8/25: Be a leader

1. philippa says:

Love this daily lift today – thanks soooooooo much,.
I will start up a “feet washing service” straight away and do those “unwanted” jobs , and jobs that are last on the “to do” list and I shall have fun doing them!

2. Barbara-Tempe AZ says:

Yay, Marta ! Good on you !!!! I love the idea of being the first one to love, the first one to do what no one else will do. This certainly is at the core of forgiveness and tolerance.

3. Anonymous says:

I love this “lift” and completely agree with it. This reminds me of the way we’ve helped each other in my branch church when they needed care.

4. Jilly J says:

Every day these amazing “Uplifts” are so arousing! Jesus always
taught us the opposite of “popular” belief thus arousing his disciples
(all mankind that wish to follow his ideas) to awaken to
the opportunities offered us by his spiritual Christly way of looking at
everything and really exchanging “the objects of sense for the ideas
of Soul. This week’s lesson shows us clearly how the disciples
thoughts were “roused” Page 46: 30 -7

What enlightenment this brings enabling us to experience such joy.
and have FUN! Thank you Marta

5. Diane, VA says:

I love this. Reminds me of the love expressed between members of my church when a need has been made known. Thank you.

6. Marta Greenwood says:

Luke and John wrote about two women followers and disciples of Christ who washed Jesus’ feet:

Example 1: Luke 7:36-48
“And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.”

Example two: John 12:3
“ Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? Then said Jesus, Let her alone…”

Mary Baker Eddy starts the chapter called: “Christian Science Practice” in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scripture with the example of the woman in Luke 7, who was totally transformed morally through the boundless Love Christ Jesus expressed to her. Of that kind of Love expressed, Mrs Eddy wrote in the same chapter of her book:
“If the Scientist reaches his patient through divine Love, the healing work will be accomplished at one visit, and the disease will vanish into its native nothingness like dew before the morning sunshine.”

7. hilly longman says:

Thanx Marta, I really enjoyed this idea and certainly has given a lift to my todo list. I’m off to have fun – loving and clearing/cleaning/cooking with a smile!

8. Susan says:

What a great start to the day! thanks so much, a great lift!

9. Cynthia says:

What a fantastic thought… thank you so much!

10. Nan says:

Dear Marta, this message was just right today for a friend to whom I forwarded it and for me. How wonderful. Unselfed love – that is what it is all about, and greatest love there is. Thank you!!!

11. Mindi says:

I love this message! Thank you Marta.

12. fujiko says:

Thank you Marta- Love this reminder – Jesus was a great teacher and friend, wasn’t he. I must do that today – follow him . . . much love to all

13. Terry says:

Wonderful!!! Thank you, Marta…this reminds me of something in S&H which states that Christian Science turns everything (human understanding) upside down…(very gross paraphrase)…..I will cherish this definition of leadership….

14. Cynthia says:

As I got up inspired to do something I had been procrastinating about, I was thinking about what you said about washing each others feet and loving someone by doing what they don’t want to do. And it really came together for me, that idea. We have heard so often about being willing to wash others feet, and I have thought yes I am willing to do that. But at the same time, I have been unwilling to do or putting off doing some of the other loving and practical things for others that are needed! These days, washing feet may not sound so bad but we each have our own concept of unpleasant or undesirable tasks, your uplifting idea really brought this idea into todays terms for me. Thanks, again!

15. Una Newland says:

Thank you Marta, I loved your message. I’ve never thought of the washing of feet meaning so much. Thanks.

16. laurielee says:

Love it! Thanks for the powerful message of Love.

17. Meg Dendler says:

Wonderful thoughts, Marta! I will be a leader today in my home and on the street and on the phone and with my pets. Love, love, love…just reflecting Love!

18. Marisa says:

a good lift for today thanks Marta

19. Kathy says:

This is beautiful. Thank you!

20. Barbara-Sydney, Australia says:

Great idea for today Marta. And I like the idea of doing it with a sense of fun. Thank you.

21. Joan Wattam says:

Hi Marta, thank you for these good thoughts on leadership and humility!

