My Fellow Ika Indigenes and Friends of Ika,

I know my annual ritual is coming a little early this year; but in light of recent happenings and the fact that no one is guaranteed tomorrow, I feel this message is timely. So, as 2010 draws to a close and we approach the dawn of a new year, it is time yet again for some introspective moments; but first we must acknowledge that we have a lot of things to be thankful for. The fact that we have managed to live to celebrate another festive season is reason enough to be thankful. Christmas time is indeed a time for celebration. It is true that a lot of people do celebrate Christmas without really knowing what this day is about. There are so many theories and presumptions about Christmas. These theories matter very little as long as the true spirit of this occasion can be captured. To me, it all depends on your attitude! Are you an optimist who sees the glass as half full, or the pessimist who thinks the glass is half empty?

Earl Nightingale once said, "You become what you think about most of the time". No matter what attitude you espouse, or the situation you find yourself, remember it could be worse. Never give up because you may be close to making it; but if you give up, you may never find out because often times the line between success and failure is so thin that we don’t know when we cross it. It is so thin that we are often on the line and don’t realize it. Determination and persistence are the tools that will take you past that line. That is how people make it in life, they keep pushing, and they keep going at it and sooner rather than later something does go right.

There are so many situations in life that we face that seem impossible to overcome. What you need to know is that, "impossible only exists in the minds of those that believe it can’t be done. For those that believe it can be done nothing is impossible". These words underscore how important the state of your mind is. There is nothing that you can accomplish in life if you do not believe you can do it. There is no problem that you will solve if you think it has no solution. Be positive and proactive when it comes to dealing with situations. At the end, you will live to Glorify His Holy Name!

From my family to yours, we say may your "yesterday’s impossibilities be today’s realities"; may your family be touched by the true meaning of Christmas. Oh yes, FAMILY (Father And Mother I Love You!); go ahead and cherish the moments you share with your family. For those fortunate enough to still have their parent(s), please let them know how much you love them because their love for you is unconditional just as God loves us unconditionally. May peace and prosperity be yours during this holiday season and beyond. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Peaceful, Prosperous and Happy New Year!!!

On behalf of my family, I remain,

Michael N. Ebie

National President

Ika National Association, USA, Inc.