When I was young and starry-eyed, I knew I would change the world. I believed I could make a huge difference in lives. I had grandiose plans.
I had no clue I would need money to survive. We married young and plunged into debt pretty fast, just to pay bills and keep food on the table. I was still starry-eyed and optimistic and had no clue. Chris was juggling the bills and work and I had a toddler and new baby at home. When I found out that we were using credit cards just to buy food, I flipped out. Practicality stepped in. Forget changing the world. Let's change our habits and get out of debt. We sold our beautiful new vehicle (that we bought for the youth group that we were leading), sold our brand new townhouse that didn't fit our growing family anymore, and moved into a little tiny rambler. We clamped down ALL spending and started digging out of the huge hole we found ourselves in. Big dreams kinda went out the window. Our reality was not being able to afford fresh produce at the Farmer's Market in the summer--it was simply too expensive. Reality was not even shopping at garage sales because we had no spare change. Reality was getting out of debt and realizing that ministry in a church plant start-up was NOT paying our bills and growing our business was the only way we would actually make more money. I thought I was turning my back on ministry when I turned my focus to growing my company. Um, NO. The lives I have influenced in business are many. The mom with the brain tumor, the teen suffering with depression, the staff who is hurting, the teacher who lost their loved one, the random client you encourage, and the lives you touch EVERY DAY. This is our minstry. I asked God to let us touch lives and show them HIS LOVE and He has. Every single day. So don't think you're "just" running a company. Oh, no, my friends. You are influencing the world. Every phone call, email, encounter, walk-in, drive-by, new enrollment? A chance to show love and compassion and touch their hearts. Brighten their day. Make a difference. I'll never forget the years we were on staff at a church. But now I'll realize that I am still touching lives in my business. Maybe more. This is the path God has given us. He has given YOU your path, too. Walk it out. Be faithful. Love like He loves.
1 Comment
8/13/2018 04:04:30 am
Jen: EXACTLY!! I can see why you are such a successful person and business owner!! It IS our ministry! I feel the same way and am so grateful for being able to make a difference through music in the lives we touch! I will be reaching out to you this week to book a call for more feedback and guidance onFacebook!
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About the AuthorHi, I'm Jen Hickle! Archives
December 2020
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