Building On Sand or Purpose
One of the really great leadership examples God gives us is the use of parables. You know, those short stories that have profound meaning. I also think that is why I love rock music so much. With great bands like Nothing More, their songs have very deep meanings. I got to hang out with Nothing More a few years ago and we had some very deep discussions. An example of one of these songs that causes deep thought and reflection is Nothing More’s “House On Sand.” I’ve spent quite a bit of time in a tractor seat this past week farming and listening to music, and have heard this great song several times. This is a song that has deep meaning for me and ties to Bible verses I learned as a kid. Matthew 7:24-27 English Standard Version says:
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Now let’s look at some lyrics in the song:
I built my house on sand
Hoping it would stand
The storms that come my way
And now I’m left to face
The weight of my mistakes
And a chance to start again
This is the perfect description of the parable in Matthew. Key point here is that we are left to face the weight of our mistakes, but we can make corrections and start again. When the song first came out Nothing More’s Jonny Hawkins said:
“Sometimes you lose sight of your purpose in life and wander off of the path you were on.”
“Years later you find yourself in a life that does not match the vision you once had for yourself. Trapped, you are left with a choice… betray your inner voice, or trust it; continue on and play it safe, or turn back and start again… I’m starting again.” ~ Jonny Hawkins
If we go back to the Bible; in the book of Luke (6:47-49), the metaphor of a strong foundation is used instead of sand or rock. In Jonny’s comments about the song he talked about “purpose.” Purpose is that foundation. If we have a strong purpose and stick to it we are on a firm foundation. If we stray from our purpose we will be faced with our mistakes, but we can start again.
The metaphor in the song “I built my house on sand hoping it would stand,” reflects a sense of either optimism or perhaps carelessness in expecting unstable foundations to hold up over time. The “storms that come my way” represent life’s challenges, difficulties, or setbacks that test the stability of what has been built.
The lyrics go on to say, “And a chance to start again.” offers a sense of hope and renewal. Even despite of previous missteps, there’s an opportunity to rebuild on better, more solid ground. The song reminds me that sometimes, we learn and grow through our mistakes, and every ending can be the beginning of something new and stronger.
Leaders As Servants
I am loving and taking lots of notes while reading The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth by Ralph C. Wood. Yesterday morning I highlighted a passage about Tolkien’s Legendarium The Lord of the Rings characters that I believe we, as leaders, can learn from:
“Like Faramir and Sam-but unlike Boromir and Saruman- Galadriel is able to refuse the Ring’s magnetic lure. Bilbo had also used the Ring many times without permanent damage. Whence the difference? Why can some resist the fatal temptation while others yield to it? Boromir and Saruman both see themselves as leaders and heroes; their loves are disordered by their own lust and ambition. The others, by contrast, possess something akin to what Jesus calls purity of heart (Matt. 5:8). They have preserved their integrity of soul and conscience. They regard themselves as servants rather than lords. All four of them have properly ordered their loves to the Good.”
This is a profound reflection on human nature and morality. I love how Wood described the key differences of how each individual orders and prioritizes their loves and desires. Boromir and Saruman, driven by ambition and desire for power, allow their selfish loves to dominate, leading them astray from true virtue and integrity. In contrast, those (Galadriel, Faramir, Sam, and Bilbo) who possess “purity of heart,” as Jesus described, have their loves properly ordered — they seek the Good and place it above personal ambition or desires. This inner discipline preserves their integrity, making them servants of higher ideals rather than slaves to greed or pride. It’s a reminder that true heroism often comes from humility and fidelity to what is good and right within us.
I am now going to explore how Galadriel, Faramir, Sam, and Bilbo exemplify being servant leaders to higher ideals rather than slaves to greed or pride:
Faramir:
Faramir, the Steward of Gondor, embodies humility and wisdom. Unlike many who might seek personal glory or power, he recognizes the importance of serving his city and its people with integrity. His refusal to take the Ring, despite the temptation and the potential for heroism, shows he’s motivated by duty and the greater good rather than personal ambition. His inner discipline allows him to serve a noble cause, placing honor and justice above pride or greed.
