The ‘Word’ for 2025
As we step into 2025, I would like to encourage all of us in the CIMBA family to center our actions and aspirations around the word “Grace.” Grace is not merely a passive virtue; it is an active commitment to seeing the best in others and offering our best in return. It invites us to approach life with sensitivity, understanding, and a willingness to extend kindness, even when it is undeserved or inconvenient. Grace challenges us to look beyond judgment, to uncover the “why” behind others’ actions, and to respond with creativity and courage. Often, what we observe on the surface may not reflect the deeper truths or struggles within. Grace calls us to look closely, genuinely, and compassionately, so that we may meet those deeper needs with care. It reminds us to forgive, to guide others’ growth with patience and understanding, and to lead by example, knowing that our actions shape the society we share. As William Hazlitt once said, “Grace has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul.” May 2025 be a year where we embrace grace as a guide to harmonize our lives and inspire those around us.
Growing up, I remember my father’s unwavering kindness. He had this incredible ability to see the best in people, even when they didn’t show it themselves. Once, during a particularly challenging time for our family, a neighbor who had always been cold and dismissive showed up at her doorstep in tears. Instead of turning her away or letting past slights cloud her judgment, my father invited her in, listened with patience, and offered comfort. When I asked him why he had done it, he simply said, “Sometimes, we have to give people the grace they haven’t yet given themselves.” That moment taught me that grace is not just about kindness—it is about courage, empathy, and the commitment to see the humanity in others.
As we step into 2025, I would like to encourage all of us in the CIMBA family to center our actions and aspirations around the word “Grace.” Grace is not merely a passive virtue; it is an active commitment to seeing the best in others and offering our best in return. It invites us to approach life with sensitivity, understanding, and a willingness to extend kindness, even when it is undeserved or inconvenient. Grace challenges us to look beyond judgment, to uncover the “why” behind others’ actions, and to respond with creativity and courage. Often, what we observe on the surface may not reflect the deeper truths or struggles within. Grace calls us to look closely, genuinely, and compassionately, so that we may meet those deeper needs with care. It reminds us to forgive, to guide others’ growth with patience and understanding, and to lead by example, knowing that our actions shape the society we share.
I am sharing this with you because grace has the power to transform our relationships, our leadership, and the communities we build together. By embracing grace, we can create an environment where people feel truly seen and supported—a place where they can thrive and grow. This matters to all of us because the world is watching how we choose to lead, both in our personal lives and as part of the CIMBA family. As William Hazlitt once said, “Grace has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul.”
Let’s make 2025 a year where we embody grace as a guiding principle, harmonizing our lives and inspiring those around us.
– Dr. Al H. Ringleb