Unintended Leaders

"We're all leaders, and we 're all leading all the time, often in small, unintended ways." ~ Chris Lowney

For the longest time, I never saw myself as a leader. I stepped away from the word, afraid of its responsibilities and pressures. I wanted no part of it. I was happy to be in the shadows, whispering comments from the darkness that allowed someone else to shine. Even then, I was leading, I now realize, leading from behind, but leading nonetheless.

I have been thinking about this statement of how we lead all the time, how we are all called to be leaders through our baptisms. We are called to be priest, prophet and king--each of which translates into leader. I had not ever considered that until about a week ago. To shy away from this call is to deny that the Spirit has called us into service in these roles.

I find it interesting that church groups consist mostly of women who also probably feel similar to me. I would say servant resonates stronger for lots of us, but we do not see that the term servant-leader might be one of the best types of models. Women lead as mothers, wives, sisters, teachers, nurses, doctors, and every aspect of life. We lead by example. We lead with integrity and courage. We lead our children in the path of righteousness. We lead our partners on their journey through our affirmation and encouragement. We lead ourselves along our own paths when we fill our heads with the message, I can, I will, I am able. We lead when we pick up the phone to call a friend in need. We lead when we send a quick email to let someone know we are praying for them at that moment. We lead when we drive patiently and do not get caught in road rage. We lead when we shop with the greater good in mind and we do not get caught in materialism. We lead when we think about the planet. We lead every second of the day--or at least have that opportunity to do so.

I have lots to think about in this regard and some newness to embrace. I do not think I intend to lead most days, and yet, in those small, routine moments of life, I can shine and others can see the way to go. Is that not what we are called to do as followers of Christ? How can we deny that we are leaders?

Peace,

Suzanne