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3 Essential Responsibilities of Effective Leadership

27 Feb

If you’re in leadership in any way, shape or form, regardless of position, be it CEO, midlevel manager, overseer of a project, or parent. You will want to reread, review, and meditate on what you are about to read. It’s my humble opinion from holding numerous and various leadership roles and positions there are three core responsibilities of any leadership role.

Leadership is defined as an action of leading a group of people. In writing about this subject or topic, the information could go on for pages. But my intent is to drill down to what really matters, the core responsibilities of leadership and what leaders need to know and to put into practice to be highly successful in their leadership role. There are three areas, once mastered that will create winning teams, develop other leaders along the way, build a culture of integrity, and create an incredible environment for continued success. However, you must remember as a leader being anything other than an exemplary example to the people you lead in these three areas is non-negotiable.

I’m going to take for granted that as a leader the end goal has already been created either for you or by you and thus, you are at a point of implementation or maybe somewhere in between the beginning or the end. No matter, these three areas of the core responsibilities are but a framework to be studied in more detail and expanded upon at your leisure. The more of an understanding you have of each will lead to greater success. Let’s get started!

First, understand that in order to be effective in leading, you must know and I mean know the people you are leading. Their strengths, weaknesses, personalities, hopes, dreams, hardships at home and in life, children, etc. Knowing the people you lead thoroughly really matters and being fair and just with each will create loyalty, trust, and a culture of caring for one another. This and this alone will lay the foundation for all things related to the success.

To begin with you must create belief in what you and your team are pursuing. If a positive expectation of a desired outcome is not encapsulated in belief, struggle and frustration are imminent. To be clear, creating belief can be challenging especially with the different personalities you are leading, so preparation is a must, which includes:

  1. The motivation for the goal… the team or company must understand the why. Why the goal and what will it mean for them, the target objective, and the future upon completion.
  2. Information and evidence that the goal matters.
  3. The goal resonates with those involved. There should be evidence presented arousing curiosity and belief.
  4. Overcoming and acknowledging the skepticism. Challenge the doubt. Address the issues with solution and answers that promote success.
  5. Creating a culture of belief by reinforcing your belief.

Next, there must be a confident expectation of a positive outcome. This expectation must consistently be feed to build confidence through:

  1. Stories… like the great adage says, “Facts tell but stories sale”. Always be prepared with stories that motivate, inspire, are positive, overcome doubts, are easily remembered, and that assurances a positive outcome.
  2. Goals that are realistic but challenging
  3. Managing the difficulties that arise, step by step, minus the trepidation.
  4. Celebrating the small victories along the way.
  5. WORDS… WORDS MATTER! There’s an old proverb that says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue”. So, watch what is being said, from your mouth and the mouth of others. Words can either build up or tear down. If the words being spoken are not reenforcing a confident expectation of a positive outcome, you’re hindering your possibilities for success. ALWAYS be positive in your words, the stories told, and the difficulties that may arise.

Last and the final core responsibility, A FLURISHING CULTURE, which is consistent reveals itself through:

  1. Transparency… nothing should be kept from the team or group. To do so would create a negative environment. One of gossip, innuendos, weak relationships, and reduced trust. There must be transparency to build trust, relationships, and improve all aspects of the culture.
  2. Patience in reaching the intended goal, and with one another.
  3. Kindness toward one another.
  4. Not demanding its own way.
  5. Not letting jealousy, boastfulness, pride, or being rude dominate.
  6. Never giving up, losing belief, or sight of the confident expectation of a positive outcome.
  7. Enduring to the end, no matter the circumstances encountered.

A Leader that incorporates these three core responsibilities into their style of leadership. Along with complete preparation for each of these responsibilities and the actions required, will increase their opportunities for success. When implemented, a confident expectation of a positive outcome is assured.

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How Your Character Shapes Your Life Success

26 Feb

Did you know that your character matters? I mean seriously, those mental and moral qualities which are distinctive to humanity, to us as individuals, truly matter. I’m not sure we realize the importance of our character. I happened to be reading from a wonderful book, one that many love and others reject, but the importance of character really made me reflect on my life, past and present. The more I reflected, the more I realized some of my thoughts and actions, let’s just say, didn’t meet the standard. Many of you reading this post, if your honest, could or would say the same. Staying true to the truth can be rather difficult. So, to remind us of the importance of our character, let’s look at an example and see what we can learn and apply in our lives.

