SOWING WITH PURPOSE, REAPING WITH PROMISE

Reap As You Sow

I've often found myself drawn to the concept of sowing and reaping. It is more than just a catchy phrase; it is a guiding principle that has shaped my journey. It is about understanding that leadership is not a destination but a continuous process of growth, giving, and receiving.

Breaking Free from Limitations

I've always admired those who dare to lead without limits. My sons, Josh and Ethan, have been a constant source of inspiration. Ethan's passion for challenging the status quo reminds me that age shouldn't define our capabilities. He's a powerful advocate for young leaders, urging us to be seen as equals and recognized for our unique contributions. Ethan urged leaders to treat younger individuals as equals - acknowledging their humanity and recognizing the depth of their capabilities. This perspective challenges us to reevaluate our approach and extend genuine respect and understanding to young leaders. 

Josh, on the other hand, has taught me the importance of staying true to oneself. In a world that often pressures us to conform, authenticity is our greatest strength. It's the foundation upon which we can build lasting relationships and make a meaningful impact. He shared his belief that young leaders should not be defined by societal expectations or pressured into imitating someone else's journey. Instead, he encouraged young leaders to stay true to themselves and embrace their individuality.

As a mom, I don’t calculate how much my sons have invested in our relationship to determine how much I’ll give back to them. From the moment I knew they were mine, I’ve been reaping the joy and love that comes from sowing into their lives. That’s how love works. And that’s how God’s economy works too.

The Power of Sowing

One of the most profound lessons I've learned is the Zulu word Sawubona, which means "I see you." It's a reminder that leadership is not just about telling people what to do; it's about seeing their potential and treating them with respect. When we sow our time, care, and authenticity into others, we create a ripple effect that can change lives. When you share the real stories of your journey with Jesus—how He has shown up for you—people don’t care about the latest lingo or the perfect packaging. They lean in to hear what you’re sowing into their souls. They resonate with your authenticity, your struggles, and the new life emerging from old seeds. 

The Bible also offers valuable insights into this concept. Isaiah 55:9-11 describes how God's word goes out and accomplishes its purpose, just like rain that waters the earth. Similarly, the seeds we sow—our investments in others—don't return empty. God multiplies them in ways beyond our understanding.

Young leaders have a unique opportunity to challenge the status quo, sowing seeds of authenticity, empathy, and respect, with young leaders leading in a way that breaks boundaries and inspires others.

Leading with Abundance

Leading limitless means adopting a mindset of possibility and abundance. It is about looking outward to see others' value and looking inward to tap into your own potential. This reminds me of Amos 9:13, which speaks of a time when the plowman overtakes the reaper, and the mountains dripping with abundance. God's blessings are so vast and abundant that they overwhelm us when we least expect it!

As a young leader, your harvest is not just waiting at the end of your journey. It's happening even now. The seeds you sow—your efforts, authenticity, and leadership—are already bearing fruit. The resilience you build, the empathy you practice, and the patience you exhibit all contribute to the ongoing harvest you are gathering.

These qualities form the acronym REAP—Resilience, Empathy, Authenticity, and Patience. They are foundational to thriving as a leader without limits.

• Resilience: Don't give up when challenges arise. Jesus never gave up on you, and in Him, there's no such thing as "game over."
• Empathy: Seek to understand others first, before expecting them to understand you.
• Authenticity: Stay true to who you are. People follow leaders they can trust, not facades.
• Patience: Trust that God will complete the good work He's begun, even if you can't see the full picture right now.

Sowing in God's Economy

In God's economy, we don't lead from scarcity; we lead from abundance. This process isn’t linear, and it does not operate like the neatly ordered rows of a human-planted field. Rather, this process is likened to the ecosystems and cycles of a rainforest, where some seeds are blooming while others are decomposing into rich soil, fertilizing future growth - all happening simultaneously. 

Leadership is less about the resources at our disposal and more about the One who provides them. We do not sow based on what we have at the moment, calculating whether it’s enough. We sow based on who God is, and trust Him to bring the increase. Just as God provides seed for the sower and bread for the eater, everything we invest multiplies in ways we can't see. 

The act of sowing into others is part of your harvest. As you invest in the next generation, in your peers, and in yourself, you are already reaping the rewards. The lives you touch, the leaders you raise up, and the impact you have will grow beyond any limit or what you can measure today.



Lead Untamed, Sow Boldly

Leading without limits as a young leader is a call to live expansively, free from self-imposed barriers. It's about being untamed in your approach— seeing and valuing those around you, and stepping into your calling with boldness. As you sow into others, know that you are also sowing into your own growth and impact.

God is at work, multiplying what you give. Your labor is not in vain. The seeds you plant today will bear fruit, not just for you, but for the generations that follow. The ultimate example of giving without counting the cost is Jesus Himself. He doesn’t measure our worth by how much we’ve given. His love is boundless, His grace immeasurable. Keep showing up, keep leading untamed, and keep sowing boldly. In Christ, your harvest is already happening!