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.
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.
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.
When a believer is working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging their obedience does not rob God of praise; it returns it to Him.
Sometimes, Christians mistake deflection for humility. We see it often: a pastor delivers a powerful, life-giving sermon, and when someone says, “Thank you,” the response is a quick dismissal, with eyes lifted upward and hands raised, as if to say, “It wasn’t me; it was the Lord.” Worship leaders do the same, shrinking back when thanked for a Spirit-led time of praise, believing that accepting a compliment somehow diminishes God’s glory.
But Scripture teaches us something deeper.
When a believer is working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging their obedience does not rob God of praise; it returns it to Him. The Apostle Paul understood this balance well. He wrote:
“I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” — 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)
Paul did not deny his effort, nor did he claim the glory. He recognized the work and credited the power behind it. That is true humility.
When someone thanks a spiritual servant for a job well done, they are recognizing evidence of God at work. To reject that acknowledgment outright is not humility. It risks silencing the testimony of what the Holy Spirit has accomplished through willing hands.
The better response is to receive the compliment with gratitude and intentionally pass the praise where it belongs. A simple, sincere acknowledgment honors both the obedience of the servant and the power of the Spirit working through them.
So accept the compliment, and then offer it upward.
Perspective. That’s what frames our opinions − whether we lean toward optimism or pessimism, whether we agree or disagree on an issue. Our experiences shape our viewpoints
Scripture Reading “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” — John 7:24 (NKJV)
I attended an event where the speaker projected a simple image onto the screen: a glass of water. Then came the familiar question: “Is the glass half full or half empty?”
Naturally, the audience was divided. Some saw the glass as half full, while others saw it as half empty.
It was a sales motivation conference, and the question was designed to reveal whether we tend to think positively or negatively. I answered, “Half full.” But then I realized something deeper: The question itself is rhetorical. The real answer depends on one key factor: your personal experience with the glass.
Think about it. If the glass was empty when you first saw it and you poured in water halfway, you’d likely say it’s half full. But if the glass was once full and you poured out half the water, you’d probably say it’s half empty.
Perspective. That’s what frames our opinions − whether we lean toward optimism or pessimism, whether we agree or disagree on an issue. Our experiences shape our viewpoints.
It reminds me of something from debate class. Remember how we learned that every argument has two sides? Later, when I began studying law, my instructor made that lesson come alive. On the very first day, he divided the class into two groups − one to represent the plaintiff and the other, the defendant. We presented our cases and received our grades.
Then came the twist: He switched our roles. The plaintiff’s team now had to argue for the defense, and the defense had to represent the plaintiff. Our success depended on how well we could understand and defend a position we once opposed.
That exercise taught me one of the most valuable lessons of all: truth and understanding often live somewhere between both sides. (As a side note, I didn’t finish law school − family obligations took precedence − but I still hold deep respect for that noble profession.)
What I want to convey today is this: Before judging others for seeing things differently, pause to consider their perspective. Life shapes each of us uniquely. The person beside you may have walked a path that led them to see the same “glass” in a completely different way.
We learned this lesson back in high school debate class, so how did we grow up and forget it?
Application
Before reacting to someone whose opinion differs from yours, take a moment to ask yourself, What might their experience have been? When we take time to understand the perspective behind a person’s belief, we often find empathy and even wisdom that we might have otherwise missed.
Reflection Question
When was the last time you took a moment to see a situation from someone else’s point of view? How might doing so change the way you respond?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the reminder that perspective shapes how we see the world and one another. Teach me to listen with compassion and to respond with grace when opinions differ. Help me to remember that understanding begins where judgment ends. May I see others through the lens of love, just as You see me. Amen.
In today’s world, kindness seems to be losing its place. But Scripture reminds us that love is patient and kind, and judgment belongs only to God.
Scripture Reading Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Matthew 7:1-2
Reflection In today’s world, kindness seems to be losing its place. Too often, people choose dismissal over understanding, judgment over compassion, and even celebration over someone else’s downfall. But Scripture reminds us that love is patient and kind, and judgment belongs only to God.
My mother once gave me advice that has stayed with me all my life. She said, “If you truly want to live a righteous life, act as if someone were following you with a camera, ready to post your every action on a billboard.” That simple wisdom made me think carefully about my words and actions, considering how they affect others.
I strive to approach life with authenticity and compassion. Whether in business or personal relationships, I seek a win-win outcome and do my best to see things from the other person’s perspective. This doesn’t mean I tolerate harmful behavior, but it does mean I try to see people as human beings worthy of love, just as God sees us.
I am far from perfect, and I thank God for His mercy. When I repent, He forgives and wipes the slate clean. No one on earth is perfect, and no one has the right to belittle or condemn others for their differences. Only God is the Judge. Our role is to love.
Application The world will always tempt us to react with judgment, anger, or indifference, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. When faced with conflict or differences, pause and consider how your words and actions will reflect God’s love. Choose patience over impatience, compassion over criticism, and understanding over judgment.
