#96: Leading with Curiosity and Love, Not Assumption (Who is at Our Table - part 3)

Have you ever found yourself jumping to conclusions—only to realize later that what someone needed most was simply to be seen?

In this episode—part three of our "Who Is at Your Table?" series—I’m discussing what it means to lead with curiosity and love instead of assumption. From motherhood moments and classroom pivots to grocery store grace, I’m sharing the lessons God’s been gently teaching me about slowing down, checking in, and creating safe spaces for others to feel known and valued.

I’ll be honest—this didn’t always come naturally to me. But over the years, God has gently slowed me down, taught me to notice, and helped me trade reactive words for intentional ones. In this episode, I’m sharing what that journey has looked like in my classroom, my home, and my own heart.

You’ll hear a story about a friend who taught me the power of a simple “How are you?” and a vulnerable moment in a grocery store that reminded me how quickly we can assume—and how much it means when someone chooses to lead with love instead.

Together we'll explore:

• Why slowing down to see is never time wasted
• How to ask questions that build connection
• Parenting through curiosity instead of frustration
• Ways I’ve learned to pivot (even when plans are in place!)
• 12 takeaways that help me create safe spaces for sharing
• What it means to be part of a team—in our homes, classrooms, and communities

Throughout, I’ll share scripture, stories, and reminders that we don’t have to have it all figured out. We just need to be open to God’s leading, to gentle pivots, and to seeing others through His eyes.

Some of the scriptures that grounded this episode:

Psalm 51:10, 1 Peter 5:7, James 1:19, Ephesians 4:3 + 4:15, Psalm 133:1, Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Hebrews 6:19–20

If your heart needs the reminder that shame silences, but love lifts, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how to pause, pray, pivot, and lead with love, right where we are.

Next up: I’ll be sitting down with two dear sisters to talk about what it means to steward what’s already in our hands—how we can trust God even when we don’t feel equipped, and what it looks like to move forward anyway.

♡ Connect with Jen Kosuda

Instagram

Website

YouTube

Linktr.ee (for books & more)

♡ Thank you for joining me in this episode. If you enjoyed this message, please consider sharing or writing a review to help spread this message of hope.