There were about seventy people in attendance.  It took me less than a minute to realize it was going to be more of a sales push than a learning experience, but curiously had gotten best of me.  The introduction to the key-note speaker was dramatic.  This guy was introduced as a self-made multi-millionaire.  He owned multiple companies.  Apparently, he was a household name and world renown.  (I hadn’t heard of him, but what do I know?)  The only thing the intro was missing was a drum roll.  Honestly, I wouldn’t have been surprised if there had been one.  The introduction was full of hype for apparently the most successful man ever.

Mr. Wonderful came from the back of the room and made his entrance.  He looked great.  He had the whole business executive look going on with his beautiful blue suit, perfectly pressed white shirt, and dark pink tie.  He definitely knew how to dress to impress. He was a good-looking guy and carried himself well. 

Mr. W. was selling his services as a business coach, so it made perfect sense for him to appear successful. He talked about some of his businesses, one of which just so happened to be his personal clothing line.  He talked about his custom made, $2,000 suit.  He had personally picked out the fabric and had it made overseas.  He then turned around his $100 tie to show us the label, which proved his claims of ownership.  Yes, he was an icon of success.  However, there was something he didn’t know until one of the men in the second row told him. His zipper was down. 

We all laughed, and he continued.  He continued to sell to the room, doing his thing.  But every few minutes he checked his zipper.  He talked about the trips he took, and the expensive things he owned.  He showed us pictures of his home, and his cars, and the famous people he knew.  But that zipper.   It was a struggle. 

At some point, he talked about his $300 shoes and his crazy expensive watch.  But you know, I just wasn’t impressed.  To me, he was just a guy with a $2,000 suit that had a faulty zipper. 

My point is this.  We’re not perfect.  None of us are.  I don’t want my faults to be a distraction to the message I’m trying to deliver.  I want to walk the talk and be a living example of what I believe. 

If I’ve got a broken zipper, it’s time to fix the zipper or wear a different suit. 

Wishing you joy and peace,

Lorrie

This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.  – 1 Corinthians 7:35