Gifted for Leadership

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June 30, 2009

Leading in the Lands of the Free

by by Caryn Rivadeneira

My seven-year-old son is on a freedom kick. Whenever we talk about a country (and this is often, since he and my five-year-old daughter are also on geography kicks), he'll ask: "Do they have freedom there?"

I love that he asks this. Because when the answer is "yes" it gives us an opportunity to talk about what cool things and amazing opportunities freedom allows people in whatever free country we're talking about. And when the answer is "not really" or "really limited" we talk about the injustices and oppression and the horrors lack of freedom brings about.

While this certainly isn't the most cheery mom-and-kid talk, I think these conversations are among the most important I have with my kids. I want them to grow up understanding how precious the freedom we enjoy in our country (which is, by the way, the U.S.) - how historically and geographically rare it is. I want them to understand it and appreciate it because I believe that the luxurious freedoms we enjoy falls under the "jurisdiction" of Jesus' words: "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required" (Luke 12:48).

Of course, often when I'm in a hurry to impress this upon my kids, I often forget to apply it in my own life. Especially as a person who spends a lot of time (makes a career of, really) writing about various "injustices" and "oppression" we women face, as mothers, as leaders, and as women in churches, the workplace, and in society. It's easy for me - in the midst of pointing out continued inequities and lost opportunities for women to display God-given gifts and talents and live out callings - to forget momentarily about the dire plight of women across the globe.

It's easy for me to take for granted that simply being able to gripe about the wrongs is in itself a huge blessing of the free.

All this to say, as we Americans prepare to celebrate our Independence Day and all the blessings and opportunities our great country allows, and as those of you in other great and free countries reflect on your own blessings and opportunities, I think we as women gifted for leadership have an obligation to the women (and men and children) around this globe who suffer, are oppressed, and held in bondage to remember, pray for, speak for, stand up for, defend, support, or whatever daring acts the Lord may call you to. Frankly, it's what's required of us who lead in the lands of the free.

Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on June 30, 2009 2:20 PM

Related Tags: current events, gender roles

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