Bringing Faith to Work | Marketplace Ministers

Workplace Minute: Respect Series

Danita — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:41:38 +0000

“Workplace Minute” is an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

This series is based I Peter 3: 15, “But have reverence for Christ for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.”

For the entire Workplace Minute: Respect Series, see these postings:

For updated insights, comment on Danita’s upcoming book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador.

Plus, when you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out my speaking topics.

Workplace Minute: Respect by Talking

Danita — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:49:58 +0000

Check out the first of this seven part Workplace Minutes series: Responding.

A number of years ago, I recorded these on behalf of CitySites for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

“How are you today?”

I am the first person in the restaurant for breakfast. As the waitress seats me, I look at her and ask, “How are you today?”

Her heart felt response, “Thank you. Thank you so much asking. I’m good today,” so early in the morning takes me by surprise. In fact, her response is so unusual that I ask her about it.

She smiles, then says, “I’ve worked in this same restaurant for 8 years. Every day I can count on it–only three people of the hundreds I serve on notice me enough to ask me how I’m doing. You’re the first of three today. I appreciate your caring enough to ask me how I’m doing. Thanks for talking to me.”

Although my heart is warmed, I feel guilty. I feel guilty for all the times I run through life too self-absorbed not even asking someone how they’re doing?

What would Jesus do? Would he stop long enough to talk to others? Would he be continually surprising people with his rapt attention to them?

Marketplace Minister’s Question: What will help you treat someone with more respect … even if they have not “earned” your respect?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: You can find something to respect in anybody if you look hard enough.

I’m waiting to hear what a publisher has to say about my manuscript. What are your thoughts on the story line? Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador?

I’m working on a talk, Why I Burned My Navy Blue Suit. Check it out my speaking topics.

And go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.

Workplace Minute: Respect by Caring

Danita — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:03:24 +0000

“He’s dead in the head.”

Maria begins to tell her story of lost hope. As a teenage immigrant from Mexico, she is afraid to be alone. She wants someone to protect her in the new land of America. She gets married way too young.

However, for the last 20 years, her “protector” ends up being her “abuser.” His drinking habit is wrecking havoc with their marriage. According to Maria, “He is dead in the head.”

Sensing Maria is at a major crossroads in her life, I ask if she’d like to try out a new church with me, an hispanic church plant. The next Sunday we are first time visitors….together.

As Christ’s ambassadors in the workplace, we are to bring hope. Sometimes that requires us to step outside our comfort zone and bring people to others where they can find a home. We respect and honor them by caring enough to reach out and help.

Let’s not be “dead in our heads” or our hearts.” Let’s reach out and practically care for those God puts in our path.

Marketplace Minister’s Question: Why do you think taking a “caring” approach towards others is so important?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God created the Church to send people out into the world, not just to be Ambassadors in their daily lives but also in their workplace.

Plus, I would love your perspectives on my book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador

When you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.

And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts. I recorded “Workplace Minute” on behalf of CitySites for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders. The first blog posting in this series is Respect by Responding.

This series is based on those broadcasts and I Peter 3: 15, “But have reverence for Christ for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.” I trust you find encouraging.

Workplace Minute: Respect by Encouraging

Danita — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:51:46 +0000

This series of ”Workplace Minute” was recorded on behalf of CitySites for KTIS. The series is based on I Peter 3: 15, “But have reverence for Christ for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.” I trust you find encouraging in your work as a faith-filled marketplace leader.

“Why is God punishing me?”

Following a major heart attack and a series of unfortunate events, Ronnie loses his well-paying job. Saddled with high medical costs and continued poor health, Ronnie is convinced that no employer will hire him.

As he finishes his story, I ask, “Where is God in all this?”

Tears well up, “I don’t know….I don’t know why God is punishing me this way.”

Ronnie had lost faith. He had lost faith in the goodness of God’s heart. He didn’t realize that there’s a battle going on and that the enemy of his heart whispers lies accusing God of causing this hardship.

As God’s ambassador, we have a message of truth to share. The truth is that God’s heart is indeed good. As Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come to bring life, abundant life.”

How are you bringing the message that God’s heart is INDEED good?

