Great leadership isn’t a matter of charisma, fiery oratory, or wisdom. Effective leadership requires leading by example. True leaders exhibit their commitment by their actions, using words secondarily to reinforce what is required, to motivate and to delegate responsibility.

Throughout history parents have resorted to the words “do as I say, not as I do”, but seldom do their words carry the weight that their actions do. A parent tells their children not to smoke while the parent smokes, requires them to eat what the parent will not eat, and makes them to say their evening prayers when the parent does not. These are mixed signals, like shaking your head no while saying yes. Which is it? In most households it’s “Do as I say until you are old enough to move out than you can do what you want”. Does any parent really want their adult children to adopt vices? Wouldn’t it be better if parents followed the same instruction they impose on their children, thereby leading by example?

Actions always speak louder than words, and the actions of people in authority have the capability of influencing other’s behavior as well as opinion. Take as an example the boss who asks his employees to work extra hours, but goes home at his normal time.

Even if we are not in a leadership role people are watching us and whether we are aware of this fact or not, our behavior impacts those people for better or worse. If one car turns around on a blocked highway, soon more cars follow suit. It doesn’t have to be legal when we can transfer the guilt onto someone.

No one said it was easy to raise children or lead people, but it is a great privilege and with great privilege comes great responsibility. We live in this world but we don’t belong to this world. As Christians we have higher aspirations than material wealth and prestige. We would never willingly want to mislead any one by our actions rather we would like our actions to direct them to eternal happiness. Our actions really have the power to be the change we wish to see.

I found and like this quote: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” If this statement be true (and I believe it to be), there has never been a leader like Jesus Christ. His ways were always loving, kind and merciful, treating people with the dignity in which they were created. He told us that we are not greater than He and that we too will suffer persecution. He showed us how to empty ourselves of self-concern and to see God’s hand in every failure and victory in every defeat. Religious and laypeople alike have the awesome privilege of leading by example. Make it a good one and make it the best Easter season yet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, March 17 will be the Webster Spring Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 5 .m. at the Webster Grange building (now known as “The Little Lilacs Grange Hall). The event will feature music by Emily Smith. Also Saturday, March 17 there is a Spaghetti Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Russia Community Center then consider heading to the Vet’s Club for their St. Patrick’s Day Karaoke Celebration beginning at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, March 18 from 3 to 5 p.m., Sister Mary Xavier, formerly Sarah Schulze of Anna Rockets and OSU basketball fame, will give her witness talk sharing her trials and triumphs. This is an open event located in the Russia High School Gym.

Monday, March 19 Donors can donate blood, platelet and plasma from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the K of C Hall on State Route 47. Questions can be directed to 1-800-388-GIVE, appointments can be made at www.DonorTime.com

Tuesday, March 20 Versailles Health Care Center will hold Community Bingo from 7 to 8 p.m.

Next Saturday, March 24 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. the Versailles K of C is offering a Lenten talk with Dan Burke, a Catholic author, radio host, professional speaker, and much more. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 419-336-1034.

Happy 92nd birthday to Ruth Schieltz (92) and birthday wishes to Michelle Pleiman, Lois Youngker, Rick Ware, Dan Hartzell, Sharon Sider, Amanda Reed, Jane Gantt, Cheryl Francis, Jim Siders, Arabelle Flores, Pastor Dennis Mohler, Cristy Moody, David Holfinger, Betty Zacharias, Toni Marie Lewis, Steve Kellem, Terry Pepple, Erica Wentworth, Lisa Barga, Shirley Simons, Anne Klamar, Jeff Phlipot, Doris Kremer, Ruth Pierron, Mike Stegall, Scott Hogenkamp, Bethany Menke, Annabelle Menke, Lurene Monnin, Ron Miller, Jenni Peyton, Connie Schmitmeyer, Floren “Chris” Chrisman, Donna Francis, Eileen Schulze, Paul Monnin, Mike Adams, Sandy Grilliot, Sally Mescher, Christy Prakel, Abbey Marshal, Joe Knapke, and me. Happy anniversary wishes to Tracy and Dane Nagel (5), Janet and Don Bohman (18), Angel and Shane Francis, Diane and David Holfinger (29), Lynn and Scott Langston (34). Congratulations on to the girls and boys basketball programs on a successful season.

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Dakota Miller, Shelli Sherman, John Harman, Dave Magoto, Bob Miller, Aiden Myers, Shorty Keller, Hazel Nickol, Margaret Hoehne, Marcy and Carl Stuck, Betty Brown, Lisa Zumberger, Lois Knapke, John Davis, Andy Zumberger, Claire Owens, Angie Keiser, Jerry Paulus, Janice Berger, Janet Folkerth, Beverly Brown, Cyril Frantz, Denny Subler, Wanda Romie, Jack Borgerding, Alvira and Paul Marchal, Jane Huber, Earl Gigandet, Tony Gehret, Pooch Barga, Chris Apple, Ruth Wirrig, Wilma Heiby, Linda Wilson, Carl DeMange, Mary Seman, Marge Prakel, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Betty Kremer, Denny Grilliot, Virginia Smith, Anabelle Subler, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard Samantha Smith and those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers.

Please join me in extending heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of Susie Nevil (69) and Doris Jean Zumberger (78). Also remembering the lives of Nicole Lachat, Carol Rindler, Don Mumaw, Cornel Diceanu, Helen Mangen, Phyllis Shively, Marcella Stammen, Ottis Rasor, Paul Reed, Bob Grogean, Charlie Curtis, Vaughn Wakefield, Paul Henry, Richard Clune, Marilyn Bulcher, John Seger, Leona “Kitty” Deeter, Mark Dapore, Bob McEldowney, Gene Meyer, Shirley Keiber, Karla Borgess, Marvin Ray and Darren Ruhenkamp and all those held within our hearts, but not mentioned by name, as the anniversary of their passing.

“Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it’s the only thing.” ~Albert Schweitzer

“Leadership is not a position or title it’s an action and example.” ~Unknown

“The world is changed by your example, not your opinion” ~Paulo Coelho

“Setting a good example for your children takes all the fun out of middle age.” ~William Feather