When you are tempted to dismiss someone because of their choices, beliefs, or behaviors, remember God sees them, too, and He calls you to love as He loves.
Reflection Question Am I quicker to judge or to love? How can I show patience, kindness, and understanding in my next interaction with someone who challenges me?
Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that love is patient, kind, and free of judgment. Forgive me for the times I have judged others instead of showing Your love. Help me to see people as You see them, with compassion, grace, and truth. Teach me to live with authenticity, choosing words and actions that honor You. May my life reflect Your love so that others are drawn closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Choose love over judgment, because only God sees the whole story.”
Living with integrity may cost us in the short term, but it blesses us in ways the world can never offer. When we refuse to conform to the world and instead let God direct our thinking, we walk in His perfect will.
Scripture Reading
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Standing Firm in Integrity
In business and in life, it’s easy to feel the pressure to do what everyone else is doing. Sometimes that pressure comes in the form of a subtle nudge: “Just bend the truth a little.” Other times, it’s more direct: “If you don’t cut corners, you’ll fall behind.”
I am a real estate broker, and I remember a time early in my career when I faced a moment when I was urged to smooth over the facts in order to make a transaction move forward more quickly. On the surface, it seemed harmless. No one would get hurt, and no one might even notice. But in my spirit, I felt the weight of that decision. Would I conform to the pattern of the world, or would I stand firm in truth?
I chose integrity. The deal didn’t move as fast as others hoped, but God gave me something much more valuable: peace in my heart and the confidence of knowing I had honored Him. Later, I realized He also strengthened my reputation. Clients knew they could trust me because I was unwilling to compromise, even if it meant moving things along more quickly. Cutting out steps in the process would have meant closing the transaction sooner; however, these missed steps had the potential to be an issue in later years.
That’s the beauty of living God’s way. Integrity may cost us in the short term, but it blesses us in ways the world can never offer. Romans 12:2 reminds us that when we refuse to conform and instead let God direct our thinking, we walk in His perfect will.
Reflection Question
Think of a time when you were tempted to compromise your integrity. How did you respond? Looking back, what do you think God wanted to teach you in that moment?
Practical Application
Today, commit to one action that reflects integrity in your work or personal life. It may be as simple as telling the truth in a difficult situation, keeping your word even when it’s inconvenient, or refusing to take an easy shortcut. Trust that God will honor your obedience and strengthen your witness.
Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to conform to the ways of this world. Help me to stand firm in truth and integrity, even when it costs me something. Renew my mind so that my choices reflect Your will, and let my life be a testimony of honesty that points others to You. Amen.
Living authentically is about walking in truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us.
From the time I can remember, I have felt a deep calling to teach, to encourage, and to help others discover who they truly are in Christ. Recently, that calling took on a new dimension when I completed an intensive program to become a Certified Authenticity Life Coach.
On my very first day of certification, I met with a woman who faced a struggle many of us can relate to, choosing between pleasing others and honoring her own God-given path. She has a servant’s heart, always eager to help, but this time she was torn. Someone wanted her to take on a responsibility that didn’t align with her true calling, and she felt pressured. Her heart said no, but her fear of disappointing others said yes.
That moment reminded me of the truth found in Psalm 139:13 (NKJV): “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.”
God did not create us by accident. He carefully designed every part of who we are, our bodies, our personalities, our emotions, and even our unique ways of serving others. When we ignore that divine design and allow others to push us away from our true purpose, we step out of alignment with the life God created us to live.
The Holy Spirit whispers to each of us, guiding us toward the purpose that brings glory to God and fulfillment to our souls. Your talents, your passions, and your voice are not random; they are gifts meant to be used authentically.
Jesus said in John 8:32 (NKJV): “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Living authentically is about walking in that truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us. Instead, we anchor ourselves in the promises of God.
When we choose to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” as we are reminded in Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
…we find a freedom this world cannot give. We discover peace, joy, and fulfillment, not because life is perfect, but because our hearts are aligned with God’s will.
To live authentically through God’s eyes is to live in truth. It’s to accept that He made us intentionally. We are to love ourselves as His creation, and boldly walk in the path He has prepared.
When we do this, life becomes lighter. Our service becomes more meaningful. And our joy? It overflows.
Reflection
Ask yourself today: Am I living the life God designed for me, or am I letting the expectations of others pull me away from His purpose? Remember, authenticity in Christ is not selfish; it is obedience. When you embrace the person God created you to be, you not only walk in freedom, but you also bless others with the unique gifts only you can give.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me with intention and love. Help me to hear Your voice above all others and to walk boldly in the path You have prepared for me. Teach me to live authentically, seeking Your Kingdom first, and trusting that everything I need will be added in Your perfect timing. May my life be a reflection of Your truth and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth.
Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth, like people, habits, places, and even comforts that once felt essential. What feels like loss is often divine pruning. He breaks down what is unstable so He can rebuild something unshakable within you. This breaking is not punishment, it is preparation. It’s God clearing the path for a stronger, wiser, more refined version of you.
