A little encouragement for the despondent
A brief letter to discouraged leaders after that 'thing' happened
I just spent some time with a friend and hero of mine. This person happens to be a national Christian leader. He’s one of the most steadfast people I know. I have learned so much by his example and from his words. He said something to me recently that made me stop, lean in, and listen with full attention.
I’m paraphrasing, but it went something like, “For the first time, I feel like giving up.”
I recognized the words and I recognized the tone. Because over the last couple of weeks I have felt the same. Not because Trump won the election. Not because Harris lost the election. Not because of the fears that some have of decreased human rights for black, brown, and LGBTQ+ people, though that is concerning. (I believe that would be an issue in either scenario if I’m being honest).
Not because of the state of the economy or the education system alone. Not because of misinformation or correct information about migrants alone or the rise in antisemitism alone or even the loss of innocent lives because of war alone.
My issue, and the issue of my friend, is the cumulative impact of all these things on our minds, our bodies, and our souls. The words of King David ring out loud in my spirit today. Like him, my soul cries, “How long will the wicked prosper?” That’s all well and good until I come face to face with the reality that I am one of the prospering wicked.
So what are we to do exactly? Do we simply carry on as usual? Or do we actually give up? How would I even do that? Though I’ve considered it many times I’ve never been able to work out the pragmatics. I’ll come back another time for more ruminations on this, but I just wanted to say to all of you leaders out there who are struggling with the same feelings — though it seem trite or cliché — you are not alone and so long as you are breathing there is hope for change to come.
Here’s what the folks won’t tell you though — You might need to stop everything you’re doing and ask yourself what it is that YOU want out of YOUR life. Part of the problem is that so many of us are trying to make everyone happy or we’re crippled by the fear of making a mistake. We are suffering from imposter syndrome. I’m being quite serious. We are suffering emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually from the substances and the people we use to cover our insecurities. And we aren’t being honest about it. Not one bit.
So long as you have breath in your lungs and life in your body — there is still hope. I prefer hope over fear even though its much more costly. True courage isn’t something we stumble upon. It’s something we choose when the possibility of change is greater than the fear of things staying just as they are.
Yep — that’s it. The hope of change is still greater today than it was yesterday. So, to our despondent souls, I am speaking aloud right now — be lifted up. Be ye encouraged. Give yourself time to find hope for your own life first, this time before giving it away to others. Maybe you need it just as much as your friends, families, and the organizations you’re leading.
Say it to your soul just as I’m saying it to mine —
Be lifted up. Be ye encouraged. Do not be downcast forever.
I need you all to survive. I want to survive as well.
Together, we’ll do that and much, much more.
