Do you lead with courage?

I could relate to this article! So much so, that I had to share it. Do you lead with courage or fear?
Take a read and let me know what you think!

Courageous Leadership
By Rachel Oliver

I'm a control freak. There I said it. There are lots of other adjectives I sometimes use to describe myself: bold, strong, take-charge, Type A personality. They're all true, but there is another adjective that describes me. I am also fearful. Fearful something won't be done right if I don't do it. Fearful that I might look like the wrong leader if someone else does a task better than I could have. Sometimes I'm able to put that fear aside and delegate. And sometimes a project isn't done in the way I would have liked the first time. But as I delegate, I'm empowering someone to do better - and not necessarily my better, but her own better.

Sometimes I delegate and the project turns out beautifully. More creative or more organized than I could have done it. Then I realize that this leadership thing, it's not about me. I lead to serve God and the women around me. I lead to serve; it's a humbling thought, but it's also freeing.

We are told in Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

No matter where we go, we are never alone. God is there and he is in control.

What's holding you back from leading courageously? Are you afraid to delegate like me? Are you afraid to take ownership and be responsible for the success or failure of a project? Or maybe your fear is based in a different area of leadership.

I'm guessing Joshua had a few fears as he took the Israelites into the Promised Land, hence the charge to be strong and courageous. The God who led Joshua is able to handle our leadership fears as well. Take time personally, and with your leadership team, to pray and ask God to release you from your fear. Share your fears with another leader or trusted friend who can help you live and lead fearlessly.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4