Journal #25

Currently, I'm reading a book that my brother Walker gave me to read.  The title of it is currently evading me. It's about student leadership in the church.  I'm not very far through it yet, but so far the biggest message that it is giving me is that leadership is not about power, popularity, charisma, etc. (not that I had these notions prior to reading the book) it's about serving.  Leaders need to be able to pick up the loose ends and extra responsibility in the environment they are leading in.  They need to be able to serve before they can assert their power over those below them.  Leaders have to give their time and attention more so than most people do.  Giving is probably one of the most important things about leadership.  Anyone can be a typical leader, the leader who everyone likes and is able to direct people and take control of situations.  How good of a leader can you really be if you are not willing to give your time and energy before you start yelling at people what to do?  This book is showing me that there are much more important characteristics to a leader than the stereotypical ones.  Sure those characteristics are good to have, like being well-liked and respected, but how much does it really matter?  If you are only giving and serving because of the reward of friends and praise, it's pretty empty is not it?  Giving to me has become much more important over the last few days due to this book which is making it pretty easy to write this journal.  I was already pretty avid to serve this summer in a foreign country and give my time, but this book has intensified my desire to give.  Once you realize it, it's pretty suck-y when you only give yourself your time.  You realize that it can mean so much more when you give it to someone else.