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On this Maundy Thursday, I’m reflecting on one of the most powerful leadership moments in Scripture—John 13:1–15.

Jesus, fully aware of who He was and the authority He carried, chose to kneel. He washed the feet of His disciples—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a radical demonstration of what true leadership looks like.

He didn’t cling to position.
He didn’t lead from distance.
He served.

And the disciples didn’t fully understand it in the moment. Yet Jesus was modeling a principle that still challenges us today:

The true mark of a leader is not found in status, but in service.

From the marketplace to the ministry, leadership is not about being above others—it’s about being willing to come alongside them.

Serving:
• Teaches others how to love and lead
• Builds trust and connection within teams
• Breaks down hierarchy and humanizes leadership
• Reminds us that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege

Jesus redefined leadership by stepping out of the expected role and into the needed one.

The question for us today is simple, but not easy:
Are we willing to lead by serving?

Recognizing and celebrating the women who make the world a better place and make us a better people.

Today we pause to remember and celebrate the life and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His leadership was not merely heard but it was demonstrated in his actions for the rights of all humanity. May we learn from him and do likewise.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Take time to enjoy family and friends, rest and relaxation, and be present in this holiday season.

Thank you for your service.

Self Care Sunday
The War Within

When we think of yoga, we think of peace, zen and flow. Therefore to say “war within” and yoga in the same sentence does not seem appropriate. Yet this morning during my yoga practice, I can acknowledge there was a war within.

The war within started with time. While I wanted to do it, there was a war of “do I have time” for this 55 minute practice. While I showed up, there was the war within of “being present” in my practice. While I was listening to the instructions of the teacher, there was the war within of my own internal thoughts.

Yet, by not giving up or walking away, I found myself present in the practice. I found my flow. I recognized the need I had of the present moment to slow down, breathe and flow. While society rewards the hustle and grind, our minds, bodies and spirits need the ability to slow down and be present.

In the slowing down and being present, we can attend to what is going on within. In slowing down and being present, we are able to recognize the things we overlook in our busyness. In our slowing down and being present, we begin to calm and the war begins to cease.

As we concluded the practice and entered into a body scan and meditation, I found myself able to recognize the breath earlier I couldn’t regulate well. In the stillness, I was able to tap into a creative thought. In the stillness, I was able to appreciate a moment of no rush and feeling the benefit of rest.

Today on this “Self Care Sunday” I invite each of us to embrace a time of stillness and slowing down. In this moment, may we find an appreciation for recognition, rest and recovery. May we learn to embrace our need for reflection and restoration. May we make slowing down and stillness a lifestyle practice. Be well.

Did you know gratitude literally rewires your brain? Science shows thankful leaders sleep better, experience less stress, and think more clearly. Spiritually, gratitude shifts our focus from pressure to purpose.

💡 The healthiest leaders aren’t just disciplined—they’re thankful.

Action Point:
➡️ Before your next meeting, take 60 seconds to silently thank God for the opportunity to lead and serve. Notice the shift in your energy.

Gallup research finds that strong connections at work increase resilience and reduce burnout. A leader with healthy support systems leads longer, stronger, and better.

👉 This week, reach out to a peer, mentor, or coach. A quick check-in might be the reset you need.

💬 Who’s in your circle of resilience? Tag them and thank them.

Pew Research shows that individuals with consistent prayer, meditation, or gratitude practices report greater resilience and lower stress levels.

👉 Today, take 10 minutes for spiritual anchoring. Pray. Meditate. Journal 3 things you’re grateful for. Your soul needs grounding before your week begins.

💬 How do you anchor yourself spiritually each week?

Stress builds up in the body before it shows up in our leadership. The Mayo Clinic reports that even 20 minutes of walking can lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and reset mental clarity.

👉 Today, give yourself the gift of movement. No agenda. No multitasking. Just let your body and mind breathe together.

Leadership flows better when your energy flows freely.

💬 What movement helps you recharge best?