Last week I wrote about two women I know.

 

I didn’t choose them because they’re “nice.”

 

I chose them because they are two of the finest women I know.

 

The first—you’ll almost never hear her talk about herself.

 

She’s deeply concerned for others… in a way I don’t even think she’s aware of.

 

And she hasn’t had an easy life.  Her father, mother and brother died by her 18th birthday.

 

When you speak with her, it’s like your problems become hers—and she genuinely wants to help in any way she can.

 

The second woman… What's unique about her is what she’s done with her life.

 

Sometimes people rise above hard circumstances and become better because of it.

 

She did something different.

 

She took good circumstances—and outgrew even those.

 

She could have hidden behind the gifts she was given.

 

Instead, she chose to use them to help as many people as she can.

 

Now let me be clear:

 

Both of these women are human.

 

They have hard days.
They get frustrated.
They face challenges like anyone else.

 

I say that because I’m not trying to put them on a pedestal.

 

But I am saying this:

 

They have beautiful hearts.

 

And I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to know them.

As I’ve gotten to know them more, I started to notice something:

 

They were deeply loved by their family.

 

And in many ways… they became that love.

 

They don’t even know I’m sharing this.

 

It’s just something I observed.

 

So why share it?

 

Two reasons:

 

1. We need direction.
We need real examples.

 

The world offers a lot of noise—quick hits of connection, surface-level fulfillment.

 

But this… this is real.

 

2. I want to show what’s possible.

 

What we can become when love is present—and when we choose to live it out.

 

Because that potential exists in all of us.

So, what if you didn’t grow up feeling that kind of love?

 

Does that mean there’s no hope?

 

No.

 

That’s actually the reason I’m writing this.

We can learn to give ourselves and others (including our kids) what we didn’t receive.

 

But first—we have to recognize what’s missing.

 

Love matters.

 

It’s not optional.

 

It’s foundational—because it’s what we’re made of.

So where do you begin?

 

Start by letting this idea sink in:

 

There is a better way to live.

 

Then ask yourself:

 

Do I feel deeply loved?

 

Did anyone ever make me feel that way?

 

If the answer is yes—you’ve been given a gift.

 

Now become that for others.

 

If the answer is no…

 

Then your work is to begin uncovering that love within yourself.

 

It’s there.

 

But you may need help finding it.

 

 

If this speaks to you, reach out.

 

And don’t forget who you truly are.

 

Much love,
Bert