Meet Robert Harper II

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Harper II.

Robert Harper II, is a native of Houston, TX. He received his BA degree from the University of Houston. Robert Harper II is a sensational speaker, educator, and minister. He has a style that’s all his own. His ability to not only communicate with his audience but connect with them, is what makes him memorable. His message is full of hope, passion, and sincerity.

What makes Robert’s story so interesting is that he never had aspirations to be a speaker growing up. Robert says after his freshman year in college he decided to make a change from within. Robert grew up being apathetic towards his education. He knew he desired a shift in his life spiritually and mentally. He wasn’t sure how all it was going to happen, but God shifted his environment before his eyes.

He became apart of an organization on the campus of Lone Star College called “brother four brothers. ” That environment shifted Robert’s perspective on what was possible for his life. He had never witnessed nor been a part of a group of young men and mentors that relentlessly encouraged him to become the best version of himself. They held one another accountable and didn’t create a platform were mediocrity was tolerated.

Robert’s father is a minister as well but never thought about his father as a resource for his growth but rather just a supportive dad. Robert says during this time in life his eyes begin to open and he saw how God was moving his life forward through mentors, family members, and a brotherhood that was readily available to support him.

There is a quote he heard during that time of his life that sums up the shift into wanting to manifest a better version of himself. The quote is ” when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” That’s exactly what happen for Robert, many teachers appeared.

They came in different forms but none the less they were very much instrumental in his development. Robert knows the obstacle of growing up in a high peer pressured environment and where one struggles to be his or her authentic self. Through his obstacles and challenges, he has learned to recycle his pain.

He has turned his pain into a powerful example of a life lived on purpose. His setbacks in life has now positioned him to relate in a dynamic way to his audience.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but I have learned that no road is. I have learned many things on this road and one being suffering is inevitable. Instead of running from the challenges/sufferings of life I can choose to embrace them. Either I suffer while in pursuit of my purpose or I can suffer as a result of never going after it.

On this journey, there were plenty of challenges (externally and internally), but I learned many valuable lessons along the way that I am forever grateful for. I have learned that the goal I have set before myself is not more important than what I become while in pursuit of the goal.

I would tell anyone that the greatest challenge I face stands before me every day. The challenge to choose to be a public success over a private failure. What I say or do in public means absolutely nothing to me if I’m not doing the hard work in private. People are rewarded in public for the disciplines they have submitted to in private.

In a society that often promotes appearing to be, rather than actually being, I endeavor to put a high premium on character over reputation.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a minister and motivational speaker and soon to be an author. I want everyone to live on purpose. I want people to be very intentional regarding the gifts they have been given. I started a powerful event last year (August 26th, 2018) we gave people the tools to Live on Purpose. The next LIVE ON PURPOSE event will be on February 24th, 2019. It won’t be just me sharing but many other influential people in the Houston community.

I want people to realize they have been blessed to be a blessing. The impact that I’ve been blessed to make in the lives of others is due to the fact that I have deep respect for three things. I respect the giver of my gift, I have respect for the gift itself, and I respect the possessor of the gift. In other words, I respect my God, my craft and myself. My endeavor is to meet people where they are but love them enough not to leave them there.

As a speaker, I have had the privilege to speak to various crowds such as high schools, colleges, churches, organizations and etc. I encourage others to live out their potential, not only for themselves but for those they are connected to. I draw strength from my own experiences as they relate to scholastic struggles, family tragedies, personal challenges and etc. I have learned that personal struggles do not define one but rather refines and prepares one for the purpose that has been given.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There is a quote that comes to my mind when I think about this question. The quote is from Maya Angelou ” I come as one, but I stand as ten-thousand.” I have been blessed with amazing family, friends, coaches, friends, and mentors that have poured into me willingly and abundantly. To sum it all up, they saw something within me when I didn’t have the faith and courage to see it in myself.

For years, I held onto the belief of greatness that others saw in me until I could see it for myself. I believe we all need people like that in our lives. We need people who will relentlessly believe in the good within us. We need people who care enough to give a helping hand instead of a judgmental finger. Finally, we need people who will have enough faith not to treat us the way we currently are but rather how we can potentially be.

Pricing:

• Feb 24th Live on Purpose event – Cost for ticket $25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.robertharper2.com
• Email: robert.n.harperii@gmail.com
• Instagram: robertharper2
• Facebook: Robert Harper

Image Credit:
Trevoy Kelly, Grady Powers

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