Gifts

Everyone has a Gift.

So many people don’t know what their gift is. It is important to recognize it.

I knew what my gift was when I was 10 years old. But I didn’t utilize my gift or refine it.
There’s an old saying, “If you don’t use it, you will lose it”. I didn’t lose my gift; however, it took me 50 years to come back to it.
For this reason, I missed out on a lot.

There’s an old parable about a man that’s in a storm. This man was praying to God to save him. So, God sends someone in a rowboat, and he told them, I’m waiting for God. Then a helicopter comes by and he says no, I’m waiting for God. Finally, a person swims out to save him, and he says no I’m waiting for God. Eventually, he drowns. When he got to Heaven, he says to God, “I’ve been praying and praying, but you didn’t rescue me.” God said, “I sent you a rowboat, a helicopter and a man to bring you to shore.”

By the same token, I had a couple of experiences that are somewhat like the drowning man.

First, as a layperson, I had a cleaning business. This led me to an opportunity to recite one of my poems at a business meeting with an audience of Mayor’s, bank owners, business owners and other people with lots of money. I recited a poem introducing my cleaning business. Afterward, I was approached by the owner of a car dealership. He offered to publish a book of my poems but wanted to name my book. I arrogantly denied his offer. So instead of getting 90%, I got 0% of 100%.

So, I missed out.

Secondly, another opportunity came to me. I was presented with writing greeting cards and the name of my company was to be, “Straight from the Heart”. I never went through with it. Pretty soon Walmart started carrying a greeting card line named, Yes! You guessed it! “Straight from the Heart”. Again, I missed out.

You will miss opportunities to use your gift if you’re not aware of it and don’t take the time to refine it.

Everybody’s given a gift or gifts. If you recognize that you have more than one, pick one and refine it.

In God’s Word, it says, “You’re to be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2) Your gift is not for you. It was given to be a blessing to others. Likewise, God’s Word says, “We’re all called to be a blessing.” (1 Peter 4:10)

When you are trying to discover what your gift is to ask yourself these questions:
• Who am I? • Where am I from? • Why am I here? • Where am I going?

Your gift must be of value, not to you, but to others. It can bring you money if you refine it. However, don’t look for money with your gift.

Most people will work an 8-hour job then work on their gift. On the other hand, you should work on your gift full time. That’s one of the reasons why I never worked on my gift sooner. I couldn’t figure out how writing greeting cards was going to substantiate my lifestyle.

We tend to limit ourselves with our limited thinking.

I am where I’m supposed to be!
I am leaving a legacy for my children!
And I’m phenomenally successful!

My gifts are:
• Writing Poetry • Writing rhymes • Speaking • Leadership

What is your gift?

Don’t let your limited mind, fears or doubts keep you from blessing others with your gift.

That’s your tip for today.

Visit me on MasterfulPurpose.com for more information.

Book me for speaking engagements for your women’s ministry or organization.
Also, check out my YouTube video that I did for the State of the Union Women’s conference.

I’ve opened and utilizing my gifts and you should too.