Designing your Avatar – Knowing who you serve?

Last week I watched and listened while Michael Hyatt interviewed twenty-two top presenters at the first Influence and Impact Summit. Speakers such as, John Maxwell, Lysa Terkeurst, Donald Miller, Dave Ramsey, and Jen Hatmaker spoke about their strategies for leading and building a platform while sharing vulnerably about their fears, failures, and victories in life and in work.

One of the things I have learned about people is, not everyone sees themselves as a leader and not everyone wants to build a platform. BUT most people would say they want to have an influence and an impact in their family, their workplace, community and ultimately the world. Human beings were created to make a difference. If this is you, the videos from this conference would be encouraging and beneficial.

One of the main threads I heard running through each interview was: Listen to the question people are asking and answer it. But let’s back up a step.

Do you know who your people are?

During the Influence and Impact Summit, several of the speakers suggested creating an Avatar to identify the people you serve.

An Avatar is an icon or figure representing a particular person (like the one in the picture to your left).

When challenge with this task, I had to admit that my avatar is female. Unapologetically, I am called to serve, empower and equip women (of all ages, backgrounds, & cultures) to know who they are and what they are created to do in this world. Yes, I am the mother of two sons, married to a man and even have all male animals. I believe in inclusion and not exclusion, but my passion is raising up and mobilizing women to make a difference in this world.

Throughout my ministry, I have been encouraged by wise mentors to serve, teach, coach and write for both genders. And in my position, I have been honored to have this opportunity. In fact, my newest book, Pivot Leadership: Small Steps…Big Change is for both men and women who want to impact their world. However, what I have come to realize is, when I do what I was created to do by serving women, I am serving both genders. I serve them by teaching women that everyone has a role in the body of Christ. I serve them by encouraging unity and respect. I serve each by breaking down stereotypes and opening up communication. I serve both by teaching and showing the love and acceptance of Jesus.

Women who have stronger identities, Christ-like character, and influence and impact skills, make better marriage partners, build stronger family units, contribute and create in the workplace, serve in the church and community and leave a legacy that others want to follow.

My people are women. All ages, all backgrounds, and from all cultures.

Who do you serve? I would love to see the Avatar you design.