Lead With Love

Maya Angelou said it best, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. When I think of my amazing Memaw Flo and the memories we have shared over the years, I am transported back to the loving care she always gave me. She was patient and kind, never speaking an ill word about anyone. She has and continues to lead her family with love and grace in ways that are inspired by the love of the Father. It wasn’t with lavish gifts, she gained our love. But, it was with the time she gave us as little ones, and the patience of Job too. She always led with love. When I became an adult, a whole new appreciation for Memaw Flo was formed in my heart. I learned into my adult years that loving people unconditionally can be hard. And sometimes giving the right act seems much more appropriate than a dose of loving kindness. But, the love we are called to give to others is not from our own strength. It’s the agape love of God that we allow to flow through us. In our marriages, and parenting, and family relationships, and friendships, you must allow the agape love of God to be active. Because on your own, you can’t fully love people the way that Christ intended. I believe that Memaw Flo knows how to fully love people because she has repeatedly encountered the Love of the Father. And, when you have encountered his love in a tangible way, it creates a pathway of love in your heart for all of humanity, just as he loves them.  

Practical Tip- Today, ask the Father to give you his heart for humanity. Ask him to soften the areas of your heart that have become hardened towards others. His heart is always and will always be people and if we carry the mark of Jesus, we must love his children well.  

Remember- People will never forget how you make them feel.