John Lewis passed away at 80 years old over the weekend after a lifetime of service. Mr. Lewis served as a member of the House of Representatives in Congress representing his state of Georgia for 34 years. He was seen on both sides of the aisle as a towering figure and strong voice for civil rights and an advocate for all people. At age 25, Mr. Lewis helped lead a march for voting rights on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, where he and other marchers were met by heavily armed state and local police who attacked them with clubs, fracturing Mr. Lewis’ skull. Images from that “Bloody Sunday” shocked the nation and galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. His is a great loss to his state of Georgia and to us as American citizens.
Today, I’d like to focus on one of his many respected characteristics where we can all learn from his life – bravery. He certainly proved his courage throughout his life, from Selma through his years of service in Washington DC. He spoke his conscience, regardless of its popularity, even in his own delegation. And in a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer, he never ceased serving in the face of great pain.
It takes a lot of courage these days to be an entrepreneur. This means all of you who earn your income and livelihood from running a business, whether it’s one you’ve founded or one you’ve been given the reigns to as CEO. We are in a volatile world with a global pandemic that has no end in sight; a politically charged atmosphere in an election year; employees that are fearful for their future; and the uncertainty of what your sales process (including clients and customers) might look like in the next six months.
Many of us can’t possibly comprehend in any way what Mr. Lewis was confronted with walking on that bridge 56 years ago; the fear and uncertainty the next few feet of him simply walking held for him and his friends. We are staring at an uncertainty that may not cause us fear of pain and brutality, but we are concerned about our own business and financial futures for ourselves and those we care about.
So like John Lewis, let’s keep marching bravely with our head held high and ready to fight for our passions and dreams. In many of my previous writings (all available on my website and blogs), you’ve been given strategies, tools, and best practices to do it. However, as we reflect on an historic life of someone who fought for their passions and dreams, it’s a good time to remember that the “fight” begins with bravery in the face of uncertainty. Mr. Lewis led his constituents; you lead your business and all those people who are counting on it.
Go be brave.
Be unleashed and be well.
Quote of the Day:
“I believe that you see something you want to get done, you cannot give up, and you cannot give in.”
~ John Lewis
I can help you with strategic planning and implementation. I’ve got plans and programs that offer monthly and deferred payments during this time. I can help you make decisions to increase your ability to generate revenue and enhance protection for your business and loved ones. Call me at (360) 271-1592 or email me. Let’s just talk. No obligation. This is my area of expertise. I am ready to help…
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