Marketplace Minister’s Question: How do you bring the true message of God in this world?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Spreading the word of God should be an honor and part of your daily life.

I would love your perspectives on my book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador

If you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.

And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.

Stay tuned for upcoming postings in the “Respect Series.” Also check out previous posting: Responding, Engaging, Speaking and Praying.

Workplace Minute: Respect by Praying

Danita — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:13:52 +0000

A number of years ago, I recorded “Workplace Minute” on behalf of CitySites for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

“Do you mind if I pray?”

I’m nervous. I’m stepping outside my comfort zone.

Chris seeks me out after a group leadership meeting, “Danita, I’d like your perspective.”

As we sit down over a cup of coffee, Chris begins to tell the deep concern and fear he has for his daughter who is struggling at college. She is lonely, depressed, and chronically sick. I see such a deep love as this father shares his feeling of helplessness, not knowing how to help his most precious daughter.

After a half hour of listening and asking questions, I ask, “Chris, do you mind if I pray for your daughter?”

Surprisingly, he says, “No, not at all.”

I took at deep breath and ask a question that I’d never asked before in the workplace, “Chris, do you mind if I pray for her now?”

Once again, to my surprise, Chris responds with “No, not at all.”

To this day, Chris and I continue to dialogue about the health and vitality of his daughter.

You may not be called to pray for a colleague at work. However, there may be other areas where God is asking you to step outside your comfort zone. How will you respond?

Marketplace Minister’s Question: How will you respond to God’s call to pray for others?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God wants you to be His ambassador, and you can start by praying for others.

When you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.

And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.

Stay tuned for upcoming postings in the “Respect Series.” Also check out previous posting: Responding, Engaging and Speaking.

Workplace Minute: Respect by Seeing

Danita — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:15:08 +0000

Are you seeing with Jesus Eyes?

A friend tells me about a recent trip to India and how frightful and repulsive the streets of Calcutta are. They are overflowing with distressed, desperately poor and needy people. It isn’t until he put on his Jesus Eyes that his fear is replaced with confidence and compassion.

It sounds like some work situations that I’m in, brimming with anxious, lonely, desperately needy people.

What’s your work environment like? Where do you need Jesus Eyes? Which work situations are daunting where you might ask God to help you see through Jesus Eyes? Who in your department is offensive and irritating to be around…..where you need Jesus Eyes? Who’s incredible needy emotionally, perhaps even clingy, where you need Jesus Eyes?

God, help us to look at those around us with Your eyes that we would authentically represent you in our work places.

Marketplace Minister’s Question: If you were to see with Jesus Eyes, what might you see that’s different than what you normally see?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Seeing with Jesus eyes means seeing others as people whom God loves and has compassion.

I would love your perspectives on my book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador

If you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.

And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.

Stay tuned for upcoming postings in the “Respect Series.” Also check out previous posting: Responding and Engaging.

Love, Light, Love Series: Going into the New Year

Danita — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:42:34 +0000

This poem is part of the Love, Light, Love Series.

Here are links to other poems in the series: Fully; Help me Hear, See, Feel; and Daughter of the King.

Christian Leadership

Going

Love

I am going out this year as Your Daughter, called in love by the King,

You for the love needed for every person I encounter.

Life

I am going out this year in the power, purpose and presence of the Holy Spirit,

Trusting You will provide for the needs of those around me…through me.

Light

I am going out this year lifting high the light of Jesus Christ,

You to shine through me that others will see You in the darkness.

Laughter

I am going out this year in laughter and joy,

You have the best in store for us as we seek after You.

As I am going, I trust you for

Love,

Life,

Light, and

Laughter

Marketplace Minister’s Question: Which area do you need God the most? Love? Life? Light? or Laughter?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God is able to do beyond what we can dream or imagine, even in these areas of our lives.

Workplace Minute: Respect by Engaging

Danita — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:44:59 +0000

“Where is God in the midst of all your struggles?”

In sharing our faith gently and respectfully as instructed in I Peter 3:15, this question is helpful in engaging people in spiritual conversations.

