Entrepreneurial Journal Week 8

 I said in my class discussion board, resistance is one of my most difficult challenges. It has an affect on everything I think and do. I’m less sure of my decisions. I’m not convinced if my thoughts are swayed by social media or influenced by my real feelings. I second-guess most things.

 Near the beginning of this semester’s class we learned about a brick wall by Randy Pausch. That brick wall represents resistance. Randy said it was meant to keep everybody else out so the few could fight their way over the brick wall to achieve their dreams. Resistance is my weakness. When I run into a brick wall I’m convinced it was there to keep me out;  I even justify it by assuming that brick wall was placed there by God to keep me out and redirect me. Is it possible divine intervention is redirecting my path? Sure, possible and sometimes plausible but not always.

 Instead when things get tough and I feel abandoned or restrained I believe then is the time one should take a preverbal deep breath, count to ten, and persevere with optimism. I’m not yet sure how that is to be done. I do know the readings suggest there is help.

Help comes in many ways. Progress and optimism require support. President Monson said several great things in our reading assignment. He said when an individual experiences resistance (he described it as careless, selfishness, offended, wounded, critical, and transgressor) it is the job of the disciple to life, cheer, and calm.  To quote him, 

“We join in uttering the biblical plea “Is there no balm in Gilead?” We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face.”

Taylor Richards said it this way: Never quit. Kept doing right things (like Nephi) always involve the Lord. He opens doors for you. And don’t underestimate yourself. It is with the Lord we can do amazing things.  So if each of us works to be a supporter, an uplifter, and a positive influence for others, our own brick walls seem shorter. Our family, friends, spouse etc can be there to help us over that wall just like we are their to help them over theirs. And more importantly, so is the Lord. My favorite scripture comes from the Old Testament: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct they paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6