William Penn Quotes

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In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory, or an unjust interest.

No man is fit to command another that cannot command himself.

William Penn (1644-1718) was an English writer and religious thinker.  This influential Quaker founded the province of Pennsylvania in the American colonies under British rule.

 

Unwavering Leadership (Haiku Series #259)

Steadiness

Seeking solutions

Walls of intimidation—

Patience breaking through

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Passionate

Melding open minds

Imagination building—

Excitement on fire

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Unflappable

Deadline approaching

Calling for innovation—

Searching deep water

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Rosalynn Carter Quotes

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A leader takes people where they want to go.  A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.

If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it.  You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.

Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023) served as First Lady during her husband’s term of office as American President (1977-1981).  Involved with many accomplishments, she and Jimmy Carter were lifetime partners.  She was a devoted and tireless advocate for greater awareness of mental health and other humanitarian causes.

Millard Fillmore Quotes

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The law is the only protection of the weak, and the only efficient restraint upon the strong.

The man who can look upon a crisis without being willing to offer himself upon the altar of his country is not for public trust.

Milliard Fillmore (188-1874) was the 13th President of the United States.  As Vice President, he ascended to the Presidency upon the death of President Zachary Taylor.

Doris Kearns Goodwin Quotes

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Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree with you without fear of retaliation.

With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.

Doris Kearns Goodwin (born 1943) is an American biographer and historian.  In 1995, she received the Pulitzer Prize for History from her work on a biography about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during World War II.  She has also worked as sports journalist.

Fascinating Journey

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Opening doors welcome each child

Fascinating journey begins

Dreams fill with imagination

School days become future’s lynchpin

 

Strengthening character daily

Teaching life lessons, step-by-step

Entire village backs up each child

Honesty leads every footstep

 

Molding citizenship’s actions

Interacting with nation’s past

History’s events come alive

Participation built to last

 

Learning importance of service

Applying every faithful task

Life’s foundation now taking shape

Hands no longer afraid to ask

 

Displaying acts of leadership

Maturing into country’s best

Actions go far beyond just words

Ready now, to pass every test

 

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Maya Angelou Quote

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A leader sees greatness in other people.  He nor she can be much of a leader if all she sees is herself.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an American author, poet, and civil rights activist.  Her body of published work is found in autobiographies, essays, poems, and numerous credits in plays, movies, and television shows.

Steven Spielberg Quotes

The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.

You never really know how good of a leader you are until there is something there to lead us to, toward or through or to overcome.

Monday Memories: Hiring a Pastor

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A church must deal quickly with finding a preacher

They prefer much more than just a Bible teacher

 

Another applicant’s letter is presented, read to all

Perhaps this candidate will impress and not fall

 

His submitted application offers many qualifications

If there is any anguish, his will meet disqualification

 

I have been a successful pastor in several places

My writing has proven beneficial in several cases

 

My ability to organize new churches has been strong

As for my leadership traits, few if any are ever wrong

 

My age is adding a few years to this hard life

But my experiences bring me no fear or strife

 

I have never pastored anywhere for longer than three years

At times, my preaching has disrupted and created much fear

 

I am not ashamed to say that I’ve been in jail a few times

None of this has been caused by any wrongdoing of mine

 

While my health is declining, I shall continue to push on

Feeling it essential, enduring to teach as Christ’s liaison

 

In some communities, other religious leaders haven’t liked me

Several have even threatened and attacked for what they see

 

My recordkeeping skills are poor at best

I am forgetful about baptisms and the rest

 

Hopefully, you will put your concerns aside

I, Apostle Paul, faithful in God, shall abide

 

This poem was originally written in December, 2018, and it has been updated in style.  Years ago, I found a letter with details about this situation.  Anyone can search the Internet for this letter as well as sermons that are based upon Apostle Paul being a pastoral candidate at a church.  

Dwight D. Eisenhower Quotes

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Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving subordinates credit for everything that goes well.

We the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve.

Dwight D. Eisenhower served America as its 34th President.  During World War II, he was chosen to lead as the Supreme Allied Commander.