It's almost 3 years since Audu Real Estate set out an independent shingle. As I was going through an old notebook, I came upon a letter which I had written to people in my circle of friends celebrating the one year company anniversary that had just been completed a few months earlier.
As I re-read this letter, which I had all but forgotten, I was struck by some of the thoughts that I shared. In addition to giving a brief update on the business and my family, here's an excerpt which I wrote about "What I Know to Be True..."
This I know to be true. There are some significant foundational things in my life which change at great peril. Faith and confidence in God's goodness and His amazing wisdom and love through Jesus Christ are not negotiable. On the other hand, gathering places in which His love is expressed may be.
This I know to be true. Peace, Wisdom, Love & Courage are really big deals! Their worth in life cannot be quantified. They are faithful companions and incredible teachers. When expressed through the pages of a good book, they are delicious to the soul. When found on the lips of a precious friend or in the kindness of strangers; they carry the very breath of life! I am so grateful to have access to both sources.
This I also know to be true. My career in real in real estate has never been simply about selling homes. The greatest gift has been the lessons learned in life. Working with so many different kinds of people has forced me to more fully know myself.
I have found this to be true. Often difficult circumstances have been resolved only when I have understood that these lessons were primers for my own life. It is then that I was able to see faults within me that needed to be remedied before I was 'qualified' to pick out the proverbial 'lint or speck' in another's eye.
It's a joy to be in service. Thank you for your personal gift of presence in my life. I pray that you would have the wisdom and grace to know what should not change and the courage to embrace fully that which must.
Well, that was written in 2006. And, it still rings true as What I Know to be true.
Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. Thanks for visiting our blog. Here are links to some of our most popular posts for you to enjoy!
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The One Week Shortsale Miracle!
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Keep that attitude and you will continue with your success. It is never about the commission, it is about the client and the relationship..... keep it about them and the commission checks come as a bonus!
Lola, I like your thought that working with other people you learn about yourself. I have always believed that too. It's great that you took the one year look back.
Congratulations! You obviously have the "winning" formula (and SMILE too!)
Lola: This is so well written and BEAUTIFUL. Please accept my standing ovation for your victory but most of all, thank you for your humbleness that can be seen portrayed in your blogs. I thank God every day for realtors like you.
Lola, I do believe that rings true. Today, yesterday and forever.
Lola, That's a beautiful letter!! I really like this:
"I have found this to be true. Often difficult circumstances have been resolved only when I have understood that these lessons were primers for my own life. It is then that I was able to see faults within me that needed to be remedied before I was 'qualified' to pick out the proverbial 'lint or speck' in another's eye."
.....and find it to be so true. I have "suffered" many things in my life and always came out the other end better for it. I've now reached a stage in my life where I welcome adversity because I know it will make me stronger. God does have a funny way of molding us.
June 1st was the 10th year anniversary of Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. Going out on my own was one of the best things I've ever done.
Lola, You said some truthful and very powerful words. I learn as much from my clients as they do from me and they are all blessings to be thankful for.
Lola, what a wonderful post! I'll bet your firm is a wonderful place. What an attitude!
Lola your last statement is one that everyone should hold true to "I pray that you would have the wisdom and grace to know what should not change and the courage to embrace fully that which must." And can not go wrong in life if they follow it.
Lola - what a wonderful, heartfelt letter. Congratulations on your success thus far, and on your life lessons.
Jeff
Lola,
The test for truth is its timeless quality...God never changes!!! Nice post! Thanks, Fran
We all have many "truths" in our lives, and many obtained through trial and error. Life is never simple, but it is always a catalyst for learning and growing. Your letter is poignant, as is the Audu fashion. Thanks for sharing. You are always a pleasure - and forever a treasure.
I was recently reminded of the speck/log scripture. It was a reality check for me. Thank God for His grace.
Great success to a truly nice person you deserve what ever success you obtain.
Hi Lola,
You are building on a Firm Foundation and your success is established!
Congratulations, Lola and another happy anniversary. It is all about the relationships, for sure, and that's why I do it. And you are so right. Each day, with each new person we meet, we learn so much about ourselves. Thank you for the post.
This post deserves to be featured in,"Christianity and Real Estate"......
With all the negativity in the world...this post reminds us there ARE good things to concentrate on!!
THANKS Lola!!
\O/
Great though....Lola... I know that your so kind and caring and it shows in your post.......All the best and may you have many more years.....
Lola - simply beautiful. What a gift you have shared with us. Thank you.
Very nice -- I think you have a good compass that is guiding you in your life. Congratulations on your achievements.
Lola, how true those words are. We were one year out on our own in March of 2007. It has been the best thing we ever did for ourselves and our business. God has a plan and although we may not always understand the lesson, when we can truly say, THY WILL BE DONE, we have arrived and nothing can hurt or make afraid.
How ironic is it Lola, that I should read this post after our conversation today and that you wrote it before we even had the conversation. It's not really ironic at all . . . . it is our Lord in all his infinite wisdom who knew that conversation would take place today.
Lola...
I could not be the person I am today without the adversity. Sometimes I feel like the tea cup in the oven. Remind me to share that story with you sometime. It's actually a copy of a Sermon a Pastor I know wrote. It's a wonderfully heart felt Sermon and when I locate it I'll mail you a copy and you can turn it into a Blog :)
TLW...ROAR!
Lola- I found this to reflect the image I have of you perfectly. And again, very beautifully written, and "this I find to be true" :)
Lola - Congratulation on your third year in business. You have what it takes to be successful.