February 28, 2022
Reflection – A Great Leader
A great leader is too often hard to come by. This was posted a while back by one of my “friends” on Facebook. It strikes me that, after 77 years of diverse life experiences, I can validate these observations which seem to be particularly relevant today.
I travel a lot. On one of my recent flights, the captain brilliantly inspired me. Over the intercom, he said, “Folks, we are about to make our approach for our descent. The weather is sunny and 48 degrees, it’s really nice and atypical for this time of year.
Having said that, we are defending into 55mph gusts. The ride will be bumpy all the way in. What I need from you all is to keep your seatbelt fastened, remain calm, and trust me. We will be on the ground shortly.” There were collective gasps, there were even a few tears…me? I started clapping.
My nearby seatmates wondered how I could clap in the face of that message. I said, “the reality is you can be fearful, you can be worried, but is that going to help change the outcome? So, we can do what he’s asked. If you believe in faith or juju let’s all hold a collective thought of the best landing you’ve ever had. Can we do that?” Then they started clapping.
The captain was a great leader. He gave us good news, he explained what we would face and then he asked us to trust him. All of us will face our own 55mph gusts in life, Another perspective gives us the ability to find the good, stay composed, and trust that we too, will be on the ground shortly.
This story reminds me of what Jesus was trying to get his apostles to understand. Jesus is foretelling the persecution that is to come, “ You will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Luke 21:17 NLT). The apostle John records this, “Yes, I’m telling you these things now so that when they happen, you will remember my warning” (John 16:4). What a great leader and mighty savior we have.
Blessings and peace,
Chaplain Allen
chaplain@nationsu.edu
chaplainscorner.org
Disclaimer statement: Please note that the opinions expressed herein are those of the Chaplain alone and are based on his personal understanding of scripture and how God works in our lives.
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