SMALL BUSINESSPERSONS CHALLENGED
August 9, 2007
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
SMALL BUSINESSPERSONS CHALLENGED
TO GET INTO BIG BUSINESS WITH GOD!!!
Don’t give up on your dreams, pursue your goals with passion and thank God for your progress every step of the way. Never say never and don’t limit yourselves to what you can achieve. If you can think it, you can achieve. It is up to you.
Time is the challenge of the day. There seems to be a need for more hours in the day. Everyone is busy, time is always in short supply. I was moved last Sunday as I sat among the congregation of the The Lady of Fatima Church in La Clery which included SLISBA’s members and listened to Msgr. Justin Barthelmy deliver a timely sermon. The Small Business men and women were reminded that except the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it and unless the Lord keepeth the city, the watchmen keepeth it but in vain. He stressed the need to give back to God. Give God a share, not necessarily money but a little time in your life.
The businesspersons were challenged to stop being small and get into big business with God. Give back to God. Not only money but their time. It was a sermon that will be remembered for a long time by those who attended the service. Like I mentioned in an earlier article, businesspersons should spend more time in the presence of God and encourage their staff to join them.
The neglect of the environment in which businesspersons operate is going to be a major challenge in the future as special interest communities try to regain security and peace in their communities. It all has to do with giving back, to be more caring about the community and share with the less fortunate. Corporate sponsorship must take on a different approach and put some money into human development. I remember about two years ago when Coco Palm and Lucelec were major sponsors in supporting a Conference on Women and a Spiritual Concert at the Sandals Grande organized by Ms Hall, a former CNN staffer. I was in the audience and that night I received a blessing. Invest in touching souls.
In all your ways, remember your Creator. In today’s turbulent world which is filled with anxieties and uncertainties, there must be a place for religion in people’s lives. Some businesspeople believe that they make it happen for themselves, even ignoring the human contribution of their staff. The me, my wife and my children approach must be changed to me, my family and the community. What about that “A†student whose father works for a company that is doing well and the father cannot afford to keep that child in school? There are few times any substantial help is given. Businesspersons who are blessed must be a blessing.
This week I attended a number of meetings where discussions were held on international trade and , European Union assistance through Economic Partnership Agreements, etc. The EPAs are due to come on stream in January 2008 but seems doubtful. I also attended the Chamber of Commerce General Meeting which was held on 9/8/07. The Acting Commissioner of Police – Mr. John Broughton delivered the Feature Address. His address was well received. It is hoped that with the cooperation of the RSLPF members and the communities, progress will be achieved.
However, we must hasten to put in place the supporting systems and structures that will help the police to perform more efficiently. The judicial system must be improved to expedite matters before it. Massade facility must be expanded and upgraded. The efforts of the Police must be rewarded and the media must improve its coverage of the activities of the Force. Look out for greater visibility of police officers in the city and communities. Drivers who fail to respect the law will be dealt with. Respect for law and order will be enforced. A strategic plan for the RSLPF is being produced and the public will be given an opportunity to contribute to the process.
It is all coming together now. The private sector has long been promoted as the engine of growth, it now has to be the engine of change. It is very clear that the private sector will be called upon to do more in the future. A good place to start will be to bring hope to the hopeless by encouraging members of staff to be involved in community work and bring to St. Lucia top rated motivational speakers that will turn the negative influences that destroy our young people into positive energies. A seed must be sown that will bear fruit and not be barren. Get them to accept that with God all things are possible.
The key lies in the exhortation from Msgr. Barthelmy that businesspersons must get into BIG BUSINESS with God and give back not only of their money but most importantly their time. When time is spent with God, his people get a greater vision for doing good which evidently redound to helping the less fortunate in their communities.
Remember always that God is in Charge, Keep the Faith and Expect Miracles in 2007!!!
Edward Harris
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com http://www.stluciarealtors.com