Taking the Lead
Author: Shadia Hrichi (California, US)
When my friends and I tried ballroom dancing, we knew the roles: the men lead and the women follow. Growing up as an American woman, I believe women should never subject themselves to man’s dominance. However, as I came to enjoy the complementary dance roles of leader and follower and considered how God desires to lead us, I realised that I may have mistaken leading as dominance, to my detriment.
In ballroom dancing, the man’s purpose is to empower his partner to express beauty, elegance and grace. He surveys their surroundings, determines their course and guides the woman by gently pressing his hand against her back. I’ll never forget one partner who failed to keep his hand strong and purposeful. I was constantly looking over my shoulder in fear we might crash. However, with a partner who confidently took the lead—careful to guide and protect my steps—I felt safe and was free to enjoy the dance.
Likewise, God desires to lead us, not to dominate us. Because we are made in his image, when we yield ourselves to his loving lead, we reflect his beauty and grace back to a fearful, lost and chaotic world.
Prayer: Dear Lord, teach us to follow your lead that we may guide others into the truth of your love. Amen
