One of the purposes of commerce is to build strength. Gaining wealth gives us power, which is the ability to influence others. There are three main types of power: first, power gained through coercion or threats; second, power obtained through payment or inducement; and third, power gained through attraction. The power obtained through coercion, threats, payment, or inducement—that is, force or tactics—is called ‘hard power,’ while the power gained through ‘attraction’ without using force is called ‘soft power.’ Additionally, the ability to effectively achieve your goals using coercion, payment, and attraction is known as ‘smart power.’ Depending on the situation, we may need all three types; however, soft power is something that everyone admires. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
She laughed when God said she would conceive a son to the old Sarah. However, Sarah was pregnant and gave birth to her son Isaac, whose name means “smile.” The prophet Nathan rebuked King David in the words of God. David wept. The same God's words, some laughed, others cried. If Sarah's laughter was absurd, David's cry was repentance. The Bible rarely records people's unresponsiveness to God. You are at least worth the life if you can laugh or cry at something. Smile a lot and cry a lot. Life is short. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”