LUZ MARINO

Serve |Grow |Share: Faith-Based Habits for a Joyful Life

Discover how three simple, Christian habits can transform your life with lasting joy and purpose

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  • Discovering Leadership: How Ordinary Actions Create Extraordinary Leaders.

    Discovering Leadership: How Ordinary Actions Create Extraordinary Leaders.

    I was very young when I first noticed the special characteristics some people possess: an endless spark of energy, passion, and genuine commitment that makes them genuinely care about others. In that way, they motivate and include them towards a common goal. Those are characteristics I believe everyone possesses; however, they are not yet discovered.

    A Childhood Encounter with True Leadership

    Mrs Martinez was the choral teacher at my music class at elementary school when I was seven, and her class was a joyful time for the group of girls and boys in the classroom.  It was impressive to see how even the troublemakers of the class willfully followed her directions, singing like true little angels.  Those memories, joyful thoughts, and vivid images I see back in time. She was passionate about helping kids develop their musical talent for singing, always telling them that each one could sing like an angel if they wanted to.

    The Unseen Leaders Among Us

    I often think of those anonymous heroes who are leaders, without being recognized as such, or without realizing the dedication and work they devote to leading, keep inspiring others towards a noble cause.  These people came into this world with the leadership seal imprinted on their veins; those who, without realizing it, help to shape true leadership in the world.

    What Defines Authentic Leadership?

    On the other hand, leadership is often a concept discussed by experts and exemplified by individuals whose influence has shaped countless lives. All of them agree that true leaders inspire others, guiding them toward a vision that extends beyond personal interests and serves the greater good.

    The matter is that throughout history and in our present day, we see leaders whose dreams go beyond themselves—they project their vision onto those who are moved by their unique style and message.

    Leadership Begins at Home

    Then, while leadership can seem grandiose and daunting, it is not reserved for a select few.

    In reality, leadership begins at home, rooted in love, commitment, responsibility, and service. Parents and our environment play a crucial role in teaching us what it means to be a leader. Children naturally follow, making it essential for parents to embrace their role as leaders, shaping the next generation’s path to success.

    Unlocking Your Leadership Potential

    Many people may not see themselves as leaders, but everyone possesses leadership potential. Talents given at birth, combined with education, values, and preparation, equip us to lead. Leadership is, therefore, built on a foundation of strong morals and daily actions that influence those around us.

    Leadership is Accepted, Not Imposed

    Another important point to consider is that leadership is accepted, not imposed—true leaders attract followers who are eager to learn and grow.  In the same sense, a leader understands their purpose and sets goals to fulfill it.

    Liders’ lives are enriched by passion for what they do, sustained by commitment, and realized through service. This creates a cycle where leaders help shape other leaders along the way.

    The Lifelong Journey of Leadership

    I discovered it is a lifelong journey—one of discovering talents, challenging them forward, serving others, and in the way embracing personal growth. Leadership, then, becomes part of who you are.

    Leadership in Business and Organizations

    In business, effective leaders inspire teams by serving a vision greater than themselves and fostering a culture of commitment, responsibility, and service. Leadership is not limited to formal titles; it is developed through daily actions, strong values, and the ability to motivate others toward shared goals. For organizations, cultivating leadership at every level is essential for driving growth, building future leaders, and achieving long-term success.

    Recognizing Leadership in Every Sphere

    In summary, this reflection on leadership emphasizes that leaders inspire people of all ages, and they recognize leadership from their own perspective, age, and environment. Hence, we see leaders in every sphere of leadership when recognizing authentic leadership.

    A Call to Serve: Leadership as Stewardship

    True leadership is not merely about authority or recognition—it is, at its heart, a call to serve. The most authentic leaders understand that their influence is a responsibility, a stewardship entrusted to them for the benefit of others. This perspective transforms leadership from a pursuit of personal gain into a commitment to nurture, guide, and uplift those within their care.

    I am reminded of the words from 1 Peter 5:2 (NIV): “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.” This passage beautifully captures the essence of servant leadership—a willingness to lead not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to help others flourish.

    Throughout my life, I have witnessed leaders who embody this spirit of stewardship. Their actions are marked by humility, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. They do not seek applause or accolades; instead, they find fulfillment in the quiet victories of those they have helped along the way. Whether in the home, the classroom, or the workplace, these leaders inspire trust and loyalty because they put the needs of others before their own.

