Less than a year ago, the world said goodbye to a superstar. But it was a decision she made decades before super-stardom that led to super-stardom.
Tina had finally had enough. Ike had beaten her for the last time and all she wanted was out. She had made up her mind that she was done, over and through with the years of physical and mental abuse by her husband.
All she wanted was out of the marriage and partnership which at the time had become the hottest musical duo in the industry – Ike & Tina.
For years, though she had been by far the shining star of the two, Ike habitually and horrifically humiliated, used, and abused her. In a Texas court on the day of the divorce proceedings, Tina refused to take anything from their marriage - no property, no money, nor anything material.
In stunned disbelief, the judge peered at her over the bench and bellowed, “You’re gonna walk out of here with absolutely nothing!” To which Tina defiantly retorted to the judge, “Except my name!”
And she walked out of that courtroom and away with a name that would later become worth more than anything the judge could have awarded her on that day. Her name would become gold, then platinum. Tina Turner. Tina. Though she was left with little value, she left with the value of a good name.
In your career, especially as a leader, value your name more than money. As a leader, whether in government, business or in your household, guard your name because it is more precious than gold.
While in office or in a position of influence, don’t sell your name to the highest bidder. No matter how high the bid, in the end, it will pale in comparison to the value of your name. We can always make more money – but more money can never make a good name.
“Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names.” – Japanese Proverb
A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. – Proverbs 22:1