Success Begins With A Step

No matter how badly we may want to accomplish anything worthwhile, until we make the first step to get it done, we’ll never know how successful we could be. This applies to every area of our adult life.

Too many times, far too many people are inhibited from seeking success because someone told them they couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to do what they wanted to do. I’ve heard those same comments, but I want to make sure everyone knows–you never know what you can do until you try. Success stories seldom occur because life just drops success in someone’s life. People have to try and some have to try harder than others. There is one exception to this quaint notion–and that’s for those who were born into luxury and had everything they ever wanted–handed to them, while they made no effort at all to accomplish anything. Whatever is accomplished by the rich and famous without effort is not success–it’s privilege and often not very fulfilling. That’s one of the reasons the “rich and famous” do more stupid than the average person.

But let me get back to the discussion at hand. The best way I can offer insight as to what I’m suggesting is to provide examples from my own life.  Since I’ve shared portions of my life story countless times in my blogs I won’t bore the reader with redundancy. So, let’s start with my move to Houston–where I knew no one, didn’t have a job, and no money to speak of. Some said I was crazy to try, but then–I’ve always loved a challenge. I moved, found employment and stayed four years. The only reason I left was to support my mother while living in the same state (I had been supporting her financially for two years and it was becoming burdensome).

For me, coming back was the biggest challenge–with a potential job no longer available to me, I had to wonder how I would make it, but I did. I’m about as tenacious as a pit bull–refusing to let go. At any rate, I managed to do what was needed and found a job I loved. That ended with a car accident that prevented me from doing the job–mostly driving. At any rate, sitting at home for three years waiting for lawsuits to be settled, I decided to go back to school and finish that BA I’d started many years earlier. Funny thing about going back to school in your 40s, you feel out of place in a classroom with much younger students, but I decided not to let that bother me. I ended my last semester on the Dean’s list with a 3.6 GPA. Imagine that!

From there, I decided I loved learning and continued my education–completed a MA, obtained my teaching credentials passing all the required testing–the first time. Then I decided, what the heck, might as well keep going, so I applied to a graduate program, was accepted and completed all the coursework towards a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (teaching teachers). A significant change for the worse in the teaching field caused me to pause and rethink the direction I was taking. I no longer had a heart to encourage people to enter a field that was not a viable career. When I retired, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but the 2016 election–propelled me in the direction of political activism and that is where I am right now, seeking support for a presidential run in 2020.

I’m not just seeking support, I’m actively involved in the process as some readers may know. I’m happy to report that all the top slots for Michigan government that I supported and promoted were successful. I spent hours knocking on doors, distributing literature, and making some phone calls. I spent even more time promoting the candidates online and talking to people wherever I went. My first time on an election ballot resulted in a loss, but it didn’t deter me. I was on the ballot for a precinct delegate and the person who won–by 18 votes– has never put in an appearance to do the job–I did. As a result, post-midterm election, I am now on the Executive Committee of my county’s democratic party, and a current nominee for secretary for the local Democrat club. My involvement with my online promotions for candidates got me more attention that I thought. On a personal note–just so some understand–there was no pay involved in anything I did–all volunteer–all to make sure Democrats won in Michigan. And I’ll do it again, as often as needed. The upside to all of this is–I met all the candidates and had chance to talk to them. People are beginning to recognize me and it’s all because of a step I took.

There are some who think I won’t make it to the White House. They may be right, but their attitude won’t stop me from trying. I’ve already taken the steps needed towards success, but not everything we try is successful as others measure success. What I’ve been successful at doing is getting my name out there in the atmosphere, stratosphere, cybersphere or however one wants to call it. I’ve had people threaten me because of my political stances and distaste of trump. I’ve had people applaud me because of my political stances and distaste of trump. So, success is all about the angle or perspective from which one is looking. I’m headed in the right direction to achieve my goals and right now, I’m confident I’m going to get there. We’ll know in 2020. But while we’re waiting, you can check me out and see where I stand at facebook.com/YesIAm2020!

Come on, take the first step and decide to join me in my quest and we travel the road to success together.

 

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Faithful Servants!

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?” It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. Matthew 24:45-47 NIV

In this day and age most people would cringe at the thought of anyone thinking they are a servant since we have attached such negative connotations to the word.  But being a servant–a faithful servant–has a positive connotation and many should desire to attain to being one.

Faithful servants are always concerned about doing what is best for all. They go out of their way to make sure the things that need to be done–are never left undone. They organize and plan strategies to make their effort more effective so that even if something unexpected occurs at the last minute, they are able to overcome the obstacle and thrive–maintaining their goal.

A servant is not just a person who is under any legal obligation or bondage to another. A true servant is one who has a heart to serve others–just for the sake of doing for others–not for recognition or reward. In this passage of recorded conversations with Jesus, we see that the one who serves from their heart is rewarded for their faithfulness and they never have to say anything to anyone about what they do. What they do–is evident–for all to see and that is how they obtain their reward.

Since not many understand the virtue of volunteerism in our society, volunteers are hard to find and even when some people volunteer their time–they do so with an agenda in mind. Not all agendas have negative connotations, but when a person does anything simply to receive recognition, they have an agenda that does not necessarily promote the purpose or goal of the entity to which they are volunteering.

We are to do all things, “as unto The Lord,” without expecting a great deal of hoopla over what we do. God sees and knows all we do and more importantly, He knows our hearts and our intent.

When I look back at my life, I’d like to think that all I have done–without payment or recognition–is a demonstration of faithful servitude. In the end, on the other side of now, I’m looking for a crown–a crown that can only be given by the One who inspires all to do great things. This crown will never wear out or rust or lose its value, but forever be a token of God’s recognition for what we have done in the earth.

Lord, help us to seek You in all we do to become faithful servants–mindful that Your reward is truly the only reward we’ll ever need. For when we have done what You desire us to do, You give us favor with mankind–here on earth–and not because we seek favor, but because of who You are.