First and foremost, this is NOT a political post! I have strong political opinions but I will never share them here! Donald Trump, let’s face it, is a big thing in the news today – regardless of your political persuasion you must admit he is getting a whole lot of attention!
In the mid-1980’s I worked for Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization. I was the office manager and assistant to the administrator in a luxury condominium in South Florida. The developer of the property got in financial trouble and Trump came in, as he often does, and bought the twin towers at a bargain basement price! A few days later the words TRUMP PLAZA blazed from the crown of the 32-story towers.
525 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach Florida | A beautiful property!
I drove up that driveway every day. I walked across the Travertine marble floors. I stood in the lobby with Lee Iacocca and the Donald himself. I hob-nobbed with the wealthy residents on the pool deck. From the roof deck, I watched in horror, the smoke trails from The Challenger explosion (I wrote about that here.) I witnessed, with delight, a water spout rising out of the Atlantic Ocean as I stood on the roof of the south tower. I loved the people, the residents, the employees, the service crews – it was a dream job for a single mom of three young kids…until…
All of us who had transitioned from the old management to the new Trump organization had heard the rumors – a certain female in the NYC offices could make your life miserable. Well, my day came and I got the phone call – I had never, nor have ever since, been called the vile word this woman yelled at me over the phone line 1200 miles away, all due to my question, “Why?” My days at Trump Plaza were coming to an end. It was a blast, and a lot of hard work, but it was over! (This photo of me was taken while working at T.P.)
A few weeks ago, hubs and I were surfing You Tube and we saw “Donald Trump’s speech at Liberty University’s Convocation 2012” – we pushed play. The Donald, in his signature pink tie, bouffant hair, flambuoyant New York style dazzled the students! At one point, Mr. Trump made the statement, “I am a Christian <long pause> a REAL Christian…”
I hope and pray he is.
I’m not even sure why I wrote this today. I think about those days, long ago, and realize it is all “that” which makes me who I am and who I am not, today. I am so grateful for my life experiences, the people I’ve met, the people I’ve worked for – God has been most gracious to me through the years. Even when I excluded Him, He was still working on my behalf, for my good!
I was young and impressionable back then but now I look at successful men and women, in business, politics, and society and, every time this scripture comes to mind,
What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Mark 8.36
I choose Jesus! I want “faithful servant of the most high God” on my resume today – that’s what counts. When all is said and done…
HE ALONE IS WHO MATTERS!
Yes, I worked for the Donald, but now I count it all as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3.8
Do you know Him?
xo
Linking up with:
Kathy Walters says
August 26, 2015 at 6:31 amI’m one who is “into” politics……………………………..but, in the BIG and ALL IMPORTANT picture of life………”WHOSE I AM” is what matters. The old saying………”only one life….’twill soon be passed….only what’s done for Christ will last” comes to mind. Amen!
Kathy
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 6:51 amI didn’t say I wasn’t “into” politics, I just said I won’t share politics here on HHH!!! Whose I am – amen to that.
Marni says
August 26, 2015 at 7:08 amWow….. that sure did bring back youthful memories!!! A valuable lesson was taught to my boyfriend, now husband (God sure did blow me away with that one!) at Trump Towers. “Always walk on the side with the heavy traffic, protecting the woman you are walking with”, spoken by Mom. Do you remember that??
FAITH……..
Firmly
Anchored
In
Trusting
Him.
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 7:18 amOh yes, PF always protects me from the “puddle splashers”…YOU bought me that dress in the photo. Do you remember that? xo
Shirley says
August 26, 2015 at 7:55 amThank you Susan for all of your stories. I love your Wednesday stories. You always have the right messages that God wants me to hear.
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 8:47 amShirley, thank YOU for reading! And, for the confirmation!
Joanne Viola says
August 26, 2015 at 7:58 amSusan, wonderful post. It is always interesting to me to look back & see how God was busy weaving or connecting the dots of my life, even when I was completely unaware. There was a purpose in your being employed there, at that time. This week I have been reflecting on this > ““You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16, NLT) Every day. Every moment. Planned & laid out for His purposes. May we rest in this truth. Blessings!
