stepping up.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Yesterday I bought a book at Christ Centered, titled "Being a Girl Who Leads" by Sharon Kubiak Primicerio. Of all the books there, this one caught my attention the most because David is always talking about how our youth group just needs one person to step up and lead. In my heart, I know I want to be that person, because I desperately want to see change in our group. I want to see God move in our lives in a dramatic way, but we all kinda need to see it happening to our equals first. I'm not sure if that make any sense at all, but let me get back to my original point. This book appealed to me because although I WANT to lead others that way, I truly have no idea what David is asking of me. I figured I'd get the book and leave with a better understanding of how to go about that.And I did!It taught me that leading others isn't necessarily about carrying an important title, or achieving big things in the group. Being a girl, or a guy for that matter, who leads is about "standing for something in a world that will fall for anything", and living your life the way God intends us to. I realized that before anyone will follow your lead, they will watch you and examine your life to see if you're even worth following and trusting. They want to know if you're REAL.

On a side note, I say "if you are real" somewhat hesitantly, since every time I think of the phrase I am reminded of a short, harmless debate I had with an acquaintance of mine. By the end, we had come to the loose conclusion that everyone is fake, ourselves included. Although it was never meant to be taken seriously, it still sticks out in my mind. I honestly think there may be a hint of truth in the theory, although to what degree I am not sure.

Either way, whether it is possible to be truly "real" and honest or not, people don't want to follow a person who is fake, or a hypocrite. So, being a good leader is simply something that starts with you and your life, but being open about it--letting everybody see that you live differently than most. All in all, it was a pretty inspiring book, although to someone who isn't interested in become a solid leader, it would seem boring.

I walked away a better understanding of christian leadership, and a different view of 1 Timothy 4:12:"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set and example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."I love that verse--it always reminds me that age has ALWAYS been something that hindered christians in living for God. People have always said "Well, I'm only 13 (or 15 or 17)--what could God possible do with me?!" More than that though, it shows us the five main points we need to be leaders and role models in.
That's all for now.

Until later,
Courtney