There was a series of commercials back in the day that was always followed by a tag, “Beatrice” on a red background and the words spoken, “We’re Beatrice”. Unbeknownst to me this was my first awareness of superb branding. The products were as dissimilar as they could be, but the tag is what always grabbed my attention and made me want to know who is this “Beatrice”.
Apparently, those commercials not only sparked an interest in me, but they also sparked an interest in the chairman of the TLC Group Reginald F. Lewis. Several years later after the death of Lewis, I garnered more knowledge about Beatrice, but even more about Lewis when I read his book, “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun.”
In l987, TLC Group under Lewis’ leadership masterminded one of the largest buyouts when it acquired Beatrice. The part that intrigued me the most was that Reginald F. Lewis was an African-American. Yet, most people I knew then and now have not heard of this man who grew up on the streets of Baltimore and became one of the wealthiest men in the world. Needless to say, he is one of my heroes.
In these times of economic insecurity, you have to reach deep down and realize what you are made of as Lewis did. Although it appears as though things are dismal, this is the time when God performs the best. There are so many out there with ideas and business acumen waiting to be unleashed. These are your passions and your dreams, in essence, your intellectual properties. More than likely, at some point when you were young you tapped into them and you have to tap into them again. Many of you are entrepreneurs.
What are you waiting for? Not God! He has already given you all the necessary wisdom, counsel, understanding, might, and knowledge for you to be successful.
Lewis had many things working against him as a young kid growing up in Baltimore, but he didn’t allow that to stop him. One thing I’ve come to realize is that fear is going to be there and you just have to proceed forward anyway and just do it. FEAR poses three options—Face Everything And Remain, Face Everything And Run, or Face Everything and Rise! I propose you select the latter.
It amazes me when I pose the question, “Who is Reginald Lewis,” the majority of people, young and old, are clueless. Our children need to know that they can do more than sing, dance, and play sports; they have to know that they can own it all as business owners. Not only our children, but we have to know it as well.
You see, the days of working 30 years and receiving your gold watch are gone. In the lifetime of a career, you can expect to have at least five jobs or more before you retire. After having been let go many times because of downsizing, right-sizing, or whatever they wanted to call it, I’ve come to realize that you have to have more than one revenue stream of income. You have to use your God-given skills and talents to amass wealth within the legal framework of our society. Your confidence and loyalty have to be in God and not man.
In celebrating Black History Month, I celebrate those who would never give up. I celebrate those who, against all odds, overcame to excel in arenas that had been closed to African-Americans. Lewis was one of those. We have to teach our children about the Lewis’ of the world. We have to teach them that just because of the color of their skin, or whatever the perceived limitation, they can excel against all odds. We have to teach them to pursue owning their businesses and becoming business owners so they can truly make a difference through influence as an entrepreneur. We have to teach them that true wealth comes from God. He has given each of us the gift of the power to get wealth. Each of us must exercise the gift every day by making money and generating wealth to fulfill our Kingdom assignment—which includes owning our own business.
Are you ready to become an entrepreneur? Do you want to take your business to the next level? Don’t know where to start? Join me for a complimentary coaching session @ The ME Place Mentor Empowerment Institute.
Scriptures
But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Deut 8:18 (KJV)
Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts. Prov 24:3-4
Wisdom is better when it’s paired with money, Especially if you get both while you’re still living.
Double protection: wisdom and wealth! Plus this bonus: Wisdom energizes its owner. Eccl 7:11-12 (MSG)
But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead. Eccl 11:2 (NLT)
Plant your seed in the morning, and don’t let your hands rest until evening. You don’t know whether this field or that field will be profitable or whether both of them will {turn out} equally well. Eccl 11:6 (GW)
Prayer
Father, I will no longer be afraid to become the entrepreneur You created me to be, but I will seek Your guidance to lead me down the right path for success. I am tapping into the wealth of resources You have placed inside of me for me to own and operate my own business. I will also encourage young people to realize the greatness within them and teach them that they can become entrepreneurs as we glorify You in the marketplace. Amen.
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