It’s been almost 30 days since the Kinsmen Summit ended, and I’m still unpacking the lessons that came out of that weekend. Today, I want to share one of the biggest takeaways that has continued to challenge and shape me — a powerful reframing of ownership and risk.

It’s hard to put into words the collective grief of a nation. It’s a strange, almost surreal feeling when someone full of life, hope, and love is taken suddenly in an unjust act. Something deep inside us tugs and reminds us: this isn’t right. Death happens in these ways everyday around the world—but there are moments when it happens to someone in particular, someone we all see, and we share a collective grief that’s hard to explain.

Such a hard word to figure out, isn’t it?

To decide on something feels so permanent. Final. Like crossing a line you can’t come back from. And yet, in reality, we change our minds all the time. That’s part of being human. Still, we often make the mistake of evaluating our decisions through the lens of absolutes...using words like always and never.

This week, I’ve found myself in several conversations where one theme kept surfacing: clarity. People were either seeking it, asking for prayer that it would be revealed, or even struggling with what to do once they had it. Sound familiar? It does to me. I seek clarity all the time. If I’m being honest, I rarely ever find it.

Last night, my wife and I were blessed to have two friends and mentors over for dinner. Both are in pastoral ministry of their own kind and have become people we deeply trust. Whenever we sit with them, we know the conversation will be rich, and the wisdom timely.

Today I had coffee with someone who I believe to be a wise man. He's been knee deep in business and ministry since I was stealing milks from the middle school lunch line.  If anyone from St. Paul in Fenton, MO is reading this, I owe you about $11.90 from the Spring of 1990.

Keeping an open mind is not typically one of my strengths. Using my mind, yes. Always being open to new things or ways that seem foreign to me, not as much. However, practicing this lately has led me to some fantastic discoveries personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Lately it seems like every day leaders in business are fighting for every inch of ground they take. The current economic cycle is more challenging than in recent years, and many leaders feel the weight of uncertainty. Some even question whether they have what it takes to overcome the obstacles before them. If you’ve ever felt weaker than the work in front of you, you’re not alone. But take heart—this feeling is nothing new, and it is often in these moments of doubt that we are drawn closer to God’s power and provision.

Today, I had breakfast with an incredible leader and mentor. Every conversation with him is worth its weight in gold because of the overflow of love, encouragement, challenge, and conviction I receive. But today, I heard a story I had never known about his background—one that left a lasting impact on me.

This week, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with several leaders who are doing their very best to lead their businesses and nonprofits in a way that honors God and makes a lasting impact. Although the contexts of their work differ, their aim is very similar.

You’ve made the decision to follow Jesus and incorporate your faith into your daily work. You’ve trusted God with your finances, your future, and your reputation. You’re striving to focus less on personal gain and more on enhancing the lives of others. You’re doing this out of an overflow of love because you’ve come to understand the depth of love and grace the Lord has showered upon you.

Some tasks feel impossible before we even begin. Whether it’s a major project at work, rebuilding a broken relationship, or starting a ministry God has placed on your heart, the size and complexity of the goal can be paralyzing. How do you move forward when you can’t see the whole path? The answer is simple yet profound: just get started. Take the first step, even if you’re stepping into uncertainty.