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Rene Rivera

I'm a man(no apologies), husband, father, jerk(apologies), infidel, strongman in a storm, peace officer, and best friend that happens to be saved by God's amazing grace.

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Advice to a Thirteen Year Old Boy

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 My youngest son is turning thirteen years old in February.

As a family, we perform a Manhood Ceremony for our boys.

Two years ago, we had a very intimate family gathering where we presented our oldest several items signifying his journey into Manhood.  These items are reminders of his role as a Man and some were challenges as he grows in adulthood.

The evening was amazing.  Parents and grandparents prayed and bestowed gifts to our oldest on his birthday.  As a father, I passed on the blessing to my first born.  I gave him permission to pursue Biblical manhood and I promised to be there to guide him.

One item I gave my oldest was

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The Opportunity of Leadership

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 “Another time [Benaiah] chased a lion down into a pit.  Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it.”  2 Samuel 23

In scripture, we read of a valiant warrior turning the tables and chasing a lion into a pit, and, then killing the large feline.  Picture it in  your mind…maybe lace it with the cinema scope of a motion picture.  Benaiah notices the impression of lion prints in the snow.  The cold bites his lungs as air fills his chest with anticipation.  His muscles tighten and his eyes narrow as he spots the lion.  The lion growls and groans.  The lion’s ears are back and hair on its neck is twitching.

At this point, some folks would think this is a very bad thing.  Then there are others who would see the lion and think-

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…At Least One Follower

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Encouraged by Kevin’s post about the Three Wise Men and unwilling to be out-blogged.  I found this little nugget in a book on my shelf.  I found it worthy to be posted in the blogosphere that is Leadership Voices.

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There  is a story of a young woman who wanted to go to college.  Her heart sank when she read the question on the application that asked, “Are you a leader?”

Being honest, she wrote, “No,” and returned the application, expecting the worst.

Weeks later,  she received this letter from the college:

“Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower.”

My prayer is that this little story encourages and inspires you.

As we strive to lead can we admit honestly that we may not be the best qualified to lead but instead need to follow?