In the early days of World War II...
Illustration
In the early days of World War II, Ruth Handler and her husband Elliott designed plastic picture frames from scrap Lucite and scrap Plexiglas. Their friend Harold "Matt" Matson made the sample frames in his garage. Ruth, who was to be the saleswoman, was excited when she received an order for the frames from a chain of photographic studios. As Ruth was driving to make her first delivery, she heard an announcement by President Franklin Roosevelt over the car radio. The president declared that all plastics were to be used only for defense. Ruth turned her car around and went home in a state of disarray.
Once home, the three pondered what to do with the newly founded business. They questioned how they could continue. They feared their investment would be lost. It appeared as though their one chance for success was gone forever. There was no future.
Then they got an idea. They decided to make wooden frames, spraying them for a cloth-looking covering. Anxious and afraid, Ruth returned to the photographic studio manager ready to peddle the new frame. To her surprise and delight the manager was even more impressed with these frames than the former plastic ones. Ruth received an even bigger order than before, providing the company with enough money to rent a small shop.
Later on, the three entrepreneurs decided to make dollhouse furniture out of the scrap lumber. Elliott sketched the furniture, Matt made the sample products, and Ruth went out and sold them. That venture launched Mattel Toy Company (a combination of the names "Matt" and "Elliott.")
Jesus told us not to store up our treasures on earth where moths and rust can destroy them; instead, we are to store our treasures in heaven. The Jesus concluded, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Ruth, Elliott, and Matt all labored in love. That is why a setback did not destroy their spirit but only challenged them to a new opportunity. If we live with our hearts in heaven, then material successes and failures on earth will not destroy us but only empower us.
Once home, the three pondered what to do with the newly founded business. They questioned how they could continue. They feared their investment would be lost. It appeared as though their one chance for success was gone forever. There was no future.
Then they got an idea. They decided to make wooden frames, spraying them for a cloth-looking covering. Anxious and afraid, Ruth returned to the photographic studio manager ready to peddle the new frame. To her surprise and delight the manager was even more impressed with these frames than the former plastic ones. Ruth received an even bigger order than before, providing the company with enough money to rent a small shop.
Later on, the three entrepreneurs decided to make dollhouse furniture out of the scrap lumber. Elliott sketched the furniture, Matt made the sample products, and Ruth went out and sold them. That venture launched Mattel Toy Company (a combination of the names "Matt" and "Elliott.")
Jesus told us not to store up our treasures on earth where moths and rust can destroy them; instead, we are to store our treasures in heaven. The Jesus concluded, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Ruth, Elliott, and Matt all labored in love. That is why a setback did not destroy their spirit but only challenged them to a new opportunity. If we live with our hearts in heaven, then material successes and failures on earth will not destroy us but only empower us.
