The night Mahsa Amini was murdered by the police in September 2022, the streets of Iran acquired a new meaning. That night, the Iranian regime, which claimed divine inspiration, chose bullets and batons to respond to the grief of its people. One clear implication emerges: a regime that kills its own people cannot claim to be righteous.

Human rights organizations have documented thousands of people killed by the regime since the outbreak of the waves of protests, and many more injured, arrested, or missing, though some human rights activists have claimed tens of thousands, a figure that cannot be verified. Whatever the numbers, one thing is clear: the Iranian regime uses deadly force against its own people, who have been protesting for dignity, justice, and basic human rights. A government does not require evidence of human rights abuses to be condemned; it requires evidence of humanity, which the Iranian regime appears to have lost.

But one question continues to plague us: why does a government that claims to be guided by God’s will resort to violence first? Religion, at its core, is meant to be a source of morality, not immorality. A government that shoots its own teenagers, beats its own women for strands of hair, and sentences its own people to death after sham trials cannot claim to be guided by God’s will. Religion is a uniform, not a moral compass.

Power imposed under threat of fear has already failed. When people no longer consent to rule, and rule is imposed at the point of a gun, it is not the power that has failed but the legitimacy of the rule. What we see is a government in fear of losing power and confusing silence with security and graves with governance. This is not a strength; this is panic with a payroll.

People wonder why there is killing when there are prisons. The answer appears to be grimly logical. Prisons leave witnesses and martyrs alive and stories to be told. Death is intended to be final and serve as a warning inscribed across the public square. But history continues to laugh at this logic. Everybody begets more questions, more discontent, and more resolve.

What form of government must protect itself from its citizens and hunt them down in the streets? What form of government has forgotten the distinction between itself and the state, and law and loyalty? I refuse to accept the premise that order demands blood. An order based upon fear is weak and shatters like glass at the first sign of fear, losing its grip.
There is a wicked paradox at the core of this conflict. The government claims it fights to protect morality. But in doing so, it normalizes brutality. It claims it fights to protect life. But in doing so, it treats lives as nothing more than collateral damage. By doing both, it teaches a generation of citizens that authority is something to be endured rather than respected.

THAT’S a verse from the Gospel of St. Matthew. (8,17) It’s actually from the Book of Isaiah (53,4) expressing a prophecy that Christ fulfilled through the many miraculous healings he made while going around preaching.

It’s a truth of faith that we need to cultivate and keep deeply and strongly in our mind and heart, especially when we find ourselves hounded by all kinds of infirmities and suffering all kinds of diseases. This way we would not waste time suffering unnecessarily and would just learn to bear all the inconveniences, convinced that in the end Christ would take care of everything.

We should just have a sporting spirit, spiced with a good sense of humor as we go through the unavoidable sufferings we would encounter in this life. We need a sporting spirit because life’s true failure can come only when we choose not to have hope. That happens when our vision and understanding of things is narrow and limited, confined only to the here and now and ignorant of the transcendent reality of the spiritual and supernatural world.

Besides, life involves a till-death struggle against all sorts of enemies, starting with our own treacherous self, the ever-seductive world, and most of all, the spiritual enemies who certainly are more powerful than us.

Finally, life involves pursuing a goal that is much greater, yes, infinitely greater than ourselves. We should not be a bad sport who gives up easily without even trying, or who surrenders in the middle of an exciting and suspenseful game.

We therefore have to develop a strong spiritual sportsmanship in the tenor expressed in some words of St. Paul: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1 Cor 9,24)

Aside from a strong sense of self-discipline and submitting ourselves in a continuing training program, an indispensable ingredient of this healthy sporting spirit is the sense of acceptance and abandonment that we need to deliberately cultivate. This does not come automatically, as if it’s part of our genes. We have to develop them.

We have to learn to accept things the way they are or the way they can be. Yes, it’s true that we can shape things and events in our life. We can even shape persons to a certain extent.

While some heavy drama may be involved, let’s be convinced that we are given a game plan that assures us of victory. It’s the game plan of hope in the ever wise, omnipotent and merciful providence of God. What is needed here is precisely a healthy sense of acceptance and abandonment in the hands of God.

Added to that is a good sense of humor which definitely has very salutary effects and advantages. It makes us see things better. It makes us more flexible and more able to handle varying situations.

It gives us some space and distance from events so that we would be able to assess and judge things calmly and properly. And all this aside from its immediate effect of making everybody feel good, which is already a tremendous thing.

In the face of severe trials, joy expressed in wit and humor is a precious element to have. It can only show one’s deep trust and confidence in the providence of God. There’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of. There’s the conviction that everything, including martyrdom, is an organic part of God’s saving plan for the person concerned and for everyone else.

The startup world is often romanticized, filled with stories of overnight success and disruptive innovation. However, the reality is far more sobering: the vast majority of startups fail. While failure is often touted as a learning opportunity, it’s a painful and costly experience that can be avoided with the right knowledge and proactive measures. This article serves as a “Code Red” alert, urging founders to decode the warning signs of impending failure before it’s too late to course-correct.

The Grim Reality of Startup Failure

Statistics paint a stark picture: approximately 90% of startups fail. This isn’t just a matter of bad luck; it’s often the result of predictable mistakes and avoidable missteps. While external factors like market conditions and competition play a role, the primary drivers of startup failure are internal: poor execution, flawed business models, and a lack of adaptability.

