by Bridget Kaigler, CPA/CGMA, CMA, MBA
Ordinary people expect normal things. Faith is based on what is seen, not what is believed. Expectations and blessings are centered on people, instead of trusting in God. Success is valued through material things, foregoing the fact that money is not our most valuable asset. Both character and integrity matter. Some may wait on perfect conditions without realizing that such a goal will never be obtained. Are you ordinary? Or are you a believer?
We have to trust this journey even though we may not understand it. As witnesses for God, we are believers. We look beyond what we see and proclaim to many what God has promised to us. It’s not about what we have or what we don’t have today. We need to be content with plenty or little (Philippians 4:11-12).
True believers will still have the ability to praise no matter what they go through. True believers know challenges and adversities may come, but they will still be able to say God has been good. True believers follow servant leadership. Just as the Bible, the greatest best seller, surpasses all, the servant leadership style will never dissipate. Servant leaders are followed by the masses. Servant leadership – we must serve first!
ARE YOU A SERVANT LEADER?
A servant leader is not tossed or blown about by every wind of new teaching (Ephesians 4:14). We are not moved by the shenanigans of reality television. Deciding not to follow us on Facebook or other social media outlets will not be the fate of how successful or loved we are. These things don’t matter and are pale in comparison to being spiritually healthy. Does it come with a cost? Sure, what doesn’t?
We cannot be free and struggle spiritually. We cannot claim to be Christians but be unwilling to serve others. Serving God, the church, family and others should come naturally. But often times we need to be reminded of our purpose. We sometimes decide to do things our own way or choose not to utilize the gifts God has given to us. Your spouse and children look to you for guidance and companionship; however, we are often too busy with the other obligations of this world. We choose not to take time for a conversation or to lend a listening ear. Quality time is worth far more than rubies and nothing you desire will compare (Proverbs 3:15-16). Our employers and colleagues depend on us to do a job. However, some may choose to be rebellious and conform to what society deems as just or worthy. God’s principles never change. Servant leadership is a commitment.
LAUGH ON CREDIT
It’s amusing how people tend to look at where you are today and believe your future is over. I often think back over my own life when many people questioned how a single mother, struggling to make ends meet, could feel blessed in that situation. The world may have stripped me of my self-esteem and confidence back then, but the world could not take away the plans God had intended for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). I had some experiences that caused me to rethink things. I realized that regardless of everything I had gone through, I was blessed because I still had a dream and a vision. Even with all of its problems, this is still a land of opportunity, and we all need to claim our part.
Fast-forward 17 years; I now have two college degrees, various certifications and work as a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Louisiana. My son is college bound in 2017 with scholarships and recruiting opportunities on the way. The professional designations behind my name are secondary. The primary designation is being a Christian.
Laugh on credit! Because we know God for whom he is — He comes through all the time. The God we serve uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
BRINGING LEADERSHIP BACK
As a Christian, our walk is not easy; believers and non-believers alike test us daily. Servant leadership is doing what God has called us to do. We can do great things with our gifts. The question we have to ask ourselves is, “How bad do I want it?”
Bringing Leadership Back, LLC was founded with the vision of helping aspiring leaders grow. With the right guidance and direction, others will look to us and be amazed (Habakkuk 1:5). Who would’ve known the advice I give through teaching at speaking engagements and writing for publications would primarily be based on my life experiences? God did. There is favor no matter what our past is or what we’ve done. We don’t have to be what some people expect us to be. Prove people wrong and stand up for our God. If we work the word, the word will work for us.
We cannot sit on our gifts and let them wither away. There is room for all of us to be successful and prosperous. Let’s continue to encourage and testify to one another. Continue to be servant leaders and lead for Christ. We possess the ability to change the world one person and one motivational word at a time.
Leadership starts with us. Set the standard, and others will follow. Be blessed! Someone is counting on us to BRING LEADERSHIP BACK.
About Bridget: Bridget Kaigler, CPA, CGMA, CMA, MBA is the founder/president of Bringing Leadership Back (BLB), LLC. She resides under the leadership of Kelvin and Dr. Carla Gaines at Miracles by Faith Interdenominational Outreach Ministry. Bridget is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed in the state of Louisiana. Bridget holds certifications as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Bridget holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy and a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix. She serves on several committees promoting the CPA and tax profession. Bridget is a frequent speaker and a freelance writer on the topics of leadership and Christianity. She is a motivator, an encourager and your friend.
If you would like to book Bridget for a speaking engagement or to write for your publication, you can reach her at: bridget.kaigler@cpa.com