First, there was a man named Joseph, who lived sometime around 1800 BCE, or approximately 3,600 years ago, during the times of the Pharoh’s. That’s a lot of years ago. However, the qualities of character remained the same throughout time. In Joseph case, when his character was tested, he passed with no exceptions. His loyalty to family, friends, leadership, where unmarked. He was honest, moral, patient, kind, tolerant, and forgiving. Even when he was sold into slavery by his brothers, lied about concerning moral behavior, kind to those who would forget about him or betray him, along with forgiving others, he never held a grudge. He actually blessed those who had betrayed him and was patient and tolerant when treated as a slave and imprisoned because of a lie. The benefits and outcome of passing the character test was co-ruling with the Pharoh’s for 71 years, which gave him opportunities to help those he loved and lavish all the benefits he could on those he ruled.

What about those who did not pass the character test. Those who were dishonest, full of greed, mean, petty, selfish, and disloyal. There are more who failed than have ever passed. Unfortunately, they brought disgrace to their families, destroyed people and companies, compromised themselves for selfish and greedy reasons, were only loyal to their interest and many experienced moral failures. But there’s more, like unmerciful, unforgiving, unreasonable, intolerant, and dishonest in their dealings.

You know the question really boils down to, have we missed opportunities for greatness because of the quality of our character? I think it just might be true for most of us. However, there is hope! You and I can turn from those qualities that are less than desirable and destructive to qualities of character that would pass the test:

  1. Identify those areas that are less than attractive, that cause destruction in one’s life and the life of others. Once identified do the opposite. If there is dishonesty become honest no matter the price. If your morally tempted to cheat in anyway run in the other direction. These are just a couple of examples.
  2. Identify the characteristics that add value to one’s life and others, like patients, kindness, honesty, tolerance, and loyalty. Become a person of value and like Joseph it will pay off.
  3. Never give up! If a character failure occurs forgive yourself, learn from the error and move forward. You were created for more, so go after it with the foundation of your character.

After reading this post and you realize you could use some help, let me encourage you to turn to the only one who can help you. His reign is from our beginning to the end; his character is flawless and he will help anyone who calls on him for help. He is the Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He gave all of his love so you could have an abundant and everlasting life. His love was His Son, Jesus Christ, who died in our place to pay the debt for our sins and take all our sins away. He was buried and resurrected from the grave on the third day. He is alive and the witnesses are many. Take the time to call out to Him. “For whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.” Go ahead call out to Jesus and you will be saved. Oh yea, and the quality of your character will change.

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4 Daily Habits for Lifelong Success

26 Jan

If you can develop four, just four simple daily habits, you have just created a great recipe for success. Let me explain. First, we all are creatures of our habits. Second, our habits determine our success and failures in life. And third, our habits will dictate our destinies. For example, bad habits like smoking, excessive screen time, procrastination, and a poor diet are a short list of the many habits that can undermine our desire for any type of success in your personal or professional life. But there is hope for success in our personal and professional life. Success that others can obtain but will envy unless they too are willing to put in the effort of creating habits for the life they truly desire.

Here are the four simple habits, when put into daily practice that will change your entire life and the lives of others.

