2Co 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad”.
Shabbat Shalom Mishpochah And Chaverim
Last week I was scrolling on the social media website called LinkedIn. I received a notification via email that caught my attention and led me to a post for an entrepreneur’s competition sponsored by the City of Philadelphia and Jefferson Innovation to support businesses of color. I clicked on the link and decided to register. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to compete, but at least listen to the speakers and see If I gain valuable information that could help me with my business. The competition had four categories, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Emerging Entrepreneurs, Established Entrepreneurs, and Prototype Concept. I thought I did enter; I was between aspiring entrepreneurs or prototype. I had until Thursday, Dec. 10, at 10 am to apply. On Thursday morning, I woke up still undecided and was about to say never mind. Since the event was virtual, I could log on to listen to guest speakers sharing some insight from each category. When I log on, the guys from a prototype company were speaking. I got a chance to asked some questions, and the speaker became so intrigued he invited me to a private chat. He suggested that I entered the prototype category. I told him that I had until 10 am to apply, and he said,” pull it up I’ll help you.” That was at 9:30 am, and I was able to submit it at 9:59 am.
That Saturday, I received notification I was chosen as a finalist with a chance to win 10,000 to help my business grow along with other prizes. To win, I had to pitch my ideas to a panel of judges and answer my product questions. We were linked up with a mentor to help us with our pitch. The good news is that my mentors are willing to connect with me after the competition to support my idea to become a reality, win or lose; I already felt like a winner. On Wednesday, Dec. 16. I presented my pitch. The following morning, I received an email saying. At the same time, I did not win the grand prize; I was awarded another cash award and additional resources on an ongoing basis to bring my product to the market. I was still a winner, and my name was listed on their website.
I was in awe at the whole process and how I was undecided, and HaShem worked it out that I did enter and came out a winner. The connections I made through the competition is priceless. These people are CEOs and Vice Presidents of Major Companies and have connections through the City of Philadelphia. When the idea first came to me. I prayed, asking the Lord to connect me with the right people. I wrote the idea in my journal and left it there that was 2016. Then weeks before the competition, I looked again and prayed the same prayers and then came along the competition.
Also, the timing was perfect. Due to Covid-19, my job temporarily closed down. Therefore, I had the time to prepare my pitch and not worry about taking off. It’s like it fell in my lap.
I woke up restless this morning, and HaShem gave me “The Grand Prize” for today’s devotional. As believers, we pitched our lifestyle to Him every day, and He will judge us on our works and our presentation. 2Co 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
In closing, I encouraged you if you have an idea, submit it back to HaShem, asking Him to connect you with the right people and resources to bring your vision to reality. This competition felt like a miracle to me. I say this because Hanukkah ended on Friday night, and I was amazed at how this all took place during Hanukkah, the seasons of miracles, and the month of my birthday. However, I had to do my part; the research, the preparing, getting with the mentors, putting my pitch together, and practicing. Even though it fell in my lap, I still had to do my part. Lastly, the final judgment for us is when we stand before Him, and our works are pitched as a presentation. Will you be a winner? Will, you received the Grand Prize?
Shabbat Shalom
Your Achoti/Sister
Shakina
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