Tag: leadership

The focus is for taking bolder steps toward effective leadership that is transforming as servant leaders. Blog posts give readers professional and personal strategies for engaging to strengthen leadership that ministers and grow integrity. The author shares posts related to faith and leadership with a global community for healthy living as servant leaders. Reading and sharing is powerful.  You can Subscribe and receive blog updates directly in your email. Share via Social Media platforms.

 

Faith and Fighting Through Life Challenges

Victory is Sweet

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Dear Servant Leader,

Broken pieces? You made it to shore! Because of your faith in God, you chose to stand and fight through the circumstances. Others saw it and were encouraged by your faith. Tears! Challenges! Yes! But you are here as a reflection of the milestones and victories.

When the Lord Chose You

The One who chose you is still greater than any challenge. His faithful love endures forever. For every mountain, He brought you over it. He brought you out of your “Egypt” with a strong and powerful arm. Continue to lean on that arm in days and weeks to come. God is not weak. You are a branch of His. Even if you weep, He wants to lead you beside the still waters. You will sign those songs of triumph. You will testify when the enemy came in like a flood, God raised up a standard against him. He chose you to do a great work through Him for His purpose – to bring others to believe in Truth.

Compassion

God has compassion for His servants – those who put their trust in Him will never be shamed. The One who created you, did a good thing. Why would He not rescue the ones He loves! God put purpose in you. Every ability you have is His. Each day, He gives you a compassionate gift of mercy. The same God who causes the birds to sing without your help, will cause you to leap with joy that this world does not give. He does this because of the faith you have in Him. His compassion is like no one else.

Endurance

Servant leader, your race is one of endurance. You go over hills; through valleys; and climb up for a better view. It is this journey of endurance that brings you a testimony of faith. Yours is to hear God say at the end of your journey, “You have been a good and faithful servant. Enter in for your greatest reward – eternal life. Along the way, it is your purpose to lead others to a place of hope in Him.

Remember, His faithful love endures forever. He loves you

I am a Servant of His

God did not give you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). That is why you, His servant, came through. What a testimony of power and love! You have a sound-mind. The Holy Spirit provides you with strength and discernment.

When Paul wrote 2 Timothy, he was in a jail cell. Yet, the jail cell did not spiritually confine him. The attributes that you have comes from the divine Father. His children have a bold Spirit. Yes, your testimony is, “I am a Servant of God, and my trust is in Him who cannot fail.”

Today, you will not be afraid to prophesy to your dry bones. “I declare that God will breathe life into “dead” situations for my growth in Him. He is the Lord of my life (Ezekiel 37:5-6).” He is the only true God and a safe space for you.

Blessings for healthy seasons of mind, body and spirit (1 Thess 5:23). You are well.

While we do not endorse others (disclaimer), we share other blogs of encouragement and wellness for the mind, heart and spirit. God uses His people’ abilities to support His kingdom.

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Looking Through the Hourglass of Your Life

Sands through the Hourglass

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Have you ever given a thought(s) about hourglasses? If not, you will find this blog interesting. First, hourglasses have different purposes and shapes. Their types also vary. Typically, their categories are i.e., miniature hourglasses; decorative hourglasses; digital hourglasses and classic hourglasses.

On the other hand, medically, physicians use the term “the hourglass shape” also. Health experts define the contour of body shapes as “hourglass body types.” When it comes to bones and muscle balance, a fuller bust and curvy hips can stress the lumbar spine and knees. The physical therapist may suggest exercises to strengthen the posterior, hamstring, or back areas to relieve pain. Even for athletes, the nutrition and workout strategies differ for hourglass body types.

