Meet Eliyahu Shmuel Ben Yah

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eliyahu Shmuel Ben Yah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eliyahu Shmuel, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
I used the negativity as a fuel to continue forth because I am a firm believer that everything takes effort to accomplish goals. Resistance at times may mean that you are on the right track. I have always thrived with opposition and controversy. Even negative criticism, slander, and bad press is better than no press. When you become the conversation, it means you’re about something and causing impact. I love to be challenged and prove whoever wrong not to validate myself, but my point or view. I have a track record of being successful. Initially, I was what they call auto- didactic (self-taught) being an active reader and all being an accomplished author of over 25 books, not including collaborative, works as a co-author. Faith, Meditation, Prayer and having loyal friends.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a motivational speaker, Author, Exorcist & Spiritual, Life Mental Health advocate. I have been a certified Chaplain since 2005 from New York City after the tragic and chaotic incident of 911. I was a volunteer for a disaster, relief organization in Houston Texas and that’s where I relocated and currently live in. I was a former correctional officer, now currently an HPD Chaplain and also Fort Bend Sheriff Dept. Chaplain. I’m also a volunteer TDCJ Chaplain where every Friday from 5pm -8pm I teach inmates spiritual empowerment classes. I’m a recording artist. I have trademarked my brand in the USA which has become synonymous with overall care and health. In 2024 we are launching our own vitamin supply and other health organic products. I’m also a holistic practitioner. There’s a major project that I’m working on, which is a book deal as a co- author with Les Brown, this summer. I’m also a best seller author in Amazon in three different categories. I have traveled internationally and nationally and still do for speaking engagements. I love to empower people! I’m always trying to encourage someone to write a book, because everyone has a story that can be a blessing and benefit others. My wife is also an entrepreneur, notary public and Tax Specialist and we currently have a Podcast. I just finished publishing my seven-year-old daughter book last year in December 2023.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First of all, have a spirit of humility, and willingness to learn. My father used to say: “ everything seems easy in the hands of an expert”. So, often times we feel that we know certain things, but the most dangerous threat to an individual is not ignorance, but the delusion of thinking that you know when you don’t know. Have a humble and teachable spirit. Learn something new every day. Get with someone that is going places. Surround yourself with people that celebrate your destiny, purpose, assignment as well as yourself. If they’re not celebrating you, then they’re tolerating you and where there is toleration, you shall never reap any reward or honor. Since my youth, I’ve always been an avid reader because ignorance is a burden unto me. I’ve always been persistent. Remember if you think education is costly, try ignorance. The word success defined our English dictionary simply means: to become a teacher and to teach others. Nobody can claim success if they have no successors! Get educated. don’t expect anyone to do anything for you because nobody owes you anything. Just become what you were destined to be. This is a season to qualify folks for access, and the common denominator should be honor. No honor. No access. Define clearly the three C’s as it pertains to relationships and that is:

Confidant: that’s your ride and die. They are not too many of those. These folks can see you at your worst and still celebrate you and encourage you. Trustworthy! Time and patience have proved them to be faithful. They will cover for you and believe in you and most importantly LOVE YOU! They are into you.

Comrades: not to be confused with a confidant. They don’t love you, but they love what you represent. they will lock arms with you and March and fight for the same ideals and injustices if need be but when the struggle is over, you will not hear from them. They are NOT into you, they are into what you represent which may mean value and belief systems.

Constituents: these are equivalent, to what a coworker is. I’m pretty sure you will not put your business in a workplace.

Time and patience forces deception to reveal itself. Wise people test, but fools don’t because they trust their instinct. Forgive and forgive quickly, and don’t let anyone have power over you. Your best revenge is to be successful. Don’t share your dreams with anyone, at times operate in secrecy and let success speak for itself.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Torah, and Jewish wisdom. I have read plenty of self-help books. And later on in life, as I got older, I got myself educated by obtaining a doctorate degree in Divinity. Currently pursuing my PhD in psychology and philosophy. All the success did not come without challenges: child, abandonment, sexual, physical, religious and emotional abuse. Homelessness and failed relationships. Ostracized and rejected, but I refuse to become a victim. Learn from your past mistakes and don’t let negative experiences to become a trauma but a stepping stone for greatness. I have discovered early that negative feelings and emotions are good indicators, but poor leaders. You, see sadness, depression, loneliness, hate are choices. Choose and allow what comes in the life! You cannot avoid for a bird to fly over your head, but you can avoid a bird building a nest on your head. Later on in life my current family is my life support system and loyal friends like Prophet Frank Diaz, Minister Sheila Morgan and Minister Donna L. Holcomb & Family. Also Elder Sandra Harris, Mother Carole Owen’s, Sharon Berrios and Ruben Mendoza Special Thanks to my Rib and Partner First and Only Lady Talia Nieves, my confidant.

Remember to not place people in higher pedestal than what they deserve. Honor those who honor you!

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