Tuesday, November 4, 2008

For Money or...


Daniella always had the sweetest gist. She was a lady that knew every family in the university staff campus. How? She plaited females’ hair. Either in her shade or in their homes. She knew everyone in detail.

Speaking of myself, she knew the major milestones in my life. If you want my complete story, go ask her. And you can be sure anything you tell her, she will share with someone.

Daniella knew me from age 11 (we are age mates). Her hand was so soft that everyone always went back to her after she touched their hair. She was so astute that she quickly learnt all styles once they came out. She was flexible. Even if I called her to my house by 8p.m., she was ready to assist. During all our meetings, she filled me in with what was happening on campus (and to ex-campus children).

Yet, she never failed to leave a spirit-lifting word.

I envied Daniella a bit from afar. She was doing something natural to her and was making money. I wondered why I was not making money out of writing.

One day, I voiced out my thoughts.
“Do you know you are blessed? You have a gift, you know it, and you are using it to make money. This is a true case of someone living their purpose on earth. That is what many desire but cannot achieve.”
She laughed a high-pitched laughter that always amused me.
“The purpose of the gift is not to make money,” she started.
“Then why don’t you make my hair for free?”
“Because you’ve never asked me for that,” she said, and laughed again when I asked for free hair do.
Then seriously she said, “The purpose of the gifts God has given me is to let people know more about Him and bring glory to Him. When I make people’s hair, I do not get fulfilled because of the money but when I have passed the good news that God loves us. I also try to share inspiring testimonies with people.”

I nodded knowingly.

“For instance, when you tell me of how you overcame the temptation to dupe a client, and the rewards you got for standing in integrity, I can share it with someone else who may be facing a similar situation.”

I wanted to hear more.

“Many miss their purpose because the focus is getting money. The focus should be on glorifying God. I tell you, I still have my customers not merely because I can plait hair, afterall there are several gifted hair dressers out there. My customers remain because we have a relationship, which God has helped me build with the words He put in my mouth. From them I have receieved money, presents and favor which I may not have if my focus was on money.”

In my privacy, I pondered on her words. Was I slow to exploring my gift because I was not sure how I will get money and remain comfortable? The answer was “Yes”. I am trying to realign my thinking.

Have you found yourself being hesitant about responding to your calling or utilizing your God-given talent because of the fear for income, sustenance or maybe rejection?

As long as you are in line with what God wants you to do, He will surely provide for you. And He will leave you fulfilled in what you do.

If I was to pick a verse that reminds me of Daniella’s words, I’d use: “…whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God…”
[1]

Remain Blessed.

Please join me to welcome Funmi to blogville. In her posts, I see the truth of how sometimes we feel at work. She is bold enough to express it. Funmi, welcome oh!


[1] Bible reference 1 Cor 10:31b

45 comments:

bumight said...

wow! I never really looked at it like that! I'm usually gossiping or scowling( internally wishing they would shut up) whenever i make people's hair. *bows head in shame*

seye said...

Word! Word! This is seriously mind-questioning. ...at least for ME!

Nefertiti said...

Interesting angle... very interesting. You hit a nerve.

Rebirth said...

have i ever told u how much ur blog touches me..........

Fammy said...

For money or for love? I'd choose for love, any day.

Fammy said...

I remember when I started this very challenging job and my colleague and i would encourage ourselves by asking, 'for money or for love?' We'd say, 'for love' and possibly argue a little before going back to work in higher spirit. lol. Thanks for this.

Naija Idol said...

wow!!!!

Rita said...

@Bumight: - LOL, you’re not the only one oh! Me too…

@Seye: - Am still finding answers to the questions Daniella raised in my heart...

@Funms: - now that is touching…thanks so much..

@Fanwest: - I am wondering…are you still at work because of the money or the love :-)

LovePaprika said...

I wonder which one i am here for as well...I mean, I know God has blessed me with so many things...nice post.

LG said...

For God

~Sirius~ said...

*Sad face.........I've always wondered what my calling is, how do I know? I've been pondering on this issue for years now, at one point I stopped worrying and kept saying, all I want to do is walk into my destiny.

