The Purpose Power Podcast

Michael & Niko Ford (00:55)
Hey family, welcome back to the Purpose Power Podcast. I'm Michael Ford. And I am Nico Ford, and we are so glad that you are with us today. Last week, we talked about purpose and pain. And that was powerful. I I touched about losing my brother and how I found purpose in that. And how God helps you through the hardest seasons of your life, and how He uses them to shape something greater.

Alright, yep, and that's all of that is true. Today's episode is, I believe, the perfect follow-up from last week. We're actually talking about the power of partnership today. Ooh, partnership. You talking about like marriage? Well, yeah, you know, marriage is a partnership. Obviously, when you think about partnership, you probably do think about marriage. But, I'm talking about when it also comes to your purpose, because...

Your partnership in marriage can be, you know, aligned with your purpose, but we know your purpose is so much greater also, it can be outside of marriage as well. So like a business partner, a friend, whoever it is that continues to help you get closer to your purpose.

So it's anybody that helps you multiply your purpose. Yes. So what scripture will we use for, will we stand on for that? I was going to say I'm about to mess it up. Chapter four, verse nine through 10, which says two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other. That's what I'm talking about. Cause you know,

Usually people hear the word part as we think about marriage, you can also have a business partner, a mentor, a friend, or even a pair partner. It's anybody who helps you grow. God will place the right people in your life to help carry out your purpose.

Cause we had, guess we have a little bit of both though, right? Because we say we have business partners as well. We do. We do. And you know, and our partnership in our marriage is a partnership as well. Yeah. So I guess, we can talk about both of them. I guess let's talk about, mean, partnership isn't just about being the same because think about it. We're not the same. we are definitely opposites attract. we don't feel like, I feel like it's, it's about balance.

When you are different people, you gotta think about it. When one person may be strong, the other person might be weak. And vice versa. So it's not about finding somebody that is exactly like you. It's about finding someone that can help bring balance and help bring you closer to your purpose. Like you were saying earlier, we have business partners. We have many that.

people that don't know outside of this, have a trucking company. And we have two really great, we call, they're really great friends of ours, but they're also our business partners. And we're not the same at all, you know. As far as, you know, I can say we're the same as far as we're believers, they're believers as well. Yeah, we're definitely not, we're definitely a...

on the same page as far as our faith and everything. And we had our ups and downs, but that's normal. Yes, that's to be had. you try to come together, I believe anytime you come together and you have differences of personalities, differences of those things, you're going to have, I think you're going to those things. That's natural. But overall, as far as business goes, they definitely, definitely push us.

to be better. And we'll talk about that a little later. Yeah, that's totally fine. let's talk about, we're definitely talking about that because we have to talk about that. Yeah, okay. That's, know. It goes in line. It goes in line. Yeah. Let's talk about partnership and marriage. know, for us, marriage hasn't already been a love and romance. It started off that It's been purpose and partnership and there was seasons when you carried me and I carried you. Yeah, that's

⁓ Or seasons when you carried the whole boat and I was just kind of there, you know Sometimes it happens too. Especially in the early parts. definitely in the early parts. I think with partnership you have to understand with partnership also comes compromise. Yeah, absolutely. And willingness to compromise for your partner for you know The greater grit

the greater good, the greater purpose, and also to just be understanding that you are different in, you know, with the compromised, come patience. Because let me tell you this, let me tell you this, you this might be a little controversy. Is that the Controversial? Controversial. When people say, I'm getting a relationship and I want no one to change me, I think that's a crazy statement to say.

If the person you're with doesn't change you to improve you, there's no purpose in it. Yeah. Because if you say, I want to stay the same. If you are somebody that keeps you the same, you're not developing your potential. You're not moving in the purpose that God gave you. Because if God gives you a man as a woman, he gives you a man and the man gives you a woman. You're given that to develop.

