Courage is a huge part of being a leader, and it's an area I find myself needing to grow in constantly. Leading with courage is about "doing it afraid". Stepping out, saying it, doing it -- even when I'm uncertain, unsure, afraid. If I wait until it all makes sense, or until I know with certainty what the outcome will be, or until I've got it all worked out in my head, I will do nothing. I will not lead, but follow. Or at best, meander ahead. Basically, I'll remain non-courageous. To put it bluntly: I'll remain cowardly. Paralyzed by my fear and insecurity.

Courageous leadership follows Jesus when He calls, even when I have no idea where He's leading. Courageous leadership steps out of the boat when I don't know what will happen. Courageous leadership says the hard things that need to be said, regardless of the fact that I don't know what people's reactions will be. Courageous leadership does the right thing all the time, even when it's contrary to popular opinion. Courageous leadership is active -- actively speaking, doing, directing, leading.

I need to develop more courage in my life. Not self-righteous courage. Not courage that's really just cocky arrogance. But humble courage. Courage that says, "Even though I'm uncertain, my Guide is reliable and we will walk on..."