Author: Henry Murphy

I remember standing in Checkers, and my store was performing well. I was grateful for the success, but deep down, I kept thinking, If I can do this for someone else, I can do it for me. I’m sure this thought has crossed your mind once or twice as well.

An opportunity came up for me to manage an additional store. I was excited, but I knew it would be a lot of work. I needed to ensure my current store continued to perform well, so I had to hire more staff. At the new store, I had to let go of people who weren’t pulling their weight, rebuild the team from the ground up, and focus on training, sales, and productivity.

I remember smiling to myself because I was thankful to even be in this position. When I was younger, I was a hustler by nature and did some unethical things in this same line of business. But by the grace of God, I was given a second chance, and this time, I was focused. It felt like God was giving me an opportunity to redeem myself.

Back to the story—during our monthly meetings, I would look at the P&L (profit and loss statement for those who may not be familiar with the term) and think, This could be my own business. This thought kept coming up. One day, I looked at my salary. I couldn’t complain because I was able to take care of my family, but still, it felt like pennies compared to what I could be earning. I couldn’t shake the feeling. I asked myself, Am I on the wrong side of the equation? Should I be starting my own business?

I knew I had the heart of an entrepreneur, which is why these thoughts kept surfacing. If you’re not an entrepreneur, continue working hard and give your all to your job. But if you are, take the risk. Build your business while you keep your job. Do it the right way so you can build something that lasts.

It wasn’t just me wanting to start my own business that pushed me, but God calling me to be an entrepreneur.

I’ll leave you with this line from KB, “The only life worth living is the one where you take risks.” There’s a lion’s share of purpose and opportunity on the other side of that risk. If God called you to it, He will get you through it.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I can’t remember where I first heard that phrase, but it blew me away. The reason is that when I first became a believer, my main goal was to stop sinning. When you don’t know who God is and you’ve been living life on your own terms, doing whatever you wanted, and then He saves you, the first thing you want to do is live a life free of sin. And don’t get me wrong—this is honorable. I believe we should live lives marked by repentance because we know we sin every day. But there’s more to faith than that.

It’s amazing that God saved you from something, but He also saved you for something. God has been working since the beginning, and He is still at work today. And He has called us to work as well. The work He calls us to is a privilege, in my humble opinion, because it means God wants to partner with us. He has already carved out a specific space for us to do a specific thing, and that is incredible.

How do you start? Well, Matthew 6:33 says it best: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” I believe that if we begin with that pursuit of God, He will reveal everything He wants us to do. Be patient. On my journey, I’ve experienced frustration, impatience, and the need for persistence—all part of the journey. All these things prepare us for the task, and the task is daunting. There will likely be many pivots along the way.

One more thing: in the midst of your journey, love others and help them as much as you can. Be grateful, and remember that your joy comes from your relationship with Him.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I wrote this thought down: don’t be impressed with it. If you find yourself in a season where God elevates you and you happen to be around people who have status, don’t be impressed with it. Why? Because we know that status isn’t the be-all and end-all in life. If we are truly children of God and those around us are not, we are probably there to impact them. Don’t be influenced by influence if God called us to be the influence. Yes, they may have fame, everyone might know their name, and they may have all the money in the world. But we know there is more to life than just these things.

If we find ourselves in a position of influence or notoriety, it’s essential to remember why we’re there. I remember being on tour with Jonathan McReynolds. I always tried to stay focused on what I was doing and to remember why I was there. Jonathan had a big influence, so there were always whispers about who was backstage. I stayed away from all of that. I remember when we were in Detroit, Justin Bieber was backstage, and I could’ve easily made my way back there. Or when we were in Atlanta, other big names like Tamar Braxton’s were backstage all the time. I met Kirk Franklin, and God opened up a door to do business with him, but the conversation happened close to my booth and not backstage. I could share many more instances, but I just wanted to mention a few names to show you that I’m writing from a place of experience.

Let’s be clear, I am not saying to ignore an opportunity that God may be genuinely connecting you with. Just always keep the main thing the main thing.

Make sure you surround yourself with people who will keep you grounded because it’s easy to get caught up. The worst mistake is thinking that we are immune to being influenced by status and fame because trust me—it can happen to anyone.

