Develop Deep Roots and Sow Seeds of Grace and Growth

By Lawrencina Mason Oramalu

Growth isn’t just about what we produce above the surface—it’s about what’s happening beneath it. It’s not only about output, but about depth—in our relationships, our leadership, and our conversations.

Trust + Mutual Respect = Strong Roots

If you want a team or organization that can weather storms and rise to big challenges, it has to be rooted in trust, mutual respect, and genuine connection. Surface-level relationships might hold up for a season, but deep roots are what sustain long-term growth. 

I have experienced what can happen when trust and mutual respect are lacking and when they are strong. When deep roots and relationships are lacking, it can cause a team to wither and dry up. However, when trust creates strong deep roots, a team can thrive and flourish, even when facing hard times. These teams are able to flourish because the water from the storms produce rainbows instead of dark clouds. 

Break the Ice to Build Stronger Teams

At the Center for Student Leadership, we open every staff meeting with an icebreaker. Some people love icebreakers, while others might prefer to stick strictly to the agenda. But I believe icebreakers can accelerate the cultivation of deeper roots. They create space for our full selves—not just our job titles—to be present.

We also rotate leadership discussions so every team member has a chance to lead. Although I’m the director, I believe leadership should be shared. Teams grow when they learn with and from one another. We grow by trusting one another. We grow by laughing together. Yes, results matter—but deep, authentic relationships produce better results.

Check Hearts Before Checking Grades

A few years ago, we began requiring one-on-one mentoring meetings with our scholars. Why? Because too often, we found out about academic, emotional, or personal struggles after they’d already impacted a student’s performance.

We realized we couldn’t just evaluate their progress based on grades and SEED (Service, Education, Experiential learning, and Development) hours at the end of the year. That wasn’t fair—or effective.

Although I typically avoid mandating things, we made these check-ins a requirement. If we were going to hold students accountable, we had to make sure we were offering support before they hit a wall. Some meetings started off superficial, but over time, students opened

up—because they felt we genuinely cared.

I'm thankful we've created a culture where we nurture deep relationships, not just track metrics. Leaders are not one-dimensional, and neither are students. It’s vital they learn early on that who they are matters just as much as what they do.

Choose Depth Over Speed

In a world that often prioritizes speed and surface-level success, choosing to go deeper is a radical act of care.

Deep roots aren’t formed in a rush. They take time, consistency, and nourishment. But when the winds of life blow—and they will—deeply rooted people and communities endure.

Whether you’re mentoring a student, leading a meeting, or simply showing up for a teammate—every intentional conversation matters. Every thoughtful question, every moment of active listening, every kind word spoken in truth and love—these are seeds that grow lasting fruit.

Sowing a Harvest

In some settings, the phrase “sowing and reaping” is used to talk about finances. Others see it as a spiritual principle like karma—what you plant, you will harvest. Some even use it as a warning: Be careful how you treat people—you’ll reap what you sow.

For me, I pray the students and staff I’ve worked with would say I’ve sown seeds of joy, hope, purpose, positivity, and passion.

From Goals to Gratitude

What began as a Toastmasters project to fulfill Distinguished Club goals became something much more—an opportunity for reflection and gratitude.

As this Planting Seeds blog series comes to a close, I’m not just checking a box—I’m overflowing with thankfulness:

• For the people I get to work with

• For the potential I get to cultivate

• For the passion I get to stir

• For the projects I get to champion

• For the plants I get to water

• For the purpose I get to pursue

Reaping a Harvest of Grace, Goodness, Grit, and Growth

The month of May usually marks the end of the academic year. This year, it also marks a milestone: four years since I began working at TWU. In many ways, it feels like a graduation of my own.

Just like students go through an academic cycle—freshman year to graduation—so do we.

We grow.

We stretch.

We bloom.

Sometimes, we outgrow the environments we once thrived in.

Recently, a friend told me she left her job because she no longer had room to grow. I told her I hoped she’d found a place where she could bloom. 

Like my potted plant in my office—a small green thing that’s now full of bright blooms and ready to be repotted —we all deserve environments that nurture our soil and soul and allow us to expand and grow.