Sam:
Samwise Gamgee is perhaps the epitome of humble service. His unwavering loyalty, kindness, and sense of duty drive his actions. Despite modest beginnings, he serves Frodo not out of desire for recognition but out of genuine friendship and a commitment to doing what is right. His actions demonstrate that true heroism comes from humility and a selfless desire to help others, rather than seeking fame or personal gain.
Bilbo:
Bilbo Baggins, initially a simple hobbit of the Shire, becomes a hero through acts of courage and cunning, yet he remains humble. His adventure is driven by curiosity and a sense of adventure rather than greed. Even when offered great treasure, he often chooses integrity over material wealth, recognizing that true worth lies in personal virtue and honest deeds. Bilbo’s journey reflects a servant’s attitude—serving higher ideals of bravery, friendship, and moral integrity.
Galadriel:
Galadriel is a classic example of a servant leader. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium, she embodies wisdom, humility, and selflessness — key qualities of servant leadership.
Throughout her dealings with the Fellowship of the Ring, Galadriel demonstrates a willingness to serve others by offering guidance, sanctuary, and gifts that strengthen their resolve. Her leadership is characterized by her ability to inspire trust and provide support without seeking personal gain or dominance. She prioritizes the well-being and success of others, exemplifying humility and moral integrity—core traits of a true servant leader.
Conclusion
All four characters exemplify how true greatness often involves serving higher principles—such as loyalty, humility, and justice—rather than being enslaved by greed or pride. Their inner discipline and unwavering commitment to their values make them heroes in the truest sense.
Language Is Never Neutral
In The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth, Ralph C. Wood says, “The larger point to be taken is that, for Tolkien, language is never neutral. As our most precious gift, it is always loaded with implication, always employed for either good or ill.” Wood’s statement highlights J. R. R. Tolkien’s view that language is deeply meaningful and inherently powerful. When Wood says that “language is never neutral,” he means that words and symbols carry weight, implications, and moral significance—they can be used to build up or tear down, to inspire or corrupt. I always remain aware that language matters.
For Tolkien, language wasn’t just a tool for communication; it’s a vital force that reflects and shapes moral values. This idea underscores the importance of how we choose our words, recognizing that language has the capacity to influence both individual hearts and the broader world. This reminds us that language is a gift that should be used responsibly for good.
Becoming
I have always been intrigued by the idea of “becoming.” Then, yesterday I was reflecting on “becoming” again as I listened to Volbeat’s great song “Becoming” while spending some time on the tractor doing some farming. The opening lyrics say, “Every morning is; A new day where we’re born again; And becoming the center of the bliss.” I love this because every day is a chance for a new start and becoming what we are meant to be.
Interestingly, one definition of becoming is suitable, appropriate, or attractive. I wonder if we spend too much time trying to be something that fits some arbitrary norm. We need to beware of being molded into some worldly image other than our own. Acceptance should never win over authenticity.
Volbeat’s song goes on to say, “And becoming the pieces of a mask.” This phrase indicates a transformation into something that conceals true identity. Masks often represent hiding or protecting oneself, so becoming the pieces of a mask could symbolize assembling a new facade or parts of oneself used to hide inner truths. If we mask who we are to fit a mold, we lose credibility and trust from others and belief in ourselves.
For me, the thought of “becoming” signals growth, adaptation, and evolution. Think about it: every moment we are becoming something– something else. It’s all about the other definition of becoming, which is any change involving realization of potentialities. Every day we are growing and evolving. We need to be the owner of this growth and be the author of our “becoming.”
Stop Counting Down and Settle In
Today, I heard a person state that she had found joy when she, “stopped counting down and started settling in.” We’ve all been there. Counting down how long we’ll be in a current position, how long we’ll live somewhere, or how long till a grant runs out. I’ve heard people say, I am just going to stay at ________ for two years, then go ________. This is okay, but those kind of plans keep us from settling in.
