From the Heart of
Sonya D. Ferreira

Offense is inevitable, but holding onto it is a choice. When we release what weighs on our hearts and surrender it to God, we make room for healing, growth, and peace that cannot be found in resentment.

King David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a loyal spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, NLT). This cry from a national leader reveals something we all face, the ongoing work of humility and surrender. EVERY person in authority is meant to operate under authority also!

February is more than Black History Month; it is American History. I meditated on this thought as I was formulating my response to my son’s question… “Why do we have one month each year to recognize Black people?”

Genesis 11 tells an interesting story about a unified people. “At one time all the people of the world spoke the same language and used the same words.” There was no cultural diversity. People desired to make themselves famous and keep from being scattered all over the world but God had a different plan. He decided to “confuse the people with different languages” so they could not understand each other and in that way God “scattered them all over the world.”

While reading John Eldredge’s book, Resilient, I was struck by his reflections on the lingering impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It is remarkable how human beings were created not only to survive against overwhelming odds, we endure and even thrive. The Apostle Paul understood this reality when he wrote, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8, NLT).

The New Year is a doorway to hopes and dreams. We reflect on the past, reprioritize our present, and plan for the future. Yet, we often overlook the power of a dream breathed by God. Dreams are full of meaning, direction, and purpose.

I wasn't supposed to be here, but God chose me. God chose you, too. In the beginning, God created, and then He appointed a time. He sent us from eternity, Kairos, into earth’s Kronos time through vessels called parents. Every person entered the earth like Christ, through a mother.

One of my favorite classical compositions is Pachelbel’s Canon in D. I am always struck by its many variations and artistic expressions, yet it remains instantly recognizable.

Every November, we enter what Americans call “the season of Thanksgiving.” Is thankfulness just a season or should it be a mindset and lifestyle? Scripture challenges us: “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

In quiet moments of conviction, we’re shaped. Christlikeness isn’t about perfection—it’s about surrender, humility, and letting the Holy Spirit refine us. Strength and grace, Lion and Lamb. May our private battles birth public witness.

Recency bias makes us fixate on the latest events , but Scripture reminds us history repeats and nothing is new under the sun . Christ remains the same yesterday, today and forever . Anchoring our minds in unchanging truth helps us resist the chaos of the moment. Pause before reacting; anchor in Scripture and stand firm. Don’t be outwitted by Satan’s schemes .

In this time, we are challenged to remember what is right, what is moral, what is godly. For true followers of Christ, evidence of genuine faith manifests in the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

I remember the first time I walked into the house we later purchased. The realtor opened the door, and I stepped into a room framed by a wall of windows overlooking calming waters.

Filters. We all have them, and they quietly shape our daily decisions, judgments, and reactions to others. They decide how we interpret someone else’s choices and how we justify our own.

From the Heart of CEO, Sonya Ferreira This morning, I woke up to something I’ve never experienced before… a hangover but not the kind brought on by alcohol or chemicals.

In difficult seasons, people do not always have the strength to come to where you are as a leader. That is why leaders must go to where they are and call them up.

Fireworks are a family tradition in our home. Every July 4th and New Year’s Eve, we make it a point to let our son enjoy the spectacle. Since his first show, he has been mesmerized with them. As a mother, I was mesmerized with his face watching the display. The dazzling lights, the crackle in the sky is one of those experiences that signal excitement, but this last trip did not go as planned.

In May 2025, I woke up differently. Not to an alarm clock or a rush of deadlines, but to the quiet realization that today is the first day of early retirement. This transition did not unfold in the way I imagined. Life rarely follows our scripts.

For me, it’s personal. I served 22 years in the military. My family? Nearly 200 years of combined service across all branches. We value freedom—not just as a concept, it’s a family legacy.

As we head into this special weekend, I want to take a moment to say “Thank You” to every person who participated in the Rites of Passage Manhood Challenge. Your stories are a spark to keep the flame burning for the celebration of good men and leaders.