Character and purpose in yourself to reach the God-given goal that he has for you. And that means Change let me say that again. That means change. So when you're Say the same you're really speaking blasphemy Against what God the union God created. Yes, because God doesn't let you stay the same So why would he give you a make to let you stay the same if that person is not elevating you and bringing out your full potential?

making you mad. And yes, and that's hard. Yeah, it seems like, okay, this person trying to change me. Yes, but that person has your best interest in mind. And that's why it's good to find godly p- godly spouses. Because you can't, you gotta get a Jezebel, yeah, they're gonna change you for the worse. Like that's gonna happen. know what mean? unequally yoked. You can't be unequally yoked. And that's the thing though. So in relationship,

compromise patience and the willingness. Is that a little nap that's flying around? It is. Yeah. We're going to catch him. We're going catch him off camera and some bad things to him. uh, but you have to be willing to compromise. You're willing to change and you can't get stuck in a way that I'm going to stay the same. Right. Because God can't use you if you're going to stay the same. cannot. And that's why it's so important to even date with purpose.

Like only to date is for marriage. That's true. Like you can't go out and talk to these crazy people. They're not trying change because they're crazy. They're trying to get their spirits on you. That's not what we're talking about. We're talking about when you find that right spouse. I mean there's many things that I've taught Niko in the relationship. There's many things she taught me. when I had things together, because I'm very focused like that, mean surface level, surface level, finances.

organization, you know, I'm very, I'm very detail oriented. So there's not many things, hate to say this, I don't think it's the wrong way. There's not many things that I mess up on because I'm so methodical, but there are things that I do mess up on that I don't realize. And Nico has helped show me that, listen, uh, you know, no, sometimes you not right. I'm like, yeah, you're not right. But for me, I need to be shown.

Because I'm into learning. But let me just let you know, I didn't have it all together. You know, I had a lot together, but I wasn't completed the way God needed me to be to walk on my purpose. And that's when He said, the right person in your life, that will come. That person is going to change you. I have changed a lot. Like, I have changed a lot, as far as being understanding and just like dealing with clutter. I can't stand clutter. But.

Sometimes in life, God's gonna give you clutter. And the clutter is not always just things around your house. It's cluttering people. That's true. And being patient with people and walking out my purpose of helping bring out people's potential, you can be patient with them. Exactly. And you have taught me, definitely taught me patience with people. Well, thank you. I can 100 % say that. You have taught me patience with people. Because Lord knows, sometimes I'm just like, man. You know what I

Right, right, right. That's very true. Very, very true. But yeah, like you said, partnership does require patience. It is not about being perfect. It is about being present. And what you were saying earlier is that you're very orderly and different things of that nature. But one of the things that I'd like to say that I have taught you is

And this is like almost one of the titles of one of our episodes is progress versus perfection. Yeah, I knew that was coming. I've taught you how not to be so perfected. Yeah, yeah. Because, you know, Michael is very logical. He is very orderly. But it was like, but to the point like where he would be very hard on himself. And I've taught him to sort of like...

look man, you know, let it go. Chill, just chill. You know, it's not that serious. It's okay to make mistakes. We all do it. But he, you know, kind of grew up that way where he was sort of a perfectionist. And I think I've sort of helped shake that up in you a little bit. Like he still likes things to run a certain way. And there's totally, totally nothing wrong with that because that's how he was made. But,

allow him to say, know, chill out. Chill out, chill out. Chill out. So I guess, guess we can say.

Partnership requires patience. It's not all about being perfect. It's about just being present. being present is sometimes a hard part. Very true. But I think through it, I think we have definitely grown and definitely grown, helped one another, and definitely stretched each other's patience. But I think it makes for a stronger union. Yeah, it has.

