Walking the Talk

Inspirations from the Ultimate Example

“You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.” -Carl Jung

This is why Easter is so incredible to me. If we think about how fads come and go, attention shifts and interests fade, I am always blown away by how long Jesus has been trending. Artists like the Beatles, Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift are in the legend conversation because of how many #1 hits they have garnered on the Billboard Top 100 List. The Beatles, for example, started releasing music in 1962 which means it’s been approximate 60 years of impact and influence they’ve had on the music industry.

Jesus, according to experts has been canceled, accepted and debated for approximately 2000 years. I think we all can agree that our attention spans are declining rapidly yet the King of Kings is still in the conversation. How is this possible?

It’s because the actions he took represented God’s love so deeply that it was unforgettable. And He knew what was going to happen beforehand and still took went through with it. As someone who is trying to be more like Him everyday, this is one of the toughest lessons to swallow and follow. As a mom, I am so comfortable sharing my “wisdom” vocally with my children:

1. There is not only no shame in asking for help, it is a sign of courage and strength.

2. When we forgive others, it is not just for the other person. It’s a gift to ourselves as well.

3. You do not have to hide how you feel with the people you love.

These are all things I myself have fallen into the trap of not doing but that also happen to be a part of my regular sermons to my kids. And these aren’t hard when compared to dying on the cross to save the souls of every generation to come.

I’m not trying to make anyone feel guilty here (myself included). While it’s a real emotion, it can make us sit in a state of feeling sorry for ourselves which leads to inaction. I’m two days away from 41 and taking the time to remember what Jesus DID on the cross for us all is inspiring me to put my money where my mouth is in the areas of my life that need improvement.

I’m giving myself permission to:

1. take more imperfect actions

2. make more mistakes in front of others

3. feel and let others into the authentic emotions I am experiencing

4. keep moving even when I want to stop or actually do stop

5. let my effort be a measurement of success regardless of the outcome

If my kids see me doing these things instead of just talking about them, I can only imagine how much deeper the lesson will be ingrained in their value systems and on their hearts. Maybe they’ll even want to do it alongside me. And that is the example that Jesus set that I want to follow.

I pray that as you celebrate Easter with your loved ones, you remember the ACTION that Jesus took and the resulting LOVE that you feel because of it. That you take inspiration from Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in a way that calls you to move in your own life. To touch the lives of others in a way you never thought possible. To be a ripple that creates waves of love, kindness and gratitude in the world around you.

"Little drops of water, make the mighty ocean." - Rumi

Happiest of Easters to you and yours from me and mine. And as always, live and be well!