The letter that changed his life (Part 2)

What if I lose the card?

You can't really "lose the card" because you can't lose me.  I am the one with the resources.  The card is the means to the end.

What if I can't bring myself to depend on you?  After all, I'm an American.  Independent.  I work for what I get.

If you choose to work instead of trust me, then you'll have to do it all on your own.  But where did that lead you before?

Hopelessly in debt.

That's right. Now that your debts are cancelled, where will you get the resources to fulfill your identity and destiny?

I'll work for it. 

Alright.  Is that what you want?

I have my pride.

Have it your way.  But you still have the card.  I won't take it from you.

Why are you doing this?

Why do you have a hard time accepting it?

It's too easy.  I don't like getting things that I don't work for.

But I didn't work for my wealth either.  Do you feel like I don't "deserve" to be my father's son?

No, it's not really that.

Then what is it?

It's hard to explain.  I don't feel as good about myself just taking your money.

Why?

I didn't work hard for it.

So you define yourself by what you do, or your accomplishments?

Who doesn't?

I don't.

Of course you don't.  You're a billionaire.

I am Joshua, son of Joseph.

But Joseph is a billionaire.

Joseph has billions of dollars.  But that's not who Joseph is.  My money doesn't define who you are.  It is a means to the end of you being what you are and doing what you were made to do.  So who are you, Adam?

I don't know.

This money won't tell you who you are.  And your work won't make you who you are.