Month: February 2026

Will the Most Important Person in the Room Raise Your Hand?

Some people mistakenly believe that more education or a higher title makes them more significant.

If you believe you’re the most important person in the room, go ahead and raise your hand.

It sounds almost humorous when you say it out loud. And yet, haven’t we all been in spaces where someone silently, or not so silently, seems to carry that very belief? I know I have.

Here’s the truth: no one in the room is more important than anyone else.

This reflection has been on my heart since a recent experience at a restaurant. I was enjoying a quiet meal when I witnessed a customer loudly ridicule a waitress because her glass of water didn’t have ice. What could have been a simple request turned into a humiliating scene. The customer belittled the waitress’s job and even suggested she “go to college” and “be somebody.”

My heart ached for that waitress. No one deserves to be diminished over something so trivial, and certainly not for earning an honest living.

Every person matters. Every job carries value.

Think about it. Without servers, how would we enjoy the experience of dining out? Without the countless individuals who serve in roles often overlooked, many of the comforts we take for granted would simply not exist.

Some people mistakenly believe that more education or a higher title makes them more significant. But significance is not measured by degrees or job descriptions. It is measured by character.

Consider the example of Jesus Christ. In John 13:14 (NIV), He says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” He didn’t just speak about humility, He demonstrated it. He washed the feet of His disciples, of sinners, and even of Judas Iscariot, the very man who would later betray Him.

That act alone dismantles the idea that status determines worth.

If the One called Lord and Teacher could kneel in service, who are we to stand in superiority?

Today, let us choose gratitude over arrogance. Let us extend kindness instead of criticism. Let us remember that dignity belongs to everyone, whether they are leading a company, serving a meal, or quietly doing work the world rarely notices.

And the next time we find ourselves in a room full of people, may we remember: we are important, but so is everyone else.

Christians Get a Bad Rap

Let me clear this up: Christians are not perfect. If we were, God would’ve already upgraded us to Heaven Premium.

I think Christians get a bad rap. Some people imagine we walk around glowing, clutching our Bibles, judging everyone like we’re on the Heavenly Olympics of Holiness. Spoiler alert: we’re not perfect. If we were, we’d probably already be in heaven sipping angel-inspired lemonade.

Let me clear this up: Christians are not perfect. If we were, God would’ve already upgraded us to Heaven Premium. We’re just regular people doing our best to become the person God had in mind when He made us, flaws, typos, and all. We’re kind of like a lifelong spiritual renovation project.

When we make a personal decision to believe in Jesus, it doesn’t mean we think we’re better than anyone else. It means we’re trying to live by heaven’s house rules while still surviving earth’s chaos. Earth is basically a temporary Airbnb, and heaven is the forever dream home with no drama, no hate, and definitely no internet trolls.

Now, heaven probably isn’t letting in people who thrive on being mean, messy, and full of negativity. Think of it like a gated community with strict Homeowner Association (HOA) rules. The Bible is like our version of Bylaws and Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), with rules like: No haters, no troublemakers, and no bad vibes allowed.

Jesus is the gatekeeper, and we can only get to heaven through Him. And, friends, when I show up at heaven’s front door, I’m hoping my name is on the guest list. I dream of a place with zero gossip, zero hate, and absolutely no comment sections. That’s why I try to live with kindness, respect, love, and good intentions, because I figure that ups my chances of getting past the velvet rope.

Now, do I get it right all the time? Absolutely not. I’m human. Sometimes I mess up, trip over my own attitude, recognize my mistake, and say, “Lord, my bad.” I ask for forgiveness. The Lord forgives me, and I keep going. Every time I try again, I feel like I’ve levelled up spiritually.

I’m not here to force anyone to believe what I believe. You might not even think heaven or hell is real, and that’s your choice. I’m just explaining why I live the way I do. For me, loving beats hating. Kindness beats cruelty. And positivity beats being miserable any day.

So, if you see me trying to be good, just know I’m not acting holy, I’m trying to keep my reservation at Heaven’s All-Inclusive Resort.

Not Everyone Deserves Access to Your World

Protect your heart. Not everyone deserves access to your inner world.

Just because people want to be in your world doesn’t mean you need to give them access. Your world is sacred. And if you want peace in your life, you must be intentional about who gets close to you.

It took me a long time to accept that not everyone gets to be my friend. I learned that lesson through deep hurt from someone I once believed was a lifelong friend. Because we disagreed politically, she said things that made me feel less than human. Her words cut deeply. I cried for days, questioning myself, my character, and my worth. My heart felt shattered.

Then one day, my husband said to me, “Marlene, you’re the nicest person I know. Not everybody gets to be your friend.” And he walked away.

That simple statement changed my life.

It marked the beginning of my journey to release people who had no right to disrupt my peace or tear down my spirit. I understand that people act from their own wounds and beliefs, but when someone repeatedly brings harm into my life, I’ve learned to lovingly but firmly remove their access.

This isn’t about being arrogant or “holier-than-thou.” It’s about honoring who I am. You are you. I am me. We all deserve respect. If mutual respect isn’t present, there’s no obligation to stay connected.

If you know me, you know I’m all about love. Love yourself first. Love others as they are. We don’t have to agree with everyone, but we should treat everyone with dignity. And if you follow Jesus, you know His love is for everyone. He doesn’t discriminate. He loves unconditionally, and He calls us to love the same way.

Some people may test my patience, but even when I don’t particularly like someone’s choices or lifestyle, I choose to love them, pray for them, and wish them well, from a healthy distance.

To keep your soul at peace, be discerning. You don’t need to be loud, rude, or unkind. But you do need boundaries. Protect your heart. Not everyone deserves access to your inner world.

I pray you are always surrounded by the love you deserve. Live in love, peace, honor, and respect.