How mentors grow young leaders
The concept and realities of leadership are the most pressing topics of conversation between me and the Lord these days. I received an email from Seth graciously investing interest in helping me in this area. The offer came attached with a list of books on the matter. While Googling excerpts from a few of the books, as well as some notes from Seth himself, I became aware of how far behind in the process of awareness I truly am.
From a young age I can remember people saying to me, “you’re a leader.” With out any further instruction I took that seed and rather than applying appropriate pressure, I sought to showcase it. My little seed of leadership, in a glass case with back lighting. Little did I know the appropriate pressure would eventually arrive. This season of my life on The World Race is the initiation into this gift. I suppose it’s the same concept as information versus application.
I mention all of this only because as I am now neck deep into this journey of the world race a couple of things are becoming clear. I had no idea what in the world I was getting myself into and I had no clue how helpless and ineffective we are when we operate apart from Christ.
For those who may see The World Race as just another missions trip, I would have to disagree. It’s a classroom where the gifts God gives people and the realities of how those gifts were intended to shape and shake the world come together, completely changing a life, spanning the globe through relationship after relationship.
I’m not saying this can’t be understood or even achieved through other means, but when you are face to face with the truths of this world, whether it be holding the hand of a dying mother in Swaziland, or walking through the killing fields of Cambodia, the process within is accelerated. The purpose of all of this, the reason for the gifts we find with in each and everyone of us, is for the sole purpose of bringing humanity and love to an inhumane and unloved world.
The gifts given to us are not for personal gain or achievement or even a means to our own fulfillment. The gifts God gives us are his invitation for partnership. If you are still in the books of it all, I suggest jumping out from beneath the scholastic ceiling tiles for a bit and getting your cap and gown dirty in the blood and dust of this world. You’ll be amazed how far behind we all actually are.
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i love you dad and am so glad for you.:)