The Kind Reaper

​Cyrus McCormick may have the most motivating and interesting story I have ever read. McCormick is credited with inventing the mechanical reaper- just like any invention, it was built on the backs of others who failed and completely gave up. After he successfully secured a US patent in 1834, he failed to sell a single unit until the year 1840 (he sold only one that entire year…) Here is what separates McCormick from the others who failed; he had a conviction in his heart to feed the hungry across the world using his reaper, which quadrupled harvest’s yields.

I have found that every time things happen that change the world, good or bad, there are always people that have a deep conviction in their hearts to achieve their goals. ​McCormick was nearly flat broke 15 years later in the 1850’s and was about to give up, until he met a lovely young lady named Nancy Fowler. Nancy, or “Nettie” as she was known, also had a conviction to help people achieve their dreams. She encouraged her husband, and with her support and love, Cyrus broke through and found great success in the mid 1850’s amassing a huge fortune. With their new found wealth, from the bottom to the top, what will they do with their abundance of income? They will give it all away. Amen.

​Upon Cyrus’ passing, Nettie took over the family fortune in 1884. She donated a sizable amount of money to a budding young college named Tusculum to expand the campus size. What you see in this picture is McCormick Hall, which was completely funded by the McCormick family. Tusculum College also has “Nettie Day” in her honor to celebrate the spirit of giving and volunteering not just for community but for all people. ​

After learning about the McCormick family I finally understood what we all (that’s all of us) should be doing. We should all be giving to each other. If you don’t have money, no worries I feel your pain, give up your time to help people. Never let an opportunity pass to help one another. Have an abundance mentality and give of yourself knowing that everyone on this planet is connected by one crucial thread- we are all children of the Creator.