  1. Gratitude: “Gratitude will unlock all virtues and is something you can get better at” (Kevin Kelly). If, when you first awake you think of one thing you are grateful for and then verbally expressing that gratitude before you get out of bed, you will be happier, healthier, and have a better positive outlook on life. Just a simple statement of gratefulness for the new day, or a relationship, or life itself has wonderful benefits. For instance: Psychologytoday.com say, gratefulness improves of our physical and mental wellbeing, along with strengthening our relationships. And has also been shown to lower blood pressure, strengthen our immune systems, reduce symptoms of illness and make us less bothered by aches and pains. So, developing the simple habit of gratitude before our feet hit the floor in the morning will change everything.
  2. Exercise: “Movement plus variety equals health” (Kevin Kelly). Did you know that creating the habit of exercise will boost your energy and enhance your mood. The Mayo Clinic and healthline.com say, “regular physical activity can improve muscle strength, boost endurance, helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. It also has a positive effect on our mental health by reducing stress, anxiety and depression.” So, if you want to feel better, look better, fight off possible illness and have a heathier overall attitude about life, exercise! Start by just going for a walk but make that walk a habit. Robert Collier said that “Little Steps can lead to great things when taken consistently and with determination.
  3. Reading: The habit of reading everyday develops knowledge, improves focus, strengthens memory, and vocabulary. It also makes you interesting to talk with during friend and colleague conversations. Jim Rohn said, “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary” and Frederick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Many say if you want to standout, become extraordinary, and create a better future for yourself, develop the habit of reading at least 10 pages of any good book each day. Then take would you learn and make application about what you read.
  4. Helping Others: Every day look for some way to help someone. Be it a smile, a lending hand, or a positive remark. This habit alone will change their world and yours. Ann Frank said, “No one has ever become poor by giving” and Jesus said, “It is better to give than to receive”. Many have said that in putting others ahead of oneself one becomes rich. The habit of helping someone in some way daily will positively put you in a better mood, help with understanding your purpose, strengthen relationships and make new relationships. It even helps with your overall health.

Developing these for habits would be a life changer and very satisfying to say the least. The amount of time could be anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour a day, with exercising and reading being most of that time. Start today with developing the habits, stay consistent and preserve. Remember keep your eye and the prize and you will reach your destination.

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Transform Your Life with Hope: Believe, Speak, Help

9 Jan

As we enter the new year, the world seems to be in a mess. Maybe, your personal world is a mess, or others you know are living in or through a mess. Throughout the existence of mankind things have been messy at times, but history is quick to remind us there are good times and bad times. There are joyful times and miserable times. There are times of abundance and there are times of poverty and famine and yet we (mankind) survive, we struggle through, we emerge out of the darkest times into the light of glorious times. One thing is for sure; times and things will change.

So, how do we survive when we find ourselves in the quagmire of a mess. When bad news affects us, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It seems the darkness is so thick, it’s like being encapsulated in the deepest darkest mud of all times. What do we do? The answer, Hope! Let me explain.

Hope is a confident expectation of good, or you could even say a good future. Having hope can release and even catapult us from the deepest, darkest, and even lightlessness of times to a good future and there are three exercises that are sure to help. Believe, Speak, and Help others.

First, Believe! Start by thinking, “For as a man thinketh so is he”. Change your thoughts by turning away from negative inputs. These inputs could be friends, news media, social media and such and begin to input positive thoughts through reading biographies, watching media that uplifts, associating with people who are more positive and reading good books. A great book to start with would be, “The Power of Positive Thinking”, by Norman Vincent Peele. Once you start changing your thinking, you will begin to believe and having a confident expectation of good will begin to gain traction.

Second, Speak Hope! Did you know that life and death are in the power of the tongue? You see, your words matter. Take a moment and think about how you talk about yourself. Is it positive or negative? If your words tend towards the negative, STOP and begin speaking positive about yourself. Be kind in speaking to and about yourself.

Psychologists tell us that there is an advantage in choosing positive words over negative words. For instance, our cognitive reasoning strengthens, we make better decisions, and we’re more forward thinking when we use positive words in our speaking. Positive words even impact our quality of life, from relationships to our overall health. Negative words on the other hand cause stress, anxiety, anger, depression, hopelessness and severe effects on our health.

Without going into a deep dive about the power of our words the picture is clear, our words matter. So, change your words to those of HOPE, a confident expectation of good about yourself, the future, and others, which brings us to the third exercise of speaking hope into others.

Third, Be Hope! You do this through a couple of ways. The first, choose to speak words of life into others. Words that will give them a confident expectation of good in their lives. You will need to be intentional with your words. Always remember your words matter and will and can affect the lives of others. Second, and lastly, help others as often as possible. Put them first. Be concerned about their wellbeing. It will chang you and them for the better.

