First, Lady: Book Excerpt

Hello Scribes,

I want to celebrate a few women in my village today. These women have graduated from college, started businesses, are pouring themselves into community service passion projects and above all are donning the crown of leadership with humility. As we celebrate mothers on this Mother's Day 2017, I want to celebrate women who are being intentional about being great. To you all of you I say, keep walking first lady. As you walk, remember that you are a lady, first.

I felt that today was a good day to share an excerpt from my upcoming book "First, Lady." What better way to honor women than to cheer them on for doing good things. There are many women who are working hard to change the world one step at a time. Some are mothers, others are stakeholders in someone's village but all of you are important to me. This is for you:

"Take a selah moment to soak it all in. You are “here” and this moment requires that you pause to reflect on who you are and what got you “here.” You have spent time preparing for this role. You have prayed, sought wise counsel and as Steve Harvey says, you have the courage to jump. 

Your title as a leader may have come as a surprise to you, but your seat was always reserved with your name on it. Whether you feel prepared for leadership or not, you cannot shirk from the responsibility - you have to walk in it. You applied for the job, you ran for the office, you carried and birthed your baby, you are the wife of a pastor, or in faith you started your business. You are here: the pastor’s wife, the non-profit agency director, the corporate executive, the community activist, the behind the scenes servant pouring your heart out for the benefit of other people. Whatever the case, you have accepted the role, embraced your position, gone through your tests and trials and it is time to walk with new shoes.   

When you consider the responsibilities in your new role as a first lady, you will understand that the weight of your leadership hat is not heavy, but it is a burden on your heart and spirit. Lay aside every weight, but wear your hat with pride. We in your village are excited for you.  

You are “here.” You are a first lady in leadership. Here is the place where people look to you for advice and support. Here is the place where you see your vision made manifest. Here is the intersection of the prayers of the righteous and your purpose. Here is what you toiled for, sacrificed for, yearned to have. Your sleepless nights, countless tears, setbacks and disappointments are nothing compared to having the victory you now can thank God for. In this position as a leader the decisions you make can have an effect on someone else’s life, livelihood or limits. 

Stand “here” in this moment wearing your crown with pride and breathe. You are equipped and you will do just fine.  (Penda L. James, © 2017. First, Lady: Restoration for the Lady in the Leader).

The village thanks you for being who you are and we stand in agreement with your goals and dreams. We will not let you fail, we will pray for you, support you and surround you with love because that is what a strong village does.

Unpluckable Me,