The Beginning

When I first started my business, it failed. I wondered why. But now, looking back as I stumbled upon a verse from Proverbs 13, it made sense:

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12, NIV)

Understanding Faith

Even though I wasn’t religious at the time or had opened the Bible, I realize now that I failed to do something important:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, NASB1995)

I leaned on my own understanding and pride, believing these designs would be the ones to succeed. When things didn’t go as planned, I found myself crying on a park bench, wondering why. A hope deferred, my heart sick with worry.

The Turning Point

It was only when I took the chance to walk into a store called The Cork House that everything changed. While I wouldn’t necessarily say I trusted in the Lord, I still trusted in something.

It reminds me of this verse from Romans 8:

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?” (Romans 8:24, NASB1995)

Finding Hope

I didn’t see the potential of cork or anything like it, but I took the chance, and the Lord fulfilled it like the (cork) tree of life.

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5, NASB1995)