National Small Business Week 2011
May 16-20 Washington, DC

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well being of America. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes this special impact made by outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners. In 2011, National Small Business Week will honor the estimated 27.2 million small businesses in America. Small businesses are major contributors to the strength of the American economy. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. They also create 60-80 percent of new jobs in the country. Small businesses drive innovation, create 21st century jobs and increase U.S. competitiveness.[1]

I want to salute the small business owners, their staff and the countless independent contractors who support them through their outsourcing services. This is your week!

As I’ve been reading about events and newsworthy people this week to celebrate NSBW, my mind keeps reflecting back to a small businesswoman in the book of Acts. Her name is Lydia.

Acts, chapter 16 makes for an powerful and faith filled read. The story starts with Paul traveling to the region of Galatia but was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. Then they (Timothy, Paul and Silas) tried to go into Bithynia, but again the Spirit did not permit them. A vision appeared to Paul one night and a man of Macedonia pleaded with him to come to Macedonia and help them. Paul immediately sought to go and concluded that the Lord had called him to preach the gospel in Macedonia, a country situated in southeastern Europe.

Sailing from Troas, they eventually ended up in Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, where they stayed for several days. On the Sabbath day they went out of the city to the riverside where they prayed and sat down next to the women who met there.

A certain woman named Lydia overheard them. She was a wealthy businesswoman or “seller” of purple dyes from the city of Thyatira in Asia and was visiting Macedonia on business with her household or staff.  (A divine appointment between Paul and Lydia, don’t you think?) The Lord opened her heart to accept the things spoken by Paul.  She and her entire household were baptized; hence the first Christian converts on European soil.

As small business owners, let us set the example of Christ in the workplace and never underestimate our contributions to the strength of God’s kingdom.