Just like a caterpillar cannot become a butterfly without shedding its former self, you cannot transform by clinging to what once was. The cocoon is a place of isolation and undoing, but it’s also the sacred space where wings are formed.
You may feel like your world is collapsing, but in truth, it’s being realigned. Some people will fall away, not because they dislike you, but because they are no longer meant to go where God is taking you. They were part of your past, not your purpose. And that’s okay. As one wise man said, “It’s better to walk alone than to walk with those who are going nowhere.”
Let God do the removing, the refining, and the reshaping. What He rebuilds will be greater than what you lost.
I wrote this post because people often ask about my political beliefs. But when I try to explain where I stand, especially when my views differ from theirs, I’m often met with interruptions, condescension, or outright dismissal. Instead of having a respectful dialogue, I’m treated as if my beliefs are too offensive to even be heard.
Let me be clear: I listen. I stay open to what others have to say because I know we live in a world full of misinformation, manipulation, and media spin. Deepfakes, fake news, and agenda-driven narratives are everywhere. So, who can we really trust?
The truth is, in today’s world, “truth” often depends on what we choose to believe, and too often, our beliefs are shaped by sources that aren’t as honest or reliable as they claim to be. That’s why I think for myself. I seek out facts. And I form beliefs based on personal experience, reflection, and discernment.
This post isn’t about converting anyone to my way of thinking. It’s about having the space to share my perspective without being silenced, mocked, or dismissed. These are my beliefs. My truth. And I’m choosing to express them here, fully and freely, because every voice deserves to be heard with dignity, even if others don’t agree.
I’ve come to a place in life where I understand what matters most to me and my household. When I vote, it’s not about political parties. It’s about policies, policies that allow me to build the life I’ve worked hard to create.
Why I Vote the Way I Do
Over the years, I’ve noticed specific patterns. People in different life stages or economic situations often align with different parties. For instance, those working for others or facing financial hardship may find that Democratic policies better support their immediate needs, such as healthcare, job programs, or housing support. I can relate. When I was just starting out, I leaned that way, too. I needed support, and I appreciated the programs that helped me get on my feet.
But later, when I became a business owner, my perspective shifted. I began to see how certain regulations and tax requirements made it harder for me to keep my business going, let alone help it grow. In one particularly challenging year, I had to lay off and let go of my employees. The financial strain from government mandates was just too much.
Then, when the political landscape changed and new policies were introduced, ones that lightened the tax burden and made running a business more feasible, I was able to rebuild. It wasn’t about party loyalty. It was about what allowed me to continue providing jobs, serving my clients, and supporting my family.
I believe in paying my fair share. I believe in treating employees well. And anyone who has worked with me knows that I give generously when I’m able. But to give, I first need the freedom to grow, and sometimes, that means voting for policies that support businesses.
I also understand that people have different needs. Some voters may base their decisions on issues such as education, healthcare, or the environment. That’s their right, and I respect it. We all live different lives, and we all vote with the hope of improving them.
As for political affiliations, I don’t claim any one label. I vote based on alignment with my values and the future I want for my home. Do I agree with everything any one party says or does? No. But I try to choose the candidates whose policies will best serve my family’s needs.
On the topic of immigration, I believe this country is built on the strength and beauty of its immigrant roots. I’ve known many families who came here legally, worked hard, and became citizens. What I struggle with is the idea of bypassing the process. Like any home, I believe our country deserves the right to know who’s coming in and why, just as I would want to know before someone walks into my own home uninvited. That’s not about a lack of compassion. It’s about order, safety, and fairness.
At the end of the day, no matter who holds office, I choose to pray for them. Whether I voted for them or not, whether I like them or not, I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in praying for wisdom, for guidance, and for leadership that benefits all of us. That’s what my faith teaches me.
For People of Faith
For those who are people of faith, I think it’s important to remember what Scripture says about our leaders. Here are a few verses that guide me:
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) – “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…”
Romans 13:1 (ESV) – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…”
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
These verses help center me when politics feel divisive or discouraging. I believe our time here on earth is part of a greater test: to live by our faith and our values, regardless of what the world looks like around us. My role, as I see it, isn’t to complain or tear others down, but to live out my beliefs through love, prayer, and trust in God’s bigger plan.
So, when I cast my vote, I think about the bigger picture, my household, my faith, and how I can best contribute to the well-being of those around me. And I trust that others are doing the same, even if their choices look different from mine.
This is simply who I am: someone who chooses prayer over protest, love over labels, and faith over fear. I may not get everything right, but I try to walk this journey with integrity, grace, and compassion for all people.
Let’s Talk
I shared these thoughts not to argue or persuade, but to invite an honest and respectful conversation. These are my beliefs, shaped by my experiences and perspective. You may agree, or you may not, and that’s okay. My only ask is that we listen to each other with open minds and mutual respect. Let’s have the kind of discussion where every voice is heard, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
Voice of Hope by Marlene 