Our daughters walked with Deanna into this next chapterâliterally and symbolically. They helped her cut her hair before it falls out. Then we shared supper together. A simple act of courage and solidarity.
(Chemotherapy works by targeting fast-replicating cells, which includes cancer cellsâand hair follicles.)
A Call to Eternal Servant Leadership
âThe nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.â (Revelation 21:24)
Who are the kings of the earth? And what does leadership look like when we no longer have control?
One of the questions on Deannaâs hospital intake form stood out:
âDo you feel like youâve lost control?â
It was soberingâand deeply human. Most of us have felt that way at some point.
Control is overrated. We canât control cancer, diagnoses, or many of lifeâs storms. But we can choose how we show up. Words. Attitudes. Kindness. Gratitude. Faith.
Deannaâs influence has never been strongerânot because sheâs leading meetings or making decisions, but because sheâs embodying hope. Even now, especially now, sheâs leading. With tenderness. With courage. With joy.
True Leadership: Built Into Us From the Beginning
We Were Made to Influence
âLet us make mankind in our image⌠and let them ruleâŚâ (Gen. 1:26) Leadership isnât just for a select few. From the beginning, God designed us to reflect His image through care, stewardship, and blessing others.
JesusâThe Servant King
âI am among you as one who serves.â (Luke 22:27) Jesus redefined greatness. True kingship in the Kingdom looks like servanthood. Those who stoop to serve are those who will stand to reign.
This Life Is Leadership Training for the Next
âYou have made them⌠and they will reign on the earth.â (Rev. 5:10) How we lead nowâthrough daily faithfulness, humility, and sacrificeâshapes us for eternal roles in Godâs unfolding story.
Your Circle is Your Kingdom
âWhoever wants to be first must be the servant of all.â (Mark 9:35) Leadership begins right where you are. Your home. Your workplace. Your church. Even in suffering, we influence. Even in weakness, we reignâif our hearts are yielded.
Reflection Questions
Where has God placed you to influence others right now?
Are you reflecting His characterâjustice, mercy, humilityâin those places?
What does it look like to prepare to reign with Christ today?
Who around you needs encouragement in their quiet, hidden leadership?
What About the Kings in the Bible?
There are two books called Kings for a reason. But the track record isnât great.
The Southern Kingdom had 21 rulersâ8 were âgood.â The Northern Kingdom? 0 for 19.
Sobering odds. But take heart: You are not called to repeat history. You are invited to rewrite it. Starting with how you lead todayâwith grace, truth, and love.
Prayer Points
Deanna â For a clear report from her bone scan on Wednesday, and healing, hope, and peace. Chemotherapy begins Thursday morning.
Our Family â For unity, resilience, and joy in the journey.
The Current and Next Generation â God is raising up a movement of servant-hearted leaders who walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
You â Weâd love to pray for you. Just hit reply.
A First-Morning-Breath Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for this new day. Thank You for whatever it will hold. For the coffee in my hand and this quiet time with You. Let the noise fade, and Your Presence take its place.
For each person I meet todayâfriend or strangerâ May I be a blessing. May I serve our people well.
May the difficult peopleâthose who challenge and stretch meâ Help me see where I still need to grow. Shape me into a humbler, wiser leader.
For the wonderful onesâthose who refresh and upliftâ Open my eyes to see them. Increase my capacity to appreciate and bless them.
Thank You, Lord, for this day. I step into it with gratitude, trusting in Your presence and grace. Amen.