Ignoring the warning signs is akin to ignoring a “Code Red” alert in a hospital – the consequences can be catastrophic. By understanding the common causes of startup failure and learning to recognize the early warning signs, founders can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and increase their chances of survival.

Decoding the Warning Signs: Common Failure Patterns

Startup failure rarely happens suddenly; it’s usually a gradual decline marked by a series of warning signs. Here are some of the most common patterns to watch out for:

Lack of Market Need: Building a product or service that nobody wants is a recipe for disaster. This often stems from a failure to validate the market need early on. Warning Signs: Low user engagement, difficulty acquiring customers, and a lack of organic demand.
Running Out of Cash: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any startup. Running out of money is a terminal condition. Warning Signs: Difficulty meeting payroll, delayed payments to vendors, and a shrinking cash runway.

Poor Team Dynamics: A dysfunctional team can derail even the most promising startup. Conflict, lack of communication, and a lack of shared vision can create a toxic environment that stifles innovation and productivity. Warning Signs: High employee turnover, constant arguments, and a lack of trust.

Flawed Business Model: A business model that is not sustainable or scalable will eventually lead to failure. Warning Signs: Low profit margins, high customer acquisition costs, and difficulty generating recurring revenue.

Competition: Failing to anticipate or respond to competition can be fatal. Warning Signs: Loss of market share, declining sales, and difficulty differentiating your product or service.
Poor Marketing: Even the best product will fail if nobody knows about it. Warning Signs: Low website traffic, lack of social media engagement, and difficulty generating leads.
Ignoring Customer Feedback: Failing to listen to your customers is a surefire way to build a product that nobody wants. Warning Signs: Negative reviews, low customer satisfaction scores, and a lack of repeat customers.

Premature Scaling: Scaling too quickly before validating your business model can lead to disaster. Warning Signs: High burn rate, difficulty managing growth, and a decline in quality.

Lack of Focus: Trying to do too much at once can spread your resources too thin and lead to a lack of focus. Warning Signs: Constant pivots, a lack of clear priorities, and difficulty executing on your core strategy.

Founder Burnout: The startup journey is demanding, and burnout is a real threat. Warning Signs: Exhaustion, cynicism, and a loss of passion for the business.

Taking Action: Turning Code Red into Code Green

Recognizing the warning signs is only the first step. The key is to take decisive action to address the underlying problems. Here’s how to turn “Code Red” into “Code Green”:
Validate Your Market: Conduct thorough market research to ensure that there is a real need for your product or service. Talk to potential customers, gather feedback, and iterate based on their needs.

Manage Your Cash Flow: Create a detailed budget and track your expenses carefully. Seek funding early and often, and be prepared to make tough decisions to conserve cash.
Build a Strong Team: Hire talented and passionate people who share your vision. Foster a culture of open communication, trust, and collaboration.

Refine Your Business Model: Continuously test and refine your business model to ensure that it is sustainable and scalable.

Monitor Your Competition: Stay informed about your competitors and be prepared to adapt your strategy as needed.

Invest in Marketing: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to reach your target audience.

Listen to Your Customers: Actively solicit and respond to customer feedback. Use their insights to improve your product or service.

Scale Strategically: Scale gradually and only after you have validated your business model.
Stay Focused: Prioritize your efforts and focus on executing your core strategy.
Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Delegate tasks, take breaks, and seek support when needed.

Conclusion: Prevention is the Best Medicine

Startup failure is a harsh reality, but it doesn’t have to be your destiny. By understanding the common causes of failure, recognizing the warning signs, and taking proactive measures, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Treat this article as your “Code Red” alert – a reminder to stay vigilant, adapt quickly, and never ignore the warning signs. The future of your startup depends on it.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!

And just like that January the first month of the new year is on the exit. And as the sun rises after a cold and dark night, hope is given life by a promise fulfilled. Thus. Any problem that came the day before are replaced by hope, by new beginnings unfolding.
Every morning is more than just the rising of the sun—it is a divine reminder that life, no matter how heavy yesterday may have been, always offers a chance to begin again. The gift of dawn is God’s way of whispering to humanity: “There is hope, there is renewal, there is life beyond the storm.” History and lived experiences show us that mornings have carried people through trials, wars, disasters, and personal struggles, making life bearable and meaningful.

On a personal level, mornings remind us of second chances. A farmer who lost his harvest to floods once thought his livelihood was gone. But when the sun rose the next day, he chose to plant again. Months later, his field yielded more than before. His story reflects the truth that every morning is God’s invitation to rise above despair, to trust that renewal is possible, and to believe that promises of hope are fulfilled daily.

On many occasions and on forgotten seasons we have faced the torment of hopelessness only to recover with the new hope that every morning fascinatingly gives.

Indeed, every morning is a promise fulfilled—a promise of life, of hope, and of renewal. It is God’s daily gift, reminding us that yesterday’s burdens need not define today. Each sunrise is an assurance that we are not abandoned, that we are loved, and that we are given another chance to begin again. To wake each day is to witness the fulfillment of a divine promise: that light will always conquer darkness, and that hope will always rise with the sun.

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