but the sun will shine after-while.” I have
found this song to be true. However,
even after the sun shines again, leaders
must immerse themselves in the
rigorous process of rebuilding. Three
major lessons that I have learned in the
process of rebuilding and remaining
stormproof include:
A. Assess situations and operate in
Godly wisdom.
Wisdom is the principal thing (Proverbs
4:7 NKJV). Wisdom will help you make
the right decisions under pressure.
B. Accept challenges but create strategy
to conquer situations.
Strategic planning is the key to warfare;
to win, you need a lot of good counsel
(Proverbs 24:6 MSG)
C. Acknowledge your fears but walk by
faith
He knoweth the way that I take (Job 23:10,
KJV). Replace fear with trust. As you
walk through the valleys, fear no evil for
He is with you. Remember, faith is the
substance of things hoped for... Hope is
the emotional side of faith. If you lose
hope then your faith is diminished. We
can’t feel faith but we can feel hope! It’ll
keep you moving beyond the storm.
“Rebuilding seasons show us the areas
in our lives that need an overhaul
(Morton,130).” Every individual has
a decision to make when faced with
a storm in their life. While the storms
themselves will always occur, it is the
individual’s choice whether or not to let
the storm help them learn the lessons
being taught or allow things to remain
the same. If the latter is their choice,
most likely that lesson may come
12 • Solutions
around again. I often cite, “Learn the
lesson before you become the teacher.”
Leaders can experience difficulty
when trying to help others navigate
through storms because, they often find
themselves, simultaneously engulfed
in their own storms. I have counseled
countless leaders on being just “burnt
out” with life. This is a dangerous place to
be. Fortunately, (being a leader of many),
I’ve learned that just as occupational
workers are required to wear protective
gear, leaders must do the same. Think
about it: when was the last time you have
seen a construction worker without his
hard hat, or an astronaut without the
proper gear? In order to successfully or
efficiently lead others, we have to make
sure we are “stormproof!”
“
Becoming stormproof
means gearing up for the
journey ahead.
Becoming stormproof means gearing
up for the journey ahead. Preparation
is key. In my personal storm playbook, I
have my stormproof gear always ready
and easily accessible. I created the
acronym STORMPROOF to describe the
ten protective traits all people, especially
leaders, should possess.
The STORMPROOF suit:
S-Strong: Be strong in mind, body &
spirit.
T-Tenacious: Keep a firm grip on our
faith.
O-Organized: Organize life & life will
flow better. Clutter hinders.
R-Resilient: Learn to bounce back
quickly.
M- Mission-oriented: Set new goals.