Lessons from Zipporah on how to attract your dream clients and keep them

Lessons from Zipporah on how to attract your dream clients and keep them

Recently we talked about what Miriam teaches us bout being a thought leader and woman of influence

Namely, the fact that they edify, exhort and comfort the people within their niche(s) from a place of divine inspiration. You can read more here if you missed that, sis.

One of the other ways that they influence and guide others is by not being afraid to go against the status quo whether it’s popular with their key stakeholders or not

In fact-

Moses’ decision to marry Zipporah is a prime example of that because she was a black (rather than Hebrew) woman

Not only that-

Numbers 12 tells us that it caused a rift in his family that also almost cost him his (leadership) position

But thank God for divine intervention!

Although it’s easy to dwell on the dark side of this episode of Zipporah’s life, there are 3 positive lessons that I was able to draw from it for us as modern women

Lessons from Miriam on how to use your platform for social justice

Lessons from Miriam on how to use your platform for social justice

Last week, I mentioned in passing that Numbers 12 talks about Miriam and Aaron almost staging a coup against Moses because he married a black woman (Zipporah)

Click here if you missed it, sis.

What I didn't share was the aftermath

Basically God went ham on Moses' behalf by calling the 3 of them together; then:

  • Defending Moses

  • Striking Miriam with leprosy

Although Moses' prayer for her healing was eventually heeded, God still made her go through the recommended cleansing and separation process to teach Miriam a lesson. In other words-

God caused her to feel what it's like to be reviled, ostracised and hated for (leprous) skin that she had no control over and could do nothing about- just like Zipporah had been made to feel because of her blackness

Being a British citizen of Nigerian descent connects me with the African diaspora, including my African American brothers and sisters. They are me and I am them.

I talk about visibility all the time and how positive it can be but, as a black woman, I also know what it's like to be visible for all the wrong reasons- just like Zipporah, just like Ahmaud Aubrey, just like Breonna Taylor, just like George Floyd and countless others

All of whom have been tragically killed through acts of domestic terrorism (racism).

What we need is for our white counterparts- particularly those who claim to be our Christian brothers and sisters- to learn the same lesson Miriam did. To put yourself in our shoes. To empathise with us and stand with us. Since we didn't make or break the system, nothing changes until you do. Practical steps on how are given below from my friend Monique Melton (an antiracism educator, author, speaker and podcast host) pictured with me.

Lessons from Miriam on why lack of support is a blessing in disguise

Lessons from Miriam on why lack of support is a blessing in disguise

Do you watch Insecure, sis? If so, then you'll know that one of the overarching themes this season has been feeling a lack of support from the people you most expect it from when you're trying to birth your vision

(e.g. your best friend)

This theme of lack of support is something that we see through Miriam in Numbers 12 too…unfortunately, though, she’s not the hero in this story

Lessons from Miriam on why you need a platform to succeed

Lessons from Miriam on why you need a platform to succeed

One of my favourite experts on the topic of leadership is John Maxwell

Never heard of him, sis? You can access a lot of his teachings for free on YouTube, by just searching his name, as a starting as point.

Although one of his guiding principles is “leadership begins with self-leadership,” he also makes it clear that “If you think you’re leading, but no one is following…you are only taking a long walk”

In other words, sis, you need a platform to succeed as a (thought) leader and influencer, which is something that we see very clearly demonstrated through Miriam. For example…

Lessons from Miriam on How to be a Woman of Influence

Lessons from Miriam on How to be a Woman of Influence

When you hear the word “influencer,” sis, what comes to mind?

Is it:

  • Someone who travels to beautiful countries and takes gorgeous pictures?

  • Is it someone who has 10.5 million followers on social media and/or their email list?

  • Is it someone with multiple brand deals?

  • Is it someone who’s always seen to be rubbing shoulders with mainstream celebrities and/or those within your industry?

If that’s what comes to mind, I can’t say that I blame you, because that is what most people mean when they use the word “influencer” today. Here’s the thing, though-

Despite the images of influence that we’re often bombarded with, it’s actually a huge responsibility

I mean…

The definition of influence tells us so!

For example…

Lessons from Miriam on What it Means to be a Thought Leader

Lessons from Miriam on What it Means to be a Thought Leader

Recently, I found myself going down a bit of a rabbit hole while having my morning devotion

Has that ever happened to you, sis?

I started off in Exodus 15

Where verse 20 says that Miriam (Moses’ sister) was a prophetess

This then landed me in 1st Corinthians 14

Where verses 1-5 talk about what prophecy is

Which then had me thinking about thought leadership and why it’s so important in networking and PR

Let me explain….

Lessons from Jesus' Donkey on How to Dial Down Toxicity in your Life

Lessons from Jesus' Donkey on How to Dial Down Toxicity in your Life

Last week we talked about Jesus’ donkey and what she teaches us about how to overcome the insecurities that keep us from getting more visible

Remember that, sis?

Today, I will give you the practical steps for how to do this

As mentioned in last week’s post, a big part of letting go of insecurity is:

  • Loosing ourselves from other people’s opinion of us

  • Emancipating ourselves from mental slavery (Bob Marley)

Because it all comes down to mindset

Simply put-

Lessons from Jesus' Donkey on How to Overcome Insecurity and Get Visible

Lessons from Jesus' Donkey on How to Overcome Insecurity and Get Visible

If you’re looking for some quarantine viewing, sis, I would really recommend “20 Feet from Stardom” on Netflix

On the surface, it seems like a documentary on the music industry from the vantage point of (legendary) background singers. But, on a deeper level, it’s a really inspiring ensemble piece on grit, purpose and overcoming adversity.

One of my favourite quotes in the programme came from Dr. Mable John (former background singer to Ray Charles as part of The Raelettes):

“We as women need to know our worth. We need to know as women we’re important and I think the breakdown is when a woman doesn’t know who she is, and she settles for less. Check out your worth because you’re worth more than that”

A prime example of how we can carry out this awesome advice in our own lives is demonstrated really clearly in Matthew 21, which tells the story of the origins of Palm Sunday (today)

For example…