leaders.

I'd like to start with two truths.

Leader: [lee-der]
1. a person or thing that leads
2. one who gives guidance and direction.
3. one who inspires.

Boss: [baws,bos]
1. a person who employs or superintends workers; manager.
2. a person who makes decisions, exercises authority, or DOMINATES.
3. to be master of or over, manage, direct or control.

Its sometimes hard to distinguish between the words leader and boss. Let me Clarify.

On one hand a "leader" can guide a "follower" into a Godly direction, while a "boss" can make the "follower" choose that direction without the "followers" input. In another hand a "boss" can make things happen then and now, while a "leader" can portray his/her direction in an enlightening manner. Or even a "boss" can decide to fire a person without reason, while a "leader" can choose to fire a person and be honest and firm.

Here's the cliff-notes version: A leader molds situations and gives his followers a choice and direction, while a boss controls the situation by exercising authority.

So here's my question for you... when you look back at your life experiences... or when God has placed you in a role of governing... did you impact your "followers"? You may not be able to think of a time where you were put in a big leadership role, but it's not always about the "big things" that make a difference. Maybe someone's idea of a leader is only expressed in the movement of large audiences, but yet a true leader could make an impact for only one. It's not about quantity, for if you're moving to impact one person for God, God can move and impact a thousand.

************************

When I was around 16 or 17 I was dumped. Normal, I know. It was the routine Godly check-up that shouted I was headed in the wrong direction too quickly (which I realize now... not so much at the time). I was hurt, sad, upset, ect... It was a normal reaction to a normal life process. Before this "life process" I was a happy-go-lucky newbie Christian, impacting my community and trying to make a difference. My family wasn't involved in church, but that didn't stop me... I was on fire. P.B. (or post breakup) I was broken, confused, I didn't understand how God would allow people to "betray me" and dismiss our so-called "friendships". You see I was so caught up in my "relationship" that I didn't allow myself to build true bridges and foundations. So when God shook what I though was a firm foundation, I landed in the middle of sand. I was left in the middle of a "Christian community" with nothing but my faith in God and my faith in myself. I actually understood what it meant to be a "leper". But I persisted, I knew that Gods plan was greater than what these "Christians" thought of me, or even my own thoughts of blaming God. I knew I was there for a reason, and even though I would sit and cry to myself every Sunday, I knew deep down, there was something more... and there was. God used my determined nature and my heart to become a true leader. Within those few months of what I deemed torture, God allowed my heart to be a proclamation to my greatest accomplishment. I impacted an entire generation, I impacted a way of life, I changed the course of history... I impacted my families lives forever. With my small accomplishment God transformed hundreds of people, the people my father impacted, the people my mother impacted, the people my friends impacted. I made a difference.

That is the reason behind this blog, because I understand leadership. By no means have I sacrificed anything of great value, but I understand why i'm a leader. I know that God has given me a true sense of leadership and heart for people. I, by NO MEANS, am perfect. GOODNESS I am FAR FAR FAR from perfect. But I'm also not just some stupid, young girl that posts on a blog to stir a pot. I post with purpose, I have meaning, and no one can sway my thinking.

I am a child of God. I am a Leader for Christ. I am not perfect. I impact to make a difference. I impact to make a change.

So next time you hear the word "leader" or "leadership", make sure you listen. Because they might actually be substituting a nicer name for "boss".


*By no means does the above stated come from the views of a church, the thoughts are mine alone.
**Stay tuned for my next blog when I discuss my thoughts on cowards.

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

SO last night I had the pleasure of hanging out and selling merch at the Hope Concert at Windsor Crossing. I had a blast and had the chance to hang out with some pretty awesome musicians. I wanted to give them a shout out... because I know how hard it is to make it in music... SO if you guys get a chance download a couple of their songs... see what you think!

First off was Chris Taylor. (who is a mac user... and is very cool). His new CD is a cool mixture... I would almost say Leeland/postalservice sound. You can download his stuff on iTUNES, Just search Chris Taylor.

Up after Chris was Alli Rogers. Her voice was just like her CD, and she was also a very talented musician. She has a similar sound to Bethany Dillion and if you've ever heard of the Stars... she also has a vibe similar to them. She was very nice and I actually started selling her stuff before I was moved down to the RS table.

Last in the line up was the headliner... of course Robbie Seay is always awesome. For those of you One Tree Hill fans... his music was featured last week! ANYWAYS... I spent most of my time selling RS Merch... and had a blast with their "roadies" for lack of a better word. If I never make it big... I could always sell merch... haha.

LIKE I SAID... CHECK OUT THE NEW BANDS... THEY ALWAYS APPRECIATE THE SPREAD OF MUSIC... SUPPORT OUR MUSICIANS!

A Heart like David... Revamped.

About time... I know!

I feel like this has been a long time coming... every time I get ready to write another blog... I get caught up in human emotions... that or I feel... uninspired.

WELL... not any more! I've changed the look of my blog and its given me something to write about! I've not only changed the look of my blog... but as most of you know am going through a whole other transformation. Having your life ripped out from under you... sure  changes a person! But for those of you who are actually concerned... I'm doing great. 

I've started to really enjoy the STL life. I've always loved it... but was always back and forth so much... I never had the chance to REALLY enjoy it. I've started serving at another church, which actually took no time at all. God always uses the willing! I've started school, which is always exciting.... wink. I've also made some great friends... surprisingly most are from FredMo. I've been looking a lot into the future to see where I'm headed to... and so far... I'm still mystified. The only thing I'm NOT mystified about is that I know God has a plan for me, and is leading me to where I belong. I do miss having my family around... they are truly phenomenal people and have there hearts with God. BUT they're always a phone call away! (and if need be a quick drive!) I'm glad that God is healing their hearts and is bringing some awesome people into it. I know that God is going to reveal His plan for my father and our family soon... and if not... we're only growing from the wait. 

Well.. I'm slowly falling asleep... I will continue later with some more blogs! Look out!

**sorry if I offended anyone... or bashed any "good people" this was not my intent.