BUSINESS SERIES 9: LEARNING ON THE JOB!

It is much easier to take a pay check than to grow your own business, worse still you may not have brought sufficient experience to the job! Very few individuals had an impressive CV when they were considering themselves for the CEO job of their business, no doubt the idea was too great. The desire was burning and adrenaline level was high! Then the job begins………….you find your first client or your first client finds you! And Gbim you are in Business! You’ve dreamt about this long ago but you didn’t understand the adjustments you’ll have to make, to make matters worse you’ve got deadlines to meet.

The taxi/bus people are completely oblivious of your plight and you can’t wait to get a car. in the midst of the whole brouhaha you’re sure you’re on the right track, it’s just that the track demands a sweat suit!

I now can understand why big firms pay their CEO so well, those folks deserve every bit of the dollar they get; though in the States the amount could swirl you for a moment. The quality a good CEO brings to the job is a very rare commodity; you’ll be surprised how few people are willing to think, act on their dreams and dare stick out the harmattan.

You’ll be even more surprised at the competence of those that have taken the plunge. The key folks, is the ability to learn every day, to think daily and Pray like every day was your final year exams, because in a way, it is. Adapt to new information and be quiet enough for fresh insights.

The idea that got you running may not be sufficient to keep you in the race!

People are crucial; they make or mar, Listen to your inner voice when dealing with people. If it looks right, sounds right but doesn’t feel right on the inside; delay the decision if possible.

Building the Dream

A house is built brick by brick, keep at it. One day you’ll reach critical mass.

Exposure is your responsibility; don’t be limited to your environment. Take a trip to somewhere you can learn or meet people that you can learn from, the good thing about working for yourself is the ability to learn what you want to learn when you want to.

Making mistakes is part of the deal, it is the hallmark of great men; Fall forward.

If you find the virtuous woman, marry her! (and vice versa).

Always remember to think Abundance!

MY PLEA

Nigeria needs more young professionals to take the lead, don’t be scared of the public sector. Only thread gently and reverently, you don’t influence people you don’t respect. If not for anything, they are there, you are not. Be like Joseph, interpret the dream; do the work and let Pharaoh take the credit. Do this and you’ll save a nation.

And while you are it, holler me and share the experience.

nnamdiokwonna@yahoo.com

The Bondage Breaker: Masturbation, Homosexuality and the Power of God.

You sure read right! We’re talking about this and don’t let the TV talk host confuse you, these are not normal. They go by different codes and names; self-love, ********(depending), you know it is a wonder the way we invent names for stuffs like these. No doubt these are not entirely new, the increasing attention on “sexuality” issues though more of a “new age” appeal is not entirely limited to new age philosophy. The new age monistic posture that “all is one” and the lack of substantive difference between genders has generated a lot of waves which though are not necessarily presented as logical arguments are offered via the media as concluded realities. (see previous notes on Redeeming the arts)

TV propaganda has made masturbation look normal, safe and rather a wise way of keeping things under control. In reality these are very powerful influences that we sometimes try to explain away , this author by the way is no stranger to such influences.

Whatever your world view is if you are under the influence of these powerful forces (more powerful perhaps than alcoholism/nicotine addiction), there is a way out and please do know this for sure; these are real bad habits.

Question; on what basis are they bad?

Answer: The same basis on which killing someone is wrong! Masturbation and homosexuality like all sexual sins are self-degrading and God despises such. The human conscience serves as a good pointer and I’ve found out that individuals can also “switch off” the conscience entirely, we can lose hold of the anchor post that defines what is good and what is bad.

But peradventure you are under the influence and want freedom then I’ve got good news for you. The spiritual influences behind pornography, masturbation and homosexuality fortunately are under the Lordship of another superior influence; the Lordship of Jesus Christ. His influence is available to set you free to smile again, to truly love and to live a life of real freedom. Freedom not to lewdness but freedom to virtue, the greatest and least available freedom is the freedom to choose that which is noble and right and to do it and keep doing it. Jesus Christ unlike no other gives that ability with a clear conscience to top it!

Personally I’ve learnt that this Christ influence can only be assessed by Faith; to believe in Jesus Christ as the one sent by God to die for the world’s sin and Who also rose that we may live in Him and by Him. If you already believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ then lay hold on this and similar scripture and fight your fight of faith; “Once more Jesus addressed them.”I am the Light of the world," He said; "the man who follows me shall certainly not walk in the dark, but shall have the light of Life." John 8:12.



Hold fast to this, spiritual influences are only accessed by faith. You would need to make a public declaration (might, as the Spirit leads) and with time you’ll enjoy the victory that Christ alone brings.



Okwonna Nelson (nnamdiokwonna@yahoo.com)

THE BONDAGE BREAKER: DEALING WITH ABUSE

The first time I wrote on this topic, I had just finished typing it and was making some finishing touches when armed robbers stormed my office and made away with my laptop and other valuables. We however did not sustain any physical abuse! Of the trio of physical, Psychological and Sexual abuse I think the latter is more devastating. Sexual abuse is both physical and psychological.

“I was ravaged” were the words of a victim of sexual abuse. It really is a sore subject, one we often refuse to talk about. Our refusal however appear to be a product of our helplessness. A victim of sexual abuse would rather undergo the procedure again than talk about it.

She came to my office that day

She spoke in riddles,

The bottom line was that she was depressed

She asked for an anti depressant

She was fourteen

Her friend is undergoing an abusive scenario she said

I was surprised she knew the details so well

There wasn’t enough time

And I wanted to help

The story was ghoulish

I wouldn’t tell of it

The story of ravage

It is not just girl’s stories

I’ve heard the boy’s version

Told by men

Men with tears in their eyes

We read about it so often

And later try to forget

The victim wouldn’t

The victims couldn’t

The pain was real

Memories refuse to fade

Subconsciously we can hide it

Denial often is the escape

An escape with seeping side effects



HOW DO I OVERCOME ABUSE?



If this is your question, you are not alone and there is an answer. There is power for you to forgive and be forgiven, I didn’t say it is easy, you can’t muster the strength though but I know of One who can.

“To forgive is to let a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner is you” , this is the “foolishness” of God; that in forgiving evil we find truth. Salvation is found only at the cross of forgiveness, the cross of Love.



The trip to that cross is the track on which an abused person experiences the saving redemptive grace of God’s power. It is a trip many have taken and found redemption, it isn’t an easy trip no doubt but a necessary one.

Accept the Love of Christ, He loves you enough to pay for humanity’s ill and all of lives burden are made light when we accept His love and dare to share it.



Leave the abusive scenario, flee it and run to shelter. Accept His Love and dare to give it.



“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to Me! Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” John 7:37



Anyone!



Okwonna Nelson

nnamdiokwonna@yahoo.com