Furthermore, clothes designers give thought about the hourglass body shape; clothing experts consider the purpose of potential customers’ dresswear. For instance, is this design for workwear or casual wear. The wrap dress may be a friendly choice for office wear without oversexualizing the body type. However, high-rise skinny or straight jeans can hug the waist and flatter the hips for a more flattering curvy shape, without being obtrusive as casual wear. The hourglass was a popular item in introducing a popular soap opera,

Socrates’ Hourglass

Like Sands Through the Hourglass AZ Quotes

Our lives are but specks of dust falling through the fingers of time. Like sands of the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. – Socrates – Image by AC Quotes

Made famous perhaps because of the soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” this phase was often quoted at the beginning of the show. I, on the other hand, believe that our lives are more than specks of dust through the fingers of time as defined by Socrates. Why? Because I believe that there is work that we must do to stay positive and to remain focused. Yes, the sand in the upper bulb flows to the lower bulb, but we are more than specks of dust.

The Complexity of Who You Are

True, we measure our lives through functional timers; whether digital, decorative, or the classic hourglass. The point is, whether I am a classic, digital, decorative, or miniature in terms of hourglass personality, I must function at my best to get more out of life. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) lists over 600 personality traits. Most likely, you would agree on some of these as terms of who you think you are. In terms of the hourglass, your personality could be a combination of each:

The Hourglass Personality

  1. Classic Personality: Enduring, reliable, timeless
  2. Digital Personality: Ties to technology; high social roles and interests’
  3. Decorative Hourglass Personality:  refer to the unique ways individuals express their personal style and values through their home decor. 
  4. Miniature Personality Hourglass: traits drawn from patterns; typical ways of thinking, feeling and behaving

Generally speaking, we are complicated individuals. Therefore, how you spend your time is of value. What you give more time to is aligned to your value system.

How do you categorize your time when looking through an hourglass? Are you more of a classic (consisting of two glass bulbs slowly flowing from the upper bulb to the lower bulb)? Are you more versatile, able to adapt to different situations? Are you more aesthetic, which means it is great for decor or decoration. Do you function more as miniature, smaller but classic, quite a novelty?

Finally, do not shy away from your supportive systems for a better perspective in moving forward this new year.

We suggest that the following blogs may interest you:

#christianwriting #hourglass #personality #servantleadership #newYear #sandThroughTheHourglass

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Crashing Out and Faith: Overcoming Adversity

Faith in Crisis

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Crashing, threatening and crushing waves – Are you crashing out in the midst of faith and resilience? The definition of “crashing out” first a became a part of the African American Vernacular English. Black Twitter (now X) is given credit for “crashing out” as a term going viral (2013). Even now, the GEN Z population continues to redefine its definition and associates the term with describing the usual reactions and behaviors of Hollywood stars. But emotional reactions, i.e., outbursts, are applicable to anyone. And if the outbursts, lashing out, and unsettling behaviors linger over a period, the term crashing out is also used. In terms of faith and resilience, what is the message in this post?

Therapeutic Process

Without hesitation, we stress in this blog that the principles of therapy are rooted from the Word of God. Whether the therapist identifies as a #Christian Therapist or not the teaching of the mind and behaviors from colleges and universities, are that of biblical principles. For example, research supports that the tools of prayer, meditation, reading the Word, and positive relationships, are great tools for healing. Afterall, who knows more about the mind, behaviors, and companions than the Creator.

The Weight is Overpowering

Biblically, you may hear “crashing out” defined as ” the weight of the world is on my shoulders.” It is estimated that there are over 8 billion people in this world (Worldometer). It is biblically factual that every person goes through struggles. For any imaginable or real situation, someone is going through suffering. However, this statement does not minimize your pain. On the contrary, it is to agree that your struggle is real. Divinely, therapy is the work you do for healing.

Self-Evaluation

Begin with self-evaluation. What are your true feelings? Abandonment? Senseless? Non-caring? Shame? Anger? Bewilderment? Loss? Or all of the above. Inhale and slowly breathe out. Inhale and slowly breathe out, again. First, recognize that you did not enter this world with the expectation of traumatizing pain. Second, as a baby, you were lucky enough to have a responsible caregiver who attended to your wants and needs. Even if this is not your case, as an adult, the weight and response is yours. Powerful, is your response. God’s way of healing translates into interdependence that forms true partnerships and resources to lift the weight in support of each other.

