My grandmother was not a preacher. She did not like to speak in public and although she was friendly, she was shy around strangers. She was legally blind with only 20% vision in one eye. With all those encumbrances my grandmother was a preacher maker. She gave spiritual birth to four pastors and three teachers. Their ministries have given spiritual birth to countless numbers, supported homeless missions and food banks, prison ministries, counseling to those who are in troubled circumstance, provided healing for the spiritually and physically abused and started children’s centers for the low income with financial aid for the single parent, the families who cannot find employment and even those whose incomes exceed the opportunity for help from government programs but cannot afford it on their own income. If a little old blind lady can have that kind of impact, what excuse will we have when we stand before our maker?
Monthly Archives: May 2024
How Most Leaders Fail
Having spent my life in leadership, for the first time in my life I find myself somewhat at peace being on a sabbatical from all the responsibilities leadership piles on. I am no longer a business owner with employees, a pastor, a music director, a worship leader, a community leader or a piano teacher. During this time of rest, I see myself and my own failures being replayed in the leaders around me. The angst that accompanies this viewpoint is similar to watching a sporting event and seeing a big “fail” on the field. It may be easy for spectators to criticize, but having been “in the game” it is also part empathy for me. There is nothing as all-consuming, or exhausting as leadership. Leaders will always have my empathy and sincere appreciation. Even still, it is disheartening to see any leader fail. Because of this, with much love and appreciation I write this article.