For the first five months at my current workplace, I spent most of my time in the lab, immersed in analysis and training. Nowadays, I only visit the lab once a week. Recently, I ran into a colleague who works there full-time, and she mentioned, “We miss your smile in the lab.” This made me pause and reflect. I hadn’t realized that I was always smiling, but it got me thinking about the power of a smile, especially in the face of life’s challenges. I believe that we can navigate through life with a smile, even when we encounter difficult situations. Challenges, though they may seem like stumbling blocks, are often stepping stones that help us reach the next level in our journey. It’s all about perspective. When we view obstacles as opportunities for growth, we can face them with a sense of hope and even joy. As a person of faith, my smile is rooted in something deeper. It comes from the assurance that Jesus Christ has overcome the world. My joy is grounded in the knowledge that my name is written in the Book of Life, and this gives me a reason to smile, regardless of the circumstances. No matter what challenges come my way, I am learning to “count it all joy” and to hold onto my smile, knowing that it is a reflection of my trust in God. This week, I encourage you to shift your focus from the challenges you face and turn your eyes to Christ. Smile, knowing that when you surrender to Him, He gives you the strength to overcome and thrive in this world. Let your smile be a testament to your faith and your unwavering hope. Smile… because in Christ, you have already won.

Few people truly know when to leave the stage and allow others to continue the work. Such individuals have the strength to reject power. For example, George Washington, after leading the country to unity, was offered the opportunity to be crowned king. He rejected the offer and chose to serve only two terms as president, even though he could have easily won more. Similarly, when Nelson Mandela was nearing the end of his first term as president, many urged him to run for a second term, but he categorically refused. Mandela knew when to step aside. Washington and Mandela exemplify leaders who do not hunger for power but instead aim to serve their people. How much better would our world be if today’s leaders learned from these two men and became leaders dedicated to serving others and seeking the good of their people, rather than pursuing their own agendas? By embodying commitment to democracy and freedom, vision and integrity, selflessness and humility, resilience and wisdom and inspirational leadership, Mandela and Washington were able to achieve remarkable leadership and leave lasting legacies of democratic governance and ethical leadership. Their examples continue to serve as powerful reminders of the impact of principled leadership and the importance of knowing when to step aside for the greater good.

We often fixate too much on our own needs. Instead, we should regularly step back from self-focus and ask, “What can I do for others in need? How can I be an answer to the prayers of my vulnerable brothers and sisters?” This is one of the most impactful questions we can ask ourselves. The apostle Paul, embodying the mind of Christ, conveyed this message to the saints in Philippi: “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Imagine how transformative our society would be if everyone adopted this attitude. We could meet the basic needs of the vulnerable among us. This principle is also evident when God instructed Job to pray for his friends. It’s as if God is saying, “Focus on fixing the problems around you, and let Me handle and fix your problems beyond your imagination.” By praying for others and looking after their interests, we contribute to a cycle of mutual support and divine intervention. Adopting such a mindset not only fosters a more compassionate community but also aligns us with a higher purpose of service and love. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. I Corinthians 10:24 What is your plan to contribute to building a more compassionate community this week?  

John, my colleague, brings a vibrant sense of humor to our bustling lab, lifting spirits along the way. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s in Microbiology, he transitioned from research to join his family’s poultry farming business. Although primarily focused on poultry, they also tended to cattle, operating in partnership with Purdue chicken. While Purdue provided chicks, vaccines, and market access, they contributed labor and land. Despite a successful decade, advancing technology and costs forced closure. John, hesitant to financially commit due to his age, returned to work this time in a public health lab. After being away from the lab environment for a decade and transitioning to a public health lab, he had to learn and adapt to new methodologies and processes for conducting analyses, requiring both initial learning and ongoing relearning. When I inquired about his decision to forgo a PhD, he candidly admitted he was not very good at writing research articles, nor would he excel in writing grant applications, ultimately leading to an early halt. John’s journey imparts valuable lessons: the significance of humor, self-awareness, continual learning, and embracing risk without fear. It serves as a reminder that setbacks can lead to familiar paths, and courageous pursuit, irrespective of outcomes, epitomizes intentional living. “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Author Unknown 

Rod Dreher’s “Live Not by Lies” delves into the emergence of soft totalitarianism within Western societies and explained the significance of adhering to truth and moral principles in combating societal malaise. As we traverse our cities, particularly their downtrodden areas, we cannot ignore the pervasive decay and the multitude ensnared by drug addiction and other vices. Many of these individuals perpetuate falsehoods, believing that drugs and vices will provide them with fulfillment and satisfaction. However, the more they indulge, the deeper their descent into despair. The antidote lies in embracing the Truth, embodied in Jesus Christ, who alone can quench the thirst for genuine fulfillment. As St. Augustine eloquently expressed, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”  By surrendering to Christ and aligning with His truth, one can embark on a path of abundant and overflowing life. It’s an invitation to embrace the transformative power of truth, steering away from the deceptions that perpetuate societal decay and embracing a life anchored in authentic fulfillment. “Let your refuge be wholly built up of divine truth. Do not try to comfort yourself with a lie. Dear friend, let truth be all in all to you. Counterfeit coin enriches no man. Have nothing to do with false and flattering teachings. If your hope is not built on solid, substantial matters of fact, give it up, and get one that is…Build upon your Lord’s life, death, and resurrection: build upon God’s promises.” Charles Spurgeon, October 26, 1879 

Being bold and thinking big isn’t just a characteristic of the Biblical Joseph; it’s a timeless principle for anyone seeking to achieve greatness. Joseph didn’t just dream grand dreams; he dared to share them, even with those who harbored animosity towards him. This boldness set him apart and eventually led to the fulfillment of his visions. Regardless of your circumstances or the challenges you face, it’s imperative not to let them stifle your dreams or diminish your vision. Instead, embrace the audacity to dream big, take calculated risks, and trust in God to bring your aspirations to fruition. Remember, as a reflection of God, you possess the potential to achieve the seemingly impossible, especially if you’re guided by faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Moreover, it’s crucial to align your dreams with selfless objectives. Joseph’s dream wasn’t merely about personal glory; it served a greater purpose by ultimately saving his family and his nation from famine. Likewise, consider the needs of your community. What challenges do you see? What injustices bother you? Let your dreams be fueled by a desire to address these issues and make a positive impact. Take the bold step of writing down your dreams and visions. By putting them into words, you solidify your commitment and open the door for them to manifest in reality. Dare to dream, and dare to act upon those dreams with courage, conviction, and a heart set on serving others