So, instead of eagerly waiting for a specific event or moment (like a deadline, arrival, or transition), or “counting down,” we should consider beginning to relax, adapt, and become comfortable with your current situation, or “settle in.” This would encourage us to focus on making the most of where we are right now rather than just looking forward to when something will happen. In some situations it might do us well to shift our mindset from anticipation to acceptance and engagement with the present.
Quiet Leadership
On Friday, I wrote about “Being quiet” as a top five leadership trait chosen by first graders in Leadership is Elementary, my Dear Watson. I loved this because it is so true. Just like the first graders, I have to tell myself this. Then yesterday as I was watching a baseball game, the starting pitcher was described as a “quiet leader.” This pitcher, as a quiet leader, is someone who leads through his actions rather than words. Quiet leaders consistently perform at a high level, demonstrate strong work ethic, and remain composed under pressure.
This baseball player’s calm demeanor and reliability inspires his teammates to stay focused and motivated. By setting a positive example and earning respect through their dedication and integrity, quiet leaders influence the team’s culture and success without the need for loud communication or outward bravado. These leaders embody the qualities of a silent but impactful leader.
A quiet leader exhibits qualities like reliability, humility, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Instead of seeking the spotlight or giving loud speeches, they inspire others by demonstrating excellent performance, staying calm under pressure, and providing support when needed. Their leadership style fosters trust and respect among teammates, creating a positive and cohesive environment. Quiet leaders lead by example, earning influence through consistency and genuine care.
Leadership is Elementary, my Dear Watson
Discussions about leadership are important for elementary age students because these discussions help teach essential skills like responsibility, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving from a young age. By exploring what it means to be a leader, children learn the value of helping others, making positive choices, and taking initiative. These conversations also encourage confidence and empathy, fostering social-emotional development that can benefit them throughout their lives. Additionally, understanding leadership encourages students to see themselves as capable of making a difference, inspiring them to develop their unique strengths and contribute positively to their communities.
Today, I finished up my High Ability Mentor Group work for the school year with 126 first through fourth graders at Hamilton Heights Elementary School. I love working with these students and continue to always be inspired by them. We finished our time together this week with a discussion about leadership. I am always amazed at how in tune these young people are with what good leadership looks like. Leadership is not reserved for adults; leadership opportunities come in various shapes and sizes for all ages.
This week, the students in each grade created a top five leadership traits to develop list. Here are those lists:
First Grade:
- Be nice
- Get smarter
- Listen more
- Be quiet
- Creative
Second Grade:
- Be an example for others to follow
- Less talking
- Be kind
- Be a listener
- Learn and get smarter
Third Grade:
- Be patient
- Influence
- Help others achieve their goals
- Be a better communicator
- Inspire friendships and be aware of others’ feelings
Fourth Grade:
- Take responsibility for my actions
- Earn trust
- Don’t be quiet when I need to talk
- Focus on growing myself
- Building continuous friendships
Pretty impressive lists! Students learning leadership skills not only benefits their development but it also helps their interactions with others. When we help our students see themselves as role models, they naturally become more responsible and thoughtful. Students build leadership skills as they learn how to communicate, negotiate, listen, persevere, solve problems, and cooperate. While becoming leaders themselves, students realize that leadership is not a title but someone who sets an example quietly, whether it be on a sports team, or by doing the right thing when others are not looking.
Ripples Are Beautiful: Embracing the Power of Divergent Viewpoints
In our journey through life and professional conversations alike, we often encounter moments that ripple outward. Those small actions, words, or ideas that create waves far beyond their initial splash. Today, during a gathering of the Silver Creek School Corporation Focused Leader Academy when complementing one participant for her willingness to push back or offer a different viewpoint, I expressed my love for a good argument. I truly believe that divergent viewpoints lead to personal growth and get decisions to a better place. This great teacher leader, Kate Brown, remarked, “Ripples are beautiful.” This simple phrase resonated deeply with me, prompting reflection on how the ripples of differing perspectives shape us and our communities.