22. Susie says:

Very simply – thank you. ) The nurturing and urging in your voice made me feel hugged, empowered, and instructed all at the same time. That’s a great combination and start for the day. ) Feet washing, feet washing – get your feet washed here!!

23. Lois Carlson says:

Wonderful Marta: this essential message is thundering through civilization today…in order to wash feet you have to know the dirt isn’t embedded! Standing with you! Lois

24. Rosemary from FL says:

What a wonderful reminder to respond to that impulse or motive for good that is God with us… Thanks Marta!

25. Phoebe says:

Wonderful Love the Daily Lift!

26. Jobea says:

Thanks for the gentle reminder for selfless love for all & as philippa, above, says tackling to those “unwanted” jobs with joy.

27. Debbie says:

In today’s society I feel this is a very important and gracious message. Especially when you need to be the one to be meek, humble and loving in order to do what is right – even if it means doing something we don’t want to do! Good message, thank you.

28. Nancy from Storrs, CT says:

Good lesson! And it can hard to be the first one to do good and to do something no one else will do, especially when the other person doesn’t seem receptive or appreciative. And we sometimes wonder if it was a wasted effort. But, if nothing else, we are exercising our own ‘muscle’ in that way, and it becomes easier each time. And hopefully the good will ripple out sooner or later.

29. Lyn says:

Thank you, Marta! Such a wonderful thought to keep today and always. Washing feet is such a humbling experience and isn’t humility one of the qualities we need to express. Jesus certainly did show us the way.

30. dil says:

Loved hearing you speak about leadership, Martha! Thanks for your encouraging, uplifting and loving message.

31. Elaine Crookston says:

I just felt awash with love from that brief commentary. Thank you so much.

32. Nancy says:

Sometimes, I find myself expecting someone else to do what needs to be done, being impatient when they don’t do it, and then doing it myself resentfully! Oh, my goodness! What a joy to feel released from this self-righteous approach and to welcome the humility which enables one to do it with grace and love for others…as Jesus taught us. Thank you.

33. Nancy says:

This is a tall order…thank you for throwing down the gauntlet and challenging all of us to be the first one to do what we should do without hesitation.

34. S Carol says:

Thank you Marta for this challenge to be the first to love, first to do what no one else wants to do. To love unconditionally is to express all of the God-like qualities we have and see those qualities in others as well. A joyous way to begin each day and work our way through it.

35. Marilyn says:

The idea of “leadership is all about washing other people’s feet” is a wonderful reminder of the humility and Christly compassion needed to serve God and each other. God is sending blessings to everyone everywhere and we can all be instruments of this blessing and peace by reflecting divine Love’s largess. I will strive to be a leader in expressing divine Love and have fun doing it.! A wonderful thought and lift for today. Thank you.

36. Sharon Carper says:

Marta – Thanks for your love! I cherish the idea of going out and DOING it. Didn’t Mary at the tomb run to tell others; while Peter and John returned to their homes (to take a nap??).

37. heidi-Glenmont, NY says:

Just lovely! Thank you for reminding me to love today. I needed it!

38. Debra-St. Louis says:

Thank you, Marta. Love this approach to leadership!

39. Anonymous says:

Bring on the Feet of Love…AMEN!!!!!

40. Chrissie Brown says:

Sweet Marta, I love it, love it, love it “Leadership is all about washing each other’s feet – doing what nobody wants to do and going first AND having fun doing it!!! ” Hugs.

41. Deola says:

Thanks so much. I love the ideas from the Daily Lift.
I shall remember to a leader today and always, lovibg and caring for people and doing what no one wants to do.

42. Laura says:

Thanks, Marta, as always. Thanks for reminding me that leading is showing by demonstration and love, not feeling frustrated because others don’t seem to understand what you want them to do.

43. Gwen says:

Humility isn’t so bad after all, is it! Why have I felt I needed to apologize for it!

44. Jane Pad says:

Thank you for the wonderful idea, now I’ll go out and do it with love.

45. Lori B says:

Moved by this podcast, Marta – thanks.:) Sitting in a suburbia office, I often see joggers, kids on bicycles, and right now a dad pushing his son in his stroller outside the window. After listening to the podcast, though, I recognized a nurse pushing a gentleman in a wheelchair around the neighborhood on this perfect day. Thank you for alerting us to being aware of God’s omnipotent and omnipresent caring for others. And for the nudge for us to do so likewise.