    Leadership as stewardship means recognizing that every opportunity to lead is also an opportunity to serve. It is about cultivating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their potential. In this way, leadership becomes a legacy—one that is measured not by titles or achievements, but by the lives touched and the positive change created.

    Ultimately, the call to serve is what sets a true leader ahead. It is a lifelong journey of selflessness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the greater good. When we embrace leadership as stewardship, we become catalysts for growth, hope, and transformation in the world around us.

  • The Power of Serving, Growing, and Sharing

    The Power of Serving, Growing, and Sharing

    I was five years old when I believed that there was a way to the kind of happiness I wanted one day.

    The fantasy stories Aunt Betty used to read to me had made me think in this way. Tall tales of virtue, love, sacrifice, altruism, and heroic deeds to achieve so-called love-related happiness. All that after the story’s characters have overcome all challenges and misfortune.

    Those stories carried the message that everything they went through was worth enduring until the story’s last line, where “together they lived happily ever after.”

    Childhood is a time when there are no limits to creativity. Children believe everything and that everything is possible, and it is when all they experience shapes and affects their lives and future endeavors in adulthood.

    When I was fourteen, I dreamed of studying acting. That sounded like a crazy idea to my parents: my dad was a police officer, and my mother was a schoolteacher.

    Most adults associate happiness with money, accomplishments, degrees, knowledge, prestige, and things on their list of goals. And of course, all that helps us to a better life and reach our goals and dreams.  

    Then, happiness is a common goal among all kinds of people.

    Although we know that happiness is not a permanent state, but a bit of cheerfulness and excitement that will pass without leaving an impression on the way we live and behave.

    We adopt habits for discipline, money management, time management, self-development, health, fitness, and the habit of attending church on Sundays. Habits are what we are.  They mold us, shape our deeds, and constitute our character.

    I was conscious of the power of habits long ago. For years, I read self-development books that greatly helped me.  However, it was the Word of God that led me to discover a pattern of habits that every human being practices by default: Serving, Growing, and Sharing.

    I would dare to say that this pattern is not exclusive to humanity but to the animal and natural kingdoms. I think this pattern was established in all life by the Creator at the beginning of the world.

    Serve, Grow, Share is the pattern of habits that we all practice by default.

    Some people have realized its potential and added intention to ignite this pattern of habits as a way to a fulfilled and purposeful life, especially when using personal talents and gifts to serve, grow, and share.

    Then, when I became an adult and a mother, I realized that having someone else to care for beyond myself was a great impulse and a powerful reason to pursue plans and goals, providing for my daughter in my way to achieve happiness.

    Through the years, I have been capable of wearing many hats successfully, although none provided me the fulfillment that conveying a message and presenting it to an audience gives me. My childhood and adolescent love for acting and communicating was still there, inside me, like the light of a candle that resists extinguishing,

    I remembered forgotten and unaccomplished dreams and goals lying in the chest of memories.

    Yet, aided in my role as a mother and as a woman of faith by the wisdom of God’s word, I raised my daughter as a single mom.

    The time was there for me to work on my given purpose, doing what brings joy to my heart. It was when I decided to become an author and motivator.

    Life’s purpose is what makes life a worthwhile experience.

    Purpose adds excitement and brings fulfillment to the heart. It seems like a goal reserved for the later years of life, but I would say it is the opposite.

    Then, acknowledging our talents at an early age is a blessing, and being capable of developing God-given gifts and talents while making a living is even a greater blessing; first for young people who can have a good start, and also for those that decide at any given moment to make the change towards making the journey of life worth of living.

    Every day is a new opportunity to start something or change what isn’t working; moreover, every morning is a new time for a better way of thinking, as the beginning of a new way of living.

    The change begins with forgiveness.

    Deciding to see the goodness of this world is a choice. Believe me, good things are happening around us that we can see if we look at things from a distinct perspective. It is easy to dwell on the past and think about things that do not add to us.

    Yet, we can change that if we decide so.

    Serving, growing, and sharing are habits that make a difference in how we approach our living experience.

    Whether loving it or not, we serve at home as parents, we serve as employers or employees in our work, and we serve our communities as neighbors and taxpayers.

    Whether we want it or not, we grow physically every day since conception in the womb, and we may grow healthy or the opposite. We voluntarily decide to grow mentally and spiritually. We grow our intellect or stay stagnant.