As always, I hope this blog reaches the right person at the right time. Often, when I write these blogs, I’m simply recording my thoughts because I feel led by God to do so. I believe in His sovereignty—that He will guide someone to this at the perfect moment.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

used to read this proverb all the time that says, “There’s a lion in the street.” It talks about someone being lazy—before they even try, they’ve already decided there’s a lion outside, so they’re not going out.

Yesterday, I caught myself in that same mindset. I was thinking about going out to create some content, but I kept saying, “It’s too hot outside. I’m not going out there.” I hadn’t even checked the temperature; I was just assuming it was too hot. Then my homeboy told me something that hit home: “Man, listen, it’s cool in the shadows. And not only that, there’s a breeze too.”

He was right. I was making excuses before I even tried. And it got me thinking—how many times do we let our fears or assumptions stop us from stepping out? How often do we see challenges as lions in the street and decide not to move?

I am not as lazy as I used to be, and I am thankful for that. But the thing about laziness is that it has a tendency to pop up in our lives, especially when we need to be more diligent. It seems like when we need to take action, we tend to fall back or retreat. In those moments, we have to recognize that we’re being lazy. If we continue to be lazy, we will never accomplish what God has for us to do.

I don’t know why it feels so easy to make excuses before we even try—maybe it’s human nature. But I also know it’s something we can conquer. Let this blog be a reminder that when you start to feel like you’re making excuses, do the opposite. Go out and do it anyway, because in that pursuit, fruit will come from what you’re doing if you stay at it.

Here’s the truth: God doesn’t like lazy. He loves it when we push past our fears and make the effort. So whatever you’re facing today, don’t assume there’s a lion outside before you even step out the door. Make the effort, take the step, and trust that God will meet you there.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

In the pursuit of spiritual growth, there comes a moment when one must grapple with the desire for independence. Ironically, as a disciple of Jesus, the decision to follow God often means surrendering the inclination to chart one’s own course and allowing the Shepherd to lead.

Reflecting on a season of profound connection with God, I found myself in a space of unwavering focus and submission. It was a time of clarity, immersed in the study of Yahweh’s word, and walking out each step in alignment with His teachings. Yet, as time unfolded, an unexpected shift occurred.

The clarity that once enveloped me started to feel like an intrusion. I began to question the constant presence of Yahweh’s voice in my life, an internal conflict that, in hindsight, I recognize as a lapse in maturity. God, in His patience, allowed me to navigate through seasons of craving independence, a desire to go rogue and pursue my own desires.

Looking back, I realize the immaturity in wanting Yahweh to step back from being the president of my life. It was a period of turbulence, a struggle between the call to follow and the yearning for personal freedom. It’s a sentiment that many encounter on their faith journey – the desire to lead oneself rather than allowing Yahweh to be the guiding force.

As I matured in my faith, I came to understand that the ultimate goal in life is unity with Yahweh, a continuous connection that transcends fleeting desires for independence. Having experienced the pitfalls of attempting to walk away from His guidance, I now cherish the constant companionship of Yahweh.

This reflection serves as a reminder to those navigating the delicate balance between faith and independence. In moments of uncertainty, it’s crucial to remain steadfast in the journey with Yahweh, recognizing that His faithfulness endures. The desire for personal freedom may arise, but the greater fulfillment lies in walking closely with the One who knows the path best. In the ebb and flow of spiritual maturity, the goal is not to go rogue but to stay connected, for in that connection, true fulfillment is found.

One thing I’ve realized about life is that not everyone is meant to do what others are called to do, and that’s okay. Everyone has their own path and purpose. Not everyone is destined for a big city or to become a millionaire or billionaire. However, we must not live beneath our potential. But what is potential? It’s the capacity within each of us to achieve more, to grow beyond where we are now, and to pursue the fullest expression of our abilities and gifts.

This idea came to mind when my wife and I were watching a movie about a young woman who owned a botanical garden in Vermont. She was creating incredible products and had done all she could locally, even getting her products into stores. Her business had started to gain some national attention through her online store. Despite her success, she believed she had the potential to take her business international. Her brother was against this, based on his own past experiences, not realizing that he was limiting her potential. She had a grand vision that began when she was young, making soap from natural flowers, and she believed this vision would eventually impact the world. When she finally met the right influencer, she was prepared—she had already put in the work necessary. She had developed over 20 products and was actively working on more. Her dedication and hard work set the stage for her to step into a larger arena.

