"Why should you win?"
"...."
The past days have been the most stressful with the pressure that comes along Mabuhay Awards, wherein I will be representing our brand. A brief background on Mabuhay Awards: it's the "Oscars" of the hospitality industry, that recognizes the "best of the best" on a national level. Hotels and restaurants send out their "best" to compete to win. It's that prestigious. For me to have a slot on that this year is truly an undeserving privilege.
As you read in my previous blog post, I only had simple career goals and Mabuhay was never in the picture. I can clearly remember last year when I supported my boss who was nominated, I was amazed to see this huge crowd cheering with pride for the nominees. It did came to me how grand this platform was, so I whispered to myself that I will never step on that stage. And by now you know what happened a year after.
"and God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" - 2 Corinthians 9:8
How was my Mabuhay journey so far? It is a overwhelming to the nth level! People at work would nag me a lot how blessed I am, which I agree 100%. From the bottom of my heart (include all my internal organs), I am grateful beyond words. However, what some may not understand is that I am humbled to my knees. As much as the probable questions be of what have I done brilliant, that is also my question and my answer would always be it is because of God.
What blows me away is that our Sovereign God knew this will happen ever since. That truth puts me to shame because I wasted 23 years of my life not living for Him. He knows me inside and out, He sees my actions even when no one else does, and He loves me in my most unlovable self. So I also ask myself, why me? Why am I supposed to win?
My company has been so generous and supportive with us (there are two of us representing in different categories). They set up coaching sessions to sharpen our answering skills to possible questions. I truly appreciate the wisdom from my coaches who are already veterans in the industry and experienced Mabuhay. I haven't cried so much out of pressure because they have rubbed on my face how seriously prestigious this is and I am representing our company there. On the other hand, they never lacked on bringing my confidence up and sharpening my eloquence.
In the midst of pressure, I turned back to the Giver of blessing. What makes it difficult for me is my lack of will to win. If I can withdraw I would. Then God reminded me that this from Him and still for Him, so I must do excellent in what He entrusted me with.
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
That is my confidence to win. Not for the honor of winning, rather to be a testimony of His great faithfulness. This is indeed a huge opportunity for me to represent Christ in a nationwide platform. A tool I can use so they know who I am working for and how it works. As promising as it sounds, I aim to inspire my generation who are so competitive and driven to succeed in life, still spiritually lost and empty. I am representing not just God, the company but a bunch of aspiring millenials. Whether I win or not, the journey refined my character a lot and I can't wait to talk about it.
Answering the question above: I am undeserving to begin with, but I am confident that God purposed me to be here and I have worked with integrity from day 1. The honor will fade away but the opportunity to speak boldly and inspire more people is my will to win and my drive to work harder each day.
All from and for Him.
