Love is the most powerful force in work and life. Love is how I break free and become me. This is true for all of us. But we ignore it, isolate, and discard it instead of lassoing and utilizing love’s capacity. Love is a maxim and a mandate. It is the work of warriors in courtrooms, boardrooms, and family rooms.

I married my prom date and love him, still. We journey together through raising four kids, dancing in the kitchen, work, and joys while facing illness, distractions, doubt, exhaustion, and wonder. Our goal is for those four beauties to know they are so loved, wonderfully made, and called to carry.

Most of us are in need of a gracious welcome more than an onslaught of advice. As the child of a bridge-builder, civil rights leader, and purveyor of oatmeal cookies and laughter, my father taught me life is more than running our race, it was how to handle the inevitable falls and crushing tumbles. Strength is not only in the act of getting up, but in helping others restore their race and pace. Together, we can achieve long savored dreams and conquer mountainous obstacles by growing in grit, grace, hope, and love.

Let’s begin and wonderfully become.