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Leading With a Servant’s Heart
by Injee Hong, age 16
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“Mom, mom! You are not going to believe it—I won Middle School Class President!” This excited utterance marked the beginning of my young political career. After the initial glory of winning the election faded, I realized that being a leader was not as simple as it seemed. A little part of my young, middle school mind looked forward to sitting in an immaculate office while doling out a multitude of orders. However, I soon discovered that leadership entailed so much more than the picture I had imagined in my head.
As I excitedly dived headfirst into serving as Class President, I increasingly realized that my position was not about the title and prestige. Instead, I learned that being a leader meant serving alongside the other members of my team with humility. In Matthew 20:26, Jesus explains, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” Jesus’ words stand in stark contrast to the message the world often sends to leaders telling them that they can consider themselves superior to everybody else. Although it is easy to listen to what the world has to say, God calls people to lead with a servant’s heart. So when the world’s message tries to weasel its way into my head, I constantly remind myself that I need to lead humbly and in a way that glorifies God because, in the end, God is the ultimate leader I am serving, no matter what position or title I hold.
With the knowledge that my efforts as a leader are serving God, I seek to work with a diligence and commitment that encourages others. During my time as Class President, I tried to put this desire into practice, and one rewarding instance stands out in my mind. I was organizing a toy drive for children in local hospitals, so a group of students and I went to a toy store to choose toys for the children. Knowing the pain and suffering that the children receiving the toys were going through, I wanted to select meaningful toys that I hoped they would enjoy. As I was taking my time to pick out the perfect toys, one of the other students asked me, “Why are you trying so hard? You don’t even have to be here because you’re the president.” This inquiry caused me to stop and think for a moment, but I quickly answered that I was working hard because I wanted to show my commitment to our organization and the people we were serving. The other student thanked me for being a president who showed up at events and got involved instead of simply giving out orders. This interaction is memorable to this day because it made me realize that commitment demonstrated by a leader can serve to inspire others.
In movies, bosses are often portrayed as cold-hearted individuals who punish their subordinates. However, in my years of serving as a leader, I have also learned that leaders are only effective when they have real, meaningful connections with others in their organizations. Getting to know the unique personalities and traits of each of the members has allowed me to create relationships that go beyond just leader and club member. I have been able to learn about members’ strengths and weaknesses, and this knowledge has helped me delegate tasks to members based on what I know they will both excel in and enjoy. Throughout the Bible, the church is often described as one body with multiple members who each have different functions. In the same way that the church requires the cooperation of these diverse individuals, my club seeks to work together to successfully use each of our God-given gifts. By giving members tasks that they enjoy and do well, I hope to practice Jesus’ command in Philippians 2:4 to “…look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” The relationships I have formed have also given me the opportunity to be open and honest with the club members. There was once a Ping-Pong tournament I was planning to raise money for a human trafficking charity, but I was overwhelmed with all the work I had to do. Thankfully, I was able to honestly share how I was feeling with other members in the club, and they generously offered to take on more work than was required of them. This experience demonstrated how leadership is not about being superior but more about creating personal relationships where leaders and members treat one another with respect and dignity.
In addition to creating an environment of respect and dignity, I have strived to create a joyful atmosphere in the organizations I lead. When asked during my campaign for Middle School Class President what the one thing I would bring to a deserted island would be, I emphatically responded, “a positive attitude!” Although this response is quite cringe worthy looking back, I have actually attempted to incorporate a positive attitude in all my work as a leader. Seeing people excited to complete their tasks and participate in different events, instead of reluctantly following orders, brings me so much joy because I want all the people I lead to love what they do. I also desire for people to have purpose and motivation. By holding meetings where the entire club discusses how we can make a positive impact on others’ lives through our work, I hope to give each of the members a strong sense of why they are in the club. These discussions ignite hope within our club and instill a drive within each of the members to continue their hard work because they know they are truly making a difference. As I seek to better serve my club, I am constantly inspired by Nehemiah’s leadership, particularly by his ability to keep God’s purpose before the people. Nehemiah realized that rebuilding the wall was tied to the higher purpose of reclaiming the people’s faith, and by reminding the people of this purpose, Nehemiah was able to inspire the people to finish their work in a mere 52 days. Like Nehemiah, I strive to remind the people I lead and myself of God’s purpose for each of us as individuals and for the organization as a whole. In the future, I hope God can use me to inspire others in the same way he used Nehemiah.
