Do You Want To Be In My Squad?

Of all the squads in the world, I have the best one. Hands down!! No one can beat them. My girl gang spans the globe, consists of risk takers, world changers, encouragers, leaders, entrepreneurs and women who are on mission. I decided long ago that life was too short not to have a group of women in my corner. Women who stood out from the crowd, who weren’t afraid to make their mark on the world. And, I have to admit … I am nothing without them! They lift me up when I’m down, and they believe when I am tired and weary. These women have stood the test of time, walked through the fire with me, and have been there when I am at my best (and my worst). 

They sound amazing, don’t they? Who wouldn’t want in! But here is the hard truth. Not every girl is up for the task of being part of my squad. There is a reason my girl squad is strong. We have made a commitment to one another to there in the good times and the bad. And above all else, we seek to spur each other on to reach our full potential. Honestly, not everyone wants that. Not every woman is willing to lower themselves, and allow their friend to jump on their shoulders. But, if you are one of those women who is ready to take on the task, then I want to invite you to be apart of my squad.  

These amazing women... 

1) Speak generously This may sound super easy, but on the days when you have been through your own hell on earth the last thing you want to do is call up your friend and speak words of encouragement into their situation. But I’ll tell you, women who speak generously, live a life that honours others above themselves. 

2) Bring perspective. They know how to be positive in light of a negative situation. We all know life is hard. But, that's not what is needed when you have lost your job, or you are so overwhelmed that you can’t see the light of day. Instead they bring fresh perspective and light to dark places.  

3) Reveal truth. When life can be toxic and our beliefs about ourselves masked in deception, these women reveal what is true. They know how to speak the truth of who we are, and whose we are.  

4) Applaud destiny. They know the fastest way to achieve our potential is by being cheered on in the race. So they take their place at the side lines and cheer wildly.  

5) Encourage faithfulness. At the end of the day, these women encourage us to continue on when when we are tempted to give up. 

I would love for you to be a part of my squad, and hopefully you are (even virtually). But, I really wanted to encourage you to get out there and forge relationships with women that will not only take you to the next level, but will also be an encouragement to them. It’s time to leave those toxic relationships behind for good.

Together we are better. 

Why Purpose Is Found In Community

If you had all the resource (including time, money and people) available to you, what would you do with it? I love asking people this question, and get so excited when I get to hear their response. 

Quite likely you might respond by saying that you want to write a book about your life experiences so that you can help someone else going through the same struggles. Perhaps, you would share about your concern for others and  how you want to open a home for unwanted children so that they could experience a love they have never known. You might even tell me that you would pay off all your existing debts so that you can take better care of your family. 

I have asked this question many times. Of all the times I have asked a friend or a client that question, the answer has never been about amassing their own wealth or fame. Even if it would be nice to have all the riches in the world, that would not bring about purpose and fulfillment. 

Our dreams are definitely a huge indicator of the purpose for which we have been designed. You better believe that God created us to have vision, and to be challenged to walk it out in our every day lives. But why does He want us to know our purpose, and where is it found?

I believe our purpose is found in the bonds of relationship. With our creator and in the context of community. The big question I want to ask is, ‘would we really be living out our purpose if it only directly effected our own life?’ I believe the answer to that is a resounding, ‘NO'.

• Purpose is found by being vulnerable in relationship.

The ability to be transparent with your struggles and challenges will propel you further than you ever thought possible. Lean into relationship. Although we are often tempted to isolate, we must resist it at all costs. 

• Purpose is found in partnership with a greater vision than our own.

Vision grows and is fostered when we are in collaboration. Maybe you have vision for your own life, ministry or business. That’s awesome! But ask God where He may want you to partner with a vision greater than what you own now. This will not only expand your vision, but challenge you to think bigger. 

• Purpose is found when we learn to overcome conflict.

The temptation to cut and run during conflict is often one of the biggest reasons people never see their purpose come to pass. Don’t bail on conflict, work it out.

• Purpose is found by moving through transition.

Our purpose walks us through seasons, and each of those seasons come with change and transition. Embrace change, and walk out your transition with integrity.

• Purpose is found when we connect others to God. 

It’s not really about us! Whoa, mind blown. It’s all about Him! 

Are you living your purpose in the context of community? If one of these area's hits on a nerve then is may be that you need to focus on that area. Purpose is not all about our individual lives, it is outworked when we are working together to affect change and point others to God. 

Together we are better!

I am so excited to launch Purpose Coaching Online on June 22, 2016. This is a great opportunity for you to discover your purpose in the context of community. Click HERE