IN 1963, after watching yet another man (whom she trained) get promoted over her, Mary Kay Ash started her own cosmetics company with an initial investment of $5,000. Today, Mary Kay Inc. is an empire that sells products in 35 markets worldwide, has an independent sales force that exceeds 2 million, and earns global sales of approximately $2.5 billion.
Although these numbers are impressive, most inspiring are the Christian principles that governed the way Mary Kay conducted business. Her motto was "God first, family second, job third." And since women mattered to God, Mary Kay built a company that heavily invested in the confidence of women, released them to reach their financial potential, and ensured that they could still serve the needs of their families. "God didn't have time to make a nobody, only a somebody," Mary Kay said. "I believe that each of us has God-given talents waiting to be brought to fruition."
People are often told what they are doing wrong, and seldom told what they are doing right. Mary Kay, however, believed in praising people to success. "I have learned to imagine an invisible sign around each person's neck that says ‘Make me feel important,'" Mary Kay said. "I never cease to be amazed at how positively people react when they're made to feel important."
Proverbs 13:4 warns, "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper" (New Living Translation). It won't be easy, but Christian businesswomen can successfully work hard in and outside of their homes. Mary Kay once stated, "Over the years, I've observed that nearly all high achievers know how to make good of those 1,440 minutes in each day."
Ephesians 6:10-11 teaches, "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil" (New Living Translation). Therefore, remember that anytime we dare to do something great in the name of Jesus Christ, the enemy will try to steal our joy. He will send countless challenges, and dispatch sources of discouragement. Nevertheless, trust that God will finish what He has started. Remain enthusiastic! "If you act enthusiastic, you become enthusiastic," Mary Kay said. 