Looking back to when I won that middle school election, I realize that I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Although leadership turned out to be more difficult than it seemed, it also was so much more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Seeking God’s purpose, working alongside such incredible people, and forging new friendships are just a fraction of the things I have gained from my experience as a leader. As I continue working hard to be leader with a servant’s heart, I know that another quality of a great leader is the ability to continue growing and learning. And thus, as I continue through my journey of trying to find the elusive formula to being a perfect leader, I look forward to improving myself in my future endeavors. As I move forward, I hope to continue seeking God’s will for me as a leader while understanding that, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). Although I have not quite reached the level of having my own immaculate office, I know my middle school self would not be too disappointed.
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A Quiet Leader
by Cheri Stutzman, age 16
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“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” -John Quincey Adams
I am not a leader. I am not the type of person the world pictures when they picture a leader. On the contrary, I am quiet, shy, and introverted. But does a leader have to be the outgoing extrovert, who motivates a crowd to success merely because of their personality? Or can a leader be a quiet presence, who, simply by their actions and their spirit, motivates others? Great leaders are those who inspire or serve others. That is what John Quincey Adams is speaking about in his quote and that is the leader I strive to be. Through my actions, my words, or lack of words, and my dreams, I can inspire others to “do more and become more.” When I do that I have become a leader.
For several years now I have been a part of a small theatre group called Players of the Stage. It is through them that I serve the community and by doing so, inspire others to give. Three times a year, Players of the Stage puts on a benefit show. After each one, an offering basket is passed slowly through the audience. Every penny collected goes directly to a local mission. By being an actor and committing myself and my time to work hard for our purpose, I can inspire others to give a little to help the suffering in our community. It is one of the most rewarding experiences I have taken part in. Working hard to put on that spectacular play, then watching as the money grows slowly towards our goal, twelve thousand, fifteen thousand, seventeen thousand… and finally presenting it to the mission director, we are able to inspire and lead others to serve the community in this way.
This is not the only way I can serve the people around me. A great leader is one who ministers by encouraging, listening and building others up. As I walk through my day, simply by having a positive influence, I serve. In this world of negativity, where social media, TV, the internet and virtually all we hear, screams negativity, I can be optimistic and lift others up by simply a kind word or a smile, changing their day from terrible to spectacular. With one, small, encouraging word it is possible to lift the gloom off a person’s face, to wipe the worry away. I can perhaps lift that cloud of negativity that hovers over everything we read and watch, just a little, by a cheerful countenance. And I can serve others by listening. Several days ago, my friend had just returned from a mission’s trip, all she wanted was to talk about her adventures. I just sat and listened and she knew that what she is passionate about really matters. If I can listen to others, listen when they are hurt, listen when they rejoice, then I will build them up. By doing so, I inspire others so they too can serve, so they in turn can build and encourage and listen. Through such simple acts, I can become a leader who motivates others by example.
My goal in life, what I dream of doing, is to inspire others to serve through writing. The world is full of suffering, hurt and injustice and I cannot stand by and watch it continue. Growing up in Thailand, I saw the human trafficking, heard about the child slavery, and witnessed the poverty that enslaves so many. I have seen beggars sitting on the dirt floor of the market, their eyes blind and their limbs missing, a cracked, grimy cup with a few coins at the bottom, sitting in front of them. That is why I hope to one day write about the social injustices. I desire to stir up in the readers heart an urgent need to do something, that they will wake up to the world around them and begin to respond, slowly bringing justice back to life. The written word is a powerful tool and my dream is to use it to inspire others to action. Several times people have told me that it will be a lot of hard work, a writer’s life is not an easy one. But to me that does not matter. I am willing to give my time in order to see justice done, to see right outweigh wrong. If I can open people’s eyes to the world around them just enough that their hearts are moved to action, then I have become a leader.