46. Sammie in Texas says:

Your comment so practical for today. I have added it to my own list of what Mind is doing….the first to love, washing another’s feet. So very grateful for these lessons. Thank you!!

47. Cici says:

I love your thought on expressing true “labor of Love.” (having fun while we’re doing it) … And the idea on “leadership”. I can’t wait to read the lesson this morning on “Christ Jesus” and then visit two individuals today who are in need of much care and love. Thank you!!!!

48. Jan McK says:

Marta everything about your remarks are precious. Your voice, your message , your love. Makes me want to grab someone and say “I love you”.

49. Joey says:

Leading by loving is such a simple concept, yet so powerful. I will use this lesson.

50. Jan J – Grass Valley, CA says:

What a perfect idea of Love.
Thank you for your example, dear Marta.

51. Mina Shekey says:

Marta’s message and ALL the daily lifts are so inspiring and they do give us uplifting thoughts for each day! They also give new views on many ideas which enlighten our way. Many thanks for these precious messages of Truth and Love enabling us to express more fully the Christ light!

52. Martha says:

I love these ideas thanks!

53. Leah says:

Thank you for this wonderful message of doing for others with love in our hearts!

54. barbara says:

oh, wonderful, another inpired way to lift our thought!! thank you marta

55. anon says:

An answer to my prayer to learn how to express unselfed love.
The first sentence in S&H indicates 3 imperatives to healing and the 3rd one is unselfed love…..I didn’t think I knew how to do this but now you have shown me the example and I am deeply grateful…..and what a wonderful treat to have Marta write more examples in her submitted comment…..thanks Marta….

56. Monica says:

Thanks so much for this sweet message of love. It really embraced and lifted me.

57. Carol says:

Thank-you so much Marta- I will have fun today being a leader and doing what no one else wants to do– and loving every minute of it!

58. June says:

Thank you, Marta. Inspiration for each of us.

59. Pat Collins says:

Thanks for the inspiring reminder!!

60. Avis says: says:

Thank you Marta for the beautiful lesson of humble service that you gave to us today. What a lovely enrichment for our study of the Bible Lesson on “Christ Jesus” this week. I just started to listen to this pod cast and am looking forward to more.

61. Bonnie says:

Thank you, Marta, for this loving reminder — simple yet profound in Christly compassion and love. I am enjoying, too, the connection between the act of feet washing and good leadership. I love these daily lifts and thank each one who is sharing the “lift” including the lecturer and those responding.

62. Susan – Vancouver WA says:

Wow, I never thought of leadership and feet washing in this way. Thank you for showing us this connection. Today there will be a lot of clean feet out there!

63. Kelsey P- Santa Monica says:

Dear Marta… you remind us where true joy comes from…. it’s in bringing
love, hope, tenderness, kindness,… service to others! Thank you for your
loving reminder. I love your council…. “be the first to do what no one else wants to do”…. Love you Marta… and thank you for your example!

64. Mary says:

Just received my first Lift! As a new Daily Lift subscriber, I am looking forward to receiving these inspiring, daily greetings. Thank you for making this wonderful resource so easily available.

65. Peg says:

To really “get the message”, I listened 3 times, and am certainly inspired to DO what you’ve said and have FUN doing it! Many thanks ! ! !

66. Jacqueline says:

I was a mother of four children before I knew there was a religion denominated as Christian Science but my wise human father instructed me; “If there is a job to be done,don’t stop to think whether you want to do it or not just go and do it.” I obeyed this instruction,but I ,also, found that one must use wisdom on these occasions.Sometimes there was a turf problem.No one wanted to do it but they didn’t want anyone else to do it. I found too that this willingness could be turned into untempered zeal.It’s important to let the Christ go in and lead the way and not will power.Mrs Eddy would pause before she entered a room in order to let the Christ go in first.

67. Cynthia P says:

A wonderful thought beautifully expressed, Marta, to start our day!

