Staring ME in the face.

Moving away from everything and everyone I've ever known has forced me to take a closer look at who I am. In lonely times, in happy satisfied moments, or in just busy seasons of work and ministry, all that matters is that who I am reflects who Jesus is. That's no easy task. In fact, it isn't a task at all. It's more of a natural result of a natural progression. I truly believe that the more I seek God, the more I'll know Him. And the more I know God, the more I'll love Him. And the more I love God, the more I'll care about the the things He cares about... and when all that happens, I think I'll be on the right track to becoming the woman God created me to be.

Lately, in a few leadership blogs I subscribe to, I've come across many articles on character. There are so many that have struck a chord in me, but here are a few from Andy Stanley that have impacted me the most.

1. You can lead without character... But character is what makes you a leader worth following.

2. Character is the will to do what’s right even when it’s hard.

3. Your accomplishments as a leader will make your name known, but your character will determine what people associate with your name.

4. The irony of being a leader with character is that your willingness to do what is right may jeopardize your forward momentum.

5. Character is not made in crisis; it is only exhibited.

One more blogworthy mention on character -
Before interviewing for my first job out of high school, my dad gave me some great advice about character. I'll never forget it. I think I remember having a list of all of my "skills" and experience written out on a piece of paper. As I was listing them off to my dad, he stopped me and said, "all those things are great, Lauren...your people skills, your computer skills, your willingness to learn are awesome, but what you need to tell your future boss is that above all else, you CARE about your reputation and your character." Ever since then, whenever anyone has ever told me I shouldn't care what people think about me, I feel a conviction in the core of my stinkin' soul! I ABSOLUTELY care about what people think of me. I care that my character is reflecting God's heart.

Here's me and Riley contemplating "character". Not really. But...I thought it was cute. This was our talk on the curb outside, watching the sunset in our jammies before bedtime.