The Birth of the WOG Diary

The birth of the WOG Diary has been forthcoming for some time. But as with everything in life I needed a vision before I was willing to take a step forward and enter the world of blogging.

Recently, I began following the San Antonio Social Media circle and came across some truly inspiring people. In a word they are REMARKABLE and have the gift of words. They transport you to another place or time with the way they think and what they have to say. If you are a Twitter fan I encourage you to follow @writeontime, @colleenpence, @lettergirl, @momonmars, @theredrecruiter, @matt_scherer, @shelleyrae, @epodcaster, @rctalley, and @alanweinkrantz - you won't be disappointed.

I admire how they have embraced the world of Social Media (SM). Undoubtedly they are some of SA's first to analyze the opportunity and hop on the power of the SM tide. As for me, I struggled to obtain a vision for my blog. As I looked at the world around me, the attorneys at the law firm I'm employed at could easily blog about their practice areas and reporters in the SM circle could focus on current events. But what could I write about that would have meaning and purpose?

With the arrival of my vision comes the realization that it is a perfect reflection of who I am. It was in 1999 when I became a born again Christian - a term I was very unfamiliar with at the time. How is it that one who has been raised in the church could be born again? I had to let go and trust in God before I could see the true meaning of the phrase.

I am a corporate WOG (Women of God) looking to share my expertise on surviving in the business world without compromising my core beliefs which are based upon the Word of God. For years I prayed to God to remove me from Corporate America and let me work for Him - in a church or community outreach program, anywhere where people were generally more welcoming, accepting and gentle. Although my prayers reached to the heavenlies God remained strangely silent. Finally the day came when He made it clear that He had placed me in Corporate America so that I could be a light in the darkness. Let's face it - Corporate America can be harsh. It's a place where tempers are allowed to explode to epic proportions while leadership does little to manage the outbursts. In most cases the person doing the exploding happens to be a rainmaker bringing in much needed revenue so leadership looks the other way. Over the years I have seen my fair share of co-workers treating one another poorly. Gossip running rampant and backstabbing the weapon of choice for those who wish to destroy anyone they deem a threat. The truth is Corporate America can at times be heartless. I know I have experienced my share of it's backlash.

Light, Darkness - Me, Corporate America..."Are you sure you have the right person?" I often asked God. Thinking He might change His mind if I pushed the issue long enough. No such luck - God had no intention of changing His will, although there would definitely be changes they would happen on my side not His.

I am no longer willing to deny my faith. The spiritual side of Maria is where I garnish my power, strength and determination to meet every challenge I face in Corporate America, hence the creation of the WOG Diaries. These are my adventures and lessons learned as I live out the will God has for my life.

I truly believe that you can work in Corporate America without sacrificing your faith. Not everyone is going to accept me as I am but I'm not living for everyone I'm living for God. Time alone will tell where I end up. But this I assure you. I will tell the story of the light that entered the darkness and how I found God's provision every step of the way.

Maria