Hence, through serving the community through drama, lifting up the people around me by my words and my listening ear, and inspiring others to overcome injustice, I can strive to become a leader. I can motivate others to “do more” through my actions and my words. If I inspire others to change the world in which we live, erase the negativity, and stem the injustice that flows through it, then I will be a quiet leader.
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A Meaningful Life
by Angelica Hall, age 16
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When one makes the decision to serve and hopefully inspire others, it is a completely selfless act, an act done not for one’s own reasons, but for those of others. It is done for the bettering of their community. Saying yes is the first step. Taking up pivotal leadership roles is one of the most common ways to serve others. Whenever one chooses to serve and inspire, they carry with them a sort of aura that attracts people, an aura that makes you warm inside whenever that person does something as simple as smile at you. And last but definitely not least, one of the most difficult duties that a leader must take on is making difficult decisions.
Why does the miniature word “yes” have so much meaning? Saying yes to the right things is the first and most important step to being both a leader and an inspiration to others. Consciously, one must make the decision to full-heartedly say yes. When one says yes, they are ultimately making the decision to do the right thing. It is the small things we do that make such a meaningful and positive impact on others. One of the most substantial decisions I have ever made was about a year and a half ago, which I had promised yes to. When a director of a historical production fell ill, she asked me to take the show into my own hands. To this day, I am so delighted to know that I said yes and gave many kids their dream of being on stage. It is amazing, how much meaning is in the minuscule word of “yes”.
Serving one’s community is an important leadership role, which typically comes with much responsibility. One of the ways I serve my community is by volunteering every week at the local hospital. Being there every week, I often wonder about other things I could possibly be doing. But each and every time, I remember that I am making a difference in these patients lives, by both serving and I hope inspiring them. I make the decision to serve these patients and the staff wholeheartedly. There are no words to describe how it feels to serve others, it is like this amazing peace one feels within themselves. For three years, I would donate one day per week to being a local school director’s personal assistant. I loved serving the school in every way I possibly could. From all the positive feedback I had received, I knew it was deeply appreciated. My favorite volunteer job is one that I have recently taken up. Instead of sleeping in on some Saturdays, I choose to go out to the homeless center and spend my mornings making meal packets for the less fortunate. It is different being with these people. As I took the food to the patron’s cars, they would turn and look at me, and what I witnessed in these people’s eyes was hurt, stress, dejection, and sometimes anger, but then, I could see pure gratitude. Not only did I see this from their eyes, but also from their mannerism and thankful words. Moments like these are when I know, there is absolutely nothing else I would want to be doing at that moment, but to be there, and make a meaningful difference in these people’s lives. Joyfully, I know these minuscule actions I do to serve my community means so much more than I could ever imagine.
Being the highlight of somebody’s day is like being an inspiration to that person. There are countless times where I have seen a person whom burdened themselves with a glum face. On instinct, I simply flash them a smile, and it is like a wave has washed over that person’s face. In that moment, I can tell that I have just inspired that person to look at life in a new light and to realize that there are people who care. In my experience, I know it makes me feel a million times better to know somebody out there, is in fact thinking about me. I believe the right thing to do is to return that pleasure, even if it is to a stranger. The simplest things in life can inspire people, such as an effortless phone call or a sweet letter. Some people, for example the elderly in nursing homes, absolutely love company. They enjoy seeing people full of love and full of joy. I know for a fact it is the highlight of their day.
