Conflict - Part 1

It has been a very difficult spring, between job uncertainty and professional conflict that became very, very personal. I haven't really even known where to begin when it comes to blogging about this.

As the President of an organization, it is my responsibility to lead the group, and (I believe) when necessary, to remind people of their responsibilities to make sure things happen. This very thing had to happen recently, and it made someone very, very upset. This started a whole lot of drama and unnecessary anxiety. I have spent the past two months on my knees asking for wisdom on what to do.

Well, the end of Bible Study came, and the dear ladies in my group bought me a devotional book. To be honest, I don't put a lot of stock into most devotional books, as they can be trite and "feel good," but not really meaty. But, this was a gift, so I was going to check it out. My usual type-A, anal-retentive personality would start at the beginning and catch up to the current date, or save the book until next January to start. I would NEVER start in the middle. How crazy would that be?

Well, about the point I was wondering if all the stress in this organization was worth the toll it was taking on myself and my family, I opened the book for the first time. To the correct date. May 19.

From "Devotions for Women on the Go" by Stephen Arteburn and Pam Farrel

When [Peter] looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Matthew 14:30

When the Boat is Rocking

I once heard John Maxwell, founder of Injoy Ministries, say that those who are busy rowing the boat seldom have the time or energy to rock it.

If God places you at the helm of an event or organization, keep the people rowing and their eyes set on the goal, and the sailing will be smoother.

What happens to people when their eyes are off the goal? Peter and the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water in the middle of the night, and they were afraid, thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus encouraged and calmed them, telling them not to be afraid. And then Peter decided he would walk out on the water to meet Jesus. As long as he kept his eyes focused on Jesus, he was walking on the water, but when he looked out at the wind, he immediately began to sink and cried for help (Matthew 14:25-30).

Things will start sinking if your eyes or your crew's eyes are on the circumstances rather than on Christ. If you feel your idea, dream, company, or future sinking, turn your eyes and the eyes of your team back to Christ.

Pray together, study the Word, or bring in a godly specialist or teammate who can point the team back to God and his purpose. This is especially true if the crew starts turning on each other or on you!

Before you have a mutiny, lead your team to look to the horizon!

Wow~how perfectly timely. This isn't a Christian organization, but the premises are so true! So, I continued rowing, even though one person was rocking the boat for all she was worth and I felt like I was rowing upstream in a hurricane.