Episode 2: The Power of Light: Insights on Leadership, Boundaries, and Meeting Others with Gladness

Written By AMBER SESSOMS

Join us for an insightful conversation in Episode 2 of Living in 3D Power as Amber and her daughter, Emma, explore themes of leadership, resilience, adversity, and nurturing the light within ourselves.

Chapters

[08:37] Emma and Amber recount personal experiences of confronting bias, advocating for justice, and amplifying their voices in challenging moments.

[15:47] Emma critiques examples of poor leadership, emphasizing kindness and integrity as key traits of good leaders. Amber reflects on the narratives and experiences that have shaped her understanding of being a good person and a compassionate leader.

[22:27] Emma and Amber discuss ways to identify and nurture their light amidst challenges, including self-affirmation and creative practices.

[26:31] Amber highlights Toni Morrison’s powerful lesson about showing children love and appreciation through joyful interactions.

[35:59] Amber shares her admiration for Michelle Obama’s boundary-setting, emphasizing the importance of saying no to protect one’s well-being.

[41:46] Amber reflects on Emma’s empathy, self-worth, and the vital lessons about meeting others with gladness, especially children from marginalized backgrounds.

Takeaways

  • Empathy as Light: Emma’s natural empathy inspires Amber to radiate kindness and presence.

  • Boundaries Are Essential: Setting boundaries, as modeled by Michelle Obama, is a powerful act of self-preservation.

  • Meeting Others with Gladness: A simple smile or joyful greeting can profoundly impact children and adults alike.

  • Resilience Through Adversity: Sharing personal stories and advocating for justice strengthens individual and collective dignity.

Quotables

  • "So, you know, this is perhaps one of the best times for the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. And I think that's why [the inauguration] occurred on the King Holiday. No person did that. So that's like a message from God, you know? Hey, you all, let’s get back to these teachings, you know, let's realign ourselves with that movement." —Dr. Bernice King

  • “When we say we don’t see color, what we are truly saying is, “I don’t want to see the things about you that are different because society has told me they are dangerous or undesirable...Rendering difference invisible validates the notion that there are parts of us that should be ignored, hidden, or minimized, leaving in place the unspoken idea that difference is the problem and not our approach to dealing with difference.” —Sonya Renee Taylor

  • “I'm not playing that game, checking myself: How can I show up authentically in all of my spaces? As I show my light, it's giving license for people to do the same.” —Dr. Amber Sessoms

  • "Let your face speak what's in your heart." —Toni Morrison

  • “Meet [your kids] with gladness, and show on your countenance what is in your heart.” —Dr. Amber Sessoms

Curiosity Card Prompts for Reflection

Discovery

  • Adult Question: Reflecting on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, what is one time I challenged an injustice or helped someone facing unfair treatment? How did that experience influence my sense of self and my connection to my community?

  • Kid Question: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in treating everyone with fairness and respect. What is one time when I helped someone or stood up for something that wasn’t fair? What did it teach me about myself and how we can make our communities better?

  • Adult Question: Dr. Bernice King reminds us to reflect on who we are as people. What experiences or narratives have shaped my understanding of what it means to be a good person, and how do these lessons influence the way I treat myself and others?

  • Kid Question: Dr. Bernice King says we need to remember who we are as people. What does being a good person mean to me, and how do the people around me or on TV show me how to treat myself and others kindly--or not?

Discernment

  • Adult Question: Michelle Obama spoke about the “light” within everyone. What practices help me identify and nurture my light when the world feels overwhelming?

  • Kid Question: Michelle Obama says everyone has a “light” inside of them. What is my light, and how do I show it to my friends, family, or teachers?

  • Adult Question: Toni Morrison said, “Our kids just want our gladness.” What are some ways I can show more gladness and warmth to my kids, especially in moments when I might feel distracted or overwhelmed?

  • Kid Question: When my family greets me with kindness or happiness, how does it make me feel? What’s one way I like to show kindness or happiness to others when I see them?

Determination

  • Adult Question: Michelle Obama chose to skip the inauguration to protect her light. When have I discovered a boundary I needed to set to protect my own well-being?

  • Kid Question: Sometimes people feel like they have to do something just because others expect them to. What is one time when I made a choice that felt right for me, even if it was hard?

Resources and Mentions

Connect with Amber

Like, Comment, Share, Engage

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would love these conversations. Engage with the Curiosity Cards and ask the youth in your life about their experiences—you might be surprised by what you learn. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments or on social media using #LivingIn3DPower. And, don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for next week’s conversation!

AMBER SESSOMS
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Episode 3: The Power of Strength: How Our Strengths Shape Us, Even When the World Tries to Erase Us
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Episode 1: The Power of the Pause: Rediscovering Wonder and Curiosity with Our Youth