Chosen to Lead

Today is Presidents Day—a day set aside to honor leaders like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln... and if you're lucky maybe a day off from work. Washington and Lincoln carried the weight of a nation. They made decisions knowing not everyone would agree. They led imperfectly—but faithfully in their calling. And while you may not be leading a country... you are leading something. And if you're anything like me, sometimes you didn't even apply for the job, but rather the job found you. Or better yet, God assigned it before you ever felt ready for it.

When I think of women in leadership—and without getting political for even a second... have you ever seen the movie Legally Blonde? Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon) walks into Harvard Law and no one takes her seriously. She’s underestimated. Overlooked. Judged by how she looks, how she talks, and where she came from. And yet… She shows up. She studies. She stays kind. She refuses to become bitter. She leads with confidence without losing who she is. She doesn’t harden to fit the room, she grows into it. And I love that reminder. Because sometimes when we step into leadership, especially as women we think we have to change our personality to be taken seriously. We think we need to be louder. Tougher. Colder. More intimidating. But godly leadership doesn’t require you to lose your softness. It requires you to anchor your strength in God. Leadership doesn’t mean you stop being you. It means you become the most surrendered version of you. And maybe the real lesson is this... you don’t have to abandon who God made you to walk in what He called you to.

There have been times in my life where I suddenly realized... oh. I'm the tone-setter here. In my marriage. In my friendships. At work, and even in my family. No one handed me a gavel. No one swore me in. But somehow my attitude, my response, and my faith were influencing the atmosphere. Leadership doesn't always look like a podium. Sometimes it looks like praying first when you'd rather panic. Sometimes it looks like going first in forgiveness. And guess what? God doesn't just appoint presidents. He appoints everyone with influence. Mary didn't submit a resume to carry Jesus. But God chose her. And the same God who appoints kings and raises up nations is the God who entrusted you with your home, your voice, and your influence.

You and I, we may never sit behind the Resolute Desk, but we absolutely sit at tables God assigned to us. You influence conversations. You shape the culture in your home. You set the tone in meetings. You determine whether your relationships or marriage feel tense or safe. You decide whether your friendships drift or deepen. That's leadership. Romans 13:1 reminds us that "all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." Which means your position—even the unseen, unpaid, unrecognized parts, it's not acidental. It is ordained.

Leadership isn't a spotlight. It's stewardship. Presidents carry responsibility, but so do you. Leadership isn't glamorous, it's consistent. It looks like owning your tone when you're overstimulated, apologizing first, protecting peace in your home, setting boundaries even when it's uncomfortable, speaking truth with kindness, praying over others instead of critiquing them, and choosing faith when fear would be easier. Even the greatest leaders faced criticism, doubt, and opposition. Moses did. David did. Paul did. So will you. But here's the difference, you don't lead alone. James 1:5 promises that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, and He gives generously. Even presidents needed guidance, and we have access to the King of Kings. You are not self-appointed. You are spirit-equipped. Positioned with purpose. Assigned with intention. Trusted with influence. So today, lead the room you're in—like heaven assigned you to it.

SHE Walks in Faith

How to Be a Godly Leader

• pray first, respond second

• guard your tone

• own your mistakes quickly

• choose peace over pride

• speak life, not criticism

• set boundaries with grace

• seek wisdom daily

• be consistent, not just inspirational

• serve, don’t control

• remember who you answer to

🩷 Prayer

Lord, help me see my influence the way You do. When I feel overlooked, remind me that nothing is hidden from You. When I feel overwhelmed, steady my heart. Align my perspective with Your purpose. Let my leadership be rooted in joy, not control. Amen.