Choices

If you know anything at all about history (def not my favorite subject!), you know that a hundred years ago or even 50 years ago, women didn’t have many choices about what to do with their lives. Young ladies’ goals were pretty much to find a husband, have babies, cook and clean.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to do any of those things. I’ve wanted all of those – except for cleaning. Nobody wants to do that – except for maybe a few crazy people like my friend Lindsey. Ha! Ha!

But today, women have soooo many choices.

Run a household full-time.

Operate a side hustle.

Work outside the home.

And with working outside the home, there aren’t the limitations there used to be either. You can do anything from an entry level job to running a corporation. Endless opportunities!

No matter what path you choose for your life, one thing is true.

You are a LEADER.

What? Not me!

Yep, you!

A leader is someone who has influence over other people. Even if you are at the bottom of the totem pole at your job, I bet you are an influencer somewhere in your personal life.

Sunday school teacher. Yep.

Advising a friend. Yep.

Keeping tiny humans alive. Yep.

So, now that you know that you are a leader, an influencer of people, now what?

“ Whatever you do, do well….” Ecclesiastes 9:10

If you are influencing others with your actions – or in actions, always, always, always do your best.

And how do we do that?

“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” Psalm 119:18

As with everything, go first to God. Ask Him for guidance and read His words.

“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!” Proverbs 4:7

“Plans succeed through good counsel…” Proverbs 20:18

Surround yourself with people that you see have made wise choices. Learn from others that have been in your shoes. Consider a mentoring relationship. They can be so beneficial!

Insert shameless plug here:

Learn More about TC’s Together mentoring program: Saturday, May 18, 8:30am at the Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce. RSVP here.

Read books or follow blogs based on your area of leadership. An excellent book is “Lead like Jesus” by Phil Hodges. So good! I’m just beginning “Abound” by Jessie Seneca. So far, it’s excellent. And of course, ANYTHING written by John Maxwell.

Attend simulcasts like Work As Worship, Leadercast (May10)or Global Leadership Summit. Or (prepare for another shameless plug) attend TC’s Direction workshop on May 8. We’ll be watching helpful videos from top speakers and having discussion about how to apply the principles shared. Find out more on our Facebook event HERE.

Whatever you do, however you lead, take your responsibility seriously. You are where you are for a purpose. As the saying goes, bloom where you are planted. Bloom and thrive. And help those that you lead thrive and grow as well.

You have many choices. Choose well. Lead well.

And for your entertainment pleasure, check out this classic video from Steven Curtis Chapman…

You’re welcome!

Mandy Hood

Mandy is a board member and executive director of The Connection. She loves to facilitate women connecting with each other and helping them grow in their faith.

Mandy and her husband have been married for 38 years and have 2 adult children, 2 in-law children and 3 grandchildren.