Sistergirl Devotions: Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job
by Carol Mackey

Finally, a book of meditations for African American women that understands the world they live in. Centering on the lessons God teaches us at work, at church, and in our relationships, this book of devotions uses stories and settings that will resonate with women of color—urban life, office culture, and the leading of the Spirit in things large and small. Using Scripture, conventional wisdom, and stories from the African American community, each devotional will show women how their faith can empower them to have success on the job—at whatever workplace they find themselves. With topics such as respect, resourcefulness, image, timeliness, honesty, negativity, and balancing work and home, each devotion ends with a "power move"—practical affirmations that will move readers toward success at work.

Book Description

Finally, a book of meditations for African American women that understands the world they live in. Centering on the lessons God teaches us at work, at church, and in our relationships, this book of devotions uses stories and settings that will resonate with women of color—urban life, office culture, and the leading of the Spirit in things large and small. Using Scripture, conventional wisdom, and stories from the African American community, each devotional will show women how their faith can empower them to have success on the job—at whatever workplace they find themselves. With topics such as respect, resourcefulness, image, timeliness, honesty, negativity, and balancing work and home, each devotion ends with a "power move"—practical affirmations that will move readers toward success at work.

Book Excerpt - Introduction

When I first became a Christian, I envied people who worked in Christian organizations and businesses. They got to live their faith openly on their nine-to-five jobs. I’d listen like a wide-eyed child as they talked about how they’d begin each day with corporate prayer and have lunch-hour Bible study fellowships. I then wondered, What about me, Lord? Little did I know that over the years, God would take me on a spiritual journey I’d never forget. And the mission field I was assigned to was my own place of employment.

I wasn’t an evangelist or a prophet or a teacher or a preacher. I didn’t have any of those titles, nor did I covet them. Yes, I held minor positions in church, but nothing that required active ministry. I was a wife, a mother, and a churchgoing believer who loved the Lord, and that was a ministry in itself. But as I grew in Christ, the Holy Spirit showed me that God’s not interested in our titles; he’s interested in us. I learned that it doesn’t matter if you labor on the mission field in Communist China or if you wait tables at the local IHOP or if you’re the CEO of a Fortune 500 company ‘you’re equally as important to God. And he wants to use you to build his kingdom.

The Great Commission is to go out and “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). God didn’t put a disclaimer on that command. He didn’t say you had to have a college degree, sing in the choir, or have model looks. This word is not only for pastors, teachers, preachers, and evangelists. It’s also for you and me. It’s for every believer in Christ Jesus. And your workplace is fertile ground. No matter where you work ‘a deli, the hospital, or a major corporation God has called you to be salt and light wherever you are and whatever you do. God isn’t hung up on titles. He’s looking for a few good men (and in our case, women) who will shine Christ’s light in a dark world.

Although my walk hasn’t been perfect, being a Christian has helped me get through the toughest of times, especially on the job. And I’m here to tell you that if God did it for me, he’ll do it for you too, for God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). I’ve seen God’s hand move mightily on my behalf on so many occasions that I sit and marvel at his goodness, his mercy, and his grace. Have I made mistakes? Yes. But each mistake resulted in knowledge and wisdom I couldn’t have gotten if I’d paid for it. Makeup pioneer Mary Kay Ash said, “We fail forward.” There will be bumps in the road at home, at church, and on the job. Conflict is inevitable. But with the Lord’s help, you can be successful at whatever you undertake.