Courtney's
CORNER
“Power in Partnership”
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another –Proverbs 27:17.
One of the biggest lies the world will try to convince you of is that you don’t need anyone to be successful or
live a fulfilling life. The game of life is cut throat and you have to claw your way to the top. You can do it all, have
it all, and be it all by yourself! Not only is that a very lonely existence but one that is hollow and empty. Who
will you share your successes with and who will be there to encourage you when you fail? I am a firm believer
that we were not created to do life on our own. Yes, relationships personally and professionally can’t get messy,
frustrating, overbearing, draining, and extremely toxic, but they can also be very rewarding, fruitful, and fun!
There is something so special when you make a decision to not let the pain of your past and disappointment in
others hold you back from finding like-minded people that are mature, healthy, sound-minded, and on a mis-
sion to make this world a better place.
These people are not threatened by your greatness they actually celebrate it. I love the statement, “There is
power in partnership.” The truth of the matter is you only know what you know. It’s always beneficial to have
someone in your corner that has your best interest at heart to give you another perspective, encouragement,
and be a safe sounding board. I know this all sounds good in theory but how can you discern someone who it
fit to sharpen your sword and go to battle with you? We all need to come to the realization that mature people
don’t compare and size each other up. The most published book in the history of the world refers to compari-
son as foolish! We are ALL uniquely, fearfully, and wonderfully made.
There is and will only be one you! No one has the same finger print or the same gifts, talents, abilities, and his-
tory as you. You were put on earth to fulfill a specific assignment. We need to compliment, collaborate, and
create with one another not compete or fall into the unhealthy mode of measuring our lives and success to
someone else. I encourage you to keep a tender heart and have tough skin. Don’t allow your heart to be hard-
ened. That’s when we lose and miss out on amazing relationships that can sharpen our swords and empower us
to navigate through unknown territory. Just imagine being stuck in a jungle with a dull sword. How long would
it take you to get out?
Imagine if your sword was sharpened by the wisdom and encouragement of a friend or mentor you would be
able to slice through the obstacles that were never meant to entangle you and hold you back from fulfilling
your purpose. So, go ahead and open your heart to new relationships that add and don’t take away. Here’s to
finding “sharp” friends that will inspire and empower you to be ALL that you were called and created to be.
28 IBASuccessMagazine.com