Leadership understands there is a time to take a stand

Leaders understand that there is a time to draw the line in the sand and experience separation. During my seventy-three years of living I have had some of those painful times. It is never easy. These can take place at home, at church, at work, at school, or in government. Often we are called upon to make decisions which require strength of character and in doing so may cause hurt or inflict wounds that take time to heal. For some people the truth is hard to hear and it can force them into one of two reactions--courage or retreat.

Martha Hilton (1829-1920) was born in Anderson County, South Carolina. She married James C. Massey (1826-1865) in 1846. They were my great-great grandparents. James and Martha lived on a small plantation near Lynch River in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. They also owned and operated a mill on the river. 

Their son John William Massey (1849-1927) told an interesting story of a time when he was a young boy near the end of the Civil War. This family history records that when General Sherman and the Union Army were on their infamous march of destruction through Chesterfield County (157 years ago this month) his troops planned to burn the Massey home. It is recorded that Martha stood on the front porch and told the troops, "If you burn this house, you will burn it with me in it." She simply refused to leave. With this stance having taken place, the troops turned away and left the house intact. The Massey Mill was also left undisturbed. Although they could have overpowered her, she forced their decision. She was willing to take a stand and face the consequences. Effective leaders are willing to stand even if it means they could lose.

Remember the occasion at the last supper when Jesus predicted that one would betray him. He was speaking of Judas but the others didn't know who he meant.  He told them that it would have been better for the one if he had not been born. But Judas spoke up and said, "Surely not I, Teacher?" Jesus answered, "You have said it."    

Judas had been with Jesus three years, had seen him heal the sick, raise the dead, feed the thousands, bring peace and hope, and he was still willing to betray him. Notice that the Master did not try to reason with Judas. No more teaching and giving examples. Jesus merely stated, "Whatever you do, do it quickly." 

Just a few days ago, a group of Ukrainian border guards were killed while defending a strategic Black Sea island. They had sent a final message of defiance to the Russian aggressors, who had given them the ultimatum to surrender or be bombed. Thus they bravely refused to give in to the threat and so met their tragic deaths.  The thirteen guards who sacrificed their lives for freedom have been pronounced heroes by Ukrainian President Zelensky.

A day will come when all the teaching is finished; the negotiations are over. There is nothing more to say. If you're going to bomb us, bomb us.  And whatever you do, do it quickly. Or--if you burn this house, you will have to burn it with me in it.

Sometimes taking such a position results in a positive outcome, sometimes not. When presented with a dilemma requiring a firm decision, effective leadership has the courage required to do what is best for all concerned, even if it comes with great personal sacrifice.

Remember, I believe we are all leaders regardless of position.