We are big Marvel movie fans in my house — and by we, I mean my husband and our two youngest daughters. I'll admit, some of the movies I really do enjoy, especially the ones that tie family dynamics into the character arcs.
Two movies feature a similar scene in which a parent calls out to the main character, encouraging them to remember who they are. It happens in Black Panther during the challenge for the throne, and in Thor: Ragnarok after Thor loses his hammer. In both cases, the hero is on the brink of defeat, and this reminder from their parent prompts them to dig deep, ignore any lingering self-doubt, and get the job done.
Recently, my oldest daughter started running track. Before her first meet, I reminded her of those scenes and told her to remember who she is.
Everything she needed was already in her.The goal was for her to remember that her advantage came from her identity — the unique combination of traits, gifts, and talents that make her, her. And that same reminder matters in business, because stewardship starts with knowing who God made you to be.
So, who are you — and how much of your identity do you bring into your work? The understanding of your identity, the unique combination of traits, gifts, talents, and experiences that make you, you, is essential to living out your purpose in alignment with God's will for your life.
"God is not a God of confusion but of peace."
1 Corinthians 14:33He wants you to be crystal clear about how all aspects of you work together to fulfill his purpose. While he may not reveal the entire plan, I believe he wants you to have clarity about the direction you're supposed to be headed in. And on this journey of stewardship, that clarity leads us toward our zone of genius.
Traditionally, your zone of genius focuses on ROI — what you can do best with the least amount of effort. In our community, we take it further. Your zone of genius relies heavily on what God has called you to. It's about what burdens your heart. That's the point of differentiation. And it's why so many talents, dreams, and purpose projects get buried — not from laziness, but from an inability to name what you've been given.
What flows naturally from you that feels impossible to others. Not a skill — a gift can't be taught, only refined.
The intersection of your gifts, your calling, and the problem you were made to solve.
The people or problem that consistently breaks your heart — the thing you can't walk past without wanting to help.
At a high level, your zone of genius is the intersection of your gifts and talents, the people you have been called to serve, and the problem you have been called to solve. The struggle for many is identifying the overlap.
I understand how difficult it can be to find the connection between your gift and your burden — especially since for many of us, it's not a natural transition. Years ago, as part of a leadership conference, I took a spiritual gifts test. My gift is administration. For many years, it was difficult for me to translate my need for order into serving the church or, honestly, into anything that felt like ministry.
The turning point came when I realized that not all ministry happens within the confines of organized religion. While the church can use my gifts, it's not the only place where I can use them. The point is that while the intersection can be difficult to pinpoint, it is not impossible.
Think back to a time when you helped someone in a way that felt easy and natural to you — but was deeply impactful and meaningful to them.
That place is the intersection. That is your zone of genius.To make this actionable, answer these three questions this week. Don't overthink — write your first thoughts.
"What problem or group of people pulls on your heart so consistently that you can't ignore it — no matter how busy you are?"
"What do people regularly come to you for that feels 'normal' to you — but is hard, confusing, or overwhelming for them?"
"When you show up at your best, what changes for others — what's the measurable or noticeable impact of your presence and work?"
These answers will serve as the clarifying foundation to help you take the next step on your journey.
Turn Your Answers Into a Clear Next Step
When you're ready, take your answers and head to the Zone of Genius Discovery Tool. It'll help you name your overlap — and turn it into a clear next step you can steward this season.
Take Me to the Tool →"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much."
Matthew 25:23
Which of the three questions hit closest to home? Drop your answer in the comments — and if you've already tried the Zone of Genius tool, tell us what you discovered.
With Love,
LaKeisha
P.S. — Sunday's entry for Week 2 is coming. The theme is choosing God over good — and it's one I know will hit close to home for a lot of you. Don't miss it.