Live Like A Cupbearer, Leadership Lessons From Nehemiah

The year that will forever be known as 2020 has brought new words to our world: Covid-19, Corona Virus, and Essential Workers. One day we're dropping off the kids at school on the way to work at the office; the next day we're told you're now working from home to keep everyone safe and the dining room became the make shift classroom. Perhaps other than World War II, no other time in history has the focus been on "essential workers," focus that would normally be reserved for athletes and movie stars was shifted to doctors, nurses, teachers, transportation workers, baristas, you name it. People and jobs that have been serving us for years, helping keep life running day-in and day-out are finally receiving the attention they deserve. One day you're a delivery driver and the next day you're the key to help people survive. Sounds very familiar to the story of Nehemiah. While many may know Nehemiah as the guy who helped build the wall, what most may not know he was just a simple servant. One day he was polishing the King's silver and the next day he becomes the savior for an entire nation. One simple cupbearer became the person who helped change history. The lessons we can learn from Nehemiah transcends history, occupations, race, religion, etc. These are lessons that can be applied in the office, the classroom, the family room, even a Zoom call. The story of Nehemiah gives us a glimpse to look at our own lives and an opportunity learn from history. While this book is based upon the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah, the leadership principles pulled from the life of Nehemiah can apply to believers, non-believers and even people who have never read the Bible. Nehemiah reminds us we have a Creator who loves us and never forgets about us. He uses normal everyday people to write history. Heroes are found next door, in the classroom, all around us, even in the mirror.

The year that will forever be known as 2020 has brought new words to our world: Covid-19, Corona Virus, and Essential Workers. One day we're dropping off the kids at school on the way to work at the office; the next day we're told you're now working from home to keep everyone safe and the dining room became the make shift classroom. Perhaps other than World War II, no other time in history has the focus been on "essential workers," focus that would normally be reserved for athletes and movie stars was shifted to doctors, nurses, teachers, transportation workers, baristas, you name it. People and jobs that have been serving us for years, helping keep life running day-in and day-out are finally receiving the attention they deserve. One day you're a delivery driver and the next day you're the key to help people survive. Sounds very familiar to the story of Nehemiah. While many may know Nehemiah as the guy who helped build the wall, what most may not know he was just a simple servant. One day he was polishing the King's silver and the next day he becomes the savior for an entire nation. One simple cupbearer became the person who helped change history. The lessons we can learn from Nehemiah transcends history, occupations, race, religion, etc. These are lessons that can be applied in the office, the classroom, the family room, even a Zoom call. The story of Nehemiah gives us a glimpse to look at our own lives and an opportunity learn from history. While this book is based upon the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah, the leadership principles pulled from the life of Nehemiah can apply to believers, non-believers and even people who have never read the Bible. Nehemiah reminds us we have a Creator who loves us and never forgets about us. He uses normal everyday people to write history. Heroes are found next door, in the classroom, all around us, even in the mirror. Often when we read history we forget that the people we're reading about are just like us, normal everyday people who take a step of faith. The lessons we can learn from Nehemiah can help all of us take those steps in every aspect of our lives.

Randy is a retired Marine Corps Officer, former pastor and currently working in Corporate America. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder and holds a Masters In Divinity from The Master's Seminary. Randy and his beautiful wife, Cathleen live in Phoenix, and proud parents of two adult children.