Faith in the Workplace

Over coffee my co-worker, Janet, begins telling me about her difficult home life. Her two teenage children push every limit imaginable and her traveling husband was rarely home to help provide stability.

As she finishes telling her story, I gently ask, “I’m curious, where is God in all the struggles you’re experiencing?”

The tears well up as she confesses, “ I don’t know; it feels like God is abandoning me.”

I recognize that God is opening the door for me that share His truth about His incredible love.

“Where is God in the midst of all your struggles?” I find that a person’s answer to this question immediately reveals their conception (or misconception) about who God is and how He feels about them.

The next time you’re having coffee with someone who’s struggling, why not respectfully engage them by asking, “Where is God in the midst of all your struggles?”

Marketplace Minister’s Question: Who needs someone to be engaged in their story?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: We respect other’s when we actively engage them in their personal story.

I would love your perspectives on my book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador

If you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.

And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.

Workplace Minute: Respect by Responding

Danita — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:51:26 +0000

Respect.

To share our faith walk as I Peter 3:15 instructs us to, we need to show respect and respond to people’s concerns.

Workplace Minutes

I meet Roger six months after he’s sold his sprawling multi-million dollar franchise business. When I ask how retirement life is going, he says, “Things are going well.” He pauses, then jokingly confesses, ” Although, I’m getting a bit tired of golfing. I’m looking for more productive things to do with my life.”

Responding to his story, I courageously ask, “I’m not certain how much you’ve thought about this–have you ever wondered why God put you here on earth? What’s your purpose for living?”

His face lights up, “As a matter of fact, that’s the very issue I’m wrestling with!”

Then, we begin to talk about God’s design for his life.

We show respect for other’s when we listening and active respond to their life stories. We learn where God is working in people’s lives. Respect open’s the door to share our faith.

Marketplace Minister’s Question: Who needs someone to listen to their story?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: We respect others when we listen and respond to their story.

I would love your perspectives on my book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador

If you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.

And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.

Spiritual Practices for Business Leaders – Part 1

Danita — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:47:13 +0000

Ancient Spiritual Pathways for our Current Chaotic Times

Like many Christian CEOs, Christian Business Leaders, and Christian Entrepreneurs, I often wish there were a couple more hours in the day to finish those final pressing items on my To-Do List, to put the finishing touches on the important presentation for tomorrow, or…

Then, there’s staying abreast with local economic trends, global market developments and industry breakthroughs. That’s compounded with family and community commitments. Often, it feels out of control. Chaotic. Like a relentless pressure cooker.

In the midst of this we are suppose to be developing our spiritual life.

If you’re like me, when I hear spiritual leaders prescribing their version of spiritual disciplines, I feel guilty wondering, “When, where, how could I ever fit that into my schedule?!?”

Being the entrepreneur who’s always looking for new ways to accomplish life, I then ask, “Frankly, are those ancient spiritual practices even relevant in today’s fast-paced, chaotic world? With everything changing so rapidly, shouldn’t these practices change also?”

And, then I wonder, “With communication speeding exponentially due to technology advancements, is there a better, faster way to get in touch with God?”

Through this series of postings, I’ll share insights from my personal spiritual growth journey regarding why the ancient spiritual practices of praying, reading scripture, gathering together as a community, serving others, meditating and expressing gratitude are critical for leadership in today’s chaotic world. We’ll explore how some of the spiritual activities that have been practiced for thousands of years actually are supported by modern research in positive psychology and neuroscience.

One of the most important lessons I’ve come to appreciate is that we are all uniquely wired. There’s no 1-2-3 prescription that works for every single person, every single time. God is much more creative. In fact, think of the creativity in crafting each one of us. We all have a differing blend of behavioral styles, Meyers-Briggs results and Strengths Finder patterns. Here’s the beauty: God speaks to each of us differently. Conversely, the way we nurture our relationship with God is unique.

I trust our discussion over the next couple of weeks will inspire you to explore how God has wired you and how He wants to communicate with you.

Marketplace Minister’s Question: What are your views on the relevance of spiritual practices in today’s fast-forward lifestyle?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Celebrate your unique design in your walk with God.

If you would like to listen to some recordings of my speaking events go here.