The Lord says, “It’s time to smile more.” I’m not entirely sure why this message is so strong in my heart, but He keeps impressing it on me: “It’s time to smile more.” Many of us are carrying too many frowns, weighed down by life’s burdens. We often hear people say, “I only smile when it’s genuine.” But here’s the truth: a smile becomes genuine when you choose it. A smile isn’t “fake” just because it starts as a decision. Think about it—try smiling right now. It might feel a little awkward at first, but over time, you’ll feel it settle into your heart. The key is in the choice.
Communication is more than how we feel in the moment; it’s about the impact we have on others. It’s about how we choose to show up and represent ourselves. Even on my hardest days, I remind myself to choose joy. Why? Because I’m not just representing myself—I’m representing God. Choosing joy means choosing to smile, to express hope, and to be a light in someone else’s darkness.
Some of us find it easy to walk into a service with joy, while others struggle just to show up. And that’s okay. That’s where we need to shift our focus. True communication goes far beyond words. Too often, we focus on the “form” of how we speak or present ourselves, rather than the heart behind it. But what if we learned to communicate in the presence of God in a way that draws people in? What if we could help others not just hear the message but truly receive it? If we’re not doing that, it’s time to learn how.
I don’t fully see the end result yet, but I know it’s going to be incredible. When you can communicate a vision—when you can show a blueprint and say, “Here’s the plan, and here’s what will happen when we follow it”—that’s when change begins to unfold.
This journey has taught me so much, and I’m deeply grateful to each of you who’ve walked it with me. Some of you joined in the early days, while others came later, but every single one of you has been part of this process. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is this: communication is the foundation of every relationship.
Unfortunately, this is something we’ve lost in the church. Somewhere along the way, we stopped fostering open communication between leaders and the people they serve. Instead, we’ve elevated leaders to a place that feels distant and unapproachable. But that was never God’s intention.
It’s time to change that. It’s time to create space for real conversations, for authentic connections, and for a culture where everyone—leaders and members alike—feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can build something beautiful.