Resilience

Troubles exist in this space if time that we term “Life.” In the study of psychology, resilience is the capacity to make or adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, or high levels of stress. It is to allow a person to recover from personal setbacks and emerge as a stronger individual. Being able to implement coping systems and strategies is the means to building resilience (American Psychological Association). Another tool that builds our response to situations i.e., grief, sorrows, depression, violence, etc. is faith.

Faith

Fundamentally, we can assert that crushing waves not only happen in oceans, but it also happens to individuals. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith and it is a requirement to please God (Hebrew 11:6). Faith is God’s gift to the believer. Jesus said that the smallest amount of your faith in God can move mountains (Luke 17:6). When the mountain does not move as people desire, in so many situations, God gets the blame. Why did God allow this, people question or Why did God do this? The truth is evil is the root of darkness. Human failures happen because we have imperfections. Even if humans do not lay the blame where it belongs, our God is faithful. God can handle blame for human tragedies and suffering, which are wrongly placed. He is God and has 20//20 vision. We do not.

Still, it is in times of crashing out, that God’s love, compassion and faithfulness is still available. For the believer of mustard seed faith, God is still working in your favor. Moreover, it is the promise of God that He will never leave nor forsake you, even if you feel abandoned. The Holy Spirit who lives within the believer will do the work. Contrary to your thoughts, for believers, suffering works out for our good. Faithfulness is the character of God. God has an arsenal, a host at His command, that works on the behalf of His imperfect children. #believe #faith #servantLeader

If I Sit Here

The story of four lepers living in the land of Israel comes to my mind. In that day, no person of a contagious skin disease (leprous) could mingle and live among others. Though labeled as unclean, not only is there physical pain, but the isolation of the disease was mentally traumatizing.

During a time of war between the Arameans and Israel, these four leprous men sitting at the entrance of the city’s gates, began a serious conversation about their situation. If they went into the city of Israel, they would die because the people had the right to stone them to death. If they continue to stay in the same position, sitting at the city gates, for sure, they will eventually die from hunger. The choice to them became clearer. Perhaps in surrendering to the Arameans, they might live. Even if the Arameans choose to kill them, the other possibilities meant death for certain (2 Kings 7:3-10). What of an example in movement of mustard faith. The Lord turned a situation around for their good and others.

We invite you to share our posts for encouragement:

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    For more about crashing out as a term going viral, click this link.

    Faith and Fighting: Finding Strength in Struggles

    Fighting through the Storm of Life

    Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

    “Lord, Help”

    Faith and fighting – Another loss, another tragedy, another challenge. Yes, I understand when life seems to tear at your heart, it seems that the death angel is knocking at your door. Thus, how can you stand when you really want to throw the towel in the ring? First of all, more than you or I can count, this is the mindset of many during trouble. When the world around you becomes so impoverished, troublesome, and sorrowful, they wish to give up. But today, I say, “Do not give up.” Fighting for strength is a movement toward your victory. Call out, “Lord, help.”

    “Calm the Storm”

    Calm the storm. Bring it to a whisper. Still the waves. Peace be still! Your wish is for darkness of the night? Yes, in that space, you feel hidden from the world. Thoughts of despair bring you more misery. That is because that is the purpose of darkness. It is to occupy the mindset in stillness! To cause you immobility. On the other hand, it is only temporary. Joy can come in your morning. It takes a move, one step at a time. Within hours, physically, night turns into another day that you must encounter. You awake to take breaths again. Breathe in and exhale this moment.

    Healing Brokenness

    Today, right now, I speak a space where the brokenness can heal. There is only one who can change your rivers, your storms into dry places. Let Him in. The dry places can then turn into fields of springs that nourish the soul. You are worth it to Him. God wants your cause (wastelands) to become fruitful places. Yes, you need His strength to fight the storm and change course of the winds. You are in a test of trust!

