Lessons in Leadership Day #1 of 40: Surrender

Today I start on a new journey through the 40 day devotional called Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson.  The first time I did this 40 days was in May and June of 2013.  I had no idea that the final result of the process would end in me hitting rock bottom and admitting that I had a problem with alcohol.  This was not in my grand life plan, as you can imagine!

But it was a miracle and I am now sober, happily walking the recovery journey.  I surrendered.  God gave me the tools and the freedom to get broken enough to finally be willing to ask for help.  I am writing a book about this journey called Rock Bottom is a Beautiful Place and inviting women to share their stories with me as contributors.  My testimony is here  and the book invitation is here.  Praise God for this amazing miracle!

The next time I did this 40 day process ended in me purchasing a home.  That alone is a miracle.  But you will see the magnificent details of God in the location of the home.   My new home is half a mile from the duplex that I had been living in….and right in the middle of a circle loop that I had run over and over while training for a half marathon over the summer and fall.   Yes, running in a circle praying.   God is so much fun.  I see Him everywhere.

I am doing this 40 day journey again now because tomorrow starts the Inaugural class of the Christian Women’s Leadership Institute. Without faith and willingness to be bold and share my story, none of this would be happening.  Find out more about this program here:  http://nacwe.org/certifiedgroupfacilitator/

I am learning each day the power of surrender as a leader.  I give up…that means God can take over.

The Serenity Prayer says it perfectly…

“God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” ~Reinhold Niebuhr

Stay with me on this 40 day journey of leadership lessons, letting go, and standing up!  God knows what we need.  I am so thankful.

 

Diane Cunningham is the Founder and President of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs. She is a “business therapist”, plane crash survivor, author, consultant, speaker, marathon runner, and fun friend.  She fights the FUNK and WINS!

Find out more about NACWE and why 165 women joined in the first year at www.nacwe.org. Connect with Diane at www.facebook.com/DianeCunningham for fun updates, silly videos, and lively conversation.