When I was asked to be a team leader during training camp, I was completely humbled. I couldn’t believe that Alexandra, Ben, and the AIM staff had seen that potential in me in just a week. I trusted their judgment though and believed this role was something God was calling me to do.
I’ve been completely blessed to have a team that is whole-heartedly supportive of me as their leader. Month one was packed full of my team speaking words of life into me about my leadership. They challenged me to own it. They reassured me that I was the right choice for our team.
This month, I’ve found myself fighting lies from the enemy about my leadership. Lies of comparison, inadequacy, you name it, it’s crossed my mind regarding my leadership.
“You don’t do what __________ does for their team. Shouldn’t you be doing that?”
“You should know what to say there. A good leader would have had the right words.”
“You aren’t doing enough for your team. You could do more.”
“You turn too much to your squad leaders for help.”
“You’re distracted and not present with your team.”
To be honest, for about a week I began to believe these lies. Just at the right time though, God stepped in with a gentle reminder. It was simple but just the word I needed. He said, “Kristi, stop comparing yourself to others. Your team doesn’t need someone else. Your team needs YOU. Ask me how to lead and I will guide you. You are enough. You are doing a great job.”
I’m in no way the perfect leader. I make mistakes. I’ve learned though that God knows exactly what we each need. He chose me as my team’s leader for a reason. To take it a step further, God put each of my team members on our team for a specific purpose. They love me unconditionally when I’m having a good day and when I’m a hot mess. I love them more than they will ever know.
All I have to do is be obedient to what God is calling me to do and the rest will fall into place. Am I a good leader? Yes but not because of what I do. I am a good leader because God says I am and because I follow his lead.
Thank you to my amazing team for backing me 100%. Thank you for loving me and seeing the Jesus in me. I love you guys!
Quick update: My team and team P31 are in Pretoria, South Africa until Monday. On Monday, we will travel to Nelspruit, South Africa to meet up with our entire Squad. We will spend a few days together there for debrief where we have some fun, learn a lot, talk about our first 2 months and prepare for the next couple of months. We will then head to Swaziland from there. Please continue to pray for my team and my squad!!
Heart and Soul,
Kristi
