I will preface this blog with a sincere thank you to those who speak into my life! Your leadership and guidance has been and continues to be priceless in my life.
Those who know me pretty well, know that leadership is something I study, read about, attend workshops on, etc., because God created me to be a leader. Hindsight is 20/20 and I can honestly say that I was born a leader! I didn't recognize that as a young girl. I just knew that somehow I influenced others in both good and bad ways. As a teenager, my friend's parents even recognized that my influence was very strong and tried to keep their children away from me at times. Lets just say I was not the most compliant individual when it came to authority! I was never afraid to stand alone when I was standing up for something that was right. Guess what? That still hasn't changed, when it comes to standing up for something that is right!
When I re-committed my life to Jesus on August 17th, 1994 I began learning about godly leadership through the guidance of Dad and Mom Heisey. I lived with them during my pregnancy and until Mikayla was about 6 months old. Dad was the leader of their home and he exhibited a godly example in both love and truth! He was not afraid to confront things, yet he still made you feel loved in the process. I remember watching Dad study his Bible every morning for a few hours before his day started. I would sometimes sleep in his office (there was a bed in there) just so I could wake up to the light that was on his desk shining to illuminate his Bible and notebook. I watched him intently. He knew I would wake up at about 5:00 (even though I had been awake watching him for about an hour and he didn't know it), so about 5 minutes before, he would stop his studying and go to the kitchen and make me a cup of coffee. He would set it next to the bed and go back to his studying. I would awake (lol) and sit and drink my coffee and talk with him about what he was studying. Can I just say his influence with actions was, and still is, so powerful in my life. Dad's leadership, coupled with his servant's heart has influenced my life so much!
Recently, I had a conversation with a few individuals and I was livid as to what they were sharing with me regarding leadership issues. I had to really watch my tongue and harness it with great care. I've been meditating on the things they've shared and thus prompted my blog.
I think there is a deception that is running rampant within the body of Christ. The body of Christ is beginning to look like the world! They have tried to fit in to draw people, rather than stand out and have people say "I want what you have." If you say anything, then you are accused of being judgmental. I accept people as they are, but I can tell you, they would not be placed in a position of leadership if there wasn't a higher standard operating in their personal lives. If someone in a position of leadership has a failure, then they should be removed so they can be restored. It's setting a boundary, and placing that person's healing above everything else, as well as protecting those they are influencing! It's addressing issues head on, as uncomfortable as that may be - it's the responsible thing to do!
There were many conversations I had with Dad Heisey over the course of my time in his home. There were conversations of correction, advice, affirmation, physical hugs and I love you's! There were times he stood up to protect me when others had differing opinions. There were times he sat me down and declared boundaries in his home! His leadership was and still is priceless in my life!! It's the reason I choose the mentors I do, in my own life!
Let me tell you first hand - I DO NOT HAVE "YES" PEOPLE IN MY LIFE! The people I've chosen to surround myself with and given them the authority to speak into my life, are those who are not afraid to communicate the truth with me and be completely authentic in that communication. The people in my life do not have to walk on eggshells with me! I feel this is very important for growth - both personally as well as in leading others!
There is another area in which I feel is incredibly important! Making big decisions! Decisions affect others! When you have decisions to make that have the potential to impact a great deal of people, I follow the advice I received from a very wise man. He said, "Tammy, whether you're married, or running a business, follow this rule of thumb...if you have to make a high impact decision, consult with others who have, A. made the decision in the past and can advise you of the high's and low's, and B. No matter what, don't make the decision until your spouse, or board, or core (whatever you want to call them) are totally on board and in agreement - with absolutely no arm twisting or persuasion from you." Can I tell you that piece of advice has saved me from making so many bad decisions. I can also tell you that I've ignored that advice and have had to reap consequences of those decisions and it hasn't been fun!
Leadership is a responsibility I feel many don't take seriously enough. That's my personal opinion of course. There are so many areas in which, I personally want to become a better leader! I will continue to study, grow, and learn in this area! I will continue to lead by example and hopefully influence others to do the same! When I fail, I know I've surrounded myself with wise, experienced individuals that will stretch out their hand to help me up, brush off the dust, and help me begin again - a wiser, more experienced individual myself!
TDahl
There were many conversations I had with Dad Heisey over the course of my time in his home. There were conversations of correction, advice, affirmation, physical hugs and I love you's! There were times he stood up to protect me when others had differing opinions. There were times he sat me down and declared boundaries in his home! His leadership was and still is priceless in my life!! It's the reason I choose the mentors I do, in my own life!
Let me tell you first hand - I DO NOT HAVE "YES" PEOPLE IN MY LIFE! The people I've chosen to surround myself with and given them the authority to speak into my life, are those who are not afraid to communicate the truth with me and be completely authentic in that communication. The people in my life do not have to walk on eggshells with me! I feel this is very important for growth - both personally as well as in leading others!
There is another area in which I feel is incredibly important! Making big decisions! Decisions affect others! When you have decisions to make that have the potential to impact a great deal of people, I follow the advice I received from a very wise man. He said, "Tammy, whether you're married, or running a business, follow this rule of thumb...if you have to make a high impact decision, consult with others who have, A. made the decision in the past and can advise you of the high's and low's, and B. No matter what, don't make the decision until your spouse, or board, or core (whatever you want to call them) are totally on board and in agreement - with absolutely no arm twisting or persuasion from you." Can I tell you that piece of advice has saved me from making so many bad decisions. I can also tell you that I've ignored that advice and have had to reap consequences of those decisions and it hasn't been fun!
Leadership is a responsibility I feel many don't take seriously enough. That's my personal opinion of course. There are so many areas in which, I personally want to become a better leader! I will continue to study, grow, and learn in this area! I will continue to lead by example and hopefully influence others to do the same! When I fail, I know I've surrounded myself with wise, experienced individuals that will stretch out their hand to help me up, brush off the dust, and help me begin again - a wiser, more experienced individual myself!
TDahl
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