My First Blog

It seems like I have been messing with my computer all day for the past few days, making a concerted effort to join the rest of the world online. The impetus to finally do this is a bit self-serving, because I was advised that an online presence is absolutely essential to any marketing program that has any kind of chance to be effective in this day and age.

But there is a more altruistic motive, as well.

In my business, I often encounter people who are facing what many would consider insurmountable financial difficulties. Today, an angry and disturbed man who was facing an economic crisis in his life opted for the ultimate, permanent and destructive solution of taking his own life -- with an obvious intent to take the lives of others in the process. Financial stress is a very powerful and negative force in these times, and people who might otherwise be honorable sometimes feel impelled to seek less than honorable solutions to their problems. Sometimes they even seek destructive "solutions", such as the man in Austin I mentioned earlier.

Over the past several weeks, I have been reviewing my life and my practice with one question in mind: Am I making a difference in the world? My faith teaches me that I am called to represent Christ in my life; hence, the bracelet WWJD is more than just a catchy term easily sewed on wearing apparel. God has blessed me with certain gifts, and it is my responsibility to use those gifts for the benefit of my fellow human beings. It is not about my becoming enriched financially (although I must confess that I do have a strong interest in improving my own economic condition). More importantly, it is about becoming enriched spiritually and emotionally.

A very smart man once told me that I should have a personal mission statement, just like any successful business or other organization has a mission statement. The mission statement must be based on objective principles - principles as unchangeable as true North is unchangeable on a compass. Having undertaken that exercise, I discovered that my mission statement is to conduct my life and practice my profession in accordance with the principles of integrity, charity, loyalty, faith, forgiveness (of myself and others) and love for all mankind. I will conduct my life and practice my profession so that it not only enriches me, but that it touches and enriches and lives of all of those with whom I come into contact.

This mission statement has resulted in a partial re-direction of my practice. I have commenced an aggressive marketing campaign aimed at those who are experiencing financial difficulties. I plan to not only offer these people legal services directed toward obtaining debt relief through bankruptcy and other tools, but to offer them (at absolutely no extra charge) valuable financial tools that they can use to begin to alter their financial destiny and to obtain financial independence. I will be teaming with a financial planning professional who will provide technical assistance to those willing to participate. And so you know, I am not accepting any type of referral fee or remuneration from the financial planning professional.

I am very excited about this new direction my life and my practice is taking me, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store (if you haven't figured it out already, I now consider my vocation more of a divine calling than an occupational choice).

Well, I don't want to go overboard on the first time out, so I am going to end this post now. But as I go, I want everyone to remember that bad economic times come and go, and the truly successful will find a way to win regardless. So win with passion.

R. David Weaver
(I don't know if I'm supposed to sign these)