The Manuel Cordova Story
Your word should be like your life and time, never taken for granted.-Manuel Cordova
The Man Of The People
2023, Henery X ©
Ever since he was a young boy, 50-year-old Manuel Cordova has been a giver. He gave his time, he gave his energy, and he gave his money. But one thing he didn’t give so generously was his word. Manuel only gave his word when he was sure he’d be able to honor it. And each time he had given his word, he had indeed followed through. It was because he was a man of his word that he had earned the love and respect of the people. They would do anything for the man some regarded as their savior, and for good reasons. Let’s explore what some of these reasons are, shall we.
Manuel grew up in the borough of *Iztapalapa, which was in Mexico City. Though life was far from easy in Iztapalapa, it wasn’t as hard as it could have been. Manuel’s father told him if he wanted to get ahead in life that he should help others in their time of need. And the words of the man he admired like no other hadn’t fallen on deaf ears.
Manuel was always quick to lend a helping hand and because of this, he and his family never wanted for anything, especially food. In fact, they had so much food that they would give to those who never seemed to have enough.
In his spare time, Manuel would read books, mainly autobiographies about successful people. He studied the lives of these people, especially their shortcomings. He wanted to ensure he’d avoid the missteps that stagnated their forward progress.
As Manuel grew older, his popularity grew stronger. He had become known as the man with the impeccable word, as well as someone who could solve almost any problem. So when business owners approached him with being extorted by a group of seemingly heartless men, Manuel quickly intervened.
Manuel requested a meeting with the individuals in question and, because of his reputation, they agreed. At the meeting, he said one thing, and it sparked a chain of events that solidified his standing in the streets of Iztapalapa forever. What he said was this: “Why take from those who have so little, when there are others who have so much more to give? If you join me, I promise you will have more money than you could ever spend in due time. Because of his reputation for always being a man of his word, most of the men present agreed to join him. And those who had dealt with those who hadn’t, leaving the people free to conduct business without fear. These men would become key components in the future of Iztapalapa, as well as some of Manuel’s top advisors.
There wasn’t a person in Iztapalapa that had anything negative to say about Manuel. Arguably, he was the most loved and respected individual among them. He only loved one thing more than the people of his birthplace, and this was his birthplace itself. He had vowed to have Iztapalapa be known as one of the best places on Earth.
News of Manuel’s influence had reached the political realm. Movers and shakers from this sector invited him to come speak with them, which he agreed to do. As to be expected, they wanted him to use his influence where the people were concerned in their favor. He agreed to assist, but emphasized severe consequences would follow if they did not honor all the promises made. His primary concerns were improving the livelihood of every resident, as well as his beloved Iztapalapa.
Elections came and went. People were in their positions, and the majority were doing what they had promised to do. And as for those who never intended to honor their agreement, some of Manuel’s associates ensured justice was swift and well known throughout the political realm. It had to be understood that his word was irrefutable.
Long-standing businesses in Iztapalapa expanded because of financial benefits provided by the newly appointed politicians, and people established new businesses because of the benefits in question. And with the upgrades, tourists flocked to the place people just could not seem to stop talking about.
When the people unanimously suggested Manuel run for mayor, how could he refuse such a request? And he claimed the position with ease, seeing no one stood a chance of defeating the man of the people.
Though this is a fictional tale, it could easily be a true story. I created and shared it to show the power of a person who has the love and respect of the people. We all have the power Manuel possessed. It’s all about doing right by others with no hidden agendas. Help where you can, when you can, and how you can.
Self-preservation isn’t just about the “I”, but the “we” and the “us” as well. Ensure everyone around you is good, and everyone around you will ensure you’re good as well.-Manuel Cordova.
*Iztapalapa is a borough in Mexico City, located on the east side of the entity. (Wikipedia)
Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge my offering. May all you deserve and desire flow abundantly into your life, as a river does into a sea.
Remember. I’m not here to convince you to believe. I’m here to offer you something else to consider.
Continue to be a lighthouse for all those who feel lost in the sea of life.
May we never lose our desire to outdo what we’ve already done.
Peace, Love, and the utmost Respect.