My second Faith & Family Business series considers the book of Proverbs. Though written thousands of years ago, these proverbs still have a timeliness and power today. My aim is to consider these maxims in the context of our current experience of living and working with family members. Thanks for your feedback and sharing this post with others.
Anxiety in our lives revolves around feelings of worry or concern about the future, and I thought today’s verse in Proverbs might be helpful:
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Prov. 12:25)
The focus on survival and continuity in a family business can breed a fair amount of anxiety, especially around the future roles and relationships of family members, business ownership transitions, and management succession. And those issues are on top of the daily struggle to find and retain good staff, care for your best customers, manage your margins, and compete in the marketplace. Talk about being weighed down!
Which is why a “good word” from one family member to another in the family business is so important. A family member might affirm one of your strengths when you are feeling weak, or reassure you of a solution when you are in the thick of a problem. Consider the impact of receiving a note of gratitude when you are not feeling appreciated, or being reminded of God’s love for you when you are struggling to feel loved by others. Our ability to relieve anxiety and create gladness with our words - and God’s Word - should not be underestimated.
What kind words from another person have lessened or relieved your anxiety? Who in your family or family business could benefit from hearing a good word from you?