I like to share this little story about my grandfather, Curtis Griggs. I was preparing to go to college and as he was giving me some words of wisdom and warnings about how to conduct myself, he said with a chuckle, “If you mess up, change your name.” His words stuck in my mind because it was probably the last thing I expected my grandfather to say. He was never a hard man in my eyes, never critical of me, very sweet, patient, and kind. However, I noticed that whatever he spent his time doing, he did it well. He was an artist and even as a senior citizen he attended college classes to continue to perfect his art. My grandfather’s statement was not to condemn me but to let me know that there were certain values associated with my family name and that I should not take that lightly. His words made it clear that my actions were not just a reflection of me, but my family as well.
Throughout college and even as a young adult with my first full-time job, I was always aware that my name was attached to my work. It made me happy when my name was associated with accuracy, quality, dependability, and excellence. If someone implied that it was any other way, I wanted to know why and I wanted to correct it.
The more I matured, the more I understood the relationship and connection that I have with the people I come in contact with. When I complete a job for someone, I am not only representing myself and my client, I am also representing my family, my teachers, and my God. In fact, with all the work that I do, I ultimately report to my Creator. At the end of the day, when I have a conversation with my heavenly Father, I need to know that I have done my best with the people He has trusted me to serve. I understand that He could have chosen anyone to give these gifts and this business to.
God has given us all gifts and talents, and when we share them, we are representing Him. That is why it is important that we take the utmost care when it comes to presenting our work in excellence and doing the best we can, being diligent and wise in stewarding the talents that He has trusted us with.
God could have given this business to anyone and I also understand that our clients could have chosen to give their business to anyone. That is why we carefully select the professionals who work with us, with the knowledge that they operate with the same respect, care, and integrity that we strive to deliver.
I am committed to honoring you and your projects, and supporting you in the pursuit of your God-given destiny in any way that I can.
If you have questions about the publishing process or feel you are ready to get started with any of our services, please do not hesitate to schedule your free consultation today or email us with your questions.
We look forward to serving you!
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[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://rainpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Rachel-12.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Speaker, author, editor, and writing coach Rachel Renee Smith has a B.S. degree in Communication from Seton Hall University and an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. After several years of assisting authors and mentoring students in their writing and editing process, she released her first book, a devotional entitled The Rain Won’t Hide These Tears, in May 2012. In line with her continued desire to assist aspiring authors, Rachel launched Rain Publishing in 2013 and also released her second devotional, While the Sun Still Shines. She has recently published her third book, a tool to assist writers in their writing process entitled, What’s Your Story, which is available on Kindle. Rachel is the co-founder of the Women’s Life Support Group and co-owner of L&R Beauty, Books, and Gifts based in Clayton, NC. Rachel has a son and is married to her best friend and partner in ministry, Jeffrey LaMont Smith. You can learn more about Rachel at www.RachelReneeSmith.com[/author_info] [/author]