You might be called to do something incredible right where you are, in your city, and if that’s the height of your potential, embrace it fully. Do everything you can in the place where you are planted. But if you feel called to a bigger city or even another country, then pursue that path. Just don’t live beneath your potential. You may need to push yourself and challenge your own limits to discover what’s inside you. Surround yourself with the right people, find a mentor or coach, read often, immerse yourself in the Word of God, and seek His guidance to direct your steps.

As always, thanks for reading. I hope this blog encourages you today.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

LOrdinary is easy. It’s easy to be like everything that we see around us, to settle into the patterns and routines that define most lives. But it takes more discipline, more courage, to be something more. I believe that each of us is unique, crafted with distinct gifts and potential, and that we are called to be extraordinary in that uniqueness.

Extraordinary living goes beyond the usual or expected; it’s a commitment to standing out, daring to be different, and striving to reach the full potential God has placed within us. It’s about embracing our uniqueness and becoming the person we were uniquely created to be, not just achieving great things but being who God designed us to be.

Sometimes, we have to ask ourselves: “Am I settling? Is this all that I can do or become?” That’s why it’s so important to submit our lives to God—because it is in Him that we discover who we truly are and understand the full capacity of what we can do. God has not made everyone the same, and I’m thankful for that.

Look at the parable of the talents. In this story, a master gives his servants different amounts of talents (a form of money) before he goes on a journey. The servant who received five talents used his abilities and resources to gain five more, while another who received two talents gained two more. But the servant who received one talent, out of fear, buried his in the ground and returned only what he had been given. The lesson here is clear: God does not expect us to be more than what we are, but He does expect us to realize that what we already are is extraordinary.

The servant who doubled his five talents wasn’t like the one who buried his. They were different, and so are we. God calls us not to blend in but to stand out, to be more than just ordinary. It takes effort, grind, grit, and a commitment to becoming the person we were meant to be.

Every morning, I wake up and ask myself: “Am I living up to my potential?” This question matters because one day, I will be judged not just by what I did, but by what I could have done and chose not to do. We must ask ourselves this every day because we do not know the day of our death. Since we don’t know when our time will come, this thought must be ever-present in our minds. As we submit our lives to God, we need to set goals and then develop the behaviors necessary to reach those goals.

I’m going to stop writing here because I want this message to sink in. There will be a part two that talks about the practical steps—writing down goals and creating the behaviors needed to achieve them. Remember, ordinary is easy, but you were made for more.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

There are levels to everything in life. This is especially true when it comes to understanding scripture. Even after 20 years of being a believer, I know that there are layers to grasping the full depth of God’s word. If there are levels to understanding the divine, then there are levels in business and all aspects of life.

Although I don’t watch much basketball these days, I grew up playing and watching the game. I want to use a basketball analogy today to illustrate a point. I believe God wants to set us up for the alley-oop.

For those who might not know, an alley-oop is a basketball move where one player throws the ball near the basket, and a teammate jumps, catches it mid-air, and scores in a single motion. This play requires precision, timing, and perfect synchronicity between teammates.

I believe God desires to partner with us so closely that when He’s ready to throw us the alley-oop, we are perfectly positioned to catch it. This means being prepared through the seemingly mundane and repetitive tasks—like practicing dribbling and running drills on the court. These daily practices are crucial for when the big moment arrives.

Just as athletes train hard behind the scenes to be ready for their moment on the court, we must remain faithful in the everyday tasks that might seem insignificant but are essential for our preparation. It’s about the unseen work, the discipline, and the consistency that pave the way for our breakthroughs.

There are times when I question the fruit of my labor, but then I remember that my job is to sow the seeds and trust that God will provide the growth. I may mix a few analogies here, but the point is clear: to be ready for the handoff, we must engage in the discipline that goes unnoticed, preparing the ground for God to water and nurture our efforts.

So, stay encouraged and keep moving forward. Your preparation and faithfulness are setting you up for a powerful alley-oop from God.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I underwent major eye surgery on May 27, 2021, just a day after my birthday. At that time, I had lost vision in my right eye, and my left eye needed a special oil to keep my retina attached. I know that sounds unusual, but it could’ve been much worse. The oil helped preserve my vision, but it caused blurriness. Despite this, I could still manage my day-to-day activities, although it required significant adjustment. I went into more detail about this experience in my book because it truly rocked my life.

