Leading with Soul...this descriptor encompasses a lot. It is our soul that makes us who we are. And that's a good question. Who are you? The author of this chapter touched on this and it brought back memories of an experience at church camp when I was in high school. The guy leading our group had us all sit in a circle and asked that question. He would go from person to person, getting a little frustrated when we would only say our names. So, who am I?
I am a daughter. I am a daughter who often takes her parents and their love and concern for granted. More than often, I put my own needs before my the needs of my mom and dad, but they continue to love me anyway. I am a daughter who is loved. I am a daughter who loves.
I am a sister. I am a sister who longs for a deeper relationship with her sibling. I am a sister who lets weeks go by without calling or being called. But when it counts, I am a sister who is there!
I am blessed. I am better than I deserve. I am thankful for the life I have been given and the opportunities that God has set before me. But often, I take this life for granted and fail to take advantage of every opportunity.
I am a crier. I cry at movies, TV shows, weddings, funerals, graduations, and in those rare but quiet times at night when my heart hurts. It is then that my cries are the most pure, because it is then that I cry out to God, begging him to hear my secret pain. And he always does. And he comforts me.
I am creative. I like to make things new. The status quo bores me and frustrates me to no end! Life should be exciting and new every day. Not the same old thing.
I am a risk taker, but only in the abstract. I'm not sure if this is even possible, but it pretty much describes me. I can take risks with ideas, but not with the physical. I won't even get on an airplane because of my irrational fear, but I firmly believe that groups and organizations will never grow unless they are willing to let go of their fears and take risks. I guess I should reevaluate my thinking on this or line my actions up with my values.
I am a maker of music. Music is in my soul. It has been from the day I was born. I can't hide it. I can't fight it. The music must get out! I must sing!!!! I must compose!!!! I must SING!
I am a sinner. I struggle every day to die to self and take up the cross. I struggle to live with the joy that has been given to me in Jesus Christ. Instead, I let my shortcomings and my sinful nature reign. Thank God for His amazing grace. I am a sinner, but I have been redeemed!
So, that's who I am, or at least a part of who I am. I think it might take up more space than we have to truly describe who I am. But if we don't take time to really understand who we are, we can never truly help others discover who they are. And this is what leaders do. This is what leaders with soul do! Help others facilitate that discovery. Help others learn to trust themselves and others. Help others learn to take risks. Help others learn what it means to serve. Help others learn...
5 years ago
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