It was with both anticipation and anxiety that I boarded an early plane last Thursday heading to Tennessee to be a part of a meaningful Retreat named “Just Breath”. It was a non-profit called Compassion That Compels who had a vision for this event; I was honored to serve alongside their amazing team.

Entering the Ballroom at the resort I watched women from many different states, walks of life, married and unmarried, even rich and financially challenged gather together with incredible warmth, acceptance, kindness, and understanding. What did they share in common? A Cancer diagnosis.

In a world of heated competition where individuals scramble for first place in their companies, homes, and churches; I watched gracious women embrace one another without a thought of who mattered most. There was something that had evened their playing field~ A Cancer diagnosis.

I have been pondering this rich kindness in my heart with a little bit of wonderment. Does it take a “crisis” to make us show rich kindness? Why should it be easier to find acceptance post a crisis rather than following the words of Jesus “Love one another JUST as I have loved you?”

As I find myself, again, waiting in the airport for the next flight home, I know I am going to miss the kind of community I experienced in that Ballroom for two precious days. May I represent them well in the days ahead by being as incredibly inclusive, kind, and welcoming in my life every day! 🙂