My doctor warned me that the oil would cause cataracts to develop in my eyes. I had heard of cataracts before, but I didn’t understand how they would affect me. I found out soon after moving to Los Angeles, California. Things started getting darker, and I thought it was odd. One bright day, as I was walking about two blocks from my house, the sunlight was so intense—typical of LA’s clear, blue sky—that I was momentarily blinded. I could barely see anything and had to navigate my way back home like that. Then it hit me: my doctor’s warning about cataracts made sense. Cataracts don’t handle light well, so I had to start wearing shades all the time. This was another major adjustment.

I have a mantra: “Make moves or make excuses.” I kept pushing my limits, exploring the city, learning every block, every bump in the road. Yes, I fell a few times—but isn’t that part of any journey? I learned the layout of grocery stores, figured out how to cook with my compromised vision, and absorbed everything I could. I even wrote a book, which I’ve set aside for now. I continued creating websites and developed an academy for entrepreneurs wanting to build T-shirt brands. I did all this by the grace of God.

I had been trying to get cataract surgery for a while. One doctor was skilled with cataracts but not with oil-related complications, so she referred me to another specialist. It took about six months to get an appointment with this doctor, and I was relieved when the surgery day finally arrived. Hopeful—still hopeful.

Here’s what I realized after the surgery: I had become so accustomed to living with cataracts and had adjusted my life accordingly. Now, post-surgery, my vision returned to how it was in 2021, presenting a new challenge. I had to relearn how to navigate with my restored vision. It’s been an adjustment because, without the cataracts, things have changed again. I now need new glasses and a different prescription, and I’m figuring it all out as I go. Despite the challenges, I’m grateful to have my eyesight. This isn’t a complaint—just an adjustment to the adjustment.

I’ve grown used to adapting in life and in business. We must thank God for His grace in every situation and circumstance, and we must continue to live and push forward, no matter what comes our way. Learn to adjust to the adjustment.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

As I sit in a conference room in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, my thoughts linger on a conversation with my wife from the night before. I shared with her my decade-long journey as an entrepreneur and expressed an enduring excitement for the path ahead. The entrepreneurial road, with its twists and turns, occasionally tests my patience as I develop new skill sets only to pivot shortly after. Despite the challenges, the thrill of entrepreneurship never wanes.

It’s peculiar, I muse, to love a path with no so-called security. Yet, therein lies the paradox. Being an entrepreneur is not about adhering to a predetermined path; it’s about paving one’s own way, thinking outside the box, and belonging to a community of risk-takers, innovators, and go-getters. I once penned a statement defining an entrepreneur as a risk-taker, go-getter, and innovator—someone who propels the world forward. That declaration, crafted long ago, remains my guiding principle today.

I’ve chosen to entitle this journey “I am still burning the ships.” But what does that mean?

“Burning the ships” is more than a phrase; it’s a metaphor embodying a resolute commitment with no room for retreat. Its origins trace back to the 16th-century expedition led by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Upon reaching the New World in 1519, Cortés commanded his troops to burn their ships, sending an unequivocal message: there is no turning back. It was a stark choice between conquering new lands or perishing.

In the entrepreneurial realm, “burning the ships” takes on a parallel significance. It symbolizes a wholehearted commitment, a conscious decision to eliminate fallback options and safety nets. This unwavering determination becomes a catalyst, fostering heightened focus, creativity, and resilience in the face of challenges.

For an entrepreneur, burning the ships may involve investing personal savings, departing from a stable job, or fully committing resources to a business idea. This commitment instills a sense of urgency, propelling the entrepreneur to overcome obstacles and innovate in order to ensure the success of their venture.

While the phrase evokes a sense of risk, it aligns with the fundamental truth that genuine success often demands stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing the entrepreneurial journey wholeheartedly. It signifies a shift in mindset—from tentatively exploring a venture to being fully dedicated to its success, irrespective of the challenges that may arise.

So, as I reflect on the past decade and the ongoing journey ahead, I embrace the spirit of “burning the ships.” It encapsulates not just a commitment but a mindset that defines the essence of entrepreneurship—a journey filled with risks, innovation, and the unwavering determination to forge one’s own path.