Dear President Trump:
Today’s Daily Lectionary readings are again about leadership. In the Gospel reading (John 10:1-18), Jesus describes different types of leaders, using an analogy of how each relates to sheep.
The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy the sheep. Such leaders exploit people. They lead because of what they can get for themselves. In the Old Testament reading, such leaders incur God’s anger. (Jeremiah 25:30-38)
The hired hand watches the sheep – but only until things get tough. Leadership for such persons is only a job. That are not invested in the flock. They care more about themselves and their jobs than about the sheep.
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Leadership for such persons is a calling. They are fully invested in caring about others’ needs – especially the most vulnerable people.
This nation badly needs more of the last type of leaders – those who are fully invested in the well-being of those who are at greatest risk.
Congress is mired in another partisan debate. On media interviews, both parties too quickly justify their own position why demonizing the position of the other. Meanwhile the American people bear the burden of poor governance.
The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding where I work trains peacebuilders from around the world to build effective dialogue, negotiation, and conflict transformation processes. We would gladly send a team to work with Congress and the Executive Branch to develop more healthy processes.
In your book, Trump: The Art of the Deal, you write: “What I admire most are people who put themselves directly on the line.” Mr. President, please work to build a culture of invested leaders in Washington.
Sincerely,
J. Daryl Byler