Service isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. It’s the thread that weaves through every chapter of my life, shaping how I lead, how I live, and how I grow. At Texas A&M, where selfless service is more than just a core value—it’s a calling—I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about stepping into the brokenness, standing beside those in need, and offering the most valuable gift of all: ourselves.

Through the heartbreak of disaster relief with the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) and the quiet moments of spiritual connection at Rolling Hills Community Church, I’ve discovered a simple truth: true leadership is found in service. In the darkest moments—when coffins float down flooded streets or when someone’s faith falters in the quiet of their struggle—it’s the smallest acts of kindness that change everything. George H.W. Bush’s vision of a “Thousand Points of Light” is not just an ideal; I’ve seen it come alive in the most unexpected ways—through a comforting word, a listening ear, or just showing up when it matters most.

What I’ve learned, above all else, is that leadership rooted in service builds trust, transforms lives, and requires adaptability in the face of chaos. These aren’t just lessons—they’re the heartbeat of my life. And as you read on, I hope you’ll see how these truths have shaped not only the way I lead but the way I seek to serve others with everything I have.

Leading with Humility in Denham Springs

In 2016, I had the opportunity to lead a disaster relief team as a volunteer through ADRN in response to the catastrophic flooding in Denham Springs, Louisiana. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and the devastation was overwhelming (The Advocate, 2016). My role as Incident Commander was to coordinate efforts to bring not only logistical relief but also emotional and spiritual support to families who had lost everything. The scope of the disaster was enormous, and I knew I wasn’t capable of handling it alone. I had to rely on my team and trust in the power of small, intentional acts of service.

One of the most poignant moments came when one of my team members struggled with the devastation’s emotional weight. We had seen the unimaginable—coffins floating down flooded streets, homes torn apart, and families shattered (Reighley, 2024). Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, I sat with him, listened, and let him process the situation at his own pace. This wasn’t just leadership; it was an act of service to my team member. I realized that sometimes, the most important thing you can offer is simply your presence and understanding.

Supporting Each Other in Service

In Denham Springs, my task wasn’t just about organizing efforts but about individualized care. Each team member had struggles, whether physical exhaustion from the intense heat or the emotional toll of witnessing so much loss. My responsibility was to support them as they supported others. The strategy came down to personalized attention—Individualized Consideration—where I focused on each person’s unique needs, not just as volunteers but as individuals facing their own challenges (Northouse, 2022).

My task at Rolling Hills Community Church was similar, though the setting was less urgent. I led both Men’s Bible studies and Sunday Night Bible Study, and I also served on the Administrative Board, where I provided oversight to ensure our staff and volunteers could thrive (Reighley, 2024). In both environments, I was reminded that leadership isn’t about managing tasks; it’s about nurturing people. It’s about understanding that each person has a story, a need, and a role in the greater mission.

Humble Service as Leadership

At ADRN, I sought to serve my team before leading them. I provided structure and daily briefings, but I made it clear that my role was to support them, not to be in the spotlight. I encouraged them to step into their strengths, to find meaning in the small acts of kindness they offered to survivors, and to see that their service was a reflection of something much bigger than any of us (ADRN, 2018).

At Rolling Hills, I took the same approach. As a Bible study leader, my goal was not to be the authority on Scripture but to encourage each man to grow in his faith and take ownership of his spiritual journey. As a Board Member, I worked to ensure that our staff felt valued and equipped to serve the congregation effectively, knowing that the success of the church relied on the strength of the team, not any one individual (Reighley, 2024).

Small Acts, Big Impact

In both Denham Springs and Rolling Hills, the results of our work were not always visible immediately. But that’s the nature of service—its true impact is often felt long after the act itself. In Denham Springs, our team helped survivors begin their healing journey. We provided emotional and spiritual care in moments when it seemed like all hope was lost. Many survivors expressed their gratitude not in grand gestures but in quiet moments of shared tears and whispered thanks. I saw firsthand that George H.W. Bush’s “Thousand Points of Light” was more than a metaphor; it was a reality that we lived out in every small act of kindness (The New York Times, 2016).

At Rolling Hills, I saw growth in the men who attended Bible study, not because I taught them something profound but because we walked the path of faith together. Our administrative work on the church board helped the church run more smoothly, ensuring that we could serve our congregation and our community with integrity (Reighley, 2024).

Leading Through Service

Looking back, I realize that the most important lessons I’ve learned have come not from leading in traditional ways but from serving others. Three key takeaways have emerged from these experiences:

1. Servant Leadership Creates Trust: When you serve those you lead, you create a foundation of trust. People are more willing to give their best when they know you are there to support them, not to command them. Whether in disaster relief or ministry, leadership is about being willing to do the hard work alongside your team.
2. Small Acts of Service Matter: In both Denham Springs and Rolling Hills, I learned that the smallest acts of service—a listening ear, a word of encouragement—can make the biggest difference. George H.W. Bush was right: every small point of light adds to a much brighter whole. Each individual act contributes to a larger impact that we may never fully see.
3. Adaptability in Service: Whether responding to a disaster or navigating church operations, flexibility is key. Plans often change, and leadership requires the humility to adapt, trusting that serving others is the constant even when the circumstances shift.

Conclusion:
Continuing the Journey of
Humble Service

As I reflect on my experiences with ADRN, Rolling Hills, and my studies at Texas A&M, I am reminded that service is at the heart of leadership. George H.W. Bush’s call to be “a Thousand Points of Light” is not just a lofty idea—it’s a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference through small, humble acts of service. My goal is to continue serving others, trusting that in doing so, we light the way for those around us. It is through these acts of humble service that true leadership emerges, and I am committed to carrying that torch wherever I am called.

As George H.W. Bush so powerfully said, “There could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others.” These words guide my steps, reminding me that true success lies not in what I accomplish for myself but in how I lift others through my actions.

References

Austin Disaster Relief Network. (2018). Incident action plan: San Marcos apartment fires at Iconic Village. ADRN.

Bush, G. H. W. (1989, January 20). Inaugural address. American Presidency Project. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/inaugural-address-2

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Reighley, C. L. (2024). Leadership experience reflection.

The Advocate. (2016, August 20). Denham Springs devastated by record flooding. The Advocate. https://www.theadvocate.com/louisiana_flood_2016/it-hit-everywhere-denham-springs-devastated-by-record-flooding/article_482c9e88-66a2-11e6-84f3-6391f30964b0.html

The New York Times. (2016, August 16). Louisiana flooding: Pictures and maps. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/08/16/us/louisiana-flooding-pictures-maps.html

Texas A&M University. (2024). Core values: Selfless service. https://www.tamu.edu/corevalues

Reighley, C. L (2024a). Service Reflectin Checklist.

Click HERE to learn more about these personal reflections and the Bush School of Governments & Public Service Medal of Excellence.