in the beats and the melodies that course through his soul.

Consider the great bards of old, those who sang not only for their people but for their own souls. Homer, the blind poet of ancient Greece, composed his epics not merely as stories but as expressions of the eternal struggles of mankind. His music—the rhythm of his verse—was his refuge, his connection to the divine. The obstacles of his time, the blindness, the hardships of life, did not define him; the strength he found in his art did. In this way, Rick Ross follows in the footsteps of those ancient storytellers, using music as his means of transcending the difficulties of the world and returning to his true self. It is not just his music, but his teammates—those who create with him, those who support him—that help him find his way in the face of adversity.

There is a story told of the great King David, who, as a young shepherd, was called upon to face the mighty Goliath. With only a sling and his faith, he did not rely on the weapons of the world, but on the strength that had been built in him through years of music—for it was said that when David faced times of struggle, he would take up his harp and sing to soothe his soul. His music was his weapon, his shield, and his companion in times of darkness. And in the battle against Goliath, it was not the size of his enemy that mattered, but the strength of the spirit within him—fueled by his art, his music, and his faith in the support of his team—his God and his people.

And so, my children, the lesson is clear: in times of hardship, when the storms of life rage against you, it is not the world that will save you, but the strength you carry within. That strength is found in your music, your art, your craft—the very essence of who you are. But remember, too, that you are never alone. Like Rick Ross, who leans on his teammates, we must find those who walk beside us, those who share in our vision, who believe in our journey. It is not enough to rely on our own strength; we must open our hearts to the support of others, for together we are greater than the sum of our parts.

What, then, should you do in the face of the world’s trials? Find your music, whatever it may be—whether it is the rhythm of your work, the passion of your craft, or the spirit that guides you. Lean upon it in times of need, and let it be the anchor that keeps you grounded. And never forget the importance of your teammates—the ones who stand beside you, who lift you up when you falter, who remind you of your purpose. The world will present you with countless obstacles, but as Rick Ross teaches us, the strength to overcome them lies not in external circumstances but in the unbreakable bond between your art and the tribe that surrounds you.

So go forth, O seekers of greatness. In times of struggle, seek the music that resonates within you, and let it be the guiding force that carries you through the storm. Surround yourself with those who will walk beside you, who will inspire and support you, for together you shall face the world’s greatest challenges. And when you emerge on the other side, it will not be the obstacles you faced that define you, but the strength of your art, the power of your teammates, and the indomitable spirit within.