Unity ≠ Groupthink

The women's march that recently occurred in conjunction with the inauguration, caused a lot of stir. Sound bites from the event are disturbing. 'Victimization' is defining the women's movement and it is not very pretty.

Try matching our culture with that of the culture in which Deborah lived! Despite that culture's view of women, Deborah rose up and became a great leader for God. Her type of leadership was not the same as what most people today think of when then think "leadership". It was not "my way or the highway" for her. Nor did she did not stick her head in the sand to avoid the uncomfortable. Her power base was God and she led with a courageous heart walking outside the nine dots of the culture.

I was amazed recently when I heard a leader say that one of the people he had hired thought differently about something than he did. He added that he respected the other's thoughts, experience, and judgment and that guy was the one he wanted in that job. Oh my, what happened to 'groupthink'? What about unity?

I think I finally now understand what people are referring to when they talk about "the establishment". Both parties in this country have an "establishment" wing that dominates the party. Ideology is groupthink! "Groupthink" is a dangerous human endeavor and it is seducing in that it captures people in a web of thinking and action that renders them fruitless. Sometimes we defer to groupthink for the sake of unity. We can't have true unity unless the focus is on what is right. People need to talk about what is is right openly, honestly, and not hide or smother it. People also need to listen at the same time. Sensitivity, emotions, politicization, victim mentality and insecurity should not be allowed to dominate this process.

God designed the original man and woman and he thought it was very good. So why are there problems with gender issues? Not with God! Deborah is a great example of empowerment! Her leadership qualities originated from a love for and from God. Her style was not in calling the shots, but in rejoicing in God and carrying out his will. She knew a lot of people were involved in carrying out God's will. God wanted people to flourish, Deborah imparted and facilitated that desire. She encouraged others to rise up and praised with great humility. Nowhere, whatsoever, did she lead from a victimization stance.  She pulled people up to their rightful position.