A month ago, I was lamenting winter. But here we are, another month down, and only one to go. We will get through this season. The things that have been helping me survive are hot cups of coffee and tea, good books, times with friends, and a quick trip to Texas that I tell you about below. I hope you are finding pockets of comfort and soul sustenance, in this seemingly long season. Here is today’s Love, Learn, Lead.
Love
“What is done in love is well done. ”
—Vincent Van Gogh
Learn
Two weekends ago, I had the most incredible opportunity to go Texas for a conference geared specifically for women who feel called to write, speak, or teach others. It was a one day conference in which we heard from the main speaker during the day, and then in the evening there was a panel discussion made up of other well-know leaders and speakers.
Now, the main speaker and the WHOLE panel were all women who have taught me so much about leadership, life, and most importantly, Jesus. So being in the same room as all of them was unreal. But I learned something from them that went beyond any words they could say.
They were humble.
All of the women on the panel walked into a room filled with 750 women who have much smaller stages and spheres of influence, and sat with us through the entire conference. Many took notes. They were such a tangible example to me of what it looks like to never stop learning, and to never think that as leaders, we have arrived.
Who, in your life, has shown you humility?
Lead
Leadership Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Lead Those Older Than You
When I first started in ministry, many of my volunteers were five to ten years older me. Some of them had been doing ministry since I was in junior high. But there I was, at twenty-three, their leader. I had to tell them what to do, or—when I felt they were going against the vision of the ministry—what not to do. It wasn’t easy and I made some mistakes. However, I found my lack of confidence wasn’t because I didn’t know what to, it was because in my mind, I let their age and experience nullify mine.
In I Timothy 4:12, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy, the young minister he has been mentoring, and says: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” When we find ourselves in positions of leadership—however qualified or unqualified we feel—we have to remember we were chosen to lead for a reason. Those we have been entrusted to lead were not chosen for the position, we were. And as Paul encourages Timothy, we must put our insecurities about being young aside, and instead focus on leading by example, with integrity.
What makes you nervous about leading those older than you?
How does knowing you have been chosen, help combat those nerves?
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I’m learning to keep my focus on what the Lord has entrusted, as a staying force when fear, insecurity, and such try to crowd out. If someone is older than me, It’s easy to feel “what do I know, their experience has more longevity steeped in wisdom, what can they learn from me”. However, I, then, realize from precious girls I have mentored, I, too, have learned many lessons from them. It’s a challenge.
It so is, Lindsey, but I love how you see it from the other side–remembering that you have learned from those you mentor. I do a lot of mentoring too and I learn things all the time. I think that is how it is supposed to be–that we learn and lead in both directions.
In response to your questions: I fear they won’t take me seriously. It is that fear that drives me to ensure I know what I’m talking about. Then, if I am offering His truth, it’s up to Him to make it sink in or be accepted. I cling to the truth that His words never go void. My responsibility is the delivery. It’s up to Him and them whether they sign for the package or not.
Thanks Laurel for sharing. I have struggled similarly, and what good news is it that it is up to God to make His Words stick, we need only to be Faithful. Also, I have found it just as important to learn how to trust His calling of us specifically–if He has called us and has confidence in our ability to be used by Him, we should too.
They really were humble, weren’t they? I loved sitting with and under them!
As far as leadership goes, I haven’t had to do that, but I’ve had to teach in front of people who have been in the field longer than I. I was so nervous, I was almost sick! I wish I had remembered that I had been chosen to lead at that time for a reason. Thank you for this reminder.