    As we grow spiritually, we develop in God’s knowledge and faith, or we may grow in age and without hope if we turn our backs on Him. We choose how we grow, and its effects can take us up or down.

    Whether by default or design, we all share love, time, common experiences, deeds, words, memories, heritage, and a legacy for good or bad.

    No one escapes sharing and influencing everyone around, and at the same time, people’s influence extends beyond their circles, throughout the world, for good or bad.

    Yet, love is what makes the difference when we serve, grow, and share; not only because of the impact and influence on others, but for the inherent sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment experienced by each person who chooses to love instead of hate.

    So, I encourage you to serve with love, grow through challenges, and share your light with the world!

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  • A Star-Spangled Daydream: My 4th of July at the Empire State Building

    A Star-Spangled Daydream: My 4th of July at the Empire State Building

    On a glorious July day in 2004, I set foot in New York City for the very first time. As someone who grew up in Peru watching American movies, it felt like stepping into a film set. Naturally, the Empire State Building—towering, timeless, and full of Hollywood lore—was my first stop.

    The streets buzzed with a melting pot of languages and faces. I remember thinking, —Is it an international holiday today? My cousin and I joined the throng of visitors winding our way into the skyscraper. After an hour’s wait, we finally boarded the elevator to the 86th-floor observatory.

    The view impressed me. It was pure cinema! Manhattan stretched out like a living, breathing postcard. My head filled with scenes from every movie that ever immortalized that skyline. The day was perfect. The sky was clean blue, with no clouds.

    Then the real movie began.

    A wave of crisp white uniforms swept across the observatory deck—sailors, marines, and coastguards! We’d stumbled into Fleet Week: New York’s 17th annual celebration of maritime might. In the commotion, I lost sight of my cousin. Maybe she’d gone up to the 102nd floor? I headed there, hoping to find her in the cozy, glass-walled upper observatory.

    She wasn’t there either. But the sailors were—again. No escape via the elevator this time, the crowd was too thick. So I did what any level-headed tourist might do: I found an emergency stairwell and began a cautious descent.

    Somewhere between floors, I heard faint noises behind a door. Workers, maybe? I pushed it open.

    “Hi!” said a voice. “I’ve been waiting for someone like you!”

    It was him.

    King Kong! 

    Large as ever, peeking in from the windows with those massive hands wrapped around the building.

    I looked down and gasped—my casual white clothes had transformed into a flowing dress. No… not this cliché. I’m a brunette! But apparently, Kong wasn’t picky about hair color.

    “This is your moment, he boomed. Be the actress you always dreamed of. Let’s rewrite my ending—it’s no fun being remembered as the defeated gorilla.”

    Part of me melted at his sadness. He missed Skull Island. Broadway lights didn’t suit him. I almost wanted to help… until he gently plucked my leg with a massive finger.

    “Tiiiiimbeeer!” I shrieked, channeling every horror movie scream I’d ever heard. “Heeeeelp!”

    Suddenly, the door burst open. My savior had arrived.

    Popeye!

    Yes, that Popeye—the spinach-guzzling, pipe-chomping, anchor-armed cartoon sailor. He scooped me up like I was Olive Oyl herself.

    “Where’s Olive?” I stammered.

    “She left me for Bluto,” he replied with a sigh. Even in dreams, heartbreak doesn’t take holidays.

    Back on the 86th floor, Popeye gently set me down. His pipe still puffed calmly as he asked, “Feeling better now?”

    I nodded.

    “I’ve gotta return to my ship. We’re headed to the Bahamas next to take on drug dealers.” He winked. “But before I go, I just figured out who you remind me of—”

    Just then, my cousin’s voice broke through the crowd. I turned to find her. When I spun back to hear Popeye’s answer, he was gone.

    Only the echo of white uniforms and a faint smell of spinach remained.

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  • Beyond All Predictions: Pope Leo XIV, Lion of Peru

    Beyond All Predictions: Pope Leo XIV, Lion of Peru

    Never before has a new Pope captured as much interest as Pope Leo XIV in people of all ways of life and creeds. This widespread fascination stems from his missionary work spanning decades amid humble communities in Northern Peru. How he decided to become a Peruvian citizen, and how much good he has done for the Catholic Christianity among people from those communities.

    Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, began missionary work in Chulucanas, Peru, in the 1980s. His interest in Peruvian culture and people was sparked by a childhood curiosity when he received a chullo. It was a gift from his aunt after she visited the Andean country.

    He was only five years old when he realized that the world was filled with diverse cultures; people far beyond his hometown of Chicago. His aunt’s stories about her time in Peru left a lasting impression on him.

    Many are now familiar with the new Pope’s childhood story and how he grew up in a devout Catholic home. His parents were active practitioners of the Catholic faith and not only regular churchgoers. His family was committed and involved with the work of the Church.

    It was in this environment that he learned about Christ’s love for the meek, humble, and needy. He also understood the foundation of the Catholic Church’s faith, which is rooted in God’s love for all humankind made flesh in Jesus Christ and the importance of missionary work and religious tradition.

    The “Habemus Papam” announcement on May 8, 2025, declaring Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope Leo XIV, went beyond all predictions. It was a delightful surprise for most Catholics worldwide, especially in the Americas. They celebrated this momentous occasion with immense joy; people in both Chiclayo, Peru, and Chicago, United States.

    Watching the news that morning, I thought of Pope Francis in Saint Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday. I had not watched a Pope lead the Easter Sunday Mass in the Vatican since John Paul II. Pope Francis had been ill and miraculously recovered to give the blessing at the end of Mass. The next day, his death drew significant attention to the Vatican and the process of electing a new Pope. The world saw the Catholic Church’s remarkable organization and adherence to tradition. It highlights its profound influence on millions of Catholics worldwide.

    Seventeen days later, the new Pope Leo XIV stood on the St. Peter’s Basilica Balcony, greeting the people of Rome and the world. The Augustinian priest who began his inspiring missionary journey in Peru during the 1980th was now the new Pope!

    Through the centuries, God has called missionaries to serve far from their homeland. An example of it is the missionary work of Catholic friars and priests in Hispanic America that started five hundred years ago.

    It happened when Catholic Queen Isabella of Castile (Spain) sent Catholic priests to evangelize the inhabitants of the Americas.

    Native people from the Americas were idol worshipers and unfamiliar with the concept of a merciful God. The evangelistic work missionaries did let natives learn about the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, for the sins of humanity. This teaching helped them understand that human sacrifices were not necessary to worship a God of love.

    During this time, missionary work began using baroque violins to play sacred music to form first contact with native people. Friars and priests learned the native languages to teach the Word of God understandably to native people. They also created the first written grammar for Quechua (Santo Tomas, D. de., 1560) and Aymara (Bertonio, L.,1603) languages.

    Missionaries became spiritual leaders and protectors of the natives in the ‘missions’ they built together throughout Hispanic America. They lived in these communities, and most never returned to Europe. At their death, the community buried their priests in the churches they served. The people loved and respected them.

    In 2025, Pope Leo XIV’s missionary work in Peru reminded the world that God’s love for humanity remains unchanged and impartial.

    The love, compassion, and willingness to serve that drive missionary work stem from a heart devoted to God’s love for humankind.

    Yet, the world yearns for peace and, in its lack of love for neighbors, seeks unsuccessful ways to find it, often living far from God’s love.

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  • Working a Joyful Life

    Working a Joyful Life

    If you are a son or a daughter, a husband or a wife, a father or a mother, you are a part of a family way of life. That makes you an important role player, where your actions work to build a joyful life experience for everyone at home. 

    Then, taking the initiative to lead by example can create the environment for a joyful living together, because every change starts with you.

    Beginnings Are Not Easy

    When I was five years old, I knew that I wanted to be an actress when I grew up. I liked acting and reciting poems at family parties. Then, since early in life, I knew that I could bring joy to others by doing what I loved.

    When I was fourteen years old, I joined the acting group at the school. One day, my dad asked me what I wanted to become in the future; without hesitation, I said —Dad, I want to be an actress—

    —“What? Sweetheart, you are not serious.” He said with a disappointing expression.

     After that moment, I discarded the idea of pursuing my artistic aspirations as a goal. My parents didn’t show any intention of helping me pursue an acting-related career in the future.

    —Anyway, I like public speaking. I should pursue a Law career when the right time comes. — I thought.

    Without fear of speaking in front of an audience, I was good at memorizing long poems in just a few hours. My teachers at school used to ask me to join every artistic and cultural event. I still remember all those years of learning and studying, blended with playful moments of joy.