    Tested Character in a Fight

    Tests are not meant to make you feel great. Tests are stressful. They are evasive. Perhaps, an intrusion for you. Your coach is one who is very familiar with tests; in fact, He designed them for our growth. What now?

    In a fight, it is about character. While physical strength is important in the natural world, it is character that gives victory. As an example, Gideon, is one who lived in a time of oppression of his people (Judges 6). Gideon did not choose this battle. Like Jonah, it was God’s choosing of a human for God’s glory. “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Those were the words of God’s angel to Gideon (verse 12).

    If You Are God

    Gideon wanted proof that this was God’s assignment for his life. In fact, he asked, if the Lord is with us, then why are we going through these troubles? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, He is a deliverer of the people.

    Imagine the shock to Gideon. Here in a place, hiding out, as not to be seen, yet Gideon is an answer to Israel’s plight. Why Gideon? Why not Gideon? More pointedly, God’s choice is His to make because all creation is His.

    Where’s the Beef?

    Do you remember that popular beef commercial – Where’s the beef? Gideon asked God to show him signs of this calling. Afterall, a wise person does not enter into battle without considering the cost. Contrast, the character of Jonah (Jonah 1) and Gideon about God’s assignment. Because of individuality, their responses to God’s assignment did differ. Jonah’s response landed him in the belly of a great fish. Whereas Gideon’s was a request of show me “the beef.” Show me that You are with me.

    “Fight for me in the storm, Dear God. Lord, help.”

    God already knows your emotions. You cannot hide what you feel from Him. Oppression, sorrow, trouble, and uncontrollable events are a part of life. You do not always feel strong, bold, and beautiful. Events can rock your world. God’s faithfulness is far above the clouds. Like Gideon, you have questions. I pray that God lift you out of your storm and His glory make you shine. Is this what you desire?

    Enjoy the following blog posts for sharing and believing:

    If you have an interest in reading more lessons about Gideon, checkout 7 Powerful Lessons from the Story of Gideon by Dr. Corine Williams.

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    Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

    Leaders Must Avoid Dangerous Reefs in Business

    Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

    Reef of Beauty

    Leaders must avoid the dangerous reefs. This is to be aware of dangerous reefs because they can shipwreck you! Jude only wrote one chapter scripture, but the lessons in his text are powerful. Let us begin with understanding a little about his analogy of leaders and dangerous physical reefs. Where are your reefs?

    Table of contents In This Blog

    Marine Life and Reefs

    First, we draw your attention to the physical meaning of reefs. Marine shipwrecks, created by humans, become artificial reefs. The ideal is to allow shipwrecks or wreckage to lie undisturbed on the ocean floor. Of course, this impacts marine life. There are similarities and differences in marine life between shipwrecks, which serve as artificial reefs, and natural reef habitats. Both artificial and natural spaces provide a home for fish, algae, and other living organisms. However, researchers found a difference in the organisms that gather around a shipwreck compared to those in natural spaces. For instance, the production of fish varieties increases around artificial reefs in comparison to natural habitats.

    Although the intentional submersion of large objects in oceans has long been a practice of humans, this activity alters the ecosystem of marine life. The result is also a change in ocean composition. For example, chemical changes occur in the ocean’s water. As a result, these submersions alter the natural habitat, even at a distance from the shipwreck.

    Exposure to Environmental Risks

    Another consideration regarding reefs is the impact on air quality from shipwrecks used as artificial reefs. Even though researchers find some ecological benefits to artificial reefs, there are environmental risks that must not be ignored. In fact, our human lives depend on good air quality. Marine life is important to the air we breathe because oceans release oxygen. Ships consist of materials such as wood and metal. They decompose. Sinking ships can damage the natural habitats of our beautiful system of coral reefs (Shipwrecks As Artificial Reefs) and carry oil pollutants, bacteria, and other contaminants into the water supply. This process thereby influences the breakdown of photosynthesis and air quality.

