ANNOUNCEMENT.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT. Do you remember the first one you ever sent out? I do!

It was September 3, 1978 in Salina, KS where my firstborn, a son, came into the world. I couldn't be more excited to tell the world. I have a son! A little baby boy!!

What was to be the most exciting day of our lives, became the scariest as he was born two weeks early and a preemie. He was whisked away to the NICU and put in an incubator that was his home for two weeks. We actually took him home on his due date, September 18th.

That's when it got really scary as they placed this baby boy in our care. We were really young parents and had no idea how to take care of a baby. We were just old enough to take care of ourselves.

However, through the support of our family that lived next door (on both sides) we discovered that he needed the same thing we did. Food, warmth, cuddles, sleep, and security. Our village was as wide as their hearts and as deep as their love for our baby boy.

This time of year reminds me of another baby boy. One that was born in a stable, lying in a manger on hay, surrounded by animals, and away from his homeland with two young parents. It is this birth that creates awe in me year-round. Who would have thought he could survive under those conditions, but not only did he survive, but he thrived.

Next came his village. Lonely shepherds tending their flock on the nearby fields. An angel announcing his birth and a multitude singing his praises. The shepherds seeking him out that very night to worship him.

Two years later, three Wisemen came to expand his village, following a star to his point of birth in Bethlehem. They came to worship him bringing him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

If you don't know by now, I am talking about the birth of Jesus.

Luke 2: 1-20 gives the best account of his birth and one of my most favorite verses in the Bible,

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men."

This weekly blog is about the spiritual component of my leadership style. I chose to lead through my Christian faith and to influence accordingly. I chose to be diligent in my work and to those I serve in the nonprofit arena.

“If a Christian is not willing to rise early and work late, to expend greater effort in diligent study and faithful work, that person will not change a generation. Fatigue is the price of leadership. Mediocrity is the result of never getting tired.” ― J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership: A Commitment to Excellence for Every Believer

This Christmas season I pray you evaluate your belief system. It's your beliefs that will establish your core values and support your leadership style.

As a woman of faith, I chose Jesus this Christmas season and all year-round.

Merry Christmas!

What She Said ~ Beverly

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