You Lead. I’ll Follow.

Though I’ve posted this photo before, I just had to post it again for memories’ sake. That hairdo on me came from the late 60s. It was called the bee-hive — the higher the hair, the closer to God we felt! LOL! Curls-on-steroids! What was I thinking?

Those were our Master’s IV Gospel Quartet days when we traveled all over the U.S. and Canada to churches and events and sang our 4-part-harmony. Except for the hairdo — precious memories!

My husband who took the lead (the melody) in the songs we sang, also played the piano. Often, he’d say “Karen (his sister), take the lead on this one.” Jim, our guitarist, and I, would follow their lead as he’d sing the bass and I’d sing alto or tenor.

A few days ago, I was reminded of those times when my pastor in Tulsa and I were having a telephone conversation after many years. I reached out to him about a talk he gave for our annual November Lake Ft. Gibson women’s retreat.

I remembered he entitled the talk: “Let Jesus Take the Lead”. I asked if he might still have his notes. Lo and behold, he found them on his computer from 2006. What a blessing! He sent the notes to me, and I gleaned from the message again.

At that retreat, he asked me to dance with him. I did. He showed how in dancing, we must let the leader lead. That was him. I moved where he moved. I submitted to his leadership. And that’s what makes for a successful and beautiful dance.

I’ve learned “the dance” after many years of handing over my hand and heart, saying: “Lord, you take the lead. I’ll follow.” In music terms “You carry the tune and the melody of my soul and my life.”

Back in my early walk with Christ, I’d sing “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back.” Or “Where He leads me, I will follow.” Today, I sing Jamie Grace’s song:
“You Lead. I’ll follow.
Your hands hold my tomorrows.
Your grip, Your grace, You know the way.
You guide me tenderly.
When you lead, I’ll follow.
Just light the way and I’ll go.
‘Cause I know what you’ve got for me,
Is more than I can see.”

When we take the lead, we are leaving out our All-Knowing God Who never leads us astray. When we lead, we end up “off-roading” instead of taking the 4-lane highway.

From the moment we wake up to when we go to sleep at night, we have decisions to make and a road to follow. If we have chosen to follow God, then He gives us clear directions for our lives. We don’t have to guess or wonder what course to take.

Psalm 119:105 says “His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path”. Following God by using His Word is the best decision we can make, as He shows us how to live joy-filled and contented lives. Unnecessary failures can be avoided when our attitude is, “You lead. I’ll follow.”

In John 8:12, Jesus said: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” Difficult and dark places in this world can be avoided when He lights our way.

We have a decision to make — following the darkness or following His Light that offers us a love relationship with Him that promises joy, peace, hope and an abundant life. That’s the life I want! And that’s the life I’m living! Thanks be to God!!