The Life-Changing Diamond Story
Shared by Paula Fellingham

Today I’d like to share one of my favorite stories. This life-changing story teaches us about our priceless worth.

There was once an Indian farmer named Ali Hafid who could neither read nor write, but who was fortunate enough to have his own farm, a fine wife, and a good family.

One day a traveling monk came to Hafid and told him about a marvelous discovery recently made of a jewel called a diamond.

The story so caught the imagination of Ali Hafid that he sold his farm and house and left his wife and family to search for diamonds. He traveled far and wide searching, but never found the precious stones. Finally, broken in body and spirit, having exhausted his funds in his fruitless search, he cast himself into the sea, and drowned.

About that time the monk came through the village again and stopped at the farm formerly owned by Hafid. There on the mantel he saw a lovely diamond.

“I see Ali found his diamond,” he said, pointing to the stone.

“Oh, Ali sold me his farm,” said the new owner, “and that stone is just a pretty rock I found down in the streambed as I watered my sheep.”

“Show me the place,” said the monk, and the man led him to the stream.

There, in the gravel bottom of the streambed, they found one diamond after another. A further search showed the whole farm contained diamonds, even in the dirt floor in the cellar of the house. The story claims that thus the rich Golconda diamond field was discovered. There beneath his very feet was the fortune for which Ali Hafid gave his life in a fruitless search.

The lesson?

The greatest treasure you’ll ever find lies within you. Don’t fall into the trap of neglecting to discover that life’s greatest prize is within.

Paula Fellingham, an internationally-acclaimed speaker, the author of 5 books, and the mother of 7 children, has spoken at the United Nations and at conferences across the globe. Paula is a former radio talk show host and newspaper columnist. Paula is currently the CEO of The Women’s Information Network, www.TheWINonline.com. Her mission is to strengthen women and families worldwide.