When I think of my heroes, there is one constant. I did not initially see it. In time, it became clear. Each shares a consistency between their core values and their actions. They live and breathe their hearts.
It is an amazing story to walk in. There is no question what they stand for! People are at the center of everything they do. There is a transparent honesty that transcends politics and agendas. You may not like what they are doing, but you know. You may not always agree, but there is little doubt as to what will come next.
As I face the unknown of today and the future, I find myself looking back on their steps. I have an incredible opportunity to walk in a way that takes the best from them and learn from their mistakes. It is not always easy. They did not always make perfect decisions, there was a constant learning process. They did not always see clearly, hence I always found myself in a conversation with lots of questions. They knew success came with a community. The invitation to join them was always open.
I wish I knew then what I know now. I was less that the ideal student. My opinions often got in the way of hearing. My confidence was an impediment to growing. Yet, I think they understood I was growing in my own way. In their own ways, they patiently pulled me along.
I hope I can do the same for those around me now. As I think of the different ways they invited me into the opportunities, I am reminded of how each spoke of connecting actions with words. One quoted a Biblical wisdom father. His words reflected a recurring theme that continues. “The one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God.” (1 John 2.5)
Words are nice. Rhetoric is fine. What the world really needs is our actions. We need to do the stuff.
