15% Unleashed

Yesterday I received this update about Jackie Eads, a precious friend from Miami…

Jackie’s heart is only working at around 15%…

15%.

The number both discouraged me and inspired me. In reality, Jackie’s heart, functioning at 15% is more effective, compassionate, thoughtful, generous, wise, tender, focused, faithful, gentle, and loving than mine. At 15%.

This is a woman who has poured herself into the relationships that matter most. She is the personification of Jesus’ admonition to “Love God” AND “Love others”. Frankly, it’s not an overstatement to say that everybody and anybody that knows Jackie is both blessed and encouraged by the encounter.

Jackie Eads is extraordinary in the most ordinary ways.

Seven years ago when my wife, Mary had a very serious cycling accident, Jackie unleashed an avalanche of cards. The consistency and thoughtfulness were relentless. We were loved, by Jackie. We were prayed for, by Jackie. We were gifted words of care and tenderness, by Jackie.

One card, one stamp at a time.

Jackie uncomplicates love. A hug. A smile. A word. A glance.

Her love advocates. Her love celebrates. Her love propels. Her love trusts. Her love serves. Her love invests. Her love believes. Her love risks. Her love laughs. Her love weeps.

And now her love leans toward the arms of Jesus, her King, her Savior, her Friend.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13–16, ESV)

Salt. Unglamorous, but effective. Humble, but healing. Invisible, but powerful in bringing out the flavor in others. Salt.

Light. Unceremonious, but warm. Inconspicuous, but illuminating.

Jackie. Just Jackie.

These words are more than a tribute. They are a challenge. Not for you, but for me. To live Jackie. To buy a card, to write an address, to place a stamp… Jackie.

To declutter and love. Today.

To invest Jackie’s 15% and watch it grow. For every strong heart to beat as a stewardship to Jackie, to beat like Jackie. Today.

Her 15, my 100. Today. Her 15 and an army of others. Today. Love multiplied.

Not for Jackie, but for her King. Not because of Jackie, but because of Jesus.

Uncomplicated. Salt. Light. Jackie.

15% unleashed.