Have you ever heard a call to lead or felt the need to step up and serve as an example to others and make a difference in people’s lives? It might not have been like the biblical stories of Noah, Moses, or Jesus, it might have been more subtle and quiet, like something that was brewing in you for years.
Though I grew up in the biblical land, my calling did not come as a mythical experience, but it was part of the culture I lived in. Growing up in a country like Israel that was under constant threats of terror attacks and going thru two wars, was quite an intense experience. It was a normal thing for us to be on a bus and see soldiers carrying weapons or walk into a mall and have to stop for a security check. On the one hand, we lived on high alert and on the other hand we felt extremely safe. As kids, we looked up to our soldiers and in high school, all the teenage girls wanted to date the captain, the pilot, or the tough, rugged guy from the elite commando unit.
Service is mandatory in Israel so from a young age you were prepped and groomed to be your best, do your best and serve your country. I remember my dream as a teenager was to become an officer in the army, the IDF, (Israeli Defense Force) so I can serve my country. Though I wasn’t allowed to go thru the traditional officer training due to my health challenges, I still found a way around it by becoming a Non-Commissioned Officer. When I look back at those days, I knew the desire to serve and the need to lead were there since childhood. My questions were whether it was within me all along or was it something that I learned? If it was something that I learned, can it be taught to others?
I guess it’s no different than questioning whether leaders are born or groomed.
Personally, I believe that some people have natural leadership skills. I also believe that anyone can become a leader, should they choose. Whether you’re a parent, head of a household, or military general, you’re still a leader, your reach and your impact will be different. Leadership can be defined as having four different levels based on that impact and reach.
@drkarenjacobson . A leader will always make a difference regardless of the size of their following. The real question is will you answer when are hear the calling?