In conclusion, if your personal world is a mess and you have a negative worldview it can all be changed with HOPE. That is having a confident expectation of good, of a good future. Just remember what you believe, the words you say, and helping others can make all the difference in your life and the world. So, decide today to put into action what you have read and make a difference!

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So how do I Know God’s Voice?

30 Dec

Yesterday, was about turning to the Creator, God, for our wisdom. Today, it will be hearing God once we’ve asked for his wisdom, for he speaks in a still small voice or in a gentle whisper. As the story goes, the prophet Elijah needed to hear from God. God told him to go, “Go out and stand before me (him) on the mountain… And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave” and the Lord spoke to him (see 1 Kings 19:11-13).

Life is loud, self-serving, relying on the wisdom of others and our own experiences. It is bombarded with all sorts of information and a sprinkling of truth to make us gravitate towards a faulty discission, that usually ends with a less than desired outcome. So, what do we do?

For starters, we slow down; by dismantling the habits we’ve acquired of information overload. Then we take the additional time we had previously allotted for binging on all the information produced through technology and get still. Once we are still, we dismiss all the chaos around us, putting it aside, so we can hear the gentle whisper of God. For God truly wants to talk with us and develop a relationship with us. He says, “Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10. And it’s during these times of stillness that we can hear from the Lord, God and ask our questions, seek answers, and hear his wisdom as it pertains to anything we ask. For in the book of James, chapter 4, verse 2, it says, “You do not have because you do not ask God”. So, get still and ask! Ask God for the wisdom you need in any given situation. Call on him and he will answer you.

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Today is the Day!

29 Dec

As the end of the year approaches, the Creator of all the heavens and the earth, says, “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:22). I’m sure most of us have ignored the words of Isaiah for most of this year. Yes, we may have had spits and sputters along the way of calling out to the Creator for help and wisdom, but mostly we have ignored His help, leaving us short of where we wanted or hoped to be by the end of the year. However, today could be the day all that changes for our coming year, if we but open our ears to what the Spirit of the Creator is saying. Let me explain through a story.

There once were two kings. and each sought the advice of their counselors on how they should lead their respective countries or people. Both knew there was only one Creator of all things, but neither of them would turn to him for help. One rejected the wisdom of the older advisors and sought out the wisdom of younger men. The other, also sought the advice of his counselors, but neither, sought out the wisdom of the Creator. The result, destruction, defeat, and a terrible legacy. (You can find the complete story in 1 Kings 12-14, 2 Chronicles 12, and the books of the kings of Isarel and Judah). Maybe you have experienced the negative effects of relying on your own wisdom, experience, and advisers without consulting with the Creator. He, the Creator says, to turn to him and you will be saved.

Do you need to be saved? The Creator says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Call out to him! Who is the Creator, “The Lord Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The Savior of the World, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace”. For He alone is God, the Creator! Call out to Him for wisdom for the coming year. Turn to Him, ask Him to reveal truth to you, obey His leading and instructions. For his “burden is easy and his yoke is light” (Matthew 11:13). He says to, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it” (Matthew 7:13).

You see, salvation and prosperity are found in the Creators wisdom. In turning to Him and calling out to Him to be saved. If you want your new day and year ahead to turn out better than this past year, then turn to him, not to your own self, or the wisdom of this world. Call out to Him and be saved!

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How You See Yourself Matters

23 Dec

Most of us go through life getting by from day to day. We find ourselves lost in the despair of providing for ourselves and our families. Being consumed by worry, fear, and doubt, and our need of being esteemed, liked and loved, makes it even more difficult. So, what can we do?

Did you know that how you see your situation and even yourself, has consequences? If you see your situation as one full of gloom and doom, that is what it will be. If you see yourself in a negative light, negativity is what you will produce. It’s the law of what you see is what you get. Have you ever heard the saying, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”? Well, there have even been books written on the subject. One is “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen.

