Not everyone is a hugger.

To be clear, for a large chunk of my life, I really wasn’t either.

Then, I met Chayna.

Chayna and I have had the privilege of working together over the last few years so our paths cross frequently. Whenever my path is fortunate enough to cross with hers, I get hugged in the grandest of fashion.

It’s not one of those in-and-out, crab-style kind of hugs, either. You know, the ones where a person comes at you from the side and gives you just a quick squeeze.

No, Chayna hugs as though she’s competing for a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

She hugs with all of her being. She commits and is all-in.

Chayna has inspired me more times than I can count with those hugs. I have repeatedly walked away from them asking myself the question: “Am I living my life for God with that much intention, passion, and purpose?”

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 22 to, “…love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (vs. 37)

Without preaching a single word, Chayna’s hugs have put flesh and blood on this verse for me and, have often, challenged me to do a real-time assessment to see if I’m actively living for God in this way.

Am I going-through-the-motions just to get through my day or am I engaging in everything I set my hand to with 100% of my heart, soul, and mind?

Am I just checking the boxes in my marriage and parenting or am I purposefully loving and serving my husband and children with all my being?

Am I half-heartedly listening to this person God has placed in front of me right now or am I actively listening with all my heart, soul, and mind as unto Him?

Jesus didn’t die on the cross for our lives to be lived in apathy. He wants our all; our everything; our 100%. He gives us new life so we can live with Gospel-centered intentionality; fresh passion; and an eternally-driven purpose.

Chayna’s hugs remind me of this weighty truth with every fervent embrace.

It may not be with a hug, but I hope that you have a person in your life, like Chayna, who challenges you to live passionately for Christ every time you see them.

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23 NKJV)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!