A Letter To My Leaders

(FreeImages.com/MatthewMaaskant)

Today, I posted the following to my team of leaders:  (I wanted to share it since I think that more than just my team can benefit from this.)

Girls,

This is on my heart to say:

I want to encourage each of you to do your very best and stretch your wings, to awaken to your own gifts, but I don’t want you to ever feel that your worth is based upon your performance.

With all of this encouragement and coaching to grow and do better, it’s easy to start losing sight of the fact that we are all unique individuals on our own journeys.

I want you to understand that my biggest goal is for you to walk into the full “giftings” God has given to you, to not hide from them, to not feel unworthy of them, but to embrace them.

Let me tell you, I am learning this — learning to walk in who I am, regardless of who appreciates it, understands my unique gifts, or even believes in me.

I used to always base my worth on what others thought of me…

God is calling me to walk out my freedom now. It’s not always easy!!! There are days I walk in my victory in spite of the way I feel and in spite of the feedback I am getting.

God was showing me recently that each testing is an opportunity to have that pivotal moment in life when we make the defining decision to choose differently — to choose victory and freedom over fear, shame, and rejection

Birthday Boy On The Brink of Manhood

(FreeImages.com/ShannonPifko)

Twelve years ago, I was doing my best to bear each wave of overwhelming pain. Back labor was my constant companion. My hold on sanity was keeping my eyes glued to my husband’s, as with gentle strength, he coached me to work through each new wave of relentless pain. Less than two hours later and after 1.10 hours of pushing, my husband would catch the slippery body of our firstborn. I remember looking at my husband and seeing the raw emotion trail down his face. I remember the wonder of knowing I was a mom for the first time. I remember holding this perfect baby and just staring with wonder that this beautiful life grew within my body — the wonder and miracle of it!! I remember the elation…! I had worked, sweated, cried, and agonized bringing my little one into the world, but he was so worth it!!!

Twelve years later, my son stands a good 1.5 inches taller than me!!!

I see his struggle to grow into manhood and all it entails. I see him with his ability to believe and to trust but also with the increasing ability to reason and to understand the greater complexities of life and relationships.

What gets me is that my time with him is so short!!! Six more years, and then my bird will take wing and fly. When I think of all the skills and personal development that needs to occur, it is overwhelming, but then I think, “Son, if you can get this one thing, then you will have it all: ‘Love the Lord your God with all of your heart mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.’ Know, son, that you can’t out-love God. You are enough to Him — just the way you are. I know this world can be mean and ugly. I know it wants to crush your soul and tell you that you aren’t enough. Son, I am here to tell you that you are enough — more than enough — because an infinite God decided you were worth dying for, and that’s all the proof you need.

Besides, this momma will never, ever stop loving you, child of my heart!”