I was recently given the opportunity to share my story with a group of women at work. This was the first time I have been asked to share my story, and this was both flattering and scary since I am more comfortable shining the spotlight on others than myself. On the day of the event, with the spotlight shining squarely in my face, I allowed my insecurities to drive and overshared pieces of my story to seem more relatable. Reflecting back, this has been a painful growth experience because I have wrestled with guilt and the feelings that result when I increase and He decreases, and when I choose not to share the light. I cringe thinking about it, like watching a movie when someone gives a performance that falls flat or delivers a brutally awkward speech at a wedding. I hesitated to share this because I would rather come across as a leader whose zen-like qualities indicate no cracks or signs of weakness. But this is real life, and finding our way as leaders is hard. Sometimes we will walk with humility and that will lead us to greater heights. Sometimes we’ll grab the spotlight and find ourselves tumbling and our pride wounded. In both scenarios, the only response is to continue following Him, to either stay the course or to get back to it by opening our hearts and allowing Him to transform us. I hope and trust that I will be given another opportunity to share, and if I do I must decrease and He must increase.

John 3:30