Shhhh…. We’re Not Supposed to Talk About it
Depending on who you listen to, as business owners on the web, we’re not supposed to openly talk about religion or politics.
And! We’re always supposed to be upbeat and positive (yes, I heard this on a call recently).
What’s the Big Secret?
Well, here’s my take on it. If the internet today, social media, removing six degrees of separation, etc. is supposed to be about transparency and allowing others to see us for who we really are, then aren’t we supposed to be real and true to who we are?
Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a big difference between expressing your faith (very cool) and publicly bashing somebody else’s beliefs (not cool at all).
And I am all about surrounding myself with positive people. Seriously, who wants to be around negativity all the time? Not me! But, sometimes negative ‘stuff’ happens and you know what? It’s perfectly o.k. to talk about it, deal with it, and move on.
Seriously, what are we trying to hide behind?
OK, Here it Comes
Personally? I would not be doing what I am today if it were not because of my faith and putting all my trust in my Lord and Savior.
It’s because of my faith that I didn’t give up on this Internet gig a long time ago.
It’s because of my faith that I’ve stayed somewhat sane during these last nine months while both of my sons are deployed to the Middle East.
It’s because of my faith that I am FINALLY listening to God and following what He wants to do with my life and my business.
Yes, I’ve been fighting it for nearly 4 years, so it’s about time I paid attention.
Yes, I am a follower of Christ (whew! there I said it!). No, I don’t stand on the street corner waving my Bible and I won’t be posting scripture on blog comments.
However, my faith is the foundation of my story. Today’s Internet is about telling stories, so I believe I have an obligation to tell the whole story, not just part of it because ‘we’re not supposed to talk about it’ as business owners. Maybe this resonates with you, too?
So, What Happens Next?
Nothing. I’m still the same person I was before. You just now know something about me that perhaps you didn’t before and hopefully, it’s inspired you, too, to be true to yourself, whatever that may be!
If I lose a few subscribers, Twitter followers for Facebook connections because I may talk about my faith, I can’t help that. I won’t pretend to hide behind or be something that I’m not. I am not here to please the world. That isn’t my job.
I AM here, however, to make a difference, to serve my clients and team members regardless of what they believe (or don’t believe) as long as it glorifies His purpose for my life.
How About You?
If anything, I hope this post got you thinking about the stories you want, and perhaps need, to tell. This is why people do business with you, because of your stories, not because of some grand illusion that claims to be in the name of ‘professionalism’.
It’s cool to tell the whole story, whatever that may be, so I encourage you to start telling yours. You will be amazed at what happens next.
I hope you have an amazing day!
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33 Responses to Shhhh…. We’re Not Supposed to Talk About it
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Oh, Patty…IMO, this is the “post of the week!” Honesty is so refreshing and there is no shame in admitting that you are a “follower of Christ” or letting people know you have an off day occasionally.
However, there should be much shame in trying to be someone you are not and caring too much about what others think of what you are and what you are not. :>)
Kudos!
Lynn, thank you so much for stopping by and for your comments! I truly appreciate it.
It’s been interesting in talking to my daughter the other day when she said something, on the way to school, about ‘not caring what other people think, except for God and her parents.’
I thought, “wow!” and she’s only 9, I hope she keeps that attitude going into her teen years.
Wow, your daughter sounds like an amazing child! Let’s hope she keeps that attitude not only in her teen years but for the rest of her life. You must be an amazing mom. :>)
Patty,
I want to thank you for your post! I too am a believer in Jesus Christ and am not afraid to post this. I had a long time friend slam baste me in an e-mail telling me how my business will never succeed if I continued speaking of Him openly. My business will never succeed without Him, and I can only pray that this friend will come to know Jesus in a way only God can accomplish. Blessings to you and your family.
Sue
Hi Sue!
Thanks so much for your comments and feedback! I’m so sorry your friend feels that way.
I think there’s a big difference between openly expressing gratitude and thanks in faith versus ‘being in someday’s face’, if you know what I mean.
Okay Patty Gale. This is nice
Thanks, Moni!
Ooooh-weeee! You know I love it Patty
God inhabits the praises and testimonies of His people. Go girl 
I had a feeling you would, Regina! Yes, He certainly does!
This is wonderful and so very on time. I have always been very transparent with my faith and never knock anyone else. What I find is that more folks who don’t believe come to me for prayer and you bet I pray for their request and their souls.
I keep it real every where I go!
Thank you for sharing this with the world
LaTara, so nice to ‘meet’ you and thank you for taking the time to read this and comment.
I truly appreciate it, yes, keeping it real is the only way to be.
You know? When I followed directions and gave up my old business to start future-smiling? I lost *thousands* of people, most online, some in real life. It’s totally okay. Other awesome people came in. The others might come back, only God knows.
But I’m like you. I feel like there’s a whole lot of ‘life is always awesome’ and ‘what you’re allowed to talk about’ behind all that ‘transparency.’
This rocks! And you’re amazing for doing it. Keep goin’ girl! You’re a light in the world!
deb
Thanks so much, Deb! So nice to ‘meet’ you and I sincerely appreciate your words.
I LOVE your idea of smiling at the future.
