Publishing Secrets
Leading with Grace Part 2: Resilience & Vision
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Episode notes
In this episode, you’ll also hear:
- Why the gifts you have been given aren’t actually for you
- What resilience and vision really mean for Christian leaders
- How one member of our community leads with perseverance and commitment to her vision
- How to move forward even in times of uncertainty
The Journey of Faith-Driven Leadership
“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.”
C.C. Scott
Today, we’re diving into a theme that resonates with every leader’s journey: rising with resilience and vision. You see, it’s in the crucible of trials that authentic leadership is refined. Resilience, then, is what allows us to emerge from those trials with a vision that transcends the immediate to embrace God’s greater purpose.
Before we further explore the concepts of resilience and vision, however, let’s ground ourselves in Scripture. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in various forms.” This means that whatever gift you have received is not just for you — it’s for others around you.
We must stay focused on using our gifts for others each day. When we do that — when we focus on the people we are called to serve instead of on ourselves — we arrive at a place of resilience and are inspired to “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
This is the journey of faith-driven leadership.
The Meaning of Resilience & Vision
So, as Christian leaders, what does it mean to have resilience and vision? Let’s break down each of those terms.
Resilience
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about growing, learning, and thriving, and often, that happens in the midst of adversity.
Honestly, I haven’t learned much from my successes. Instead, the things that could be perceived as failures have caused me to learn and grow the most. I wouldn’t be who I am today, or where I am today, without those setbacks.
Remember, setbacks can simply be setups for comebacks. So as you reflect on your own leadership journey, consider how pressure and challenges shape your ability to lead gracefully with conviction and fortitude.
Vision
A leader’s vision acts as a guiding star. It illuminates the path not just for the leader, but also for those they lead. Thus, a clear, compelling vision inspires action, provides direction through stormy seas, and mobilizes people toward a shared goal.
An Example of Perseverance
To illustrate the importance of resilience and vision, let’s take a look at the example of a remarkable member of our Christian Authors Network community: Aleta Allen.
In just four years, Aleta has published two books and is working on her third. Her mission is to encourage everyday people to open their Bibles and let the Holy Spirit guide them, and she constantly shares on social media to support that goal.
Despite her dedicated effort, however, Aleta has faced challenges in reaching her intended audience. Yet her resilient spirit stands out. She joined us for our 2-day workshop in February, then for a 90-minute social media workshop in March, and now she’s taking her commitment a step further by joining the Christian Author Success School so she can learn how to connect with her audience online.
Aleta’s spirit of perseverance is a vivid example of James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Resilience is about staying committed to the vision even when the path is unclear. As Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Aleta’s clarity of purpose and faith guides and inspires us to consider the power of vision in our leadership.
Thank you, Aleta, for being such a powerful example of perseverance and commitment to your God-given vision!
The Power of Vision
Take a moment now to reflect on your own vision for leadership and the challenges you have faced.
- How has your faith guided you through these trials?
- What vision propels you forward?
- How can you commit to remaining resilient in the face of adversity?
Then, inspired by Aleta’s journey and perseverance, take some time to identify your vision and consider one step you can take this week, despite any challenges you’re currently facing, to move closer to that vision.
Remember, resilience is embracing each setback as a step forward towards your greater purpose. True leadership and faith are forged in the fires of trials with a vision that sees beyond the immediate to God's greater purpose.
Let's keep these words close to our hearts as we navigate our paths to leadership. And let’s look to Aleta’s story as a beacon of resilience and vision — one that reminds us that our faith and commitment can guide us through the trials, toward the impact we aspire to make.
ALETA’S BIO:
Aleta R. Allen was born in 1947 in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is the only child of Nick and Rose D’Emillo. While raising Aleta, her mother, Rose, worked in several manufacturing companies like Milton Bradley Toy Company and the Armory during World War II. Nick, her stepfather, served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years as an auditor in the Auditor General’s Office, allowing Aleta to travel throughout Europe and the Near East during her youth. Aleta graduated from Livingston High School in 1965, computer programming trade school in 1974, and Sacramento Theological Seminary & Bible College in 2005. Her areas of study were Computer Programming and System Analysis, Theology, Church Growth, and Church Administration. Currently, she is halfway to earning a master’s degree in Theology. Some jobs that Aleta R. Allen had as a young adult included computer programming, system analysis, technical writing manuals, developing warehouse facilities and utilization of space, and designing and developing printed material. While having these jobs, she discovered that she had a passion for helping people and a God-given desire to help people in her communities.
Aleta R. Allen started, managed, and grew several businesses, including a printing plus mailing company and a community development corporation that provided essential needs like food and clothing to at-risk populations in the community. Community partners included the Children’s Hunger Fund, Feed the Children, Convey of Hope, Jordan Outreach Ministries, and many more. Over 20 years, Aleta’s nonprofit organization directly served more than 1 million people. Aleta continued reaching out by doing a radio show. Aleta was a Personal Administrative Assistant to an Author. Aleta R. Allen is now a published author.
As a business owner, Aleta R. Allen specialized in workforce development for ex-offenders who were released from jails, prisons, and halfway houses and those who were recovering from alcohol and drug addictions. She has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and enjoys sharing his love with the people she helps. For many years Aleta R. Allen preached at church services and revivals throughout the United States of America. She donated her professional services to several churches and has helped them enhance their audio systems to optimize media development, developed administrative infrastructure, and wrote policy procedures. Aleta R. Allen is a member of the Daybreak Christian Fellowship in Las Vegas, Nevada, a member of the Armed Forces Chamber of Commerce, and an honorary Board Member of the Armed Forces Chamber Community Development Corporation. Aleta owns A Scribesmith LC (a publishing company) and Rephidim LC (a ranch.)
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Website: ascribesmith.com