A Moms Heart: Intentional Inclusion

Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day has dawned in my Sweet Home Alabama! :)

Y'all are in for a real treat this morning! Each morning our work family has what we call our "Check-In" Zoom meeting. It can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to nearly half an hour. It started during the COVID pandemic and the whole point is to see each other, talk about how and what we are doing, and to see if there is anything we can do for one another. Think family breakfast meets modern technology! :) Well, earlier this week one of our family members really had something on her heart - inclusion and, more specifically, being intentional about including others. It was powerful and it was clear that the whole work family was moved by her thoughts and words.

Over these last few days I have thought a lot about her words. I knew that this is what this Happy Friday was going to be about however I also knew that I was not the right person to write this Happy Friday. So, I reached out to this incredible woman at 7:30 p.m. last night - augh! I am so sorry for the late notice, Michele! :) - and asked her if she would write the message. She graciously agreed.

Michele Aycock is a truly remarkable woman, wife, mother, and friend. Please let her heart speak to you deeply as you read these thought provoking words. I am first going to share an excerpt from the email that she sent to me and then, I will share the piece she wrote on being intentional and inclusion. 

"That is what can be so hurtful about exclusion - you feel it alone.  

For example - playing duck-duck-goose.  A group activity that most all children play at some point in elementary school.  I watched Aidan be a part of that game at the Y during summer camp.  I will never forget that day because while he was sitting in the circle with other kids, he was never "goosed" because the children did not choose him.  You can not blame 6 year olds for not understanding "inclusion" but what you can hope for is adults to see a child and know how much it would mean to him.  The simple act of choosing him and holding his hand while he ran around the circle would have changed not just his day but mine as well.  It can be hard and I sometimes loose focus but that day changed the way I viewed inclusion and why intentionality matters.  It is good to be reminded and recenterd."

"All of my career has been with non-profits.  Organizations whose purpose, even existence was to serve the community.  I felt a sense of pride to be a part of that service.  To play a part, even if in some small way, in changing the life of someone in my community.  I am making a difference.  And I still feel that way, however, one word led me to reflect on how I was making that difference – intent.  After some honest reflection I came to terms with, while diversity and inclusion was part of my serving others, being intentional about it was not.  I served those that asked for my help.  But what about those that needed me to reach out to them, to let them know they were wanted and welcomed.    

This life could not have presented me with a more meaningful example of inclusion than having a special needs child.  There is a longing for inclusion felt so deeply, so intimately that words can’t express and to try simply defiles the purpose.  When you find you wake in the morning with a prayer for him already on your lips.  Only a single word is said – “please”.  In its simplicity is truth, all powerful, to what your very soul yearns for.  For a friend, a school, a coach to reach out and say your child is wanted here.  You discover even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can prove impactful.  It is about taking a moment to see, really see, a person.  And in that moment to make a difference.  Doesn’t have to be a grand.  It can be the smallest of gestures.  What is important is that you were intentional.

My purpose is clear - To live intentionally by serving others with caring, honesty and respect."

From the bottom of my heart, Michele, thank you! Your beautiful, so very thoughtful, words are encouraging and so very inspiring!

And before closing, I must offer a brief testimony:

Without question, the life Michele Aycock lives makes a difference. You can ask any member of our work family and they will tell you - Michele is intentional, she does reach out, and she makes everyone feel wanted and welcome. It is easy to speak the words, it is far harder to live them every day. Michele consistently chooses the harder path. You are a great example for all of us, Michele, and a tremendous blessing to so many!

Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious families, and please stay well! :)

Kev