Humility, Purpose, and Empowerment: Reflections on Service and Business (07/11/2025)

 This week, I spent time reflecting on three profound and challenging topics: "Are We Not All Beggars?", "What's a Business For?", and "Mircolending: Toward a Poverty-Free World." Each one explores the responsibilities we share as individuals, organizations, and societies to address poverty, create value, and uplift those in need. These messages pushed me to examine my own attitudes about service, wealth, and the true purpose of business. 

Are We Not All Beggars?

Elder Jeffery R. Holland's message is a humbling reminder that no one is truly self-sufficient; we all depend on grace, mercy, and the kindness of others. He poignantly illustrates that Christ's ministry was centered on compassion for the poor and marginalized, and that as His followers, we are called to emulate that love by serving those in need. The phrase "Are we not all beggars?" invites me to recognize my own vulnerabilities and to approach others with empathy rather than judgment. It challenges the often-unspoken social barriers that separate "givers" from "receivers" and reminds me that acts of kindness, no matter how small, ripple outward in powerful ways. This message inspires me to be more attentive to the needs around me and to respond with a generous heart, understanding that service is not about grand gestures but about consistent, sincere efforts. 

What's a Business For? 

This topic challenges the conventional notion that a business's sole purpose is to maximize profit. Instead, it presents a more holistic view: businesses exist to create value for society, foster trust, and contribute to the common good. I was struck by the emphasis on ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability as foundational to sustainable success. When businesses focus narrowly on short-term financial gains, they risk eroding trust among employees, customers, and communities, which ultimately undermines their long-term viability. Conversely, companies that prioritize integrity and social responsibility become engines of positive change, inspiring loyalty and fostering innovation. This perspective encourages me to think critically about the organizations I support and how I can contribute to building businesses that balance profit with purpose, ensuring that economic success also leads to social benefit. 

Mircolending: Toward a Poverty-Free World

The story of mircolending, as pioneered by Muhammad Yunus, is a powerful example of how small, thoughtful interventions can transform lives. Mircolending empowers individuals, often women in impoverished communities, by providing access to small loans that enable them to start businesses, support their families, and break free from generational poverty. What resonates deeply with me is that the philosophy behind mircolending: it is not charity but partnership based on respect and trust. It acknowledges the dignity and potential of every individual, offering them the tools to create sustainable change for themselves. This model challenges me to rethink how I can support others, not just through giving, but by empowering them to build their own futures. It's a reminder that meaningful impact comes from enabling agency and fostering resilience. 

5 Key Takeaways 

• Humility and empathy are essential; we all depend on grace and should serve others without judgment. 
• Small acts of kindness and service matter deeply and can create lasting change. 
• The true purpose of business is to create value for society, not just to maximize profit. 
• Ethical leadership and social responsibility build trust and long-term success.
• Empowerment through partnership, like mircolending, respects human dignity and fosters sustainable growth. 

Conclusion 

Reflecting on these lessons, I am reminded that the true measure of success, whether personal, organizational, or societal, is found in how we uplift and serve others. These messages challenge me to live with greater humility, to lead with integrity, and to seek opportunities to empower those around me. Whether through simple acts of kindness, ethical business practices, or innovative solutions like mircolending, we each have a role in creating a more just and compassionate world. I feel inspired to be more intentional about using my resources, talents, and influence to make a positive difference, recognizing that even small contributions can have profound ripple effects. 

What We Can Learn From Each Topic 

• Are We Not All Beggars? - Embrace humility, recognize our shared need for grace, and respond to others' needs with compassion and generosity. 
• What's a Business For? - Understand what businesses should serve society by creating value, fostering trust, and leading ethically.
• Microloending: Toward a Poverty-Free World - Empower others by providing opportunities and trusting in their potential to create lasting change. 

These insights inspire me to approach life and leadership with empathy, responsibility, and a commitment to service, knowing that true impact comes from lifting others up, one person and one act at a time.