We all use “farewell expressions” everyday. Its our attempt to add motivational tag lines to the end of a convo, email, text, etc. We say things like…
- take care
- see you soon
- hang in there
- be good/safe
- good luck
- love you
- dream big
- etc
Lately, I’ve found myself using the expression “lead strong” more and more! In reality, the expression speaks for itself, but when I challenged myself to explain it (concisely), I had trouble.
As I thought about it more & what I meant by it, I felt Jesus leading me back to Joshua 1. In short, Moses has just died & Joshua is taking over. In the very first chapter Joshua is told “be strong & courageous” FOUR times (3 from God, 1 from them people)!
As I reviewed each time “be strong & courageous” was listed, it brought new meaning to what “lead strong” meant for me…
- lead strong because Jesus is ALWAYS with you (1:5-6)
- lead strong because you lead the people by/through/to His promise (1:5-6)
- lead strong by being obedient to Jesus always. (1:7-8)
- lead strong, know & meditate on His Word (1:7-8)
- lead strong & fear nothing but Jesus (1:9)
- lead strong & be discouraged by nothing because Jesus is with you & in control (1:9)
- lead strong because the people crave it (1:16-18)
- lead strong because Jesus controls the favor of the people (1:16-18, 4:14)
If I were to attempt to put it more practically, for me, “lead strong” means…
- constantly seek Jesus & His Word
- character & integrity must be STRONG
- connect with team through STRONG relationship with them
- cast STRONG vision constantly
- coach STRONG through all challenges
- compassionately seek resolve
- confront the tough convos STRONG (& in love)
- continue to keep STRONG focus on the goal set before us
- communicate STRONG & clearly
- compromise nothing, stay STRONG
Saying it is easier than doing it! Doing it will require more growth in serving! Growing it will demand more humility than attained. Even still….LEAD STRONG!
Just what I’m learning… 
