Romans 12:5-6, “We all have different gifts according to the grace given us.”

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, made a comment at last year’s Global Leadership Summit, that I found interesting.  She said, “Find a girl on a playground that’s bossy. She’s not bossy.  She’s a leader.”

Her comment immediately took me back to 9th grade.  I was captain of the cheerleading team at my junior high school.  One particular football game, my bossy and dictatorial actions were on full display.  My Dad, who was attending the game took notice.  Later that evening, he told me, ever so gently,  to “tone it down and to be gentler and more patient with others.”

Like Sheryl Sandburg, my Dad recognized something brewing within me that I did not at the time – the gift of leadership.

There are gifts brewing inside of you as well.   Every believer has at least one spiritual gift.*  God wants us to use our talents and abilities to impact our corners of the world with the reality of Jesus.  To draw others to Him.

Do you know what your gifts are?   Gifts are God-given abilities.  They’re things at which you’re naturally good, things that come easy to you.

• Are you good at teaching?
• Are you an encourager?
• Are you a generous giver?
• Are you a leader?
• Are you good at administration?
• Are you good at hospitality?

Take some time to reflect and discover what’s brewing inside of you.

THIS IS YOUR CALLING!

Then look for open doors.  Consider the opportunities that have crossed your email or appeared in your church bulletin.  The recurring idea or thought that causes your heart to skip a beat could be God, calling you to join Him in His work!

So embrace your calling, sweet friend.  Don’t neglect it.  Your calling brings purpose and puts a spring in your step!

* For more Scriptures outlining spiritual gifts, see Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Timothy 3

The Making of a Leader

I started my leadership class because I found many women wanted help putting into action that thing or idea brewing inside her heart.  Some women didn’t know where to begin or maybe needed extra encouragement while others had started but gotten stuck along the way.

Whatever calling God may have placed upon your heart – launching a speaking or blog ministry, leading a bible study, outreach at a retirement facility, nonprofit work or otherwise – our leadership class can be a great resource to help you live out your calling!

Click for information and descriptions of the sessions.

During my last session, a gal named Amanda took the class.  She works for WMU, Women’s Missionary Union of North Carolina.  After each class, she shared the material with the leadership and staff of WMU.   They found such value in the material that they’ve asked me to come to their office and lead the class!  They’ve graciously opened the door to any other woman who may be interested.

I hope you’ll join us next Wednesday!