"Leading on the Threshold of Hope"

Hope is on the horizon. The electoral college voted to uphold America’s democratic election. Coronavirus vaccines began to be given, most notably to those who have put their lives on the line during this pandemic. Although one more huge holiday season must be navigated safely, and states like California are locked down to get through it, we can see the light beyond the darkness. Hope Is on the horizon.

What will be it be like to lead during this time while we wait—during this liminal time—during this time on the threshold of a safer, more social mid-2021? It will require ethical leaders, who will not pull the trigger early on returning to complete social action, but who will be concerned about the whole people of God. For we know that many of the most vulnerable of human beings will not be on the list to receive at the outset—may never get this promised relief. Leadership during these next several months will require persons of deep character who will let the process unfold, the process of getting back into some degree of normalcy.

Leadership during these next several months will require being an example for others. Whether we lead a business or a church or even a country, people will be looking to us to see how we are reacting to changes that are to come. Will they see calm, courageous leaders who are not surprised when things don’t change as fast as anyone would like them to be or when speedbumps or detours to some degree of normalcy are experienced. A leader on the line in the next three to six months can well channel leaders during war, who are not alarmed by losing a battle or taking a setback because they know the overall course of the battle will bring about an end to the journey. Confidence in the future result will help to quell the anxiety which is highest before the dawn.

It will also be important during these liminal times for leaders not to try to personally benefit from the delivery of the realized opportunity ahead. The best leaders inspire from within the whole body but are not nterested in self-gain. If we have learned anything during these past months, it is that those we can trust identify with us and do not try to put the limelight on themselves. Humility will be a great value for all of us, but especially for leaders.

As leaders we will not want to forget the lessons of this wilderness we have walked and are still journeying. The new ways of communicating, such as Zoom, the staying connected to others in leadership, the empathy we have shown to those who have suffered loss during these times will be just as valuable on the other side, as they are now. Again, leaders in war such as Winston Churchill have much to teach us. We can well follow Churchill’s words for leadership: ““This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never — in nothing, great or small, large or petty — never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”