I’ve never been shy or reticent about sharing my faith and it does get a glare now and then. Like you, my faith is part of every decision I make, even in business!
Thanks for encouraging others Patty
Thank you for stopping by, Kelly! Yes, I know, you’ve never been shy about your faith and I think that’s awesome.
What really jumped out for me was when you said “…I hope this post got you thinking about the stories you want, and perhaps need, to tell.”
My faith is more openly expressed in my personal site (ExtraSprinklesPlease.com), but more and more I find myself expressing my faith in social networking environments. It’s just such a huge part of who I am, and perhaps it will also open the door for me to learn about someone else’s faith, and both of us grow in understanding.
That’s fantastic, Anne! I love your site, “Extra Sprinkles Please”
I think I’m just now becoming much more aware of how important this really is.
I want my daughter growing up (she’s 9) to want to genuinely learn and take an interest in what others believe, too.
Patty, so glad you liked my site – thank you! It’s my work of heart.
My youngest child is 20 and a devout Christ follower, but he went to a very multicultural high school, and so has friends of different cultures and religions, and others who have no faith at all. What I love seeing is how steadfast he is in his faith in Jesus, and yet how comfortable and accepting he is of others. I think his openness about his faith, and his acceptance of others who are different have brought him a lot of respect from his friends. Several of them have even come to church now and then at his invitation.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to write a whole chapter here! I just wanted to encourage you about your daughter. I think the more she grows in Christ’s love, the more it will spill on to others, and she’ll be able to listen and share with an open heart.
You’re very welcome, Anne. That’s awesome about your son! He’s obviously leading by example, which I love to see in young people.
After all, Jesus didn’t come to save the saved or hang out only with those who were already on board.
Right now, my daughter’s world is school and our neighborhood. I know that someday, she’s going to be ‘out there’ in real world, so I want her foundation to be as strong as it can be so that when she is out there, she’ll be able to hold true to her beliefs and lead by example, too.
Patty, Fantastic (with a capital F) post. I’ve been wondering of late how one stays true to their belief in Jesus Christ in the business world without scaring away clients thinking I’m some kind of Bible-thumping, preachy, holier-than-thou kind of person.
While I may hold the position of President, I humbly & gratefully handed over the position of CEO to God years ago acknowledging that all I have is His. I try to remember to make choices in my business life, as well as my personal life, that honour and glorify Him. In fact, my clients – both those who know of my faith and those who may not – benefit greatly from my relationship with Jesus in ways they can’t imagine. I applaud your candid post and thank you for sharing it.
Karen, thank you so much for your comments.
That’s exactly what I’ve been struggling with all this time, too, how to stay true to my beliefs.
But, you know, I think the best thing is to just be true, period. If a potential client is that scared to run off thinking we’re some type of Bible-thumping hypocrites, then they really haven’t taken the time to get to know us before deciding whether they should do business with us.
Can I just say that this is one of the most refreshing blog conversations I have had in a long time!
Kudos once again Patty, for writing this awesome post!
LaTara, I’m so glad and thanks again for stopping by!
This post has been on my heart for several days.
I look forward to getting to know you better.
WOW! I had no idea that this post was going to spark such awesome conversation.
Thank you all for stopping by and for being so open and expressing your hearts.
I truly appreciate it!
Good for you. Too many of us Christians are afraid to admit we are followers of Christ. I’ve been there before too. I’m finally over that but it took a lot of time to get there. I realized what was really important to me and who I really am. And like you, expressing your faith doesn’t mean bashing other people, but simply sharing who is at the foundation of who you are.
Nell
Thanks, Nell! It’s taken me a long time to here, too.
Hi Patty! I was SO encouraged by your post!! It’s been in my heart too and I’ve been wondering the same things…especially how you’d express your faith in the online arena. Awesome post! By the way, I heard you attended FSTS recently. How did you enjoy it?
Hi Jinnia! Oh, I am so glad and thank you! It means a lot to me to have you visit here.
I wound up actually not going to FSTS and I was really bummed about it, too, since it was in Chicago, so close to me.
The radiator in Doug’s car blew out just 2 days before and I didn’t want to take the other car and leave him without something to drive.
We just didn’t have enough time to get it replaced before the event.
I did watch the workshop Dani did on Saturday night. She had it on streaming video and that was very cool!
Have you been to an FSTS?
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that…at least you got to watch the workshop – even a streaming video of hers is fantastic. I have been to a FSTS before, and I must say it’s because of my faith AND Dani’s training that I didn’t give up in this awesome industry!
The workshop was awesome. It was her Spiritual Equipping workshop and I loved it! I’m hoping to get to an FSTS next time she’s close by. I am considering joining her paid CFI Success Network membership.
Oh, very cool! I’m getting ready to watch that before it’s moved to the members area. I’m hoping to go to FSTS in LA in August, with my husband.
By the way, I linked to your post from mine today. I’d love for you to visit and let me know what you think! Have a wonderful Memorial day today.
Oh, thanks so much Jinnia! I’m headed over to your blog now. I hope you get to go to FSTS in August. I’m heading to North Caroline in August, otherwise, I’d consider flying out to LA.