Other quotes, include, “As you think, so shall you become”, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is”, and “What you focus on grows”. Each of these sayings, conclude that thoughts will shape one’s character and life. For example: If you think that you will fail, you will fail. If you have thoughts of yourself as inferior, that low and negative opinion will hinder you until you change the way you think. If your old enough to remember the Star Trek series, Commander Kirk would say, “Think man, think!”, what and how you think matters. It reveals to others how you see yourself.

So, instead of thinking scarcity, think abundance. Replace thoughts of inferiority with superiority, and failure with success. See yourself as being a lover of people and you will be loved. If you have anger issues, begin seeing yourself as a person of peace and good humor. You see, changing your thoughts will change your life and the lives of those around you.

As you begin this new journey of changing the way you think, you will have good days and not so good days. But never give up, your perseverance will be rewarded. Your life will be transformed, your character polished, and your friends and acquaintances astonished. Remember, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

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“What’s Love got to do with it?”

22 Dec

Did you know that love is the core, the very foundation of everything? Most of us are so busy trying to live, we neglect the key that unlocks what we are truly looking for and that is love. Without love, our very lives spiral out of control. We begin, “looking for love in all the wrong places”. We become preoccupied and selfish, which leads to conflict, resentments, and a breakdown in our relationships. What we really need is to be altruistic, the very opposite of being selfish and self-centered.

Norman Vincent Peale, in his book, “The Powerful Way To Change Your Life”, challenged people in every walk of life to practice the golden rule of loving people. He gave many examples of salesman and business owners who loved, served, and treated others as they would like to be treated, which in turn made for a more prosperous outcome in their personal and professional lives.

So, if we really want to make a difference, we must become selfless by first making an examination of ourselves. In doing this, we must look at ourselves truthfully in a mirror and confront any characteristics that would isolate ourselves from others. Those characteristics might include a lack of self-confidence, anxiety, being an isolationist, concerned only for oneself, or having no regard for anyone else. Once a complete examination has be exhausted, we must make the necessary transformations. We can find this type of help through good books, podcast, seminars, blogs, or even professional help. Once we’ve identified our alienating characteristics, we must help others think more highly of themselves. We can do this by deliberately and consciously helping other people feel better about themselves by being interested in them as a person. Point out all you can that is positive about a person whenever possible. Third, always be available to help people in the stormy times in their lives, they will never forget the help and in turn someone may come to your aid when you hit a ruff spot in life. And finally, the most important. Genuinely love people. For people always know when they are loved and will respond in love.

In recapping, people really will love us, when we love them! So, remember: 1. Confront and make the necessary adjustments to your character. 2. Make a conscious effort to help people feel better about themselves. 3. Render aid to people. And in finalizing the steps, genuinely love people. You just can’t go wrong by remembering to “love one another” (John 15:17).

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Who’s at Your Gate?

19 Dec

Did you know, there is a story about a very rich man who lived every day in the greatest of luxury? His wardrobe was quite exquisite, and he was known for his great wealth. One day, a beggar, who was covered in sores and longing just for something to eat, had been laid at the entrance gate of the rich man’s home. This beggar was only hoping to eat what fell from the rich man’s table and nothing more. What’s interesting is that the dogs which were in the area cared more for this man than the rich man. For the dogs at least noticed, approached the beggar and licked his sores. The rich man ignored the beggar even though he had the means to care for all his needs, from food to medical care. But the story goes even deeper than just the rich man’s lack of concern for others, it reveals a man who ignored truth, because he was so caught up in his wealth.

As the story goes both the beggar and the rich man eventually died, the beggar to an eternal life of comfort, and the rich man to one of agony. The rich man, who would be tormented in the place of hell forever could see the beggar in a different place than he, a place of eternal comfort. Seeing this, he wanted the beggar to bring him relief, but it was not possible for their eternal destinies had been set. When this realization was evident to the rich man, he requested that the beggar be sent from his place of comfort to his five brothers, to warn them of the place of torment. He thought that if someone from the dead would go to them, they would repent. However, he was told that if his brothers would not listen to truth, they would not be convinced even though someone rose from the grave.

