When Did We Decide Our Leaders Had To Be Jesus?

by Michele Boy | March 25, 2021

As I grapple with the severity of today’s issues of gun control, racism, immigration, and vaccine passports I am overwhelmed.

Maybe it’s great that issues are coming to a head. Or maybe it’s terrifying because the last presidencies as well as this one are all executive orders because no one can agree on anything.

When I think about our leaders and people disparage them, I ask myself would I or anyone I know run for President of the United States? I don’t think so.

Would you allow your husband or wife to go through such hate?Your friends, your family, a high school buddy who did something, All will be judged!

Whatever side has your back the other side hates you and will try to destroy you. We bring up things from 30 or 40 years ago and crucify them. There is no concept or understanding of people growing and changing.

I have a past. We all have a past. Imagine the leaders we could have if we let go of the past and focused on the issues at hand.

Many years ago the press stayed out of the bedroom of the President. In some ways that allowed him to do things that weren’t okay. On the other hand it offered people the opportunity to focus solely on the issues at hand.

As many of us saw the Covid relief bill packed with other issues tucked inside it, we were angered. But this is not one sided or new. This is how our country is run. How do we fix the broken parts?

How do we come together when no one can agree on anything?

I stay out of arguments because I see both sides of many issues. I also have strong opinions that could cost my business or relationships. When do I stand up? Who will stand with me?

I don’t think a leadership position is easy.  Why are we holding them to a standard we couldn’t meet?

I can’t stand racism. Drives me crazy. Makes my stomach turn. Not sure why anyone feels the need to ever say the N word. And I truly don’t get why there is discrimination over skin color.     

But I have my own issues. When did we decide leaders had to be Jesus?

There is a great quote out there that says, “Noah got drunk. Jacob lied. Moses murdered. Rahab was a prostitute. David had an affair. God still used them. He can use you, too.”

I will go one step further to say I believe those with a past who are willing to be vulnerable and share that shame with others have more compassion and more ability to handle issues because they have been there.

I am tired now. I am tired of the need for perfection. I don’t want cocky or lying. But I can’t stand the demand for those saying you did something when you were 15 or 20 and therefore you are unable to lead.

I made a mistake the other day. I was embarrassed by it. But in front of my daughter, I owned, fixed it, and apologized. That’s the person I want to be. Those are the people I want to be around. That’s who I want my daughter to see, an imperfect person who tries her best, owns her mistakes and moves forward.

I believe we are missing out as a country when we seek perfection in others. Could you really handle that kind of scrutiny? Grace and Mercy.