by Jfheller
The first thing to understand about risk is that there is no single thing that we can point to and say it is a risk for everyone. What you consider a risk may only be a moments thought for me. What I consider a risk may be totally off your radar screen and you wouldn’t even be thinking about it in passing. Risk can take the form of stepping out and fighting for something — a relationship, a job, your family, a friend. Risk may mean facing your own personal issues — self-worth, facing your emotions, feelings of inadequacies.

History is filled with people who stepped out in faith even when the odds were against them. Christopher Columbus had to face his fear and the fears of others about sailing off the edge of the world if they sailed west. Martin Luther confronted a massive medieval institution when he nailed his ninety-five thesis on the church door at Wittenberg challenging the corruption and unbiblical tradition in the church. Rosa Parks faced the wrath of a deeply ingrained culture when she refused to give up her seat on a bus simply because she was black. Nearly everyone noted for a great ‘first’ faced enormous odds. Of course, that is the reason we remember them.

We might as well admit that there are some people out there in life that are risk-takers. They jump out of planes and wait until the last second to open their parachute. They bungee jump, white-water raft over rapids that look more like Niagara Falls to me, or the new phenomenon of zip-lining over rivers, through the jungles and down the mountains. But for most of us, risk is a scary thing. When it comes to our safety and security most of us are quite conservative.

So, where ever that ‘risk’ line is for you, does it stop you from becoming or doing something great? Many people want to change their lives or their circumstances but they are afraid to take the risk to become someone greater than they have been in the past. We have been taught through the years to just go along with the flow. Don’t cause waves. Get a job, stay there for thirty years and then retire. Develop that corporate mind-set.

There are people who see a great business opportunity but are unwilling to take the risk needed to become successful. These are the people who say, “What if I fail? Do I get my money back?” Nothing great ever achieved was done without risk.

Maria Vargas was willing to take some risks as she began an internet business. Elle Drake took the risks of displeasing her parents to pursue her dreams. Dwayne Golden risked leaving the corporate world to begin his own business. We all have to face the risk that is between us and the life we would really like to live.

James Heller

I worked in the corporate world for 15 years - oil & gas taxation, payroll account. The next 27 years have been spent in church ministry. Internet Marketing is allowing retirement. www.podcastingbzonline.com

Article Directory: Article Dashboard