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 8:48 amJoanne, absolute TRUTH!
Kitty Lawrence says
August 26, 2015 at 8:53 amWhen I think of Donald Trump the quote “the sound and the fury” comes to mind. Honestly, I don’t know what to think. Has God sent this man to lift our skirts and show our nakedness to the world or to lead one final last stand against the complete and utter crashing of America? But this much I am certain of: God builds up and God tears down. This is God’s world, He is in control – not political parties, PACs, WallStreet or those who disrupt other lives because their lives are not going well. It is my strong hope that God’s people pray as much and more than Donald Trump talks (which is a lot) and that God brings repentance across this nation rather than His correction. Either way, we will serve our LORD and Master. Blessed be His Holy Name.
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 9:06 amKitty, you need a blog. xo
Ali Battersby says
August 26, 2015 at 9:44 amThanks for the blog and all the wonderful and wise responses.
I especially like the comment that we all pray more than Donald Trump talks!
I am committing to working on that!
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 10:30 amAmen my friend, amen.
Messy Mom says
August 26, 2015 at 10:22 amI would have never guessed. I am not one to be star struck or anything, but I still can’t resist hearing inside scoops about behind the scenes like this. I am glad you found true freedom. God is so good!
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 10:30 amOh, I have a few more stories, Natalie. LOL
Tara says
August 26, 2015 at 12:46 pmI am sure you have some stories you could share about your time working for the Donald. That Mark 8 verse is so wise…if only more business people, etc would read that verse and really think about it. And YES THIS: “I choose Jesus! I want “faithful servant of the most high God” on my resume today – that’s what counts. When all is said and done…HE ALONE IS WHO MATTERS!”
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 12:49 pmTara, I definitely have a few stories and I’m afraid they aren’t real edifying! Mark 8 – YES! Nothing in this world can compare with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son!
Melissa says
August 26, 2015 at 4:38 pmI always say politics are like football games. It’s fun to choose a side and heckle the other team, but in the end it doesn’t matter. God is in control. I’m not very political, and I am definitely not a Donald Trump fan, but it was a lot of fun to read about your experience!
admin says
August 26, 2015 at 4:55 pmI’m not a fan either, Melissa!
Merry Geary says
August 26, 2015 at 7:33 pmI never knew you worked for Trump Tower’s. Right under my nose down the road and a very interesting read for sure!!!!!
I do not talk politics with folks since I don’t have all the answers but I do listen to see what candidate is a “Godly man.”
YOU with your sweater on this morn. I had to laugh.
admin says
August 27, 2015 at 8:42 amYes, I know….sweaters in August!
helemarie says
August 27, 2015 at 5:51 amLove hearing your stories.. We all need to be really praying for this election, please dear Lord, give us wisdom, let us hear your voice and your voice only.
admin says
August 27, 2015 at 8:41 amAmen.
Kristin Hill Taylor says
August 27, 2015 at 3:35 pmI love learning this about you – it’s a good story to reminisce with! I’m always glad when you link up at #ThreeWordWednesday too.
admin says
August 27, 2015 at 4:29 pmKristin, the Lord has me sharing a lot of “stuff” lately!!!
Danielle says
August 18, 2016 at 7:09 amThank you for sharing Susan! Lov you!
admin says
August 18, 2016 at 9:06 amDanielle, thought of and prayed for you this morning as I chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic………………….
Michele Morin says
January 10, 2018 at 8:43 amI don’t think I knew you when you wrote this post! Such a unique slice of history!
Sarah Geringer says
January 10, 2018 at 9:26 amWhat a neat peek into your past. Thanks for sharing this amazing story and your heart here, Susan. I love your throwback photo too–you were beautiful then and you are beautiful now!
admin says
January 10, 2018 at 9:30 amSarah, thank you sweet lady — I have learned much over the years in the awesome jobs God allowed me to have – I wasn’t even living for Him but His GRACE was so enough – MORE THAN ENOUGH. xo