As a Digital Marketing Consultant working with small businesses and non-profits, sometimes enduring personal challenges reminds us of our original inspiration, particularly when the going gets tough.

Even as a newbie freelance marketing consultant, I've taken on the challenges and geared up to deal with tougher clients and situations. But there was this one situation that snapped me back to reality just when I was about to slip up.

Yah (God) gave you some direction, and you went with it, but what happens when you can't hear Him anymore?

Here is a story from the perspective of someone who stands 4'11".... After leaping into the wild world of freelance marketing, I realized I had to take action ASAP or end up as flat as a pancake later!

On Saturday morning, November 30th, I kicked back with some reading and writing. I got lucky and slept in since my son was at my brother's place for the weekend, having a sleepover with his Uncle Marcus. I woke up all pumped and ready to go, but something was stopping me from wanting to head out and stick to my loose plans. I had to pray just to get myself out the door! (I bet I'm not the only one who's done this, not just to get to work but also to leave the house because you know it'll help your mental health later on.)

It actually worked; I put on a nice outfit to lift my spirits and finally made it to my first stop: a coffee shop!

I originally planned to ask about part-time jobs and then hang out until closing to get some writing done. That's exactly what I did. As I got to the building, I saw two guys outside having coffee, and one of them held the door open for me. The place was closing in 30 minutes, so I walked into an empty coffee shop and realized the guy who held the door worked there. He said, "I'll be right there to take your order" while tidying up. I asked, "Oh, you work here?" and he replied, "Yep, I'm the owner."

This is where it all kicked off. I had a feeling God was up to something, because I love chatting with small business owners. It's my cup of coffee! No pun intended ;)

"Perfect!" I said. I chatted about the job, asking if he needed any part-time help, but it didn't work out because of scheduling. I just wanted to lend a hand and snag some discounted coffee on my days off. So, that's how it went. As I was about to leave, not wanting to hold him up since I wasn't buying coffee, I asked for water instead. He told me to just grab a bottle, but I quickly thought, "I didn't buy any coffee, I came in right before closing, and now I'm just going to take a water bottle without paying?" No way. Thanks, but I'll just grab a cup from the water stand and pour myself some water that's probably been sitting there all day, no big deal. As I was pouring the water, the Holy Spirit nudged me, "Ask him questions about his business!"

So there I was, yapping away with all my favorite questions for small business owners! What caught my attention was how he kept saying thanks every time I threw a new question his way. He’d start with, “Thanks for asking…” and then dive into his answer.

After all the small talk, we ended up on a topic talking about:

Why God Guides Us to Do Things We May Not Like, Yet They're Exactly What We Should Be Doing Right Now for a Purpose

Here's a quick backstory: he mentioned he was originally from another city and moved to my area for business reasons. He used to work in the health industry but felt like he wasn't spending enough time with his family or enjoying life because of his 9-5 job, just barely getting by. One day, it hit him that he needed to start his own business. He didn't know how, but he was ready for anything. He prayed and asked God for guidance, and his wife suggested that since he knew how to roast coffee, why not start selling it at local markets on the side? So, he gave it a shot, and every time he came back, his wife would ask, “So, how many did you sell today?” He kept selling out! She encouraged him to take more each time, but something was holding him back—himself. He kept thinking and telling God, “Am I really supposed to be doing this? Coffee, of all things?” He shared his doubts with his wife, and her response shifted his perspective right when he needed it. She said, “When God has something for you to do in a certain season, it will feel as smooth as butter!” He explained how he didn't have to do much "selling" because it just happened naturally, and it generated enough ROI to open a coffee shop!

His business was the coffee shop, which was what he was always prayeing for. But just because it doesn't match our expectations, we tend to criticize it instead of focusing on what's actually working, even if we can't see the final outcome. God will always guide you, but you need to trust, be open, and have patience!

He seemed like he needed to blow off some steam, or maybe he just liked to chat like me. Haha. He started telling me how hard it is to find reliable and consistent employees and mentioned having trouble with one recently. Back to the butter thing, he realized this is his bread and butter because he's not the type to confront people, and when someone isn’t doing their job right, he feels bad about firing them. But then, God usually steps in and sorts it out for him. One former employee wasn't being cooperative, and he didn't want to let him go because he needed him, even with the limited hours he was working. He kept talking about how the guy was asking for more than he was working for and was just being kind of rude, and it was really bothering him. I felt like the Holy Spirit was telling me to say, “That’s just the enemy! Look at everything you just told me and the amazing things you’re doing!” It was like a light bulb went off in his head. “You’re right! Thank you! Amen! That’s exactly what I needed to hear today. I’m glad you stopped by!”

The employee took off earlier that day and quit.

He wrapped up the conversation by saying something like, "you didn't come here for a job, you came here for this!"

I'm still on fire about this! Don't sit around waiting for the perfect moment to start off that business or dream job—use what you've got, and God will handle the rest! Let's make it happen. We've got this! Remember, tomorrow's never promised!

P.S.: He can dedicate more time to his family and plan for future investments!

Thank you for reading my blog it means the world to me! Honestly!

Blessings,

Gabrielle Naomi