Bishop Henry Fernandez has called on individuals to be discerning in their relationships, stressing the importance of aligning with people who share similar values and goals.
Drawing an analogy to extension cords, Bishop Fernandez explained, “Every person you get plugged into or you open up your life to—every individual, every person who says, ‘I want to be your best friend’ or ‘I just want to hang out with you’—can significantly impact your life.”
He warned against forming connections based solely on surface-level similarities. “You know, we come from the same community. We were born in the same state. I think we share the same values,” he said, cautioning people not to let such factors be the only reason to let someone into their lives.
He emphasized the profound influence others can have, noting that what they carry can transfer into our lives. “Don’t ever forget that you are just like this extension cord. You are on the receiving end, and therefore it is very important that the source that’s going to be plugged into you carry the same goals, share the same values, and have the same interests,” he explained.
Highlighting the risks of unhealthy connections, he added, “Once they get plugged into you, whatever is in them, now it is transferred over to you.” This, he said, is why it is essential to carefully evaluate the people one connects with.
Bishop Fernandez’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting oneself from negative influences and surrounding oneself with positive, like-minded individuals.
