Polished Northwest Arkansas

“Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Our January theme of boundaries primed us to dive into this month’s theme: love. After we’ve done the work to discover our limitations, differentiate from others, and set rhythms to care for ourselves, we can turn outward and love others without obligation, manipulation, or demands.

There’s no denying that love is on our minds in February. Even for those of us who aren’t too keen on the cultural celebration of Valentine’s Day, there’s just no avoiding the cascade of hearts, notes, and messaging focused on love. Add to that an acknowledgment of Black History Month and Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, and we’re sure to be reminded this month that love is central to our lives. As Scripture tells us, love covers a multitude of sins. Genuine, action-oriented love sets us apart as Christians. “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35). Love is at the heart of the gospel. That’s why, regardless of your feelings about cultural celebrations of love this month, we want to take the opportunity towards the beginning of the new year to anchor ourselves in love.

This month, we’re asking ourselves what it looks like to be rooted in love as we flourish at work. How can love compel us to serve, accept, pursue, and celebrate others? How does the love we receive in Christ impact how we show love to our coworkers, our clients, and even our bosses? How can you let love lead you this month without losing sight of yourself and your boundaries? What does letting love drive you as you flourish in your faith and work mean?

Join us this month for a conversation about love and how to contextualize Christian love in our workplaces. Even as we seek to grow in our faith and hold onto hope, we know that the love that carries the most weight and matters is love.

Blake is the chief communications and development officer for the think-and-do tank Heartland Forward based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Since the beginning of her career in public relations, she has dedicated herself to building relationships and enhancing the reputations of others. Whether it's helping leaders rise to their potential, working with non-profits to raise capital or counseling businesses on how to elevate their brand, she has played an instrumental role in the success of those around her.

Prior to joining Heartland Forward, her 30-year career has included working as a consultant, serving as executive vice president at Mitchell Communications, a public relations agency, co-founding Executive Communications Consultants and leading as a senior director of development at the University of Arkansas. She serves on the Northwest Arkansas National Airport Board and was the first female chair. Blake is a sustaining member and former president of the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas, a member of the Delta Dental Foundation and serves in numerous other community service roles. In 2018, she was honored by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce with the Mrs. Sarah Jessie Young Leadership by Example Award, and most recently, the Business Women's Conference hosted by the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce recognized Blake with the inaugural Woman of Purpose Award. She earned a B.A. from the University of Dallas, a private Catholic liberal arts university.

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