Saturday, August 7, 2010


Recently I was blessed the chance to read an encouraging and inspirational book by John C Maxwell.  The Right to Lead, Learning Leadership through Character and Courage is a delightful, easy read that would make an excellent gift for anyone on your list.  Mr. Maxwell prefaces the book by asking the question, "What gives a man or woman the right to lead?"  He than shares guidelines that will help prepare you to become a better leader.  The book includes story's, antidotes and wisdom from many individuals on the character and courage that is necessary to be a leader among men.  Some of the examples of leaders that are shared in this book are US Army General H Norman Schwarzkop, Nelson Mandela, Eric Liddell, Harriet Tubman, Japanese Consul-General Chiune Sugihara, Eddie Rickenbacker and many more. 
Here's a quick glimpse of one antidote that really tugged at my heart:

In Germany the Nazis came first for the Communist, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.  Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.  Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.  Then they came for me--and by that time no one was left to speak up.--Martin Niemoller

This is one book, I will definitely purchase a few extra to have on hand to share with others. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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