This story really can be life changing for us all. You see, everyone is concerned about life after death. I know that is a chilling statement, but study after study reveals people are concerned about this very topic. The older, if we’re so fortunate, and the closer to death we get, the topic of life after death becomes important. Having this knowledge, the story above reveals that truth takes precedent over all things. Not, money, fame, or earthly comforts. We must listen for the truth! And truth does not kill, steal, or destroy, but gives life, abundant and eternal.

The rich man cared only for himself, not his brothers, or even a crippled, sore covered, hungry man, laid at his very gate. He refused to listen to truth, which ended for him in eternal torment and possibly that of his brothers too, if they followed his example. Truth really does matter, and the rich man came face to face with truth after his death. His story being told is so important for us all. It gives each of us an opportunity to assess our earthly lives, listen to the truth, and care for others.

This may lead us to ask, “What is truth?”, which was asked by another historical figure, Pontius Pilate during the trial of Jesus recorded in the New Testament Gospels of the Bible and by Tacitus and Josephus who were historical writers of the times. Jesus in an earlier conversation with his disciples stated, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 16:6a). If we are listening, then truth is a person and we should be listening to Him, (Jesus) and no other. The rich man came face to face with truth, learning too late the consequences of not listening, not repenting, and the neglecting others has on one’s destiny.

Truth would ask for our attention. It would not ask for us to steal, kill, or destroy, in any fashion. Truth would want us to share or even give our lives for others, so that they too could live their eternal life in comfort and not torment. Are we listening to Truth? As stated earlier, truth can be found in Jesus, who is the Truth. Let us call out to Him and He will reveal Truth to us. So, the question is, “Who’s at your gate?” Life or Death? Comfort or Torment? We all get to choose!

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Overcoming Disability: A Journey of Faith

12 Dec

Did you know there is a wonderful story of a woman in the middle east who had struggled with a physical disability for 18 years. The disability may have been a severe case of scoliosis, an abnormally curved spine. There is no way to know the correct diagnosis because the story does not give us one. The description is only that she was bent over and could not raise herself up. The description, however, does give us enough information to scoliosis.

Can you sense the pain this woman must have endured for 18 years. Not only the physical pain but the difficulty in getting a good deep breath. How about the emotional and mental pain. Just trying to imagine her dilemma would be hard for most of us, but there are those who can. Like those who suffer in their own disability, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally. Many of these disabilities are invisible, yet people are suffering. You might be asking, how this woman’s story has anything to do with those suffering with disabilities today? Maybe, just maybe finding or renewing their hope.

As the story goes, during the time of this woman’s life there was a man who traveled throughout the region in which she lived healing every kind of disease and illness, even those who were demon possessed, epileptic, or paralyzed. He healed them all. What’s interesting about this story is the cause of her disability. You see, this man happened to be teaching in the city she lived and saw her. He couldn’t help but notice her disability or sickness and called her over to himself. Once she made her way to him, he had compassion for her and told her she was healed of her sickness. He then touched her and instantly she could stand straight. He told those who questioned him about her healing, that she had been held in bondage by Satan for 18 years and that it was right for him to release her.

Wow, what a story! A story of healing and deliverance. And what’s even more exciting is that this same man lives today, being the same as he was then, today, and forever. Let’s dive a little deeper into this man. You see, this man’s coming was foretold years before by another. He described his appearance as nothing beautiful or majestic, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. A man people would turn their backs on and look the other way, not even caring. Yet this man carried our weaknesses. Our sorrows weighed him down. He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins, beaten so we could be whole, and whipped so we could be healed. Yet we ignore this back story. We’re blinded to the truth about this man. This man is Jesus, the son of God. God himself who came in the flesh. Who loved us and gave himself for us, so we could be made right with him.

This man, Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah about himself, when he said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that the captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come” (Luke 4:18,19). You see, Jesus is the answer to our deepest need. The need for our sins to be forgiven, our lives to be made whole, and the healing of our body, soul, and spirit. Jesus also said, the thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. But his purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life, an abundant life (see John 10:10).

Jesus is calling us all to himself as he did the woman in this story. He says, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

The story of the woman with the disability can be found in Luke 13:11-33. Its truth will resonate with hope and an expectation of the possibilities of healing and deliverance for anyone who comes to Jesus, the Son of God!

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