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Star Parker; Tragedy to Triumph; Robber to News Caster, the Story behind the Story
When we look at our lives, often we think that our story is unique. Yet, when we look at the lives of others, we can see how our lives can be similar in so many ways. When we look at the story of Star Parker, we can see and understand that she has endured her seasons of trial. Perhaps, you may be able to empathize with her as you see your own story in a way. As Parker shares the journey that she endured early in her life, she points out that the way that she was living was not the way that she wanted to. Burglarizing houses and staying out late partying, was not the lifestyle that she saw for herself. The moment she found herself running from a business owner after attempting to rob them, she realized something was wrong. “Wow! There is something wrong with what we’re doing, and we could actually end up dead…It was my first experience with feeling that I am really going down a path of no return.” Even after this realization, Parker continued down the same path. “I didn’t like the decisions I was making. But I didn’t have any control over them I felt. I just was doing whatever came.” After deciding to abort four pregnancies, she decided to keep the baby when she became pregnant. She soon found herself as a single mother on welfare. When she walked into a business looking for work, she was shocked at the reason the owners told her as to why she couldn’t be hired. “They told me my lifestyle wasn’t acceptable to them. I couldn’t work there.” She pressed back, “Unacceptable to who?”. She never expected to hear what came next. “Unacceptable to God.” As Parker explains, “Up until that point, I never really thought about God; and I never really thought about God thinking about me.” Later in her pregnancy, she found herself in the hospital. It was during this time in the hospital that she received an unexpected visitor: one of the businessmen who refused to hire her. He shared with her that God loved her. Even though the man kept calling her, nothing changed in her life as she stayed on the same road. “And then finally, I just went to church with him. Cause I thought maybe what he was saying was true. Maybe God did love me.” Parker continues to share how this one encounter was the turning point in her life and how God began to speak to her, little by little, and completely transform her life. How does this story encourage you? Can you relate to what Star Parker experienced in her life? Do you feel as though God doesn’t love you, or isn’t concerned about the way that you are living your life? The truth of the matter is that God did not come to make bad people good. God came to make dead people alive. See the full story of Star Parker as you see her share her full testimony, how God spoke to her about her lifestyle, about being on welfare, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: God loves you, salvation in Jesus Christ, testimony, Star Parker, evangelism, hope, truth, repentance, Holy Spirit, being born again in Christ, and peace. Greg and John shared in this
VFNKB #SuccessSecrets: Find People that are Smarter than You; Alibaba Jack Ma, Founder of Alibaba
Did you know that God cares about your success and wants you to be successful? Many people have the false assumption that to be successful, they have to be the smartest person in the room. This is not the case at all. If we were to talk to the top business entrepreneurs, we would find the opposite is true. According to Jack Ma, founder of the Chinese e-commerce company, Alibaba, he advises actually to hire people that are smarter than you are. As a leader in an e-commerce corporation, one would assume that Ma would have cutting-edge knowledge on both technology and management. Nope. “I knew nothing about technology. I knew nothing about management.” Ma continues, “you have to find the people who are smarter than you are.” Hiring people that were smarter than him was only the first step. “My job is to make sure that smart people can work together. And then, if smart people can work together, it’s easier.” Ronald Reagan said that “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit”. This is so true. When we come together with other team members, we can share ideas and create something bigger than anything thought imaginable on our own. As Habakkuk 2:2-3 highlights, having a clear vision written down helps us to walk out the journey it takes to accomplish the vision. If God has given you a vision, there is an anointing to bring that vision about; and the Lord will bring the people that you need around you to make the vision a reality. Is there a vision that God has put in your heart? Do you have a team around you to accomplish the goals you wish to reach in your life? We want to hear from you. Share with us how you are accomplishing the goals in your life. See the full conversation to be encouraged in your journey of accomplishing your life’s goals, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: wisdom, Jack Ma, Alibaba, practical application, Ronald Reagan, the Tabernacle, Moses, vision, and encouragement. Greg and John shared in this segment.
VFNKB #SuccessSecrets: Skillset + Effort + Commitment= Success; 10X Principle, Steve Harvey
When we look at success, often we believe that we must find some unique idea that no one has thought of, to reach the success that is only dreamed about. According to entrepreneur and comedian, Steve Harvey, this is not true. When sharing the wisdom that he has learned in his life, he points out that becoming a millionaire is as simple as replicating the process it takes to achieve $10. “If you apply your gift, your God-given gift, you’ll have millions, already at your disposal.” Harvey continues to describe the very gifts that can get us started on the journey of earning a million dollars. “You have something that you can do so well, that someone will give you $10 for.” From here, the ball is already rolling. When this process is duplicated ten more times, you now have $100. Once more, and you have $1000. Duplicated upon itself three more times and you are the happy owner of $1 Million. This is where some people stop. “Man, that sounds hard. It is hard! But what else you got to do?” If you stumble along the way, that’s okay. You will find yourself with much more than the $10 that you started with. “So, there’s joy in the process.” This is the simple process that can make an undaunting task achievable because it is broken down into small achievable goals. You are not limited because of where you live; the neighborhood, city, state, or region that you reside in. Whatever your talent is, sharpen it, and multiply it. As Harvey continues to describe, “Skillset + Effort + Commitment = Success”. Is there a talent that God has given you? Do you have a skillset that you enjoy doing in your daily life? Share with us the process that you are on to achieve your goals in life. See the full conversation from Steve Harvey, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: business wisdom, success, financial independence, how to become a millionaire, and hard work. Greg and John shared in this segment.
segment. screen capture from youtube.com/Star Parker