By Nancy Virden (c)2024

If at first you do not succeed, expect criticism and little support.

Leadership includes micro successes others perceive as failures. That’s the harsh reality as months and years roll by without acquaintances and friends following your lead, sharing your information, or investing even minutely in your cause. There are two reasons for this: people close to you rarely recognize your purpose or potential; and your first work which you eagerly passed out to everyone you know, was generally full of mistakes and mishaps. Entrepreneurs have to grow in skill, knowledge, and emotional fortitude. Too many people write a fledgling off with a “nice try”.

Entrepreneurs do not start off with money. Technological advancements may pass them by. The skill of offering the benefit of the doubt seems lost in recent years. Made a mistake? Took on too much debt? Not interesting enough? Time and practice cure these ills. Few will stick by the beginner long enough to see them mature.

Today I read an email update from a friend who has spent the last twenty years trying to get a ministry off the ground. Life, family, and lack of money have held her back. I’m glad I waited with her and can witness the “overnight” success. Her vision is becoming a reality and many people I care about in my favorite city will benefit.

Looking back over the last twelve years of Always The Fight Ministries, I see where on the outside it may appear to have failed. ATFM has fewer followers, fewer comments, and fewer shares than what most consider to be successful. There has been a podcast, a mailing list, a significant list of guest spots on radio and podcast shows, and public speaking opportunities that are all gone now. The dream of many people’s ministries stemming from this one has not come to fruition, either.

Depending on the measuring stick one uses, ATFM is successful. The “other” bottom line is the numerous lives encouraged and touched. One life was saved from suicide. In support groups and Bible studies, lives are changed. Several have come to know Jesus. The blog has traveled the world to over 100 countries and some of the spiritually darkest places on earth. God allowed me to speak to over 3 million people. Helpful and free books cover coping during the Covid isolation, rising above self-damaging and depressive thoughts, and stories based on biblical accounts. All focus on Jesus as our Difference-maker and our source of hope.

So, how successful is ATFM? No one knows or will know this side of heaven. I would appreciate more followers and likes and comments, sure. Since God carries my messages on His wings, I am (usually) satisfied to watch them fly.

Check out: TheWisdomofGod.org (my friend’s ministry)

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Galatians 6:8-10

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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