Are you a leader or a follower?

I mean, but who is willing to admit that they are a follower???

Remember that song that we all used to sing in elementary school? Our teacher would have us line up to go to the bathroom, lunch, recess, or wherever and we would sing in joyful chorus, “I’m following the leader, the leader, the leader. I’m the leader wherever s/he may go!” In a day and age where we can follow folx on social media and follow growing trends, in a way, we are all followers.

Personally, I am a follower of Christ. I am finally at a point in my life where I willingly step back and let Him lead me along life’s journey. I trust Him and I know that He wants what’s best for me. It took time for me to realize that to follow, one must relinquish their desire to lead. So I bow graciously before His presence and allow Him to do what He does best.

But am I a leader or a follower? Hmm…

As a Black woman from Baltimore City, I know that if a bunch of Black people are running away from something, I should run, too, asking questions later… if at all. As the daughter of a Jamaican, I know that I should follow the rules and guidance of my elders, trusting their wisdom… or fear their wrath. As a public school teacher, I know that I must follow the policies, laws, and regulations that guide my profession and position, putting self aside for the greater good of all.

Yet in every aspect of my life, I am someone who does not cower in the face of justice and truly believes that some solutions can only be found in the gray areas. I freely traverse the path less traveled and I know that God created a lane just for me.  By definition, a leader must have at least one follower so maybe I’m not a leader. Maybe I’m just M.E. … and that’s ok, too.