Fear. Courage. Opposing Forces? Here’s The Missing Link!

Did you ever play with magnets as a kid? There was something fascinating about the “click” of two magnets coming together and the resistance of two opposing each other. Did you ever wonder why that happened? Of course, there is a scientific explanation.

The law of attraction and repulsion. Opposing forces (negative and positive charges) attract and like forces (negative-negative and positive-positive charges) repel each other. From this scientific vantage point, what is your perspective when it comes to fear and courage?

First, let’s begin with a definition of both.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen.” Fears can arise that are real, imagined, or anticipated as a result of internal chatter, external circumstances, and/or past experiences.

The Cambridge Dictionary, also defined courage as “the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation.” Yet, there are many types of courage beyond bravery. Courage is all about your response.

So, let’s get back to you.

  • Do you perceive fear and courage as a negative? As a result, are you unable to find the courage to face your fear or expect a positive outcome?

  • Do you perceive fear and courage as a positive? Do you use courage to ignore the negative aspects of reality or blame others to avoid pain and accountability? As a result, do you find yourself repeating the same mistakes over and over or experiencing the same difficulties over and over?

  • Or do you perceive fear and courage as opposing forces? When fear and courage are seen as opposing forces, connectors, you have the courage to take positive action. The Cambridge Dictionary also defined the phrase, have the courage of your convictions “to be brave and confident enough to do what you believe in.”

When fear, faith, and courage come together, God guides us to act. I don’t know about you, but when I include the missing link of faith (prayer, scripture, wise counsel, etc.), God provides wisdom, discernment, and direction that lead to better outcomes. My courage is God-inspired, that is, my strength and resolve are rooted in Him, our relationship, and His purposes.

At Innovative Leadership Solutions, we have identified the 5 most common Giants facing leaders, teams, and organizations. Every Giant in your life brings fear along with them. To become a battle-ready leader, team, and organization, you must pick up some stones (rock-solid solutions) to face and take down your Giants anytime, anywhere, and any place.

Just like a warrior, you must train to become battle-ready. By the way, warriors would pray before entering battle. While you may not be going to war, your reality is filled with many challenges and fears (i.e., failure, rejection, punishment, etc.) which can be a “battle.” Do not let your Giants trigger these fears that keep you fighting, avoiding, and/or paralyzed to take action. “Courage is fear that has said its prayers” is a quote from American silent actress, Dorothy Bernard. While her intent may not have been faith-based, I believe her metaphor is spot on.

Do not succumb to the Giants in your work and life! Run towards your Giants with God’s help first and experience courage in a whole new light with better outcomes!

Fear-Faith-Courage.

“Never let your fear decide your future.” Dipak Agarwal

Click here to learn more about the 5 most common Giants.

  • Which Giant is most threatening to you?

  • What is the fear you are experiencing today?

  • What do you want to do differently when facing a fear?

  • How will you include the missing link of faith before acting with courage?

  • How will that choice result in a better outcome?

I am interested in learning more about your “battle.” Let’s talk! Schedule a free consulting call by clicking here to access my calendar.

How To Influence Greater “Herd Humility”

Last weekend I attended a workshop presented by Rev. Dr. Darrell Zimmerman of Grace Place Wellness. He shared the story of a conversation in which one woman meant to say, “herd immunity” and instead said “herd humility.” What a concept as it relates to vocation!

I ascribe humility to servant leadership which can also be referred to as transformational leadership. In fact, one of the core values of Innovative Leadership Solutions, is serve to lead and lead to serve. The paragraph below elaborates on this value.

We believe everyone is called to both lead and serve in unique and diverse ways. This involves both giving and receiving motivated by a heart for service, genuine care for others, and fulfilling a greater purpose. These leaders bring out the best in others! We champion with you and for you in growing your leadership capacities so that your influence transforms the lives of others and leaves a legacy of stewardship and service.

It’s other-serving rather than self-serving. It’s about serving a purpose that is greater than ourselves. The result? Transformational leadership and not transactional leadership. The first type of leadership involves a heart for others whereas the second type of leadership uses others as a means to an end. In terms of legacy, which type of leadership lives on? Transformational, of course.

Imagine the kind of transformational impact on the billions of people all over the world with greater “herd humility.” Imagine leaders bringing out the best in others. Imagine colleagues collaborating with one another for the sake of the mission. Imagine people relating to one another out of genuine care and concern for others. The reality is that we are called to lead and serve accordingly.

Who can be credited with the start of “herd humility?” The Sunday School answer…Jesus! Jesus was the Son of God, a King. If anyone had the right to be served, it was Him. However, He humbled Himself to become man and live among us. Everything that He did, was serving the will of His Father for the present needs and eternal spiritual benefit of others. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, though He was without sin, by dying on the cross and rising in victory. As a result, through Him, all who believe may have eternal life.

Throughout His life, Jesus demonstrated the posture of humility in service to God and for His purposes. Specifically in John 13, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and in doing so, encouraged this same posture of humility in service to God and for His purposes. Hence, the start of “herd humility” began to spread and world has never been the same since! Yet, there is still more serving to be done!

What can you do to stay grounded in the posture of humility and influence greater “herd humility?” Rev. Dr. Zimmerman showed us a picture of a “sheep-herd.” You are called in your vocation to serve as a “shepherd,” to lead, serve, and care for others. At the same time, Jesus is The Good Shepherd, and you are one of His sheep nestled ever so gently in His arms. Psalm 23 beautifully describes God’s great love and care for you! You can find rest and restoration in God.

And, influencing greater “herd humility” is really about spreading JOY because true JOY is of God!

In order to spread JOY, you must first receive JOY in your life!

  • Reach out to Jesus and let Him care for you and give yourself permission to care for yourself so that you can better serve and lead others.

  • Connect with others daily in mutually beneficial ways to meet each other’s relational needs.

  • Abide in Him daily to ground yourself in the posture of humility in service to God and for His purposes.

  • Thank and praise God for the blessings in your life.

Now, go and influence greater “herd humility!”