Who do people say you are?

Some people are of the opinion that one should not bother about what others say or think about them because they must always talk, which they say, is an affirmation of the person talked about being alive and noticed. But again, when there is a consistent view of that person’s personality, especially as regards character […]

Some people are of the opinion that one should not bother about what others say or think about them because they must always talk, which they say, is an affirmation of the person talked about being alive and noticed. But again, when there is a consistent view of that person’s personality, especially as regards character and attitude to others, perhaps there is the need to pay attention, just in case there is an iota of truth that may serve to make one better.  
A personal experience I had inspired the writing of this piece.My friend and I were expecting a visitor so we could attend a function in Abuja. I did not know the visitor in question, but my friend did. She kept on singing her praises to me with every chance she got. “Judith is a nice girl,” she would say, “she is so caring and considers the feelings of others. In short, she is qualified to be a saint.”
So I looked forward to meeting Judith with much anticipation. I wanted to observe that special qualities she had that got my friend so excited. Finally our visitor arrived and indeed met all my expectations.
Eventually, we went for the open-air function we all planned to attend. It was raining season, but we were not deterred. There was no sign of rain. We quickly got a place to seat and immediately the lady, who sat close to us, excused herself leaving in our care her purse which was on her seat. This was supposed to indicate that the seat was taken.
Almost immediately, there came a heavy downpour, amidst heavy wind, resounding thunder and lightning. Unfortunately, the canopy we sat under gave way and everyone ran for shelter, including us. But when we had found shelter, Judith reminded us about the lady’s purse, which we had left behind. “Oh! What if her phone is in the purse?” she worried aloud. “It will get wet and probably get spoilt. What if the wind sweeps it away or someone steals it? I would not forgive myself.”
But while she worried about the stranger’s purse, my friend was grateful we did not get drenched and bothered that the function got ruined by the downpour.
Suddenly, Judith went back under the rain, not minding the storm or the possibility of catching a cold. Just as she got back with the purse in her hand, the owner showed up, saying, “I have been looking for you girls. Please where is my purse?”
Judith smilingly replied, “thank God it is not wet,” whereas she was all drenched. But it was clear that she did not mind. The lady on receiving her purse from Judith immediately opened it to check its content and just as Judith thought, it had in it, not just a phone but also some money.
That singular act was evidence enough of what my friend had said about Judith to me, thus creating a lasting impression. She did not have to say much, but acted and her action spoke for her. Just like my friend kept talking about her. So, your actions to others might cause people to cry or laugh even when you do not know and result to a blessing or curse. This brings me back to the question, who do people say you are?
Festus Ufuoma, a 55-year-old man says: “Your utterances to others do not to a large extent have as much effect on people as your actions would.” He adds that: “People should think deeply and also be very mindful of their actions towards others. You may have power but that does not give you the leverage to oppress others. You may be rich, but that does not mean you should look down on the poor. Instead, you can use these blessings given to you to touch the lives of others through your actions. This would go a long way in creating a good name for you. We should not forget that a good name is better than all the riches in the world.”