A few years ago Jane came into our lives. Julie had advertised for a sales person and Jane applied. First glance told you she was having a hard time. Although clean and smartly dressed, her clothes had seen better days and her shoes although clean and polished were down at heel and in need of replacement. However she was really good at interview, had a really lovely attitude and Julie decided to give her job. It was one of best decisions Julie has ever made.

It later transpired that Jane had answered Julie’s advertisement at end of her tether. She had reached bottom. Nothing was going right for her. She had blamed all world for state she was in. For failure in her relationship. For collapse of her business. For mounting bills she could not pay. But she had come to realise that she could either continue in this ‘blame culture’ or take responsibility for herself and her life. Fortunately, she chose latter.

The first thing she realised was, to improve her situation she had to change. Obviously what she was currently doing wasn’t working so there had to be another way. She had graduated on dreams, wishes, hopes and waiting for other people to act. None had produced goods. All that was left was to take a hard look at herself and change whatever it was that was causing problem. Over a period of time She came to realise that problem was her. Her belief in herself. She had lost it. In all turmoil she had forgotten herself. Once she had acknowledged to herself that her life was not right, change was possible and natural.

Julie got her to focus on what she was good at. Her ability to build relationships very quickly. Her ability to gain people’s trust quickly. Her honesty. Her genuine love for others. Her ability to listen deeply without interruption. Her ability to sell. Gradually as she sold more and more product, her confidence returned. She started to overcome self doubt and fears. She started to believe in herself again.

Do you ever feel like someone owes you for something? I’m not just talking about money here. I’m talking about that sense we get when we do something nice for someone and have expectation that somehow, somewhere down road, they’re going to pay us back in some way. Even if it’s just in form of a thank you.

When I was in Florida recently I was moved by two events that happened. At end of service a gentleman named Eddie got up and asked if he might whistle a song for us. He was open and receptive to stepping out of his comfort zone and he got up in front of us all (something new for him) and whistled and slapped on his thighs and got entire congregation clapping along with him. Even band members picked up his tune and began playing along. Then he shared with us that his family was struggling and that if anyone was moved by his song and could help in any way, anything given would be gratefully received.