Grace and Goodness – The Heart of the Harvest

I’m learning to embrace my leadership style—a quieter, softer, more intentional approach. I’m not trying to climb a ladder to the top of an organization. Instead, I’m stepping forward in my calling and purpose.

Young Lawrencina was driven by grades, titles, and degrees. Older and wiser Lawrencina is driven by a passion to serve, empower others, and pursue God’s call on my life. Day by day, I’m learning that my value and worth come from God—not from the validation, acceptance, or approval of others.

I thank God for His grace in this race called life.

As a leader in education, I support rules, structure, and consistency—but I also believe in grace, love, and cultivating each person’s God-given potential. God’s grace has carried me through every season, and as His daughter, I strive to reflect Him by extending that same grace and love to others.

Some may think it’s inappropriate to speak about grace or faith in a professional leadership context. They might see this approach as soft or suggest that personal beliefs should be separate from work. But I reject the idea that leaders must leave their faith behind. I believe leaders can be both compassionate and courageous. We can be spiritually grounded and strategically focused.

We can:

• Listen intently

  
  

• Give grace generously

  
  

• Love unconditionally

  
  

• Communicate courageously and

  
  

• Lead boldly

  
  

Because grace allows growth in imperfect conditions.

And goodness reflects kindness, character, and service.

These are the fruits that often grow quietly—but leave a powerful and lasting impact.

Grit and Growth – The Strength of the Harvest

• Grit is perseverance, resilience, and the will to keep going when growth is slow.

  
  

• Growth comes from tending what you’ve planted, learning from setbacks, and celebrating small wins.

  
  

Over the past four years, I’ve seen these traits bloom in our CSL scholars. I’ve watched students develop confidence, strengthen communication skills, and step into leadership with boldness.

I’ve seen our Toast with Confidence officers set clear goals, support each other, and celebrate every milestone. Their growth is the result of seeds sown with love and intention. I look forward to celebrating another Distinguished year with them and cheering them on as they continue their leadership journey—both inside and beyond Toastmasters.

The Cycle Continues

Harvest isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something new. Every fruit we reap contains seeds for future planting.

As students graduate, the seeds we’ve planted in them will bear fruit—and they, in turn, will plant seeds in others.

Because the impact of leadership is generational.

Classrooms, clubs, and conversations are where legacy begins.

As a nontraditional attorney, I didn’t set out to become an educator. Over 20 years ago, I unexpectedly found my way into education—and I’ve never looked back. I traded in my original dream of building a legacy for myself, and committed to building a legacy in others.

For the past two decades, my focus has been on making a difference in the lives of the students I’ve been blessed to serve. My goal is no longer just to build a career—it’s to walk in my calling and do God’s will.

There’s a quote by Maya Angelou in my email signature that I try to live out each day.

“Your legacy is every life you’ve ever touched.”

When I walk into a meeting, a classroom, or a moment of leadership, I hold those words close—and I pray that my seeds leave behind a harvest that reflects God’s love, purpose, and glory.

Sow with Intention

Every seed sown with grace, goodness, grit, and growth matters—even if the harvest isn’t immediate.

What kind of harvest are you preparing for? What seeds can you plant today to help someone grow tomorrow?

✨ Final Reflection:

As this series comes to a close, I’m reminded that we are all gardeners in someone else’s life. Every word we speak, every encouragement we offer, every seed of belief we plant—matters. It may take time, and we may not always see the results right away, but the harvest will come.

And when it does, may it be a harvest of grit and growth—rooted in the grace and goodness we sowed along the way. Not just for us, but for everyone we’ve touched.

So let’s keep planting. Keep believing. Keep showing up with purpose. The gardens of tomorrow are counting on us.

Closing Prayer

Lord,

Thank You for the seeds You’ve placed in our hands—the gifts, the words, the opportunities to pour into others.

Help us to plant with purpose, to water with love,and to trust You with the growth.

May the harvest of our lives be filled with grace, rooted in goodness, strengthened by grit, and overflowing with growth that glorifies You.

Amen.