Never do this at home

People who think business owners (legitimate ones at least) are like the TV commercials where those idiots sip mint julips by the pool while tens of thousands of dollars gets deposited in their bank accounts deserve what they get when they send for those kits. My favorite one is where this man in his sixties gives presents and a new car to his little 17 year old honey.

Here is what really happens: (1) everyone says starting a business is smart (and call you an idiot behind your back) (2) never take you seriously (and call you an idiot behind your back) (3) desert you when you need them most (and call you an idiot behind your back) (4) pretend you don't exist (and call you an idiot behind your back) (5) call you a hero when you finally succeed (and swear they never called you an idiot behind your back).

I think anyone who starts a business really has a screw loose in their heads somewhere. You really do give up everything to make a go of it. Sometimes years of debt and deprivation. My problem is I don't care what it takes. All your life you know you will end up here, and postponing it does no good.

You know what really helps? Learning the stories in the Bible. I don't mean to memorize all the King James' English and run around spouting passages. That is an excellent way to trivialize its content and convince some poor soul you really know what you are talking about when you are more clueless than a lump of clay. The stories in the Bible have another component, and that is how most of the characters overcame almost supernatural challenges. Go for broke and don't look back. That is what I see. And God telling them, "Don't worry, just do it. I've got your back."

Did Moses start to think that maybe running away from the Egyptians was "too risky" and maybe it would be ok after all to be slaves? Nope. Go for broke.

Did David start to think that maybe the Israelites should just let Goliath have his way and hope and pray he and the Philistines "might go away"? Nope. Go for broke.

Did Jesus enter the temple and tell the money changers he hoped they would be nice to people and not rip them off? Nope. Go for broke.

These people did not make their point(s) by playing it safe. They made their point by putting their lives on the line. I never have heard this in any church I've been to. I hear a lot about glory and mercy and forgiveness and slobering sentimentality. But I never hear about how the central characters have stainless steel in their souls and courage beyond compare.

Anybody know of a church or religion where they encourage you to have that kind of rock solid constitution? And you are responsible for your own actions? And there is no blame but on yourself when something happens you don't like? And that teaches that if you are responsible that means you have the power? I hope somebody will read this message in a bottle and throw a nice message back in there.

Good night for now...