Let's get down to what we talked about before. Let's talk about the partnership and business. Yeah, the partnership and purpose. partnership and purpose and business. Getting a little tongue tied there. It's okay. you got the ecclesiastics and I got that. So, is limited to relationships. It's also how you can build a purpose. If you find something great, when God allows you,

to create something through collaboration. Yep, through coming together with other people. Yeah, and... Because see, your purpose isn't just gonna be fulfilled just by yourself. No. You know, two are better than one. No. So, know, God will have you come together with others that will help push the purpose and so that you can fulfill, ultimately fulfill the purpose that God has for

So I'm just going to say out there, I'm going say names, but shout out to the McGee's. Absolutely. Shout out to the McGee's. Yeah, they are our partnership, business partnership. And I would say also, know, friends and also friends in the Lord and, you know. Yeah, and family. Brother and sister in Christ. They're like family. But I tell you. I would say they are family. No, they are family. Yeah. But I tell you, he knows who I'm talking about.

Sometimes, sometimes. That man, that man, Lord. He speaks more like a, you know.

I would say, okay, let me break this down. I can say sometimes I can be a Peter. Yeah. With my, not most of my words, but with my actions or how I think, right? Okay. And he's a Peter in flesh and carnal, walking, chopping. I got you. He loved the Lord with all his heart. Yes. But that man, patience sometimes with him.

Love them to life. man, but our differences is also difference our strengths. Yes, absolutely. I can say, I can say, ⁓

in my latter years.

I had the effort to work hard like I used to. But as my mentor told me one time that I had to shift to start losing my mind more. And walking into that truth. He has taken that role as a powerhouse, mean, as far as like, he gets get stuff done. And sometimes he just, jumps. He reminds me of a, we were watching the movies the last couple days.

He remind me of Ben in Fantastic Four. my gosh. It's clobbering time. yeah. And you know, he gets it. mean, he gets it. I don't lie. gets it done. And he's not afraid to make mistakes in it. No, not at all. He's not. Because he's not afraid to make mistakes in it. And then his wife is, she's more, I guess she's a more logical one.

She brings balance because he can be like a little tornado. She does. to see them work together is hilarious because sometimes everybody's relationship is different. They're a loving couple and some of their arguments be like, what? But it's them and it works. And you have to understand that's their relationship. Exactly. And it works for them and they love each other. And it works for them because you know. Love each other, love God.

I would say that when two people come together with a shared purpose or shared vision That things move faster and stronger. yeah, and I can say that being in partnership in business partnership with them that I feel like you know that things just the collaboration was Was was there like the vision the shared vision?

the shared faith, you know, and then sometimes things that we didn't always agree on, you know, but even when we didn't agree, we were always able to talk out, at least I believe, talk out those differences and come back together and realize that, okay. You're more chapter. Definitely. But I can say, I'm gonna make a cut-off, that

through the partnership with them in business, did help us get through the time when Manny's passing, because they showed up in a major way. Oh my gosh, yes. They carried the carried the company. They totally did. They totally carried it. And you know, because I wasn't, I mean, I thought I could be there. You did. And I tried my best, but I wasn't there. wasn't there. No, you totally checked know, shout out to them for that. mean, that was a blessing in itself. A huge blessing. That they, you know, they carried it, took it on their back. mean. Yeah.

at a time when that's when we were expanding rapidly and it wasn't going as planned and they took it on the back and they did and they carried it. So, mean, but God links you with people for a reason too. That partnership right there, was, I mean, that was amazing, right? And then, you know, with partners anyway, we don't have disagreements sometimes. And that's okay, right? That's okay. That's okay. We're all different, right? We all serve a different purpose and you know.

in the kingdom, know, my hands not better than the foot, know, more apart the body. Exactly. So I think with that, uh, I learned through that, how to rely on other people and how to be vulnerable to receive from people. Because I'm not used to receiving from people or being vulnerable and having somebody take my weight. That's true. I'm not, I'm not, it's not something I'm used to.

I'm not used to doing that and I had to learn how to even let go. Let's be little more transparent. Yeah. Because they were friends before they were partners. Yes, they were. And even with the cancer, them being there for us as friends was, once again, amazing. for me, I had to learn how to be vulnerable to receive during that time. That's very true. Also, shout out to everybody that helped us during that time.

