International Women's Day March 8th

 International Women’s Day Sunday, March 8th

 Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction; it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

 

At work, at home, and in the community, there are many ways to overtly advance women.

 

Give respect • Give donations • Give visibility • Give knowledge • Give funding

Give justice • Give resources • Give a voice • Give protection • Give truth

Give equal pay • Give celebration • Give sponsorship • Give mentoring • Give credit

Give budget • Give introductions • Give workshops • Give opportunities

Give Safety • Give training • Give stretch assignments • Give momentum

Give role models • Give growth • Give access • Give time

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911, supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country-, group-, or organization-specific. IWD is a movement, powered by the collective efforts of all.

A note from Debra:

It really doesn’t take much effort to raise your sisters to greatness, but any small effort could mean the world to someone. Simple things like making sure they are recognized for their work, that they feel safe, that they feel heard. Mentoring and pouring truth into their lives. Respect and love. Valuing them. Being a solid friend. Praying for them.

There is no room for jealousy, backstabbing, clawing, name-calling, and stealing another woman’s man. When women have never experienced the goodness of others, the wholesome training and mentoring from another person, or the love of Christ, these things will happen because of a lack of confidence and insecurities. Raise your girls and lift up women to be confident, sure, respected, and valued.  Teach them humility, honesty, and to live a moral life. Teach them strength. Instill in them that they are the Daughters of the most high King!

 

This Sunday, March 8th, reach out to a fellow sister and tell her how much you appreciate her! Pray for women around the world who are being persecuted every day.

Debra Lee | Author & Keynote | Biz & Life Coach

DLBizServices.com

Leading with Clarity in times of Uncertainty

 

Leadership, for the most part, is about taking people on a journey. The challenge is that we're often asking people to follow us to places we've never been. Here’s an example: a pandemic combined with an economic shutdown that's left us teetering on the brink of economic meltdown while we navigate social unrest during an election year. Like many, this was my first time leading through this combination of events. A lot of pivoting was required.

If you're an intuitive leader, you know the thing people want from you most, you can't provide. Because what people want from you most right now is certainty. You can't provide certainty because it rests in a realm we have no control over—the future.

When you cannot provide certainty, you must provide clarity. You can be uncertain, but you cannot afford to be unclear. Our mandate as leaders is to be clear even when things are not certain. Clarity is honest, and clarity is enough because it is perceived as leadership. 

Clarity says, "I don't know what the future holds, but here's what we're going to do in the meantime." Clarity says, "I don't know what's going to happen, but we're going to prepare for whatever happens." Clarity says, "Here's the plan for now, and we will adjust the plan as circumstances demand." Uncertainty is our opportunity to lead well.

One of my favorite biblical examples of this principle is found in the Book of Joshua. As the nation of Israel prepared to cross the Jordan River into the promised land, Moses passed the leadership baton to Joshua. When Joshua took over, the days of wandering were over. It was a new day and a brand-new leadership context. They were transitioning from wandering to warring, from wandering around to settling down. 

It's no wonder that Yahweh spoke these words to Joshua as he stood there, overwhelmed by this new responsibility and the uncertainty it brought.  God said, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). This changes everything. The basis of Joshua's courage and the foundation of his leadership was the presence of God.

He knew he couldn't provide certainty, so he provided the next best thing—clarity. Joshua gave them something to do immediately. He told them, “Get your provisions ready. Three days from now, you will cross the Jordan right here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own’” (Joshua 1:11). It does not get any clearer or any more specific than that. Everybody knew their assignment; everybody knew the time frame, and everybody knew what to do next. But nobody knew what was going to happen, including Joshua, and including you.

 

Lead with clarity through uncertainty. It can be challenging, but it will show your courage and strength in the face of adversity, giving others confidence for the next steps.

 

Debra | Author & Keynote | Biz & Life Coach | DLBizServices.com

Research source unknown