pray OR network. Huh?

Hi Jim, I have to confess that I had somewhat mixed feelings about the banner as well. I like how it was provocative; I like how it 'teased' the fact that people often 'pray' for things and then sit on their asses; and I like the graphic in general. However, like you, I don't think it needs to be or should be an 'EITHER/OR'. I think we need both.

Knowing Dan & Lara, I doubt it was meant as a slam against praying, and more just to be provocative in a similar vein as 'business networking that doesn't suck'. Thanks for being honest though and pointing out that it maybe could have been said more sensitively or inclusively.

Cheers, Leif

Absolutely! My initial reaction was similar to yours. While I chuckled and nodded to myself, I definitely think there should be an AND in there.

We plant the seeds; God makes them grow.

And feedback is welcome either way in this group (from what I've noticed.) Everyone has their own opinion and it's valid. Now that I'm done with the PC part... holy moly - it take a whole lot of different talents & skill sets to make it in business & especially our current economy.

I personally am pulling out all the stops to make things happen in a good direction for myself, my family and my community. Yes, prayer is part of it. And a whole lot of ACTION (networking included!)

I'm for the AND.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts guys. I think you've got a handle on our intention here - to be a bit provocative while at the same time suggesting that Biznik is the place where you can take action that has an immediate impact on your own economic picture, rather than waiting for outside forces to do it (washington, the economy, etc). I think it's working! New member signups are over 75/day for past week. We plan to add in some others to the mix (you can BLAME the economy, you can WAIT for the economy), so we won't just pick on prayer. We're equal opportunity in our irreverence.

"We're equal opportunity in our irreverence" ha!, perfect. I love it Dan, I'm going to quote you on that one ;)

I can appreciate both sides here. I love the quote, "Pray that you will catch the bus and then run as fast as you can." I am prone to prayer (that's just who I am), yet I do everything in my power to make happen what I am praying about.

Indeed, they can co-exist. Thanks for starting a good discussion here, Jim.

'We're equal opportunity in our irreverence.' Love it too! Very clever :-)

Prayer only works when followed up by action. Nothing works without hard work, dedication, and a good work ethic.

The mountain did not go to Mohammed or Father Abraham...they both had to go to them, climb them, and dedicate themselves to the task at hand.

Even Jesus and Buddha had to roll up their sleeves and get to work to make things happen.

So while I believe in the power of prayer, sitting around and waiting for results will only result in what St. Benedict termed "spiritual self-centeredness and a sense of elitism that results in few if any positive outcomes..."

Now, I will say that I personally tend to be so classically trained by the Church of my youth that everytime I watch Star Wars and they say, "May the Force Be with You" I automatically respond, "...And also with you! " Yeah. I know...irreverant? Perhaps but I think it speaks to the heart of the matter: it is ingrained in me.

Biznikers tend to be spiritual beings with an eye to doing what it takes to be successful in their professional endeavors. Some of us are more right or left of center than others but we are all good people firm in our own personal beliefs...as far fetched or mainstream as they may be; however, we all are working toward the same goal: Business Success.

www.Bainbridgebusinesspress.com

Amen, Shannon!

spirit and business are not separate for me. they are one.

as my spiritual community says, First treat, then move your feet.

basically, what Shannon said! Prayer without action tends to not produce much. Pray it, do it!

Totally agree Shannon, and your 'and also with you' had me lol again! Clearly we have the same sense of humour :-)

One of my favourite sayings is 'don't take yourself too seriously' or words to that effect.

AAHHH peoples, all desire is prayer....needn't be so rigid! He sees you when your sleeping, he knows when your awake....oh yeah, that's his sidekick, Santa.

Just one more thing....the latest is not just don't take yourself "too seriously" but "don't take life personally". What a relief. Peace. Yoga Guide....

It's SO true that spiritual orientation doesn't do it for you, it simply points you in the right direction - it's up to you to move forward. I think that was Dan's point and I wholeheartedly agree.

Further, although God does indeed help those that help themselves, I think he's also particularly partial to those that help others, which Dan and Lara and other Bizniks do every day.

My advice: Relax, dude...nobody's mocking God, and even if they are, I'm sure the creator of the universe is fully capable of defending HIMSELF, thank you.

And let's not forget, there is a difference between God and spirituality and religion or religions.

I have to congratulate Dan and Lara on creating a space where we can bring faith back into the equation. That's huge. I haven't found another business-oriented group that is so open about discussing these topics with open minds.

I have to confess that I didn't see the banner that kicked off this thread, but I think that it's really an important message. It's only the mortal (earthly) economy that's crashed so the smart people are going to tap into the eternal economy to rise above. Maybe that's why He caused the crash in the first place.

:-)

Oh man, pleeeeeze let's don't blame God for the recession. He's got enough of a bad rap with some people as it is, and I happen to know that He DOESN'T go anywhere near Wall Street. Not his fault in the slightest.

No, sorry, MAN did that to himself - against God's advice, I'm sure, greed being one of the seven deadlies - and as such he's gonna have to take responsiblilty to get himself out of it. Any other mindset will only make matters worse.

Actually if any supernatural power is going to be blamed, I think it was a collusion between Satan and George Bush.

OK OK, NOT COOL! who said "same thing" under their breath? I heard that! : )

Sorry, didn't mean to blame everything on the Big Guy. I meant that he gave us all free agency and allowed us to make our own choices. I have to agree about Bush and the Evil Emperor and their cronies on Wall Street.

Thanks for making the distinction, John. I bet the Big Guy would go near Wall Street if we asked Him. Maybe we should give it a try.

Ok...I just now for the first time saw that banner. And no Im not offended in any way.

I took it to mean... get off your ass and do something!

I thought it was effective.

I love the new banners. And especially Dan and Lara's big push for the entire Biznik community to grow... help each other... and in so doing help the (world's) economy get turned around. Great threads.

I find the banner not particularly welcoming. It's on the home page before logging in, so it is in the prime "welcome mat" spot--which strikes me as mistaken placement--likely rather off-putting for first-time visitors--folks who have yet to get to know Biznik and the community.

I suspect it is easier for established members of the community to see beyond the bold irreverence of the banner, to embrace the pithy heart of the message--success/survival takes more than prayer--(with which I agree).