David and I attended an investment workshop on HUD properties in May in Charlotte, North Carolina. At the workshop, before getting into the meat of the topic, we were reminded of the importance of a mission statement and core values – especially when running a business and involving others.
The workshop was held at a hotel by the airport, which was only a few miles away from the Billy Graham Library. I was delighted about the proximity to the Library because I was looking for an item from Ruth’s Attic for a friend. (By the way, the name sake, Ruth, is Mrs. Billy Graham – a beautiful and fascinating lady who was born and grew up in China. Her parents were medical missionaries there.) During a lunch break from the workshop, we were able to drive over to the Library, check out the item of interest, and be back at our seats at the hotel, all within 20 minutes.
Upon entering the Billy Graham Library premises, there was an overwhelming sense of love and kindness in the air, just the way I remembered it when I visited the place the last time. I have never met Reverend Billy Graham in person, nor do I know his exact mission statement. Yet I do know, as millions of others do, what his mission in life was. It was to spread the gospel of love and forgiveness – two of the most powerful words that sum up what I needed to know to live my life in peace. Like a single dew drop on a calm lake surface, the ripple effect of the positive impact he had on humanity around the world is beyond measure.
Reflecting on our life and business, David and I created the following mission statement: “To remain free and independent, both financially and otherwise, by being of service to those who need our investment expertise in real estate.”
We decided to keep our core value simple and easy to remember: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31)
Happy Investing!