68. Colleen says:

Just before my son left for school we listened together to this Lift. Loved your thoughts on leadership. Because he’s yearning to be a better leader and more out going it was a good message for his first Lift! He didn’t say much, but I know he’s thinking! And I am too! Thanks.

69. Marta Greenwood says:

Love how John describes Mary’s feet washing: “and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.” John 12:3
John’s writings always has a deeper spiritual meaning to what he writes on the surface. The world is filled with the aroma of Christ today, through so much boundless Love expressed through all of you good feet washers. Just think where the world’s consciousness will rise to tomorrow on this wave of infinite Love consciousness practised today.

70. Laura in California says:

Marta, I have so loved your articles and I’m so pleased to hear your voice expressing this beautiful, loving, thought today! Thank you so much!

71. Carolyn says:

Wow, this is easy to remember and so important to do. Thanks so much, Marta for sharing this idea.

72. Gail Michalek says:

I have worked many jobs,owned my own business and now I clean up after people…I find being glad that I can do Gods work and keeping his ideas pure and fresh for everyone. I start work looking at his creation fresh ..Today he gave me a rainbow.Gail

73. Di – Vanc. says:

Unselfed love…meeting the needs of others…not when YOU think it should be done or… does this suit ME to do this? Just Love…”Heaven’s signet”….what a joyous way to share.

74. Marta Greenwood says:

Gail, you gave us an opportunity to be able to wash your feet today in awe of your love, purity, and meekness, and be blessed by that which is blessing you in such infinite ways. Thank you for being here and being such a light to us all. The gentle Christ expresses in small gestures God’s infinite blessings. You didn’t have to say much but we caught the Spirit.

75. Diane Ward of St. Petersburg, Florida…… says:

Thank you, Marta, for your “HAPPY” expressions of how to give of one’s self…and I enjoyed your additional comments and quotes.
It’s such a joy to hear each lecturer express these helpful ideas each day. Thanks SO much for these “Daily Lifts”…..

76. Clifford M says:

Thank you dear Marta! You have such a dear sense of Love in action. Yes, I like the idea of reaching out through divine Love and healing will occur. Our only real job is to let go of the limiting human thoughts about man. Jesus heart was so full of spiritual Love, that he was protected, provided for, and able to provide for others. He taught the world that we are all God’s children and loved. His ability to heal was the power of the Christ-Truth-God, that he expressed. The power of divine Love is unlimited, and can elevate us all to a higher Heavenly concept. Thank you all for your inspirations! The Daily Lift is so motivating.

77. June Mary says:

Thanki you, Marta, for your wonderful message. I’m grateful also for the tremendous outpouring of willingness coming in response to it. Bless you and all! What a difference a thought can make! It’s flowing like a river.

78. Nena says:

So grateful we have this Daily Lift.Thank you Marta, I like your topic:Love and it leads.

79. Carolyn says:

thank you from the bottom of my heart – i am deeply touched!!

80. Rosie says:

Dear Marta, what a joyful way to express Divine Love and Leadership. Thank you for the inspiration.

81. Dianne says:

I loved your message today Marta. I have listened all throughout the day and have been very inspired. It is fairly easy to wash a kind neighbor’s feet, or a cute, sweet child, or even a homeless stranger, but a little harder to wash someone’s feet that may have been hurtful or caused trouble. Jesus was a wonderful example to follow and this “feet washing business” is a wonderful business to be in. And, I shall strive to be like some of those responding today and shout it my heart “feet washing, feet washing”. It begins with each one who crosses our path or our thought and I can be grateful for each of those today. And, it was fun!

82. Mollie says:

I’ve lived with these wonderful ideas all day – thank you so very much!

83. Mike Day says:

Great idea Marta. I remember when I was about 5 and we were studying the commandments in my Sunday school class. Our teacher reminded us that there was one God and we should beware of worshiping false idols.

I got it a bit confused and explained to my mom that “Today we learned not to wash up idols”. How much more sense it makes to wash the debris from each other feet, so we may each become humble leaders and followers, first seeking to purify our footsteps, and those of our companions, so the divine pathway we are following remains clear for others. Such fun to travel this way and lead the parade.

Many Thanks

84. Yvonne says:

Dear Marta, Thank you so much for this loving and powerful message to be a leader in Christ. Love always leads the way!

