The Healthy Leader

For school, I am reading a book by Elaine McEwan called, "How to Deal With Parents Who Are Angry, Troubled, Afraid, or Just Plain Crazy." I was reading chapter four about creating a healthy school and came across a section on healthy leaders. As a leader, I found this section particularly interesting and wanted to share it.

The healthy leader has the following characteristics: 

- Is able to take a position based on values, principles, and beliefs

- Is aware of personal emotions

- Can manage anxiety

- Can manage anger

- Is able to make adjustments in behavior and feelings

- Stays connected to others

- Recognizes and can deal with emotions in others

- Tolerates differences

- Encourages dialogue

- Defines self from within

- Lives with a purpose in mind

- Moves forward

- Stretches and grows

- Is ready for and can cope with the pain that comes with leading

How are the leaders where you are?

Joshua 1: 9

At least once a week I wake up around 3am with song lyrics or a particular Bible verse running through my head. This morning, it was Joshua 1: 9, “This is my command- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

The phrase do not be afraid is written in the Bible 365 times. That’s a daily reminder to live everyday fearless. I struggle with fear everyday. One of my biggest, and probably most petty, fears is snow. Yes, I know I live in MinneSNOWta, but driving in snow is a fear I just can’t shake. I find comfort in Joshua 1:9 and many verses like it that remind me not to be afraid and when I am, to remember God is with me wherever I go. What Bible passages do you find comfort in when you are afraid or discouraged?