A lot of people showed up. I'm just, to be totally honest, people that I never thought would show up. I guess I wasn't thinking about it, but I'm not used to receiving. The love and support that we got from our friends and family was just amazing. really was. Never take that for granted. That was something that touched us to our core. It shows that God works in ways that you would never know, but you have to be open to that. Exactly. You have to open your heart because God was talking to me and He was dealing with me.

And he said, he said, Michael, how can you receive from me? You can't receive from people. And I said, I mean, this is how I talk to guys. So what I'm the head, not the tail. Right. And he said, if you can't receive from people, then you can't fully receive what I gave you through my son. And I said, I'm gonna shut up. You dropped the mic on that one. And I said, you know, I said,

You're right. I have to put that, that's for my pride. Yeah. I had to put that pride down and say, you know what? You know what, guys, you're right. Right. I have to be humble. Yes, I used to be in a state of giving. But if I'm going go to this next level with you, then I'm going have to learn how to receive from you as I'm a child again, you know? Yeah. So I think with that, you know,

You know, just surrounded back up, but to be in partnership with people and they stepped up in a major way. Oh yeah, Definitely in a major way. Huge, huge, huge way. Definitely. And I guess that carries on to the next topic we were talking about is like, how do you recognize that Golly partnership? Well, okay. Well, yeah, let's talk about it. Well, guess that we start talking about, but without really talking about it. Cause I think that, I think with the McGee's that's definitely.

was a godly partnership. Yeah, you said it I think before you said Anyone that's pushing you toward purpose not comfort The right people are going to challenge you to grow and I would I would obviously say that honestly say that Obviously in our partnership as marriage we have been challenged to grow but in our partnership with the McGee's We were also challenged to grow because you know, it's easier sometimes

when you just kind of deal with each other, you know, and then you don't deal with outside people or you know what mean? Where other people personality is that different personalities, they challenged us to grow. one by learning how to receive, learning how to, not always have all the answers, you know what I mean? Because there was times in that time where we didn't have all the answers, you know, and they came, you know,

To the rescue solutions sometimes wild but they came with solutions. Yes, so I guess I give them a point then how to recognize the guy partnership I guess number one would be Let's see a golly partnership pushes you towards purpose. You're not comfort. I guess the right people will challenge you to grow. Yes number one and Number two, would you say number two would be? Number two, I would say golly partnerships Bring peace

Okay, because God is not the author of confusion. So they don't bring confusion even when you guys disagree There's still unity at the core. You'll still recognize Hey, we're all here for the common purpose and I could say that even in our partnership our business partnership with the McGee's is that yeah, there's sometimes we had disagreements we would we would often come together and have meetings and sometimes we didn't always agree but

I can say that all of us were willing to say, okay, you know, maybe we're not right. Let's leap on this. Let's think about this. And then we come back and peace would be the center of everything. Peace is always, you know, the center of things. like I said, God's not the author of confusion. So he's not there to confuse you. And I would say that would be number two is that godly partnerships offer peace, not confusion. And I would say number three is, ⁓

The Golly partnership produces fruit. You can look at the results and see the connection. See if it's helping you or draining See if it's you or draining you, right? So I can definitely say with our partnership with them that we definitely see fruit from him. I mean, I definitely, and we have, I'm trying to get the unspoken name to be on this podcast as well. And I believe that he will be on this one.

We talk about it, go back, we go back for all the time. go back for all the time. Okay, and partnership doesn't mean perfect harmony. It means shared purpose under God's direction. Let me say that again. Partnership does not mean perfect harmony. It means purpose under God's direction. Because sometimes everything is not, we have different feelings. Even with marriage, we have it. And even with business partners, you're not going always have a...

