Happy Monday, friends! Today I’m going to be pointedly not political, while at the same time offering something to chew on when it comes to thinking about how we vote and why we vote the way we do.
The topic – and not for the first time – is leadership. I believe that a huge contributing factor to the polarization, and the anger, and the unusual levels of hostility we’re witnessing in 2020 comes from ineffective and/or inappropriate leadership, across the board.
Leadership is about about trust, not tyranny; about humility, not hubris; about consensus, not controversy; about building up, not tearing down; about listening, not lambasting; about building bridges, not walls; about being gracious, not the current climate of gracelessness.
Inspirational words for today:
So here is my word for Monday morning: listen to Rebekah’s message on leadership (from Sunday worship at WFPC) then think about A) – what you are looking for in our leaders, and B) – how we ourselves contribute to the conversation via the witness of our lives, and our interactions with those around us (her message begins around 23:30 mark).
Also – and this is key – remember the important role each one of us plays as a leader. People are inspired and guided by those around them, and we all have some responsibility when it comes to changing the atmosphere from one of polarized hostility to one of mutually beneficial community.
Trust, grace, humility, encouragement, listening. – DEREK
Thanks! You’ve convinced me to vote for Trump.
Thanks for reading, Jack. Vote prayerfully
Derek,
Great article! Definitely helps to illuminate choices when I go to vote and leadership qualities in general. The current political climate we see today is terribly disheartening but I hope and pray we have more people like you who have a thoughtful, kind approach to political discourse.
Keep up the good work,
Aaron V. Lopez
Thanks, Aaron. Lots of work to be done here in terms of communication and being positive rather than reactive!
Peace to you and yours