A GOOD LEADER WILL ATTRACT FOLLOWERS

In the Old Testament an individual by the name of Gideon had so many volunteers that God sent some of them home. Gideon once told the Lord, "I am the least of my father's house." Gideon felt inadequate to lead anyone yet later we read Gideon saying, 

"Then he said to them, Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do" (Judges 7:17 NLT).

It was the Apostle Paul that said, 

"Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example" (Philippians 3:17). 

Gideon and the Apostle Paul both knew how to attract volunteers.

Volunteering often gives us a sense of satisfaction in helping others. We volunteer sometimes because it is just the right thing to do. In my life I have been extremely blessed with a lot of volunteers that wanted to give of their time and talent.

 "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart"    Elizabeth Andrew

John Maxwell says, "People buy in to the leader, then the vision." 

It is true that you can attract followers if you are a good leader. 

Being a good leader consist of several qualities including a person of a good character. Here are a few of the reasons I volunteer:

•   The leader makes me feel needed.
•   The leader helps me to find my place.
•   The leader shows appreciation for what I do.
•   The leader is one that I learn from.
•   The leader keeps me "in the loop" by communicating well.
•   The leader helps me to see the "big picture".
•   The leader helps me to understand why we do what we do.   

Playing the silly game "Follow the Leader" as a child maybe wasn't so silly after all. Maybe it was about teaching me the life principle of how to follow the leader, and how to become a leader.

In life I will always volunteer for something and imitate those that follow Christ. 

I love to volunteer!

KINDNESS

"In my neck of the woods" this weekend an unwanted, but expected guest is about to arrive - Hurricane Irma. Rightfully so, ears are glued to the news to find out when and where she is going to make her arrival. In the eye of the storm kindness has also surface. Many thousands are preparing to give, share, and most of all, pray for those in her path. I am thankful for these acts of kindness! This storm could

be horrendous for many!

I don't know much about the storm but I know a lot about kindness.

• Kindness is contagious
• Kindness is meant to heal, not hurt
• Kindness is compassion without judgement 
• Kindness is giving without expectation

Kindness brings hope to a world of hopelessness, encouragement to those that are discourage, light in the darkest hour, love in place of hate, and life in place of death. Kindness is part of the "fruit of the Spirit" that never decays and God's "loving kindness is better then life!"

Mark Twain once stated, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." 

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, KINDNESS, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12 NLT).

Prayer: Lord, help me to put on the garment of kindness, so that others may see You through me.
Stay safe in the midst of the storm, and be kind one to another.