Perfect harmony, you but if you're following God's direction, then you know, then It all works out but you had to be patient and you know Plus I think you'll know it's a God connection to When it brings out your potential When it brings out your potential Not your comfort, but your potential that you'll know Through that I think so ⁓

You know, I talk a little bit about that in my book, Race Running 101, about running the right race, putting the right jersey on, and being around the right people. gotta check out the link in the description of this podcast. You can find where to pick up a copy of Race Running 101, the audiobook. Had to put a little plug in there. But I do talk about that a little bit more in depth in that book, though. But even...

Even through these difficult times reflecting on these partnerships that we do have, this is a great topic to talk about. That even with marriage and business, that you grow as a person. And for me, I have a really small circle. So trust was a hard thing for me. Because in times past, if you violate my circle, I would say rules, would say parameters, and you stepped outside that, then you stayed out that circle, you didn't get back in.

Very, very true. So, I mean, and that's I was used to moving a lot of my life, you know. And I can say that through the partnership of with marriage and with you, Nicole, that you helped me a lot with that. Oh, thank you, Sharon. I was not interested in making new friends. So And that was not something that I was interested in, it something that I cared to do. And, you know, through, I think, our partnership that you have opened that up because I think...

We wouldn't even be friends with the McGee's if it for you, because I wouldn't. I because I met, I met.

the unspoken name one in a parking lot. Yeah, you did. A parking lot in California. that was like rare for me to leave talking to somebody else. Talk to a stranger. I'm not talking to a stranger. I don't care what you talk about. We ain't got nothing to talk about. In fact, we linked up and actually began to like team drive. Yeah. And this is like after, okay, side, a side backstory. It's not gonna take too long.

Prior to 2018, we had our own fleet of trucks. after my little health scare, we let our fleet go. And I was just getting back into trucking. Yeah. Because we had taken a hiatus. We had hiatus. And I just got back into it. So I was working for a company that I did not want to work for.

It was just one of those seasons that it was like, it was a lot going on. know, sometimes you're not sure about yourself coming back. that's after, I was, you know, I was, you know, the company I was at wasn't very fruitful. And, know, I'm thinking about leaving and then it's not like, yeah, the only way you making this company is teaming. I'm like, who am I teaming with? And I've teamed before because I've teamed with my cousin before. And then also I trained a lot of students before.

So I was used to teaming, but I was like, okay, who do I team with? Yeah, because you came to that company as a solo driver. And I was like, man, who do I team with? This is crazy. And I happened to park in the parking lot of hotel. He had me walking through the parking lot. I'm going to say this though, with his Chargers jacket on and a pizza from Papa John's. And he was walking, he was like, yeah, you want a pizza? He's like, it's a pizza. And then we just started talking about teaming. And then next morning, we're teaming in the truck. Yep, which is odd for you.

Really odd. And during that time, money was really short. Very. And I remember him like buying me stuff and he was like a blessing. was a blessing. And I wasn't used to receiving at all. was like, look, you know, and he was like a huge blessing. Almost in your head, I remember you kept telling me like, what does he want? Yeah. And like, and I, and I'm gonna pay him back. I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna do that. And I'm like, you know, this is weird for you to even be talking to this person, let alone now teaming with this person.

I immediately felt like it was God. And I knew it was God. Because I'm thinking, he doesn't know the experience I have in trucking. He doesn't know. And I'm like, okay, what do I say? I remember he was driving, and this man was driving with this. As truckers, you know you don't use Google Maps, ever. And he was using Google Maps. This man was... God bless his heart.

And I remember we were driving through the mountains and he was doing some interesting braking techniques. And I was like, hey, if I can show you a better way, will you be open? And he was like, yeah. And you know, cause he was new to trucking and yeah, but through that relationship, let me tell you this, and we'll get back to the purpose. But through that, right, I can tell you that.