I feel extra special, like I know what I'm suppose to do, is a not ordinary, but I have no idea what it is.
The issue of money always comes up in life, but like you said
"As long as you are in line with what God wants you to do, He will surely provide for you. And He will leave you fulfilled in what you do."
It's taken life's experiences to show me that indeed He does provide us with all our needs at all times, and my Faith is the one thing I know I have over so many people. Yet I still feel sad and left out every time I hear people talk about their calling......Sometimes I feel like I'm close, but I just can't put a finger on it......I long for that faithful day.

Dee said...

All for LOVE... for the LOVE of GOD. Daniella keep it up! Spread the word and touch a lost soul. Rita God bless you!

Anonymous said...

hmmm, money...so you know how to get others attention...huh

Buttercup said...

Like ~sirius~, im still wonderin what my callin is..

The world needs more people like daniella.

Great post rita! How u doin?

Geebee said...

Hmmmm! Some pple like Daniella kinda have that special aura about them that u can't help but like them. The world definitely needs more of such pple.

No disrespect but I've noticed such kind of pple hardly live long. I know at least three who died before their time. Sometimes i don't want to be too likeable just so i don't break too many hearts when I go.

aloted said...

This post spoke a lot to me...thanks

on a lighter note, LG's hairdresser should read this ;)

on a more lighter note, how come my blog is not under the list of blogs you are reading?? Rita i thought our love was strong??? :(

Emeka Amakeze said...

You can never beat love. For it, mountains can move and souls that can't be bought will stir. http://streamsong.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

me too. I am still wondering what my purpose is but well I am sure with time I will know.

feather said...

gets you thinking, doesn't it?

Anonymous said...

this definitely got me thinking... it should be for love and for God ideally, but we humans tend to slip sometimes

~Sirius~ said...

Knock Knock, been away too long, Hope you are ok.

DiAmOnD hawk said...

i just like seeing different perspectives to the same thing... it's true... the goal shouldnt be about money but that can be hard...

LG said...

lollll@...LG's hairdresser should read this'
Iyawooooo kilode??? i go report u to 'seyi' o' :p

aloted said...

@LG hehehe..dont mind me jare...actually a number of hairdressers should read this...

Vera Ezimora said...

After reading your post, I found myself singing that song, "He will provide for me...."

Writing is my dream. Dunno how much I can make from it, but it's still my dream.

princesa said...

Hey darling! Doing good i see..
Stay blessed.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm,...........

miz-cynic said...

me im lost as to wht point exactly u're trying to make jare.pls explain it to me as if i were a 2 yr old

Geebee said...

HELOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Anybody here? Been while since Ive last sen you in these parts. Hope you're good? Tkia.

Buttercup said...

how r u????

Chris Ogunlowo said...

Rita, I'm wowed. Yes, I am.

Zoe Believer said...

How is rita doing? Just showing some love o..remain blessed

tommeh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
tommeh said...

I'm glad Daniella made the message clear and simple; otherwise, it would have been termed "Customer Service".

Ms. emmotions said...

this is quite in interestin, was not even thinkin along that directon,

thanx for sharin,

howdy?

deola said...

lovely!

Anonymous said...

SIS RITA - WHERE ARE YOU? ITS BEEN A WHILE PLEASE DO COME BACK AND GIVE US ANOTHER INSPIRING POST!

Tears said...

hmmm interesting,for min thought she was the typical-she said-he said-gossip kinda salonist :P
inspiring!

LG said...

dearie' WHERE R UUUUUUUUU
hope all is well o

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

"
As long as you are in line with what God wants you to do, He will surely provide for you. And He will leave you fulfilled in what you do."

A very powerful message. thank you so much for sharing it!

Anonymous said...

All i can say is WOW!!!...this describes my internal struggles to the dot!!!
I will definitely be referring to this post again!

~Sirius~ said...

Rita!!!!!...at least a line to say you are ok. Miss you here.

Zayzee said...

true words. i just got a book- Discovering Your Assignment; secrets to knowing and achieving your purpose in life.

everyone should discover their purpose, because once we learn that, we look forward to waking up in the morning and doing our work with a joyful heart. God doesn't ask for more. the work He has given us to do, He gave us every ability we need to achieve it.

~Sirius~ said...

Hey Rita,
I got the memo :-)
Glad to know you are ok.....
Come back as soon as you can
But in the mean time do what you do best at the office.
Ciao!

Zoe Believer said...

hi rita, haven't heard from you in a while, hope u're doing great. u have been missed