Most of all, love

  “...and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  Hebrews 10:24-25 (RSV)

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During a time of larger nation-wide and global change, our bold organization is strategically improving our operating framework to welcome, unify, orient, and encourage women around our common vision to: “turn faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.” 

It’s an exciting time for all of us as we continue to grow and adapt, motivated and responsive to new ideas for the rapidly revolving world in which we live.  We’re transforming the way we operate as an organization to continuously improve our ability to provide opportunities to grow spiritually, offer enriching and transformative educational experiences, and equip women and girls to be leaders, while continually striving toward justice through service and advocacy.
 
You, as United Methodist Women, have the vision, the knowledge, the ability, and the experience to help us build into the future. You are truly our greatest legacy today and for tomorrow!  You never know how your story might inspire another.  Ponder this lovely insight from young Anne Frank: “Everyone has inside them a piece of good news.  The good news is you don’t know how great you can be!  How much you can love!  What you can accomplish!  And what your potential is.”
 
I’ve grown to understand that many people have helped me along my way, providing me with what I couldn’t do for myself. Family, my church family, co-workers, team members, staff, and friends around me have spiritual gifts that have complemented my own talents.  The God-given abilities and insights that accompany each gift enrich my life and move me to work with greater joy and efficiency. 
 
Celebrate others!  Support the dreams, goals, and loving acts of all people, and we will make the world a better place one person at a time. Then, those people begin to respond by helping and reaching out to others.  We will explore new opportunities and share our creativity in ways that will benefit the organization and those we serve!  During this time, we manifest qualities such as encouragement, humility, understanding, resilience, and, most of all, love.
 
Bonita
 
Dear Lord, Thank You for fearfully and wonderfully creating each of us. Thank You for giving us worth in Your eyes. Help us live as the one You uniquely intended us to be. Help us abide instead of strive, living peacefully and joyfully as heirs to Your Kingdom and co-heirs with Christ.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.