The Beauty of Ripples
You know I love a good metaphor! Much like a stone cast into a still pond, every idea or opinion introduces a disturbance that propagates outward, ultimately touching distant shores. These ripples are inherently beautiful because they symbolize connection, influence, and the dynamic interplay of diverse thoughts. The ripples remind us that even small differences can have meaningful impacts, fostering innovation and empathy.
Divergence as a Catalyst for Growth
Embracing divergent viewpoints is akin to throwing multiple stones into the water simultaneously. Each creates its unique ripple, and together, they make the surface lively and unpredictable. Instead of fearing disagreement or differing opinions, we can see them as opportunities. Those ripples serve to challenge our assumptions and deepen our understanding.
Creating a Culture of Beautiful Ripples
When we celebrate varied perspectives in our organizations or communities, we cultivate an environment where ideas flow freely, and innovation blossoms. Just as ripples can intersect and amplify each other, our own metaphorical ripples spur constructive debates that lead to breakthroughs that wouldn’t emerge in echo chambers. Encouraging respectful disagreement and curiosity turns potential conflicts into beautiful patterns of growth.
So, Next time you find yourself in a disagreement or encounter a differing viewpoint, remember that Kate taught us that “ripples are beautiful.” They are signs of a vibrant, evolving mind and community. Embrace the disturbance, cherish the divergence, and watch how these ripples shape a richer, more resilient you.
Being The Painter Or The Paint
Tonight, in the great show, Tracker, the following quote was shared by Reenie (Fiona Rene), “Life goes two ways: you are either the painter or the paint.” This a metaphor that highlights two different approaches to life. This is really the choice between being active in our own lives or passive.
If we’re the painter, it means we actively create, shape, and influence our life’s path through our choices, actions, and decisions. We take control and craft our own destiny.
Conversely, if we’re the paint, it suggests that sometimes, life or circumstances can simply happen to us, and we might be passive, being influenced, or shaped by external forces rather than actively shaping our lives.
Carl Jung emphasized the importance of integrating different aspects of ourselves. Jung acknowledged that at times, we might be more receptive, allowing external influences or our unconscious material to shape us (akin to being “the paint”). At other times, we take active control and shape our identity and life experiences intentionally (like being “the painter”).
Overall, the quote is a reminder encouraging self-awareness about whether we’re taking charge of our lives or letting external factors dictate it, urging us all to consider how much we are creating our own experiences versus being shaped by others.
Being A Follower, Part 2
This is Part 2 of my posts inspired by the new release by Evanescence, “Who Will You Follow.” This great song made me think and reflect deeply on what it means to both be a follower and influencer of followers. Being A Follower, Part 1 explored being a follower. There is signify research pointing to the contributions of followers to leadership and organizational success. These studies, such as Uhl-Bien, M., Riggio, R. E., Lowe, K. B., Carsten, M. K. (2014) “Followership theory: A review and research agenda”, conceptualize and demonstrate followers as relevant co-producers or co-constructors of leadership and its outcomes.
Now, let’s talk about the leader’s role in this relationship. In “Who Will You Follow” Amy Lee sings, “What have you done to me?; You drain the life out of me ’til I don’t know myself; When all your faith in reality fades away; Who will you follow then?” Ever worked with a leader who drains the life out of you? Ever felt like there are leaders who drain the life out of us? As a constructionist, I believe there is a co-construction or leadership process approach to followership in which individuals mutually interact and engage in social and relational contexts to construct (or not construct) leadership and followership. These relationships do not necessarily align with formal hierarchical roles. Relationships matter here.
Great leaders understand the importance of humility and recognizing the value of other perspectives, which aligns with qualities of a good follower. In their research, they suggest that leadership and followership are interconnected roles within a dynamic system, where good followers contribute to successful leadership by providing support, constructive feedback, and a shared vision. This perspective fosters a culture of mutual respect and continuous learning, showing that being a follower at times is essential for effective leadership. Who will you follow?
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