As I reflect on 2019, I find it remarkable how we can be living through one of the most prosperous times and countries in history and, yet, our nation is so bitterly divided on politics and religion. How can we reverse the hate-filled social media posts, political commentaries, and shouting matches in our homes and neighborhoods? I will share two specific things I plan to do in 2020 that I hope will reverse this dangerous trend. But first, let me give context to “Prodigal Entrepreneur.” Not many people who know me would consider me a Prodigal. But I am. Growing up in Texas, I broke all kinds of rules at home and school. I had a strong will, a street-smart mind, a creative spirit, and a tremendous amount of energy.
I stole my dad’s Vespa at 14 years old and got lost. The police had to call my parents to pick me up. I was continually getting in trouble. In school, I used to give the morning announcements in high school, and instead of wishing everyone a great day in German, I would substitute it with “Please make sure to eat cow manure today.” No one knew until my German mother visited the school to drop off a book I forgot, heard what I said, and, of course, that instantly stopped my professional voiceover career. In college, I almost got kicked out for poor grades. Not because I was not capable. But there were other courses I preferred. I did not see any point in taking mandatory courses like oriental philosophy. Instead, I petitioned and was one of the first students at Juniata College who got accepted for a work internship at The American Red Cross International Headquarters in Washington, DC. I have always been able to break new ground professionally – whether I was working for technology and media corporations in New York City, hitting goals never before achieved in public relations, corporate communications, marketing, and sales. Or, starting, growing, and then selling my business advisory company when it wasn’t for sale. But my parents had no idea when I was in school that my strong will and out of box thinking that always got me in trouble was the same characteristic that helped me become a successful entrepreneur now building my second company, Your Cross Talks. Fortunately for my parents, my brother Amir was an honor student, never got in trouble, was steady, stable, predictable, an eagle scout who was a positive role model at home, and in school.
When report cards came out, despite my often-poor grades and detention here and there, my dad always celebrated with an expensive dinner out both for my brother’s straight As and me for at least completing another year of school. I always felt such love in my family even though I mostly got poor grades in school. In the Bible, Jesus tells both sinners and their high priests (Pharisees) a story about the Prodigal Son. The Prodigal Son told his father that he wanted to leave, asked for his share of the inheritance (which implied he considered his father dead), and said he was going never to return. The Prodigal Son then squandered all the money and, in a foreign land, had to work on a pig farm. It was then he decided to go back to his father, tell him he sinned so severely that he was no longer was worthy of being his son and would ask to be a servant in his father’s home. As soon as his father saw his son approaching, he ran toward him and hugged him. His father knew he was sorry and was ready and willing to be a servant in his father’s home. His father did the unexpected: He gave his son the best robe, a ring, and sandals off his feet, and told his servants to prepare a feast. The love and forgiveness his father showed are almost incomprehensible. I never understood how the father could forgive his son, unconditionally. I never realized it until I became a mother and started getting calls from the school about my daughter’s poor choices. My husband and I are now focused on doubling up the tutoring and coming up with new and innovative ways to motivate our daughter to make the right choices. And, yet, no matter how many calls I get from her school or how bad a choice she makes, I always tell her that no matter what she does or says, “I will always love you.” I see her strong will, drive and spirit as her shining light. She cannot “earn” my love. No matter what, I will always be there for her the way God and my parents were there for me.
In the Prodigal Son story, when the older son hears about what happens, he becomes angry and refuses to go in to see his brother and attend the feast. So, his father went out and pleaded with him, but the other son’s response was full of anger: “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” The anger and hatred the older brother expresses, it is clear he – like the younger son – does not love his father. He only cares about “his due” for all his hard work and pious behavior. The only difference between these two sons is that younger brother “knows” he sinned and asked for forgiveness. It does not even occur to the older brother that he is just as guilty of using “good works” to “earn” his way into heaven and the family out of duty and appearance instead of love.
My father died 5 years ago. He was from Egypt, and as much as he loved my mother, brother and me, he also loved his family, who still lives in Cairo. In the story Jesus told, neither the Prodigal son or his brother cared about their father. They only wanted his things. My brother and I have planned a trip together next month to visit our relatives in Cairo for a family celebration. We are as different as the Prodigal son and his older brother. However, what sets us apart is that we are motivated to leave our family, take off work, and travel to an unstable Middle Eastern country out of love for our beloved father, Nabil Morgan. We know how happy it would make him.
What are the two things I plan to do in 2020 to help stomp out the division in our country? First, I will only look in the mirror. I will no longer judge anyone. I will stop it completely, both with my words and thoughts. Being the mom of a troubled child has humbled me. Being the wife of a man who always stands by me, has strengthened me. My focus, instead, will be only on being a better person tomorrow than I was today. Second, I will use my painful life experiences and business success to encourage others. My plan for 2020 is to focus with purpose on being the best person I can be and an encourager to anyone who needs help. If I can accomplish these two goals, you never know the positive effects it can have on those in my inner circle and those outside it. Having the love of Jesus in my heart does not make my life easier. It does, however, give me the ability to share my experiences in a way that, hopefully, will lift others up.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/two-things-prodigal-entrepreneur-plans-do-2020-my-new-soraya-gutman/?trackingId=UjItsZNcQ7uB1wEcbY3fhw%3D%3D&fbclid=IwAR1cC_1FGrYgY2oYpTK3N9CukdcTS-T-OhiUTMGOm6cAZgI08Lpek3xNnJw
