Hold Up Their Arms

June is a month that symbolizes accomplishment. The finish line that has been crossed and the cheering crowds that fill the arena with adrenaline. For some, commencement ceremonies represent a defining moment, while for others, they are nothing more than a sad reminder of unfinished business. The launching pad of a commencement exercise may draw adoring fans, but most victories in life are not achieved in front of the masses. They are the result of a solid (albeit small) support system. The powerhouse behind the scenes.

Successful leadership is enabled by the unassuming core group that guards the vision.

One particular student of mine is a true inspiration. I have been blessed to work with him for the past six years and it wasn't always easy. Yet this front row vantage point allowed me to witness his ascent up the mountain of adversity, exhibiting strength, determination and agility. When he crosses the stage just a few days from now, the tears will certainly flow. His family made some unimaginable sacrifices while teachers, coaches and staff carefully knitted a strong support system. Each person behind the scenes held up his arms when he felt discouraged. As he breaks barriers and tastes sweet success, every stakeholder wins!

Human beings tend to jockey for position and visibility. Yet God's Kingdom defies conventional wisdom and challenges our notions of importance. The ground is level at the cross. Whether you are fighting in the trenches or speaking from the mountain, your role is equally vital. When you are under siege, strong friends can shield you and help to lighten your load. Their wisdom can provide perspective when your judgment is cloudy. I recently lost my brother, yet the support of friends and colleagues preserved my sanity during an intense caretaking phase that threatened to overwhelm me; they held my arms up.

Pastors often experience burnout because church parishioners impose unrealistic expectations upon them. My church offered drive-through prayer throughout the pandemic, and continues to do so. It never ceases to amaze me that even in a huge church, the core group is always small. A select few faithfully hold signs by the road in the heat (shout-out to my hardworking partner, James) and others direct traffic or find a way to support the vision. Those background people who launch others into destiny ultimately enjoy the same harvest. Even Jesus (in all His strength) leaned on others. So should we!

The fact is that most rewarding endeavors require the loyal resolve of just a few people with a "we" mentality instead of a "me" mentality. No man is an island and Christ has called us to be team players at this critical moment. In the biblical account of the Battle of Rephidim, Moses was exhausted. Only while his hands were raised, did Israel prevail. So Aaron and Hur became unsung heroes that day by holding up his arms until sunset. Just like the song, "Lean On Me" reminds us, the limelight leaves out half of the story. Carry someone who is too weak to cross the finish line and forget about the trophy. God doesn't miss a thing.

But Moses’ hands were heavy and he grew tired. So they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so it was that his hands were steady until the sun set.

Exodus 17:12 (Amplified Version)