    Dangerous Human Reefs

    Spiritually, Jude compares this phenomenon to ministry leadership. He uses this as an analogy to warn church leaders about the impact of human reefs. He warns the leaders about fellowship with humans who are like dangerous reefs (Jude 1:12). In his words, they care only for themselves. As trees in autumn, they do not bear fruit because they do not plant in soil that produces strong roots (Jude 1:13). In fact, these people are grumblers and complainers, and they operate as flatterers to get what they want (verse 16). Moreover, dangerous human reefs divide people. They carry pollutants and contaminate. Therefore, as a leader, the question becomes, “How should a leader respond to dangerous human reefs among you?”

    Dealing with Human Reefs

    Jude, as a leader, deals with this from a spiritual yet intelligent response. Further in the text, he offers these suggestions for caring for the people that they lead. Leaders:

    • build each other up
    • pray in the power of the Holy Spirit
    • remain faithful
    • show mercy to those who faith is wavering
    • rescue others by snatching them from such flames of judgment

    Yet, leaders ask, “What does this leadership look like in your natural world?” Successful companies in the business world recognize the value of good leadership traits. Although the terminology differs, the concept is the same for the servant leader. The mindset is scripturally grounded.

    In the article “To Be a Leader, Model These 9 Traits” by Forbes Magazine, the view of a servant leader emphasizes spiritual connections. For instance, these leaders are self-aware, accountable, ask powerful questions, generous, and are change agents. Their focus is to serve others. Discern. Check your mindset to ensure that you recognize dangerous human reefs and act within the boundaries of wisdom.

    For more like this blog post, we suggest:

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    The Servant Leadership NOW Group

    Servant leadership now

    Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

    Who is The Servant Leadership NOW Group? The Servant Leadership NOW Group is a private Facebook group.  It is a collective support system for growth. The Servant Leadership NOW Group consists of believers in Christ Jesus.  The people are from different places of worship geographically.  Additionally, it serves as a support system that fosters mutual accountability and respect – a safe space.  Why? Simply, we all face trials and tribulations in this world. One of the reasons for our existence is to consistently pray for one another through small prayer groups. Second, whether we are in the United States or across borders, our shared mission is to bring others to Christ. How is this done?

    Group Administrator

    The group administrator monitors the posts. It is essential to protect and consider the content. Messages are meant to encourage and not lose sight of purpose. Within the group, there is a belief that we can be more productive at times as a small group. The smaller groups provide safe spaces for members to share as a central ministry unit. For example, prayer circles are personal yet pray for the corporate body of Christ. Members who are not a part of a daily prayer group can view other members’ prayer sessions through Facebook. The Group Administrator can share these times with members.

    Makeup of the Team

    Another important factor is that, with the exception of a few, each member of this group is personally known by the group administrator. All members have the expressed means to share with others outside of the group. They also have the means to request that others join based on the group’s focus and accountability. However, a person who makes such a request must personally know the individual. Know your circle of friends!

    Quality Over Quantity

    In this season, there is a lot of talk about statistics.  However, it is the mission of The Servant Leadership NOW Group to not neglect that the focus is ministry. Ministry is to serve others.  Everything must be done to serve others. Content is through the Scriptures to move others to mature and grow in Christ.  It pleases the Lord when one comes to Him. Therefore, a lost sheep, when he is found, means more. Truly, it is easy to lose sight of the desire to increase stats. But God favors “Quality over Quantity.”

    Finally, the ministry of working together is meant to fulfill and mature in kingdom work.

    We invite you also to listen to this Playlist of Songs on our YouTube Channel for encouragement. For more blogs like this, we also suggest:

    #servantleader #servantleadership #TheServantLeadershipNOWGroup #playlists #leadership

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