I used to think that I couldn't be a leader. I labeled myself as a follower since I was a little girl. People told me I was quiet and I was always referred to as shy.

You know when you really notice a word for the first time and then you start to hear it ALL the time. It's when someone speaks to you about a topic that is new to you and next thing you know it is the conversation on every corner. This is the "Baader Meinhof Phenomenon."

Well growing up, the world pushed the idea that to be a leader, you had to be an extrovert. Introverts were seen negatively & schools defined "leaders" as outgoing social butterflies that thrived on being the center of attention. I guess I experienced the Baader Meinhof Phenomenon because I always noticed books on how to be more extroverted. I saw every speaker for who they were when they talked onstage — full of eloquence & confidence. It didn't occur to me that they could very well be introverted or have practiced for years to become that good. I guess everything I thought I witnessed was because it confirmed my preconception.

A leader, I have figured out, is someone that is simply willing to step up on the behalf of others. This takes so many different forms. What is awesome about this is that God can use quiet, shy people to do his work. We each have a unique personality and not all of us are designed to be leaders. Some truly are called to be followers. We need a balanced world. However I believe that God wants us all to be leaders to some degree. I mean we are to be his ambassadors. How can we represent God? We can step up in some way to make him known. Perhaps this is teaching a class, investing in someone else's faith, or even serving in an area of the church.

This means there is no "I am just too introverted." I am personally tackling and doing things that I once perceived as impossible. I once thought the excuse of being introverted would protect me. I thought I could escape difficult situations at all costs & that I would leave the "big things" to extroverts. Yet, I realized that some of the world's genius' were introverts. We have a role to play to. Our thinking skills and more gentle manner will appeal to some people more than an extrovert's demeanor will. We can do things that is outside their realm. We can reach a different audience.

There is no way to perfectly define a leader. All are flawed, & have different strengths/weaknesses. However, it is very important to not deny a gift you have because you are scared to be stretched as a person. Also, never think you aren't good enough to be a leader. God uses the weakest of people with the worst sinful pasts. He wants a willing heart, whatever that may look like. He will be our strength & trust me God will be providing for you every step of the way.