The father was heartbroken, and a leader stepped in...

When we think about leadership in general, we usually think of big ideas and concepts:

Establish a vision!

Organize your people!

Give a motivational speech!

However, a recent experience that a friend had reminded me just how nuanced leadership really is.

Here’s what happened…

A young man in his ward tragically died by suicide.

Obviously it shook the ward and especially the family of this young man.

These are such heavy situations that it is hard for a ward to be completely prepared to minister to a family going through such sadness.

The family bravely attended church only a few days after the death of their son.

On his way to elders quorum, my friend saw the father of this family sitting outside the bishop’s office.

He assumed the father was patiently waiting for his wife who was meeting privately with the bishop.

His heart broke for this man and he continued on to elders quorum.

In quorum meeting, the elders quorum president made reference to the tragic event and encouraged the quorum to love and serve this family in any way possible.

The group then moved on to studying that week’s assigned General Conference talk.

My friend sat there and felt uneasy as his mind kept going back to the father he saw sitting in the hall by himself.

Yes, he was hearing a message about Jesus Christ, but it didn’t make sense to him to sit in a room and learn how to be like Jesus when he could act like Him in that moment.

So, my friend stood up and exited the room to pursue this father’s heart.

He awkwardly approached him sitting outside the bishop’s office and awkwardly explained to the father that he didn’t know what to say but that he wanted to be there with him.

The awkwardness of the conversation slowly faded, and soon they were talking like brothers.

Moments of laughter filled in the gaps between moments of sadness, but strength and support were offered.

Hearing this story, it occurred to me just how nuanced true leadership is.

Opportunity of leadership seems to sneak up on us and can quickly pass us by.

As you move forward with your leadership pursuits, I hope you have the courage to step into the uncertainty of specific situations.

? Talking with the father who just lost what feels like everything.

? Visiting the neighbor dying of cancer when you will probably say all the wrong things.

? Or even something simple and innocent like challenging the youth to instruct you on all the moves to the latest internet dance craze because then they can see you pursuing their hearts as you gyrate offbeat.

Sometimes leadership is easy and only requires you to state a bold vision.

Most the time it is a simple moment of being present and offering your soul to another.

Sincerely,

Kurt Francom, Executive Director, Leading Saints

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