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What Kind of Person Are You?

I said this in a play once as Madea... LOL. But I thought I'd revisit it as Tyler for those of you who may not have heard it :-)

I have this tree analogy when I think of people in my life, be it friends, family, acquaintances, employees, co-workers, whomever...They are all placed inside what I call my tree test. It goes like this:

LEAF PEOPLE
Some people come into your life and they are like leaves on a tree. They are only there for a season. You can't depend on them or count on them because they are weak and only there to give you shade. Like leaves, they are there to take what they need and as soon as it gets cold or a wind blows in your life they are gone. You can't be angry at them, it's just who they are.

BRANCH PEOPLE
There are some people who come into your life and they are like branches on a tree. They are stronger than leaves, but you have to be careful with them. They will stick around through most seasons, but if you go through a storm or two in your life it's possible that you could lose them. Most times they break away when it's tough. Although they are stronger than leaves, you have to test them out before you run out there and put all your weight on them. In most cases they can't handle too much weight. But again, you can't be mad with them, it's just who they are.

ROOT PEOPLE
If you can find some people in your life who are like the roots of a tree then you have found something special. Like the roots of a tree, they are hard to find because they are not trying to be seen. Their only job is to hold you up and help you live a strong and healthy life. If you thrive, they are happy. They stay low key and don't let the world know that they are there. And if you go through an awful storm they will hold you up. Their job is to hold you up, come what may, and to nourish you, feed you and water you.

Just as a tree has many limbs and many leaves, there are few roots. Look at your own life. How many leaves, branches and roots do you have? What are you in other people's lives?

THANK GOD FOR YOUR ROOTS! You may want to call them today or share this message with them and attach your own note saying, "thanks for being my root".

By the way, don't waste your time sending this to a leaf, they won't get it anyway.

Love you,

Tyler

by Tyler Perry on September 11, 2012.

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  • Meehsue Florida

    I've been told by friends & co-workers I'm the root. I've used this part of the play to check people for years. Thanx to "MA-to the DEA

    Reply
  • Jennifred Covington, Ga

    Thanks Mr. Perry for becoming a branch on my tree. When I feel as I have hit the bottom and can't dig my way back up, "YOU" always show up with a message for me. Thank you

    Reply
  • Ty Virginia

    I meant to say one more thing. Love you too. :-)

    Reply
  • Denise Newark, N.J

    This is all too true, yet also so sad. Everyone has a purpose in life, and once the LORD reveals this purpose we should embrace it and not deny it. Then try to fulfill this purpose, because, the world would be a much better place if everyone took strides towards becoming a root rather than leaves and branches. Take care, and have a Blessed day!!!

    Reply
  • Stephanie Lee-Mckenzie Chicago, IL

    Ty, it is divine intervention that I get your messages at the RIGHT TIME. Truly a constant reminder of the need to always do a "Self Check". Thanks for the "Words of Encouragement" and I will be awaiting a response about your first play "I Know I Have Been Changed" (Is the play available to order?). Peace and Love, Steph (The "Root" Type, lol)

    Reply
  • renee Cleveland ohio

    I remember this from your movie wrote it down as one of my favorites to reflect on. Thank you for posting it this way. It is so true.

    Reply
  • Evone Tallahassee, Fl

    Hey, I got it. I hope you received my other massage. I'm. still trying learn this new phone. LOL. Stay blessed. Later for now. Evone

    Reply
  • southern comfort montana

    You truly inspire, I would like to think I'm a root but truth be told I have been all three at some point in my life. Thats what growing in the word and becoming a parent does for you though,you see where you have been and reconize others who have been there, finding truth and laughter and grace in the things that have happened,and then passing on the good to the next young adults and attempting to elimanate some of the bad. God Bless you, you inspire me and bring truth and laughter to our lives.My roots run deep,my branches have swings,and my leaves tend to grow back when the wind stops blowing in the fall which is good I love spring!! Now what do we do about the moss?? LOL

    Reply
  • Kim Waters Raytown, MO

    This is awesome and spurred me to think who am I in my friends lives. Most of the time I ama root but I have also been a branch when I felt overwhelmed by my own circumstances. Something to always keep in mind. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
  • Mychelle portland oregon

    Tyler, Iwas just telling my daughter this the other night she had just confided in me that she was having suicidal thoughts and she was not understanding her friendships, life etc. As we layed there talking and crying you play came to mind when you explain how people come into you life, I used you analogy and she started to understand, thank you so much it really helps not only me but my family.. God Bless you and thank you

    Reply
  • Sheneith Hawkins Dallas,Tx.

    Let me put this experience in plain terms, simple terms: you know the older ppl would say, I brought you into this world & I'll take you out? Well, the devil is d*** lie! I didn't bring my son/sons in this world & I won't be taking them out. Yes, they both came thru my womb AND GOD saw FIT for my to raise them up. Why? I REALLY REALLY DON'T KNOW! Lol...lol...lol... I'm waiting to see for myself! :-) But what I will tell u is I love them & I appreciate God for being God. He KNOWS BEST, AND HE ALWAYS KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR ME. I ain't close to perfect but I love my sons & my sons love me. :-) Yes, they get on my nerve, last nerve & first nerve to but I thank God He has not allowed me to harm my children as I have heard others to do. All I want for them is the best. Nothing else will do! To God be all the glory....Hallelujah JESUS!!!! HALLELUJAH, YOU SO GOOD! :-) LOL...

    Reply
  • Evangelist Corean Walker Marion,IN.

    Tyler, This message ~What Kind of Person are You?~ just gave me comfirmation to a message that Apostle Glen Prince preached at my 60th. birthday celebration. He said that God have given him the message for himself and he began to ask God what to speak to me and God said what, I gave you for yourself. He talked about the different types of friends we have in our lives hea spoke on the contingent friend, the confidant, the comrade. and he began to explain them all and he said, I only need the confidant friend in my life. he said some people are like the leaves, the branches and some who are confidants have the roots. I just wanted to sahre that with you. Please let me knw that you have read this message when you have time from your busy schedule. Evangelist Corean Walker

    Reply
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