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The Power of Commitment for Your God-given Potential

So I made this video late last night, straight from the gym as I was thinking about the power that COMMITMENT brings to our lives. It’s our 21st wedding anniversary, and for the first time ever, Mr. Parris (The Sailor) and I are apart for a whole year. Whatever you put your hand to, I hope you can find the joy that comes from not holding back. Jump in and commit!

You might laugh a little at our wedding picture here!

Many times we feel that we will somehow protect ourselves by not totally committing. It’s like if we fail then, perhaps it will hurt less or something. However, I encourage you today – as much as it depends on you, make the COMMITMENT to yourself and those around you, that you are in it to win. Commit to whatever it takes to bring out the best in the people around you. Whether you are building a marriage, a family, or a business – your power is in your ability to keep going. I thank God a zillion times that we did not give up in the tough times. What do you think? Can we commit to success even if those around us do not? Share your thoughts below.

I’m in your corner!

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  • http://www.TheSmallBusinessGuru.com smbizguru

    Gina – this was a timely word for me. Thank you. Seven years ago I went through an ugly divorce where my beloved walked away from serving the Lord with me and joined himself with another woman. In it all God remained ever faithful. However, I am recognizing a lack of commitment on my part to many areas of my life for fear of rejection. That some how not fully committing to my dreams and my future would somehow protect me…let me concur how foolish that thinking is. My partial commitment to any thing has been destructive in my life.

    Fortunately God has been committed to my recovery from this pain and has been leading me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake – giving me new opportunities to commit full out. Now I am watching my life blossom and be fruitful.

    Thank you for sharing this good word. Bless you Gina!

    • http://www.ginaparris.com GinaParris

      Oh Mel, thanks so much for chiming in. When I celebrate my marriage I am always aware of the people who had no control over losing a relationship of their own. I’m also aware every day that none of us has any guarantees for tomorrow.

      I will stand with you to revel in the moment and in God’s faithfulness. You are a voice of inspiration for so many people!

      • http://www.TheSmallBusinessGuru.com smbizguru

        The really amazing “rest of the story” is that finally after seven years I came before the Lord and asked him if it was time to find me a partner – a husband to share God’s work in and through me.

        One night last October I asked God to send me someone who already knew and loved me because becoming vulnerable to a stranger to begin a new relationship just didn’t appeal to me.

        The very next day my first boyfriend from when I was 15 years old contacted me on Facebook. As we talked and got caught up with life he told me, “I have always loved you. If I would have known I’d find you again, I would have waited for you forever.” He has been divorced under similar circumstances as mine for the last 10 years.

        Now four months after that conversation there is discussion around a committed future together.

        It is a beautiful love story that only God could write with his perfect timing.

        • http://www.ginaparris.com GinaParris

          That is a GREAT story. See, redemption is all around us!

  • http://www.TheSmallBusinessGuru.com smbizguru

    “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau

  • Julie Sibert

    Love this post Gina! Very authentic! Appreciate the encoruagement!

    • http://www.ginaparris.com GinaParris

      Thanks. I was so tired, but I wanted to be able to play it today on my real anniversary!

  • Anonymous

    Gina Gina Gina… you inspire me everytime… I’m glad you are there….

  • David Wall

    Happy aniversary Gina.I’ve got 25 coming up June 21.Ain’t GOD good.
    David Wall

  • momma glory

    I remember that young airman….he couldn’t even tell time if it wasn’t a digital clock. As your mother I really did think he was tooooooooo young for you to marry. But then you had said the year before, “I wonder why I haven’t met my husband? Maybe I have to wait for him to grow up.” Haha and you did and you did a good job of growing him up after you both said “I do”. and Paul, thanks for hanging in there.

    • http://www.ginaparris.com GinaParris

      Yes, he was too young to marry, but if I didn’t grab him then he would have moved to Europe without me!

  • http://twitter.com/DrWriteBrain Dean Fitzpatrick

    Definitely maybe…what I mean by that is you can commit yourself to ANYTHING you put your mind to, but at the same time if you’re surrounded by people that don’t have the same commitment level in their lives, eventually you’re going to want to find some new friends. That’s a major lifestyle difference, a different mentality. If you are around those types of people too often, inevitably you’ll find yourself adopting some of their careless ways. Congratulations on 21 years! That’s outstanding…my wife and I will be celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary this year and I can only imagine topping twenty years. She’s taught me everything I know about a real commitment to family and a spirit led life.

    • http://www.ginaparris.com GinaParris

      hhaaa yes Dean, definitely maybe!! Thank God for those around us that DO teach us the power of commitment. It’s a blessing that’s easy to underestimate early on.

  • Stuart

    Wow, so true Gina, I’ve always been afraid to commit for fear of the unkown. You did it, and everything turned out great. You inspire me to go the extra mile, no more half-hearted attempts. I want to commit to winning.
    Great video, thanks for the inspiration.

    • http://www.ginaparris.com GinaParris

      Yeah Stuart!! I’m so glad to hear that and I am so proud to be here in your corner as you take it all to the next level! dineshkumarsingh

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