do it afraid
Courage is a huge part of being a leader, and it’s an area I find myself needing to grow in constantly.
Leading with courage is about “doing it afraid”. Stepping out, saying it, doing it — even when I’m uncertain, unsure, afraid. If I wait until it all makes sense, or until I know with certainty what the outcome will be, or until I’ve got it all worked out in my head, I will do nothing. I will not lead, but follow. Or at best, meander ahead. Basically, I’ll remain non-courageous. To put it bluntly: I’ll remain cowardly. Paralyzed by my fear and insecurity.
Courageous leadership follows Jesus when He calls, even when I have no idea where He’s leading. Courageous leadership steps out of the boat when I don’t know what will happen. Courageous leadership says the hard things that need to be said, regardless of the fact that I don’t know what people’s reactions will be. Courageous leadership does the right thing all the time, even when it’s contrary to popular opinion. Courageous leadership is active — actively speaking, doing, directing, leading.
I need to develop more courage in my life. Not self-righteous courage. Not courage that’s really just cocky arrogance. But humble courage. Courage that says, “Even though I’m uncertain, my Guide is reliable and we will walk on…”
Too much analysis leads to paralysis. These were good thoughts – they challenged me today.
Great post friend… I love the reference of God as Guide…hadn’t seen it that way before and for some reason it struck a chord in me.
As I read this, i find myself drying some tears. I sometimes tend to forget that the Lord will always be our Guide in life and that although the road ahead looks VERY uncertain, I need to put my trust in Him. Thank you for reminding me and I feel a little less scared of tomorrow now! xXx
Good thoughts. It made me think that if we consistently step out only when we know what will happen rather than when we don’t, we lose the experience of seeing what God can do through us. It makes an increase of faith when we see God bring things together. Thanks for you thoughts!!
Great thoughts Alece! I copied it and forwarded it to my husband. Leadership does take a LOT of courage.
Nehemiah 6:3…
my favorite part?
“I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.”
I resonated with “waiting until it all makes sense…”
Thanks.
-Becca
so good! and yet, for some reason, so easy to forget and just do the “afraid” part not the “doing it” part. thanks for sharing. if you don’t compile all these into a devo, i might for my own reading :)