| Funny Business |
| Blazin Blogs - Nikki | |||
| Written by Nikki D. Washington - www.GlowMagazineOnline.com | |||
| Wednesday, 27 May 2009 18:25 | |||
 I’ve always been a bit tenacious.When I was 5, I learned how to swim by diving unaccompanied into the deep end of our pool. Some months later, on Easter Sunday, I figured out how to ride a bike by tethering myself between two porch posts while still wearing my Easter dress. Granted I got tore up for ripping my dress, but I learned (smile). Then when I was 8, I turned my mother’s pantry into a “candy store” and sold Now & Laters, to the neighborhood kids. Costco didn’t have anything on me, LOL. It’s funny. In looking back I can see how I’ve always had this “can do” mentality. And in looking back at all of my little life’s lessons, it amazes me to see how they still serve me today. I always share about how when I begin casting vision for Glow, there was no one around to teach me how to incorporate my business. No one gave me the ABC’s of establishing governmental and corporate identity. There wasn’t even anyone to tell me the ins & outs of corporate accounting. No, everything learned was PURELY God’s grace. Yet out of all the things God has imparted, one of the things I hold to most is that fact that we’re a group of women who simply love God. Yeah. We love Him and we’re not about the “funny” side of business. You know what the “funny” side is: Suspect contracts. “Let’s do lunch” jargon. Empty promises. Flaky dealings. Bounced checks. Unpaid invoices. Deals done under the table and the list go on. It’s sad really. It’s sad when it appears as if some of the shadiest deals ever made are among “church folk.” And I know some will take offense, but really. Does not saying it make it any less true? And I know some say, “People are people Nikki, and we all are subject to error, saved or otherwise.” But here’s the question, if we’re like everyone else, where does The Blood and its redemptive work come into play? And if we claim we’re His, shouldn’t our business practices look like Him? And just because “people are human” does that mean that we’re supposed to not try to do better? Selah. See, I may be young but this I know for sure: God is still God. The Blood is still The Blood. And Holy Ghost power is still Holy Ghost power. And you can’t tell me you’ve met God, and still cheat people out of money. You can’t tell me He’s your Lord, and you abuse the people that work for you. You can’t say that your business is founded on The Rock, yet it’s not governed by godly principles. And what does it matter how many albums or books or products you’ve sold if you're not even responsible enough to pay your bills? See, whether individually or corporately, there still has to be a certain level of accountability to this thing we call business. There has to be someone willing to lift the standard above the dollar. My question is, is that you? Is there one who will move beyond “networking” and on to genuine relationship? Is there one that will work based on the Kingdom agenda rather than selfish gain? Is there one who cares more about lifting Him, than branding a product? And trust, I don’t speak without action. No, we aren’t perfect, yet in all that we do, we will to operate in a way that is reflective of the God we say we serve. We’re constantly sowing into other ministries and organizations. In our publication you’ll never hear of us reporting on or attempting to profit from someone’s ministry folly. We don’t believe in shady journalism tactics or spinning stories. And the only name we care to push is Jesus The Christ. Now, hear my heart, I’m in not saying that everything is perfect, but at the end of the day I can honestly say we serve God here. And as long as God entrusts me with this vision, it will never be said that we operated in anything less than integrity. This is my promise to Him. And I know I said a lot, but hey. Y’all know I’m wordy, LOL. Plus, I so believe that WE would be in such a better place if we would just get in order. Yeah, that’s a word we don’t see often, ORDER. But it’s so true. The lesson: Get your house in order. Align. And occupy. To all my business owners who daily press and purpose in their hearts to get it right, stay encouraged. From keeping your business out of the red, to people not wanting to pay you what you’re worth, from finding true laborers, I know it can be tough. And although we are walking into our blessed place now, trust. There were many months we ran on faith, more than I can share. Just trust God, and continue to sow. Know that He's still a Provider. I can attest to that. And a word to the wise, give your business time to establish and mature. Don't allow "success" to convince you that you need to rush to purchase "things" to validate your position in life. Remember, there's nothing wrong with living better, just be wise in how you handle things along the way. To all you with vision or a dream don’t be afraid to proceed with God. Sometimes we can study a thing so long that we will talk ourselves right out of what God has ALREADY declared. But don’t toil. Don’t try to figure it all out. Just take a step. It’s like I always say, what good is being a royalty if you never wear the crown? What will your crown change? Love you, Nikki Washington, CEO www.glowmagazineonline.com
|
C Walker makes this comment
2 June 2009