A theme I have noticed is that people will conspire in groups just to make others feel intimated by the numbers. It is a fascinating social dynamic because they need the support of another individual or multiple individuals, which is, for me, the number one character trait of a morally weak, spiritually weak, and insecure individual. The best biblical example is in the story of Saul and David. When the men returned from war, the women came to the city to celebrate. The women started dancing and singing, “Saul has slain a thousand (philistines), and David his tens of thousands.” Saul became angry and insecure, so he conspired with other ignoble and dishonorable thinkers to kill David.
I have said it before, and I will repeat it: it is our human nature to want to be accepted by others. It is human nature to long to have an in-group and an out-group. However, the constant need for outside validation is a societal deviance. When talking with my dad, he communicated that he wished he would have spent more time nurturing our (my brothers and I) visions. By vision, I mean big-picture goals, aspirations, and ambitions. This surprised me because we do not lack imagination. We may limit our dreams to make others around us comfortable.
Since my brothers read my blog, I will take a moment to inform them. Boys, I want you to know that sometimes you must break out of the group to be the pack’s leader. Being a leader, at times, means taking educated risks. It also means being who you are and following your passions and goals no matter what. For me, an informed risk means planning as much as possible, playing the devil’s advocate, and evaluating the pros and cons. Boys, please explore how you consider educated risks. Recently, my work team met in Charlotte to establish a game plan. I participated in a brainstorming session where we played a version of hot potato. I was given 5 seconds to give an idea for the program. I am naturally analytical, so the brainstorming session was tough. To ensure I stayed true to myself, I rarely gave an opinion and often passed the potato. Never be afraid to do what is best for you and what feels most natural to you, especially when others will be impacted by your decisions. Never let a group of people or even just one individual sway your natural instincts. If you are facing opposition because you are following what you know is best for you and others, remember, more significant is he who is in me than he who is in the world. God’s plan for your life will always prevail. Lastly, real leaders experience opposition; ultimately, it is less about having opposers and more about how you deal with them. Further, do you prefer to stoop to the opposite level of harsh words and create your own click, or do you stand ten toes down all on your own.
To sum it all up, God says to not be of this world but be transformed by renewing your mind so that you may prove what God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will is. Be mindful that when you are a true leader, sometimes it is lonely, sometimes you must take a risk, and sometimes you must let your actions speak louder than your words.
Affirmations:
-I embrace and celebrate diverse perspective
Misbehavin' 