In the future, I hope to live my dream of having a greater leadership role in which I serve more than just my local community. While some want to go extraordinary, it must be understood that one must begin by doing the small things, because they do matter. Unnoticeable ways in which one serves or leads in, are like a flight of stairs. On these stairs, one climbs to the top in order to achieve greater and better things. Someday, I hope to be a leader in one of the most significant ways. I want to be a leader by serving my country. Within my everyday life, I must remember to start from the bottom with things, such as being an inspirational role model not only to my community, but more importantly to my younger siblings. Being a positive inspiration to others should be second nature to all human beings.
Whenever a leader makes a decision, it is not for what he can gain, but for the greater good if his followers. A lot of the time, decision making is not easy, usually because it arises from a deep and difficult situation. As a human tendency, it is more liable to go along with what everyone else is doing, when in reality, it should be the exact opposite. Something that happens a lot, especially in scary and intense situations, is one’s inability to think for himself. Having to act calm and make the right decision at the same time is honestly scary, nobody wants to experience the feeling. Even though it may hurt, many times a leader has to make the decision that includes self sacrifice to a certain extent. What defines a leader is how he acts in situations like these, and why he makes the specific decision to do so.
It is absolutely amazing, as human beings, what we are capable of. Making the right decisions are just the beginning. Taking up leadership roles and being an inspiration to others in every way possible are great decisions in themselves. Deciding to be a positive person in general is an inspiration to countless people. When I was rather young, someone extremely close to me inspired me to chase my dreams of today, dreams I am not all to sure I will achieve, but I know, I will use every ounce of will power to do my absolute best. I also hope, that every single day I will be able to make the best decision, no matter how hard it may be. Being a leader and inspiration to others start at home, and once one can achieve this, they are set for life in an extraordinarily meaningful way.
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Silent Leader
by Haylen Schneller, age 15
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I’m not the type of person who likes to be in charge or in the spotlight, but I’ve learned that I can lead even behind the scenes. I prefer leading by example and reflecting what I say through my actions. Therefore, by encouraging others, exhibiting responsibility, and showing generosity I desire to serve and inspire those around me.
One way I strive to be a leader is by giving encouragement. An area of my life where I can openly and freely practice this is on my tennis team. By encouraging and praising my teammates, no matter what skill level, it inspires others around me to do the same. I especially make an effort to not only encourage the higherplayers, but the lower players like myself, who often need it most. Primarily, my goal by doing this is to show them that regardless of their position, they always have the power and opportunity to lead, even by doing something as little as saying “great job.” I lead on my tennis team through encouragement.
Another way I aim to lead is by exhibiting responsibility. This is a valuable and noble trait to have as a leader and is highly respected. My church youth group is the perfect area to show responsibility because it requires individual commitment. There are many different ways I can execute this, such as listening to and obeying the leaders above me. My goal is to encourage my classmates to respect the leaders’ authority and fulfill the expected responsibilities given to them as a part of the group. Regularly and willingly attending all events, extra-curricular activities, and mission projects put on by the youth group is how I lead by example. This is a massive way to do my part and display great responsibility as a member of the church.
The last way I lead silently is by showing generosity. This act can sometimes become routine and therefore unappreciated. Because of this, I aim to find new opportunities to be generous and to serve others. One approach I take is volunteering for Vacation Bible School at my church. The example I hope to set is to humbly and graciously put others needs above my own. Additionally, by being considerate to those around me I start to notice and appreciate acts of kindness shown to me by other people. This is why I strive to go out of my way to show generosity to others in hopes that they will want to do the same.
Encouraging others, exhibitingresponsibility, and showing generosity are all ways I strive to be a leader. Minute acts, which are just as important as grand ones, are very impactful. Even though I prefer to lead covertly, the silent and sometimes unnoticeable works I do have a lasting impression on those around me. As someone once said, “Never assume quiet is weak and loud is strong.” It may not be obvious, but quietly and humbly I do my best to lead where God has placed me.
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