The results are in!
You are Deborah: a powerful leader
I'm so glad the world has incredible women like you and Deborah.
Truly...we'd be lost without kind, bold, and intelligent leaders like you. Like Deborah, you have a seat at the table that most of us don't have access to. I don't say that in a you're better than the rest of us kind of way...God has simply created you as a different kind of leader. One that is ok being uncomfortable by the bigness of her role and task. In fact, I have a feeling you thrive in it.
Before we chat further about how you and Deborah are alike, let's have a little refresher in Deborah's story, just in case you forget exactly who she is. Judges 4 tells us Deborah was appointed as a judge and helped lead the Israelites against the Canaanites (a big task because they had been oppressing the Israelites for twenty years). But get this: instructed by God, Deborah aided Barak, a male military leader to lead the army in an all-out assault on the Canaanites. Under her leadership (well, ultimately God's, but you know what I mean), they were able to defeat Sisera, the commander of the Canaanites. The Israelites then lived in peace for the next forty years.
Ok so if you're familiar with the Bible at all, you know that in these days, women were not looked at as equals, let alone leaders who would lead a nation and give direction to the head of the military. This is big. Huge. God obviously created us as equals to men but because we live in a fallen world, sometimes guys forget that...and we're oppressed. We both know we sometimes still see it today. The Bible is clear though that Deborah was a judge and although her story isn't long, Judges 4:1-14 shares quite a few details on her leadership and character.
Approachable: Deborah may have held a high position of leadership, yet she was approachable and accessible. The people knew she sat ready to listen (at Deborah’s Palm between Ramah and Bethel in the hills of Ephraim) and help provide justice and wisdom.
Authoritative: Deborah wasn't bossy, she was the boss. She was respected in such a way that Barak, the head of the military, wouldn't go to battle without her. That's a pretty big deal. I like Barak...he must have known without a doubt that God was with her...but also that she was smart, discerning, insightful, and wise. He put his pride aside especially as she said:
“I will certainly go with you, but you should know from the beginning that this battle will not lead to your personal glory. The Eternal has decreed that the mighty Sisera will be defeated by a woman." (Which he was. The story in verses 15-24 makes me want to give yet another woman a major high-five).
Right-hearted: There was no guessing Who ultimately led, Deborah knew she was simply the earthly hands and feet of the Lord's direction. She positioned her heart to hear His instruction and was obedient in everything He asked of her.
Like Deborah, your willingness to follow God’s call and to give Him the credit is your real key to powerful leadership. Deborah reminds us that in the battles of life, we are not alone or unaided. Keep your ears and heart open to Him as you lead and make decisions (especially those that impact others) because with Him at the helm, things may look different than you initially expected, but you will not fail.
Thank you for being a wise, authentic, and trustworthy leader, dear friend. Keep walking in it.
Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life;
love her—she keeps her eye on you.
Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!
Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won't regret it;
never let her go—she'll make your life glorious.
She'll garland your life with grace,
she'll festoon your days with beauty.