Puzzled by the title?  It’s certainly not click bait.  I mean every word with added emphasis!  Many of you already know that I read business related books weekly to grow my knowledge base as an entrepreneur.  Think and Grow Rich is one of those books most talked about and touted for its excellent advice and life changing wisdom.  Like so many, I was excited to download and begin the journey.  The opening story of the little slave girl drew me in.  As an African American woman, I know that our painful history and heritage is chronicled throughout literature in ugly ways.  I would rather confront it than hide it or worse yet, pretend it didn’t happen.  None of this deterred my reading.  As I started the next chapter, I began feeling really uneasy.  My mind sent off warning bells and a sickly feeling formed in the pit of my stomach with each page consumed.

What caused the feeling of revulsion in the pit of my stomach while reading Think and Grow Rich,  you ask?  Before I get to that, let me warn you.  If you love this book, then this review may offend you.  Many who have connected with this piece of writing attribute some of their success to having been influenced by this particular work.  I will not be joining those ranks- EVER!  If you feel that you cannot or should not tolerate my opinion about this work, please click away.  Join me in another blog at another time.  My intent is not to offend, but to share my honest perspective.  If you volunteer to read further, I plan to be brutally honest about my feelings and faith concerning this book.  Let’s go!

First of all,  I read as far as I could before deciding to drop it from my reading rotation.  What sickened me is the singular focus one is encouraged to have when when obtaining wealth, career, or anything you want.  You are encouraged to write down your desire, meditate on them before sleeping and upon waking review your singular desire daily.

So here is where I start to feel the rub.  I make no bones about loving Jesus.  He is the one I choose to worship.  For me, worship is very similar to what we are asked to do in this book.  I refuse to fixate on anything or anyone with the same degree of devotion I give to my God.  I could see this book as a gateway to moving your heart away from God and towards every desire you might have.  I am not willing to do that- EVER!

I want things in life, but not at the expense of Christ.  As a matter of fact, I only want what God is willing to give me.  I know that seeking first God’s kingdom and who he is will bless me.  Maybe not in the exact ways I want to be blessed but definitely in the ways he knows I need it most ( Matt.  6:33).

I love when people are direct with me and I don’t have to guess what they are thinking.  I’m going to assume you will respect this type of approach as well.  Here is some direct and dare I say bossy advice.  Be sure you know what price you are willing to pay to get what you want.  I have drawn a line in the sand.  I will NOT compromise my faith and relationship with God to have fancy cars, money or anything else.

Because of this, I will not read information, enter into contracts, make videos, publish information (knowingly) that contradicts my beliefs.  How have all of you navigated making money and upholding your beliefs?  Do you ever feel the contradictions?  I’m not naive enough to think this never happens.  I am however, prayerful and diligent about what I allow to enter my thoughts and heart.  I truly believe business and faith should coexist.  They certainly will with me. What about you?

Can you truly have both?  How will you ensure they work together in your business?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

I pray you experience, unshakeable faith, wealth beyond measure and laughter ’til it hurts.

Kim J.

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