I poured into him everything I know about trucking. And his career has grown exponentially. Is that the right word? But the part is that he was humble to learn. And he soaked it all up. And I can tell you that God fast forwarded his career maybe 10 years ahead. And I can tell you, to this day,

That man does not let me pay for anything. That's very true. He does not let me pay for anything. Very true. He is so grateful. Such a big blessing. You know, he went from being a company driver to being an owner operator. And I'm talking about, mean, I can't tell you some of the checks that man made. I mean, he's a workhorse. Yep, a hard worker. But that's a testimony to God what happens when you get a partnership.

Very true, and the right partnership. And I can say it's been a blessing having him in my life. Now we have our ups and downs, sometimes we do fight like brothers. yeah. Sometimes we do. Yes, I would agree. And I can say he's here for the long term, well they're here for the long term because we came back together. usually I'm like, you done, cut you off. But he's made a steady force in our lives.

know, that's when I was told tangent backstory. It's okay. but to get into that though, it's talking about the practical application of partnership and the right partnership. I forgot the wild tale before, but it's okay. know, we're gonna move it because that was a good, that was a long backstory. It was, but it's okay. four episodes of the backstory, but it's okay. So we just want to give you guys a quick, a few quick ways to strengthen partnership in your lives. One. Michael.

communication. Yes. You can't have partnership without honesty. Very true. And that's one of the things I will say that with the McGee's is that we, our business partnership has been out of honesty. We do communicate. We've had a lot of business meetings where we're just honest. We lay things out there. They've laid things out there for us and vice versa. Also, one of the great things too about business partnership, because here,

Marriage partnership should be founded on prayer together, but also business partnership too, should be prayer together. So number two, you wanna pray together, you wanna always invite God in to the partnership, because remember God is the glue that holds all of that together. He holds us together, he holds whoever you're in partnership together with. So you want to make sure that

Prayer is a big thing in that. And one of the great things that I love about the McGee's is like we said earlier, is that they're also faith people. So they believe in God, they believe in Jesus, they believe the same way we believe. So we are able to come together in prayer to make this business partnership what it is. And I totally agree. And number three would be, I guess would be celebrating each other's strengths.

Don't compete. Yeah, don't compete. It's about lifting each other up and not proving who's right. Now sometimes we do good in argument, but who's right and wrong? Because that's just how we do our thing. But I can't one thing about him and her is that they do recognize my strength and they recognize my gifting. They do. And I recognize their gifting as well. Because I can't do some things that he does. Very true. Because I can honestly say that.

Yeah, that man's a beast sometimes. can't like I tell him to slow down like it has to be balanced But I mean, but that's that's his role. I mean, that's that's that's his gifting. I mean, mean, yeah, I mean, you know, that's very true. Yeah But we respect each other's strengths though and I think that's that's that's the main thing is because when everybody stays in their lane, there's balance. Yes, everyone respects each other's

Lanes, there's balance and there's love. There's definitely, definitely. So I guess we're closing, close it out now. mean, or yeah, there's more you got or I just feel like also you want to make sure that, uh, or just a little add a little something that partnership means choosing unity. Even when your emotions try to divide, because remember your emotions play a big part sometimes in

things coming together or things becoming apart. And you just have to remember that in partnership, there's gonna be disagreements. There's gonna be times where your emotions might be a little higher than the other person's. But you wanna make sure that you choose to unite together and figure out how to come back together rather than letting those emotions divide you. And I think those are big things. So just remember that. Just remember that.

So whether it's your spouse, your business partner, or your closest friend, know, pray for the right people in your life. Because, you know, who walks with you determines how far you go. Very true. true. Two can't walk together if they agree. Sad part. So just wanted to let you guys know, first of all, thank you for joining us again tonight on another episode. And if this episode encouraged you, please share it with anybody.

Tag somebody keep the conversation going, you know reach out to us Let us know about some of your business partnerships or your partnerships and some things that you feel like Make a good partnership and help or break one. So thank you guys for rocking with us tonight and Until next time, you know keep walking in faith stay in line with your purpose honor your partnership And this has been the purpose power podcast

Thank you guys and God bless. All right. Peace.