Saturday, April 11, 2015

April 12, 2015

"But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

I have never been a Michigan Wolverine fan!

Growing up in Northern Indiana I was an Indiana Hoosier basketball fan and a Notre Dame football fan. Michigan regularly beat Indiana in football and often beat them in basketball. The Wolverines always played the Fightin' Irish tough in football and often beat them. 

So, the Big Blue often left me blue when they went up against my favorite teams. Apparently, I am still holding it against them! 

But that changed for a day this past week when in response to a University of Michigan decision not to show the "AMERICAN SNIPER" movie on the U of M Campus at the request of a few Muslim student groups on campus.

Upon learning of the University's decision to ban the showing of the movie, U of M Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh responded boldly in declaring via Twiter: "Michigan Football will watch "American Sniper"! Proud of Chris Kyle & Proud to be an American & if that offends anybody then so be it!" - Coach Jim Harbaugh

Shortly following Coach Harbaugh's announcement the tweets and emails that poured in supporting his position were so overwhelming that the University reversed it's decision and rescheduled the showing of the movie.

I can't go so far as to say I am a Michigan fan, but today I am a Coach Harbaugh fan! He demonstrated what strong leadership looks like!

Just like Joshua of old:

He stepped up with courage when a vocal minority tried to impose its will on the silent majority.

He stood up with conviction for what he believed.

He didn't attack the beliefs of others or threaten them he just let people know where he stood on this issue.

And, he spoke up clearly for what he intended to do.

His team, the group that he had authority over, were going to watch the movie and if others chose not to that was fine with him.

Our world is desperate for leaders who have clear convictions and are unashamed to stand for them and clearly articulate a plan of action.

When leaders stand up boldly they rarely stand alone because their courage and conviction When leaders clearly announce what they plan to do, it will embolden others to stand with them.

It worked for Joshua centuries ago and it worked for Coach Harbaugh a few days ago!

What will you do?