    Work Toward Your Dreams

    The time went by, and filled with much excitement for life and the future, I became the mother of a beautiful baby girl at twenty.

    All my focus and main goal then was providing a bright future to my daughter. I had a bigger motivation, an interest that surpassed my well-being. She became my inspiration and the drive to all my accomplishments through the years until she graduated from college.

    As the seasons of life went by, my daughter grew up, found the love of her life, married, and took charge of her life, plans, and dreams.

    More years passed by, and I realized lost in my thoughts without knowing what was next for me. My motivation was gone.

    Finding myself motivated to take action took time because I had forgotten my dreams and did not have plans.  The hustle and bustle of life had numbed my inspiration, and for sure, I was not confident, nor dare to make my dreams a reality, working towards a joyful life.

    Work What You Love Doing

    Some people can work on what they enjoy doing, and I think they are people who exude excitement and confidence. I would say they are the happiest people because they do what they love for a living.

    One morning while reading the Scriptures, I found:

    “Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God”.

    Ecclesiastes 5:18,19 NASB

    Just then, I realized that rejoicing and enjoying oneself in all one’s labor are rewards and gifts from the Lord.

    It was as if my eyes were opened towards a new understanding and the reality of my life’s thinking process. I remembered my God-given talents I was born with, and my gifts as a new creation in Christ.

    Get to Know Your Purpose

    Why are you in the middle of a way of living where you are not getting the fullest of yourself?— I asked myself.

    Until then, I felt I was dragging instead of flying toward my dreams.

    Yes, you can feel you are flying when you are accomplishing your goals. Know that your dreams can come true if you have plans and work on them with a purpose.

    I found that being certain about what you want will lead you to act with purpose.

    Then, I went back in memory to those happy moments of my childhood and youth, when I played to be the poet, the dancer, and the actress.

    —I see a door opening for me, a door to new possibilities, my inspiration is back!—

    New and fresh ideas came to my mind, and I started writing down new goals and plans to carry out. I decided to use my God given talents and make a living with them.

    Now I am working towards a joyful life, doing the work I love.

  • The Last Scottish of Kearny

    The Last Scottish of Kearny

    Early on a morning in December 2004, I was waiting for my ride to NYC. It was very cold. The weather forecast predicted snow for that morning, and it happened!

    As I waited for my ride, the snow began to fall, and I sought refuge under a shop awning behind me. It had a huge storefront window that led me to see how busy they were. Someone inside was watching my move, and suddenly I heard a voice that said:

    —I just brewed coffee, and I am baking soda bread. Come in, it is cold!

    I turned my head, and there was the shop’s owner, Al Stewart, with the door open. I could sense the aroma of freshly baked bread that I still remember.

    That was the very first time I saw him, from many more times I saw him as I went every morning to the same spot on Kearny Ave to wait for my ride.

    His grandparents founded the shop in 1931, two years after emigrating from Scotland, and he was taking care of his family business. Al had served in the US Air Force and was stationed for four years in Germany and the UK during the 80s.

    By force of custom to see Al, we became friends, and I introduced him to my friends, and he became one of the group. Years later, he offered me a position on his team at the Scottish Shop to manage the e-commerce website for the Stewart’s Scottish Market. He wanted to revamp the business with a brand-new site.

    It was 2010 when I began working for him, with the challenge to learn quickly about the business audience: the Scottish American market. The small shop serving the Scottish people in New Jersey soon became known nationwide, and we started shipping orders from coast to coast.

    Al kept his recipes loyal to the traditional Scottish food taste. I saw his love for his work; he used his skills and talents to make the best versions of Scottish meat pies and other food staples of Scotland’s cuisine.

    His dedication, discipline, and care to make his Traditional Scottish food as in Scotland was a secret learned from his father that kept generations of customers loyal to the shop.

    Al greatly influenced my life when he offered me the opportunity to develop my skills as a digital marketer in a new environment. There I had to leave my comfort zone to learn everything related to the Scottish in the more than ten years I worked for him.

    I meditate on how the coincidence of being in the right place at the right time can change the course of an experience for anyone.

    Al was a successful man who accomplished his purpose using his God-given talents, doing what he loved, and that led him to leave an indelible mark on all who enjoyed his food.

    But as life is just a passage of time on this earth, last week, friends and family had to say goodbye to Al Stewart, the Last Scottish of Kearny. Al seized eternity on a journey without return.

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