85. Marta Greenwood says:

Thank you for all your inspirations. They will many lifts for days to come. Totally awesome how these insights and golden inspirations of Truth pours as June Mary says in Post 77 “It’s flowing like a river.” Lovely insights Mike Day in post 83 and all of you sharing your “feet washing service” as Philippa put it in post 1. What exciting and valuable gems were written here. They will wash many feet for those visiting this corner. Yours very blessed and rejoicing, Marta G

86. Lori Marquart says:

Thanks so very much for the beautiful examples of Love and how to be a leader. It helped me greatly to be more loving in all of my activities and to be deeply grateful for every expression of love I see all around me.

87. Cheryl says:

Thanks Marta for this message. Opportuities unfolded for me to do this and I welcomed them.

88. Ellie says:

Marta is the sweetest thing ever!!

89. Charli says:

Wow! That is the best, being willing to do what others do not want to do! I love it! So very important in our Church work, too, always willing to do that task that others turn away from! How much we learn by being willing, and it does bring joy and fulfillment. Thanks for that wonderful reminder.

90. Poonam Likhi says:

Thank You so much Marta for reminding us to be humble and serving each other with love. I really like the idea of having fun while doing it. Doing all my duties with joy makes me all the more inspired always!

Thanks again.
Poonam Likhi,
Chandigarh,
india

91. Chris says:

Thank you for the wonderful idea. I just watched a lecture by you on another part of this website and got a lot from it. I am going to watch it again! Many good ideas.

92. Patty says:

Three essentials for success in business, including foot-washing, are joy, gratitude and blessing. Even though we’re aware of their presence, we may need to put more exuberance and consistency into expressing them.

Sometimes dread keeps us from getting started with a task by dimming our sense of joy and eagerness to move forward. But dread can easily be washed away with a buoyant sense of gratitude for the opportunities at hand. Then we’re ready to wash feet.

Today can be big with blessings for everyone and for evey worthy endeavor, no matter how large or small. But we need to be watchful and prepared to receive the blessings, or they may pass us by.

Successful baseball players know that it takes constant practice to develop essential skills. They have to be alert and in position to catch the ball whether it comes in as a fly, a grounder, or a foul. In the same way, we need to practice watching and working for blessings. Stay on focus. Be in position to make the catch even if we have to run for it or make a mighty leap.

One day last week, I caught several balls that could easily have passed by if I’d been absorbed with personal issues. A shuttle driver, a man at the flight gate and a shopkeeper were all among my satisfied feet-washed customers. And my own feet were happy too!

“To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings.”
( *Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, p. vii)

93. Dennis Dooley, San Diego says:

Thanks Marta from all the way over there across the Pond. I always think of the biblical phrase “wash me with hyssop oh Lord!!!

94. Stephen Pierce says:

Thank you Martha, My cleaning lady did not feel good this morning and I spoke to her about what you mentioned “How John describes Mary’s feet washing “And the house was filled with odour of the oitment” John 12:3

Well, my house was also filled wilth love also and she felt suddenly well. Just like that.

Stephen

95. Marta Greenwood says:

That is lovely Stephen. Thank you for sharing.

Every one of us have that special aroma of Soul. In 2 Cor.2 :15 one translation of this beautiful verse is “You are the aroma of Christ”. Purity of soul has its own fragrance. Each one of us have our own fragrance right out from God, distinctly ours.

Mrs Eddy wrote in Science and Health this of “aroma”:
“Mind, God, sends forth the aroma of Spirit, the atmosphere of intelligence.” That is what your cleaning lady picked up this aroma of Spirit.

96. Di – Vanc. says:

Oooooooooooh the aroma of Spirit, the atmosphere of intelligence. The aroma of Soul, the aroma of Christ, purity…

Thank you thank you!

97. relajso says:

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

98. Kathy M. says:

marta, thank you. I often think of Mrs. Eddy’s comment in Science and Health, “What we most need is the fervent desire for growth in grace expressed in meekness, kindness and good deeds.” I think the word MOST is important here and these good deed are certainly deeds of foot washing! from
Kathy, Olympia, WA