Life Lessons from an Extraordinary 18-Year-Old
In today's deeply personal episode of Holly's Highlights podcast, I shared a heartfelt tribute to my daughter on her 18th birthday. This milestone celebration became an opportunity to reflect not just on the journey of motherhood, but on universal principles that can guide anyone seeking to live with intention, purpose, and faith.
The heart of the episode centered on five powerful principles extracted from my daughter's extraordinary life journey, principles that apply to everyone regardless of age or circumstance. The first principle is rooted in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." True maturity and wisdom begin with wonder, with asking questions and humbly seeking answers. My daughter exemplified this from an early age, questioning thoughtfully and studying scripture diligently, demonstrating that wisdom isn't about age but about cultivating reverence and curiosity. For listeners seeking to develop this quality, I recommended reading a chapter of Proverbs daily and exploring Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" for deeper spiritual clarity.
The second principle celebrates quiet courage. Quoting Maryanne Radmacher, "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying I will try again tomorrow," I shared how my daughter's bravest moments were often unseen by others. In seasons when she had every reason to crumble, she stood tall or knelt in prayer, teaching us that courage isn't always dramatic or visible. This quiet resilience inspires us to examine where we might need to exercise unassuming bravery in our own lives – whether in making difficult decisions, offering forgiveness, or simply showing up when we feel depleted. Garrett Graveson's "10 Seconds of Insane Courage" offers additional encouragement for developing this quiet strength.
The third principle, drawn from Colossians 3:23, emphasizes building one's life on firm foundation rather than fleeting recognition. In a world obsessed with applause and validation, my daughter consistently works with devotion regardless of who's watching. From missions trips in Guatemala to trusted responsibilities at work from a young age, she exemplifies doing everything "as unto the Lord" rather than for human approval. This principle challenges us to examine our motives and to cultivate excellence in private moments as a testament to our integrity, not a bid for recognition. The Bible provides the ultimate resource for understanding this servant-hearted approach, while books like Simon Sinek's "Leaders Eat Last" offer complementary perspectives.
The fourth principle addresses identity and worth, referencing Song of Solomon 4:7: "You are altogether beautiful, my darling. There is no flaw in you." My daughter walks with confidence not from self-perception of perfection, but from knowing whose she is – a child of God. This rootedness in divine love and acceptance has shielded her from the world's attempts to define her value. It prompts listeners to consider where they derive their sense of worth and encourages taking time to identify and surrender limiting labels before God. Resources like Rachel Hollis's "Girl, Wash Your Face" and Elizabeth George's "A Woman After God's Own Heart" provide additional guidance for embracing one's God-given identity.
The final principle celebrates authentic leadership as "a life of lifting others." John C. Maxwell defines a leader as "one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way" – a description that perfectly captures my daughter's natural but humble leadership style throughout her life. From childhood neighborhood gatherings to mentoring young girls today, she leads by example, listens attentively, and navigates conflict with grace. This approach challenges listeners to consider their own sphere of influence and how they might lift others through presence rather than mere advice. Craig Groeschel's "Lead Like It Matters" offers valuable insights for those seeking to influence others with faith, humility, and determination.
The episode concludes with three actionable takeaways for listeners: reflect, act and honor. Check it out on Holly’s Highlights podcast, season 6 Episode 10.