“I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture.” (John 10:9 AMP)

 

Today, I want to take time to recognize and honor the leaders who were most instrumental in making it possible for me to be the person that I am today: my parents. I was born in 1963–the height of the civil rights movement. Whenever possible, my parents pushed back on the often unspoken boundaries and stereotypes ascribed to African-Americans. From a very young age, my parents taught me that the doors of opportunity were already open. My responsibility was to walk through them.

My parents taught me that:

1. I was uniquely created by God to do great things;

2. I was a leader; and

3. I could overcome any challenge with creativity, perseverance, and God’s help.

I am so thankful for my parents who instilled leadership qualities in me that make me who I am today.

Who are the leaders who influenced you to become who you are today?

(I made the photograph of the flower above at Barrington Hall in Roswell, Georgia, July 2013.)