Why can't I leave Blogspot? :) I'm moving articles from my other blogs here. This one's published last December 29, 2012. Enjoy!
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I am currently reading Leading with a Limp by Dan B. Allender and I have found out that this is one of the few books that I can relate myself with. Being a leader, it has its benefits, but I cannot deny that as I wipe down every sweat and tear, there are also a number of inevitable costs that, only after reading the first chapter of the book, I cannot deny because I am now experiencing them, and the number one cost that truly drives me nuts is LONELINESS.
As a leader I am expected to be strict in implementing and obeying rules and policies. It means I am the first one to observe it and the last one to betray it. And having a number of people under me, I am expected to monitor their obedience, too. The Word of God in the basis of this Policy, so as a leader I am responsible in not only informing my people of the do’s and don’ts but to also make them understand why it is so.
I am also a mentor. I do not only work with my team on a professional level but on a personal and spiritual sense. When they have problems, they come to you. When they are sick, they ask you to lay hands on them (and they would not choose any other people). When they are unemployed, you accompany them in submitting resumes. And you worry when they are out of cash! You worry when they are not yet home and it’s late at night. You require them to text you when they reach their houses. These are just a few. But the funniest part is, even if you are tired and sometimes wanting to be stoic, you can’t help but be concerned. Because your life is intertwined with theirs. Because you simply love them.
And you, the leader, since you become the channel of God’s wisdom and comfort and joy and anointing, you tend to become stiff when it comes to mushy things like friendship. There are things you want to share to your co-workers but you cannot because it might lessen your “dignity” as a leader. Because you are so busy, you cannot attend dinners with friends and finally get some well-deserved relaxation. You lose contact and you fail to keep in touch. You gain acquaintances but you lose confidantes. It may not be true to some, but it sure is true to me.
You see, leadership in the Church is quite exemplary in following the highest standard which is the Word of God and in influencing people with your own life. If not handled carefully and with wisdom, a leader would tend to withdraw from people and instead be a fake oracle of strength.
But this book I’m telling you about, this book is starting to change the way I see myself. Leading with a Limp is a successful attempt to make leaders accept their weaknesses and use it as an effective tool in leading people. And I will continue reading it until I find out why I am here, leading with a limp. By God’s unfailing grace, I will make it through.
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