A couple of years ago I had the chance to visit Kenya to work with a group that fed, clothed, sheltered and gave pastoral care to orphans that had lost their parents to aids. It was an incredible trip for our team.
During the trip our team was able to go on a safari. During our safari we drove in an open roofed van through the Kenyan bush, with a guide. Our purpose was to find wildlife, and that is exactly what we found.
We saw zebras, gazelles, giraffes and even water buffalos!
We experienced a herd of elephants trek right past us. We literally had elephants walking on every side of us, we could almost touch them. I can still remember the feeling – “we are still alive right now by their choice”.
The highlight of our trip was getting near a pride (group) of lions. We actually got to witness a kill and it was an intense sight! We saw the female lions stock their prey and at the perfect moment they attacked. It was dinner time.
Have you ever thought how the lion chooses its prey? It chooses the animal that is separated from the rest of its group (even if it is strong, it appears weak). It knows that’s the easiest kill, the one that is separated from the group.
When you lead others, you can sometimes feel alone; like you need to have all the answers or that showing weakness will be exploited. This type of thinking opens the door for us to isolate ourselves and try to make it on our own.
The enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10), he is like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t get separated from your community.
It seems like whenever you have a victory, see movement in the right direction or begin to develop unity with in your team, feelings of isolation and loneliness can start to creep in. It is in those moments that the foundation you are building or have built is under attack.
We were not meant to live this life alone. You were made to live in community with others. You truly get to enjoy life when you are sharing it with others.
To be a healthy leader and have the greatest influence, you must stay connected with others in an intentional community. This will help you to avoid blind spots or traps and it will allow you to enjoy the journey to the fullest.
The next time you start to feel lonely, or like you are striving on your own, reach out to a friend or a peer and expose those thoughts and feelings to the light. When you do, those feelings will shrivel like the lie they are and as a by-product will deepen the relationships you have with the people you share life with.
Next time you start to feel like you are being separated from the pack who will you reach out to?
